Kawasaki·Roadster·948cc·A2 · 47ch

Z900RS

↘ Evolution history · 2018 → present
9
Years of production
2
Generations
948
current cc
114
Horsepower
9
Vintages

Kawasaki's definitive retro. 948cc inline-4 inspired by the 1972 Z1, fully loaded with electronics from 2026.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 2 · 2026 — present
TECH OVERHAUL

Deep technical overhaul while preserving the iconic style: ride-by-wire, 6-axis IMU, KTRC, KCMF, cornering ABS, bidirectional KQS quickshifter, cruise control, Bluetooth/Rideology. Revised engine (cams, 11.8:1 compression) — 114hp at 9,300 rpm. 835mm seat height. Standard, SE and Café variants.

2026
MEngine
Revised 948cc — 114hp / 98 Nm @ 9,300 rpm, Euro 5+ | Ride-by-wire + 3 modes (Sport / Road / Rain)
Major
EElectronics
6-axis IMU + KTRC + KCMF + Bosch cornering ABS — full lean-sensitive rider aids for the first time on the Z900RS
Major
EElectronics
Bidirectional KQS quickshifter + cruise control + Bluetooth Rideology — all firsts for the Z900RS
Major
CFrame
Revised geometry: 835mm seat height (810mm low option), more upright rider position — 216kg wet
Medium
AAesthetics
Redesigned megaphone silencer + optimised headers — deeper, more characterful exhaust note
Medium
Buyer radar
2026

The Z900RS finally technologically complete: IMU, quickshifter, cruise control. Best year, buy new.

TOP BUY
Gen 1 · 2018 — 2025
RETRO SOUL

Unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, on sale from 2018. Kawasaki clothes the Z900's 948cc 4-cyl in retro bodywork faithful to the 1972 Z1 — tear-drop tank, chrome trim, redesigned subframe. 111hp, assist/slipper clutch standard, dual-channel ABS, full LED.

2025
AAesthetics
Carryover model year — last year before the 2026 tech overhaul
Minor
2024
SSafety
Kawasaki recall: potentially defective front Dunlop tyre on some 2024 units
Minor
2023
AAesthetics
SE available on US market — same SE specs as 2022 worldwide edition (Öhlins, Brembo M4.32)
Minor
2022
AAesthetics
Z 50th Anniversary edition: Fireball Orange/Brown two-tone — 1972 Z1 tribute, 50th Anniversary logo on tank
Medium
CFrame
Z900RS SE launched: adjustable golden 41mm inverted fork, Öhlins S46 rear shock, Brembo M4.32 monobloc callipers, Yellow Ball livery — 1972 Z1 Super Four tribute
Medium
2021
MEngine
Euro 5: homologation updated for January 2021 enforcement — engine carried over with minor internal revisions
Medium
EElectronics
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) 2-mode introduced standard — traction control on standard Z900RS
Medium
AAesthetics
New Metallic Diablo Black / Candy Lime Green colour — Fireball Orange carried over
Minor
2020
AAesthetics
New Candy Tone Brown / Metallic Flat Raw Titanium — tribute to the 1973 Z1A livery
Minor
2019
SSafety
ABS recall: rear brake line and sensor wire misrouted on some 2018 units — corrected in 2019 production
Medium
AAesthetics
New Metallic Moondust Grey colour — Fireball Orange and Spark Black carried over
Minor
2018
MEngine
948cc inline-4 — 111hp / 98.5 Nm, liquid-cooled, Euro 4 — revised mapping vs Z900
Major
CFrame
Steel trellis frame — 215kg wet, 795mm seat height, 1,450mm wheelbase, 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 tyres
Major
AAesthetics
1972 Z1 design: tear-drop tank, polished cylinder fins, Z1 badge typography — Candy Tone Brown/Fireball Orange or Metallic Spark Black
Major
SSafety
Dual-channel Bosch ABS standard + assist/slipper clutch — Kawasaki A2 kit available (35kW / 47hp)
Major
AAesthetics
Full LED standard: round headlight, indicators, tail light
Medium
Buyer radar
2022

50th Anniversary + SE Yellow Ball — legendary livery, SE the most accomplished Gen 1 Z900RS. €8,000–10,000 used.

GOOD PICK
2020

Z1A livery + 2019 ABS recall already baked in. Good value at €7,000–8,500.

GOOD PICK
2018

First year — check ABS recall (rear brake line routing). Good buys under €7,000 but check service history.

OK