CYCLE TORQUE TEST 2017 KAWASAKI Z900
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a claimed 125 horses at 9,500 and 99 Newtons at 7,700, which is down 12.5 per cent on power and 10.8 per cent on torque. On paper it should be a bit easier to ride on the road, and the Z1000 is great to ride on the road. I expect it should provide more bang for buck in that sense. While it will still be a ‘top-end screamer’ of sorts, the output figures mean riders looking to upgrade from middleweights and supersport 600s shouldn’t find the output too intimidating despite the engine capacity being near enough to 1000cc. Experienced riders coming from a big bike that has a host of technology (whilst never using it) will relish Kawasaki’s ballsy attitude to rider modes and traction control. Z900 riders get one map called ‘Full Throttle’ and two traction control levels called ‘Right Wrist’ and ‘Don’t Overcook It’. I couldn’t tell the difference between them… On a serious note - there are no rider modes on the Z900 and ABS is the only rider backup. So there’s not much to speak about and I’m not sure what to make of it.
On one hand, it’s 2017 and Kawasaki has developed great safety technology. Why not use it? On the other hand, the Z moniker carries great expectations with it. A Zed is supposed to be ballsy. Ballsy riders don’t need any mamby-pamby rider aids. That might appeal to a lot of buyers both new and old. More on that later…
The chassis and styling In 2017 the Z900 receives some significant updates over the model it replaces, namely a new trellis frame which uses the engine as a stressed member. It’s 21 kilos lighter than the 2016 Z800. A new swingarm also contributes to weight saving, and although there are too many differences in the geometries to compare the bikes side-by-side - improved handling should improve as a result of unsprung weight saving. The bike has also received a major update in style from the previous generation, without compromising the aggressive silhouette and imposing aura that Kawasaki dubs Sugomi. There’s a Z pattern LED tail light first seen on this year’s Z650L and if it doesn’t Continued >
26 I JUNE 2017 cycletorque.com.au