P94
RIDE REVIEW I 2026 KAWASAKI Z900RS SE ABS
Fire the engine to life, and the new mega-
phone-style exhaust barks with a deeper, meatier
tone. The updated pipe gives the inline-four
a richer voice, especially as revs build, and it
combines with the trademark Kawasaki induction
roar. It's an authentically mechanical sound, just
as a retro-inspired machine should be.
Rather than chasing peak output numbers
(expect to see 115 horsepower at 9300 rpm and
73 lb-ft of torque at 7700 rpm), Kawasaki has
focused on how the power is delivered. The
result is a smooth, predictable spread of torque
that builds consistently from low rpm through
the midrange and into the upper reaches of
the tachometer. There's no abrupt surge, just a
steady wave of acceleration that's easy to
manage and rewarding to ride.
Throttle response benefits from the adoption
of electronic control, which improves precision
and reduces the abruptness that was present
in earlier versions, a characteristic I have been
more than vocal about over the years. Around
town, this translates to smoother roll-ons and a
more polished feel at low speeds.
Out on open roads, it's a lively engine, but it
doesn't have that intimidation factor to it. Vari
-
able riding modes give the Zee a more adaptable
personality, and as Kawasaki is one of the great
four-cylinder companies, they don't do triples like
Capacity remains the same at 948cc for
2026, but you get a reworked top-end and intake
as well as a ride-by-wire throttle.
