2026 KAWASAKI Z900RS SE
GLORY DAYS
Some motorcycles are bought with the head, and some are bought with the heart. And then there are those that are a combination of the two, and Kawasaki's Z900RS SE is most certainly of the little from column A and a little from column B persuasion.
You see, the Z900RS SE spec sheet gives the head plenty of compelling reasons to hand over your cash – delicious engine, top-shelf componentry and sweet handling – but then the RS also tugs at your heartstrings. It dishes up a simmering serve of nostalgia and an irresistible urge to open the garage door every five minutes just to have a look at the sexy beast.
Kawasaki has absolutely nailed the look. The iconic teardrop tank, unmistakable Z silhouette, sexy-as-hell paint, and the gold suspension and wheels. It is one of the most handsome modern retros on the market.
Thankfully, it rides every bit as well as it looks.
Power comes from a 948cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline four producing 115 horsepower (86kW) and 99.5Nm of torque pumped through a six-speed quick shifter-infused gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch. For 2026, Kawasaki has given the engine revised cams and pistons, increased compression, reduced crankshaft mass and tweaked the intake and gearing to make it rev more freely and feel more responsive.
The biggest changes, however, are in the electronics. Ride-by-wire finally arrives, bringing electronic cruise control and an excellent up-and-down quickshifter, while a six-axis IMU supports Kawasaki’s Cornering Management Function. The traction control offers two settings: Mode 1 provides less intervention for sporty riding, while Mode 2 is designed to offer greater reassurance in wet or low-grip conditions. The IMU also adds corner-braking and pitching management to the ABS, helping the bike hold its line under braking and limiting rear-wheel lift during hard stops.
The SE comes at a premium over the base model Z900RS by adding fully adjustable 41mm upside-down forks, an Öhlins S46 rear shock with remote preload adjustment, Brembo M4.32 radial monobloc front calipers biting 300mm discs, stainless braided brake lines and a radial-pump master cylinder. If you're wondering whether the SE is worth the extra spend over the standard Z900RS, the chassis upgrades alone make a compelling case.
The upright riding position, wide handlebars and supportive ribbed seat make it comfortable from the outset, while the beautifully finished tank and analogue-style instruments constantly remind you this is something a little more special than just some regular old naked bike.
Thumb the starter and the inline four settles into a deep, mechanical growl before delivering power with the sort of turbine-like smoothness only a four-cylinder can. It's not as punchy off the bottom as something like Yamaha's MT-09, but it's also noticeably smoother and more refined. Feed it a few more revs and it comes alive, pulling hard through its fat mid-range accompanied by a glorious induction howl.
Find a good stretch of twisting road and the Z900RS SE really starts to shine. It feels light, neutral and ready to have a crack, happily flicking from corner to corner while maintaining excellent stability. You can ride it aggressively if the mood strikes, but it's at its best when you're flowing from bend to bend, carrying smooth corner speed and letting the chassis work underneath you.
The fancy suspension is spot on for spirited road riding. Both ends are firm enough to provide excellent support when you're pushing on, yet compliant enough to deal with the sort of broken garbage that passes as a road in Australia these days – it’s quality kit and even with my 95kg frame draped across it the factory settings are bang on.
Braking performance is exactly what you'd expect from the Brembo package. Initial bite is strong, lever feel is excellent and there's more than enough stopping power for the performance on offer, while the electronics intervene so seamlessly you'll rarely notice they're there.
Final Thoughts:
If there's one criticism, it's Kawasaki's handlebar-mounted USB-C outlet. Functionally it's great, but visually it looks like Kawasaki mounted a small mailbox on the handlebar of one of the prettiest motorcycles around. It deserves a cleaner integration – do better, Kawasaki!
Otherwise, Kawasaki has got this one absolutely right. The Z900RS SE delivers timeless styling with modern performance, refined electronics and genuine everyday usability. If you're drawn to the romance of classic superbikes but want modern reliability, safety and convenience, it's a package that's hard to fault. More importantly, it's one of those rare motorcycles that'll have you looking back over your shoulder every time you walk away – and that's something no spec sheet can measure.
