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/1545630
P114 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 KAWASAKI Z1100 SE ABS still providing a safety net when grip levels deteriorate. The TC is linked to wheelie control, so if you want to get it up, you've got to switch traction control off entirely, which is simple enough to do via the left switch block. Cruise control comes standard but won't operate above 78 mph, which can be a little frustrating on California's freeways where it seems everyone else is cruising at 85 mph. Still, long freeway sections are significantly less fatiguing thanks to the system, which is something every sporty motorcycle should have. At least it's in - cluded in the MSRP. A relatively small five-inch TFT display provides access to the various settings and allows you to pair your phone to use Kawa - saki's Rideology app. This gives you access to turn-by-turn navigation, ride information and vehicle data, and you also get a USB-C charging port that is possibly the ugliest yet most practical thing on the 1100. At $14,999, the Z1100 SE ABS isn't cheap (especially when compared to the $10,999 Honda CB1000 Hornet ABS and the $11,909 Suzuki GSX-S1000, although it's literally half the price of the Ducati), but the specification sheet, premium compo - nents and overall refinement help justify the price somewhat. More importantly, it fills a long-vacant space in Kawasaki's lineup and gives riders a good alternative to the established lead- ers in the 1000cc naked-bike category. This marks the first time in eons that we've had a full house of Japanese big- bore naked bikes. The 1100 arrives at the most competitive time ever in the segment, but with an MSRP that's on the higher end of the Japanese market, and with the most weight and least horsepower, it might be a harder sell than Kawasaki hopes. Regardless, the ride is a good one thanks to that beautiful inline four-cylinder motor, and it's great to see Kawasaki back and fighting in the Japanese big-bore naked-bike fight. CN 2026 KAWASAKI Z1100 SE ABS ($14,999) Engine Inline 4-cylinder Valvetrain DOHC 16-valve Cooling system Liquid Displacement 1099cc Bore x Stroke 77.0 x 59.0mm Compression Ratio 11.8:1 Fuel System DFI fuel injection with 38mm electronic throttle bodies Horsepower (claimed) 134 hp @ 9000 rpm Torque (claimed) 83.3 lb-ft @ 7600 rpm Transmission 6-speed Final Drive Chain Clutch Assist and slipper clutch Frame Aluminum twin-tube Front Suspension 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, fully adjustable Rear Suspension Öhlins S46 gas-charged shock with remote preload adjuster Front-Wheel Travel 4.7 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 5.4 in. Rake 24.5° Trail 4.0 in. Wheelbase 56.7 in. Front Brake Dual 300mm semi-floating discs, Brembo M4.32 radial-mount monobloc four-piston calipers, KIBS cornering ABS Rear Brake Single 250mm disc, single-piston caliper, ABS Front Tire Dunlop Sportmax Q5A 120/70ZR17 Rear Tire Dunlop Sportmax Q5A 190/50ZR17 Seat Height 32.1 in. Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal. Wheelbase 56.7 in. Weight (curb, claimed) 487.3 lbs.