P98
RIDE REVIEW I 2026 KAWASAKI Z900RS SE ABS
The big 'ol single-
piece seat is one of
the most comfortable
you'll find on a naked
bike these days.
At highway speeds, the Zee re-
mains composed and comfortable.
The upright riding position is, for
the most part, comfortable, though
the lack of wind protection reminds
you that this is not a touring mo-
torcycle. Still, the addition of cruise
control makes longer rides more
manageable, and the comfort from
that old-school seat is lovely.
In urban areas, the Zee's smooth
throttle response and balanced
chassis make it easy to maneuver
through traffic, and this is more
its natural habitat. It feels lighter
than its claimed 476-pound curb
weight suggests, which adds to
its everyday usability.
Push harder on open roads,
and the Z900RS SE reveals
another layer of its personality.
It handles medium-speed riding
with ease, maintaining stability
while delivering enough feedback
to keep the rider engaged. Switch
the traction control off, and it'll
even pull third-gear wheelies with
ner to the next. It's not razor-sharp
like a Z900 or 1100, but that's not its
mission.
Instead, the RS SE delivers a
planted, confidence-inspiring ride
that encourages smooth, flowing
cornering in the traditional sense. It's
not a bike you ride like a superbike,
where late braking and standing it up
on the fat part of the rear tire pay off.
It's more relaxed in its personality.
Braking performance for the SE
comes from the Brembo M4.32 cali
-
pers, as before, which deliver good
performance, even if those calipers
are positively ancient nowadays.
(Above) The
paintwork
on the Zee is
beautiful, the
burnt orange
and black
doffing the cap
to the Z1. (Left)
The Öhlins S46
shock with a
remote preload
adjuster is the
same as in
2025.
