Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 900 2017 The awakening of a lineage

Kawasaki's "Z" lineage is enshrined in the motorcycle pantheon. It all began in 1973, with the launch of the legendary Z900 Z1. A harbinger of a new era and phenomenal commercial success, it was the brand's very first big 4-cylinder 4-stroke. The pinnacle of the line was, of course, the Kawasaki Z750. The best-selling model in France for five years running, its recipe for success was simple. A big face, a big engine, and a displacement "bastardized" between 600 cm3 and 1000 cm3. But since the advent of the Z750 in 2012, water has flowed under the bridge, taking with it the displacement references and supremacy of the line.

The Z's design speaks for itself. Less squat at the front, it seems to stand up proudly, reinvigorated by genuine developments. No longer heavy, its lines are slim and athletic. The shapes and reliefs are very carefully crafted. The whole is both curved and sharp. Design has always been the Z's greatest asset. So it takes up the crescent-shaped optic of its predecessor, which helped it sell like hotcakes... The croup is slender and airy. Positioned high up, it shines and draws the eye thanks to the design of its rear lights, illuminated by LEDs forming a "Z". The speedometer is also a real success. It features a gear indicator, three display modes, a shiftlight and the usual Kawasaki eco-driving indicator. A digital needle indicates revs on a striking analog barometer.

The big evolution, not to say revolution, is the adoption of a tubular trellis frame. This structure surprised many the first time Kawa' used it on its sultry H2R. It would appear that development costs were not in vain (the Z650 cousin also uses it). This frame saves a considerable amount of weight. The frame weighs just 13.5 kilos and promises a much stiffer, more rigorous chassis. It's backed up by a new, slender and basic swingarm, also lighter (3.9kg), and a good-diameter fork, which retains its 41mm dimensions. (Like the Z1000 and Z800 before it).

What's more, the riding position has evolved to become less sporty. Previously very forward-leaning, the new flat, open handlebars and saddle/footrest/handlebar triangle bring the torso to the rear. Which is good news for our wrists, as well as for handling. The rear section of the tank has been slimmed down, which also benefits it. Legs will be less spread out, which will also allow the smallest among us to put their feet down, aided by a seat lowered to 795 mm.

So, what about the engine? Well, we've taken it a step further. Forget the rule of "bastard" displacements offering a compromise between 600 and 1000cm3. The time for compromise is over! So it's only natural that the Z900 should follow in the footsteps of its big sister, the Z1000, reducing it to 948 cm3. A little anecdote: the block of this mid-size Z offers virtually the same displacement as the first Z 1000 of 2003 (948cc / 953 cc), and just 2 horsepower less. Today, the gap between the Z 900 and the 1000 has taken on a different meaning. It offers its elder sister 142 horsepower for 221 kilos, and her 125 foals for 210 kilos. This is quite respectable, since despite its displacement, it is not intended to take on the sharpest 1000 roadsters on the market (BMW S1000R, MT-10 and others). That task falls to the "Z 1000", which for the time being (2017) ... is being seriously molested. But that's not the point: it's up against the dissident MT-09 and its over-vitamined three-cylinder. The sound has been reworked to make it more intimidating, but also more bewitching for the rider's ears. The airbox inlet has been maliciously turned towards the rider. So you can enjoy the symphony of the four-way organ in complete peace of mind!

The Zs have never been the epitome of dynamism. Willing but clumsy, the heaviness of their chassis demanded investment in order to be driven at a good pace. And the house didn't give credit: if you didn't do your bit, they were devilishly numb. This was also the case for the 750's replacement, the Z800. Although a very good motorcycle, we can't say that this passing of the torch was a scintillating success. The handover took place without any real skill, the greens having become a little drowsy on this relay. But nap time is over, long live necromancy, here's the awakening of an antediluvian patronymic, with the new Z900!

Update November 19, 2017:
After a fine commercial start in 2017, the young career of the Kawazaki Z900 has been marred by a recall campaign launched by the Japanese manufacturer. The cause: a problem with the amorto mounting. According to Kawa: "On 2017 Z900s (ZR900Bs) and some 2018 models, the shock rod mounting holes on the frame can become ovalized if the rear shock reaches the stop abnormally. To remedy this problem, a recall campaign has been launched to check the frame and add spacer reinforcements. In rare cases, the frame will have to be replaced

Range of machine serial numbers affected:
ZR900BH: JKAZR900BBDA00111 to JKAZR900BBDA27835
ZR900BJ: JKAZR900BBA000002 to JKAZR900BBA001413
ZR900AH: JKAZR2A1?HDA11391 to JKAZR2A1?HDA25359
ZR900BH: JKAZR2B1?HDA01161 to JKAZR2B1?HDA27203
ZR900BH: JKAZR900BHDA11701 to JKAZR900BHDA27428
ZR900BJ: JKAZR2B1?JA000017 to JKAZR2B1?JA001415

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