Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1545091
P100 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 KAWASAKI Z900RS SE ABS ease. Not that we're into that sort of thing. However, beyond the obvious performance, the Z900RS SE proves itself to be quite the ver- satile companion. The seating position is com- fortable for extended periods, and the seat itself offers a good blend of support and cushioning. Fuel range is adequate for 170-mile rides, and the overall riding experience remains relaxed enough for commuting duties. While it lacks the wind protection and storage options of more touring-oriented motorcycles, it compensates with simplicity and ease of use. This is a bike that fits naturally into a variety of roles, from weekday commuting to weekend escapes. Visually, the Zee is a real looker if you're like me and have a fetish for 1970s superbikes. Kawa- saki has managed to capture the essence of its heritage while incorporating modern touches that enhance both form and function. Details such as the LED lighting, the shape of the gas tank, gold fork tubes, Öhlins shock and gold wheels, however, bring it into the modern era. It's the kind of motorcycle that draws attention without trying too hard, timeless rather than trendy. The Z900RS SE doesn't attempt to redefine a segment that seems to have run out of steam of late. The modern-retro formula was once all the rage, but it seems to have run its course with several manufacturers scaling back on their offerings. But Kawasaki is hanging tough here. The combination of the Zee's classic styling, modern performance, and useful but not overbear- ing technology makes it a worthy choice for riders who want more than just numbers on a spec sheet. It delivers a sense of connection that's becoming increasingly rare in today's motorcycle landscape. In that way, it's much the same as the bonkers supercharged H2, just in the other direction. For those who appreciate character as much as capability, the Z900RS SE stands out as one of the most well-rounded retro-inspired motor- cycles on the market. It may not be the most powerful or the most advanced machine in its class, but it offers some - thing arguably more valuable—a riding experience that feels genuine, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable every time you twist the throttle. CN 2026 KAWASAKI Z900RS SE ABS ($14,599) Engine Inline 4-cylinder Valvetrain DOHC, 16-valve Cooling System Liquid Displacement 948cc Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56mm Compression Ratio 11.81 Clutch Wet multi-plate Transmission 6-speed Frame Trellis, high-tensile steel Front Suspension Inverted fork w/ adjustable compression and rebound damping, and spring preload Rear Suspension Horizontal back-link Öhlins S46 swingarm w/ stepless adjustable rebound damping and spring preload adjustment Front-Wheel Travel 4.7 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 5.5 in. Front Brake 300mm dual semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo dual monobloc 4-piston calipers, ABS as standard Rear Brake 250mm disc, single-piston caliper w/ ABS as standard Front Tire 120/70 ZR17 Dunlop GPR-300 Rear Tire 180/55 ZR17 Dunlop GPR-300 Rake/Trail 25°/3.9 in. Wheelbase 57.7 in. Seat Height 32.3 in. Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal. Weight (curb, claimed) 476.3 lbs.