1. It’s Built On A New, Stronger Chassis
During the presentation, Kawasaki explained that, for owners, the Z900 strikes a balance between a great commuter bike and a roadway adventurer. People who buy it are usually seasoned riders who aren’t willing to compromise on fun and utility—they want both.
To enhance the Z900’s ability to fulfill both roles, Kawasaki reworked the chassis. The changes aren’t dramatic—as the team explained, all that was required was to increase the frame’s rigidity in key areas such as the swingarm pivot area tubes that are now stronger which should result in improved handling and feedback. The chassis updates add a few pounds to the model that now weighs in at 467 pounds (versus 463 for the 2019 model with ABS).
To highlight the model’s updates, Kawasaki also gave it a subtle makeover which includes a new headlamp design with LED position lamps and a license plate lamp.
2. New Suspension Set Up And Tires
For 2020, the Z900’s lightweight, 17-inch, five-spoke wheels are wrapped in a set of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires.
To keep with the “improved handling” theme, Kawasaki adapted the suspension setting to the new chassis and tires. The Z900 is equipped with a pre-load adjustable 41-mm KYB inverted fork at the front that offers “optimized handling” in Kawasaki’s words. At the back, the shock spring is new with a spring rate increased from 99 NM to 103 NM.
3. The Bike Is Now Loaded With Tech
Kawasaki is gradually improving the list of technological features available on its motorcycles and for 2020, it’s the Z900’s turn to receive a few upgrades. New for this year, the model is equipped with four integrated riding modes that adapt the power output and the traction control settings to the conditions (Rider, Road, Rain, Sport).
Thanks to the Kawasaki TRaction Control system and Full/Low power modes, both the traction control and the power delivery settings can be adjusted individually. Also new this year, the traction control setting won’t default to Mode 1 when the bike is turned off and remain in the setting chosen by the rider.
Also new is the 4.3-inch TFT color instrument display that not only displays rpm, speed, and gear but also allows the rider to navigate through the settings.
4. You Can Tune Your Bike Via Your Cellphone
The Z900 is now compatible with Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY app via Bluetooth. Like most riding apps available nowadays, Team Green’s version will record your trips and your riding data and provide the owner with an overview of the bike’s status. Not only that but it also allows the user to tune their bike without sitting on it.
The user can also create custom setting “profiles” by adjusting the power and traction control modes to the desired levels and communicating them to the bike. The next time the user will start the bike, the pre-selected settings will automatically apply.
5. The Rest Carries Over Unchanged
Kawasaki introduced the Z900 in 2017 which took the place of the Z800. The new model was introduced with an equally new engine. Considering it still has a bit of a new smell to it, the Z900’s 948cc DOHC inline-four carries over without any changes. The output is rated at 73.1 lb-ft of torque a 7,700rpm.
As for the brake hardware, the bike is equipped with two 330-mm discs with four-piston calipers at the front and a single 250-mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the back. Also note that for 2020, the Z900 now comes with standard ABS.
