The inline-four streetfighter Malaysians love returns with better tech, better comfort, and the same addictive punch.
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Kawasaki’s Z900 has always been a steady seller in Malaysia, sitting comfortably as one of the brand’s big-capacity naked sport models. It’s one of those bikes you see everywhere, riding solo, in weekend convoys, or parked at your favourite lepak spot. Its popularity runs so deep that even older versions of the Z900 are still reliable and highly sought after in the used market.
Back in October last year, Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn. Bhd. (MODENAS) launched the 2025 Kawasaki Z900 alongside the opening of the Kawasaki Technical Centre in Glenmarie. Two variants are offered, the Standard, priced at RM47,900, and the Z900 SE at RM60,100. On paper, the price gap looks significant, but once you dig into what’s new and improved, it becomes much easier to understand.
What’s New for 2025?
The updated Z900 made its global debut in 2024, arriving with fresh bodywork inspired by Kawasaki’s aggressive Sugomi design language. The front LED headlights are now more compact, while the rear abandons the familiar “Z” motif for a new light-guiding LED unit shaped like an “H”. It’s not a radical redesign, but Kawasaki has clearly given the Z900 the attention it deserved for 2025.
The heart of the bike remains the 948cc inline-four engine producing 123 hp and 97.4 Nm of torque, housed within a steel trellis frame, but Kawasaki has reworked it for smoother, more linear power delivery and improved efficiency. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch, now paired with an up-and-down quickshifter.
While the wheels and exhaust system remain unchanged, almost everything else has received an update. Borrowing technology from the H2 and ZX-10R, Kawasaki has equipped the Z900 with a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Units) and ride-by-wire throttle, enabling advanced rider aids such as cornering ABS, traction control and Kawasaki Corner Management Function.
This is technology that used to be reserved for superbikes, and now it’s sitting in a street naked that people actually ride every day. This alone brings the Z900 firmly into modern naked bike territory.
The 2025 Z900 continues to follow the “Exciting and Easy” concept, now supported by integrated riding modes, a full-colour TFT display, smartphone connectivity, all-LED lighting, and electronic cruise control as standard. Suspension settings have been revised, radial-mounted monobloc brake calipers are now fitted up front, and comfort has been improved with a redesigned seat, revised subframe and new handlebar position. New tyres, fresh body panels and updated colour schemes complete the package. The SE version, in contrast, features more substantial upgrades, including Brembo brakes, a front fork with adjustable compression, and an Öhlins rear suspension system.
At first glance, the styling updates might seem subtle, but spend some time with the bike and they start to stand out. The front end looks sharper and more aggressive, while brushed aluminium side panels and saddle accents give the bike a more premium feel. It still looks like a Z, raw, muscular, and slightly alien, just more polished.
First Ride Feel: Instant Connection
On the road, the Z900 and I bonded almost immediately. My first proper naked bike was a Z250, and while that bike introduced me to the Z family, the Z900 felt familiar in the best way. It’s like meeting an old friend who’s leveled up. From the first throttle input, the engine feels silky smooth and incredibly responsive.
The new ride-by-wire throttle makes low-speed riding effortless, and as you twist harder, the bike delivers wave after wave of usable power. It gives you that commanding feeling, like you own the road.
Cornering performance is excellent. I took the Z900 up Genting and through Karak Highway, using “SPORT” mode for the uphill and downhill sections. The bike felt stable, confident, and easy to control, even when pushing harder. The electronics work quietly in the background, giving you confidence without feeling intrusive. While the Z900 isn’t a track-focused machine like a ZX-6R, but on real Malaysian roads, it handles spirited backroad riding beautifully.
Daily Riding – Surprisingly Easy
Daily riding was equally enjoyable. I used the Z900 for about a week as a daily commuter, covering roughly 20 km per day. Despite weighing 214 kg, the bike never felt heavy. Filtering through traffic was surprisingly easy as long as throttle control was smooth and gear selection was right. For daily use, “ROAD” mode offers more than enough power while keeping traction control active for added safety. ABS remains on at all times, which is reassuring in unpredictable traffic conditions.
Once you hit the highway or expressway, the Z900 really comes alive. Open the throttle and the bike surges forward effortlessly. Of course, with more speed comes higher fuel consumption, but that’s the trade-off for having this much power on tap. That inline-four likes a drink when pushed.
Let’s Talk Power (And Wheelies)
The Z900 delivers strong torque throughout the rev range, and with traction control turned off in “RIDER” mode, it’s very easy to lift the front wheel in the first few gears. This bike is undeniably a wheelie machine. Finding the balance point feels natural, although it goes without saying that this kind of riding should be done responsibly. Still, it’s hard not to appreciate how playful the bike can be. Not saying you should… but you absolutely can. This inline-four just begs to play!
The quickshifter deserves praise too. Kawasaki has always made excellent gearboxes, and the addition of a bi-directional quickshifter takes things up another level. Shifts are crisp, smooth, and incredibly satisfying whether you’re riding calmly or pushing hard.
Tech That Actually Matters
One of the highlights of the 2025 Z900 is its upgraded electronics package. The 6-axis IMU enables cornering ABS, advanced traction control and better power management while leaned over. It constantly monitors the bike’s orientation and adjusts braking and engine output accordingly, offering improved safety and control without dulling the riding experience.
All of this information is displayed on a clear and user-friendly TFT colour display, controlled via the left switchgear. Ride modes can be changed on the fly as long as the throttle is closed. Through the Kawasaki Rideology app, riders can access navigation, calls, music control and ride logs, while a USB port near the dash keeps devices charged.
Comfort has finally been addressed too. Previous Z900 seats were famously hard, but the 2025 model gets a flatter seat with rounded edges, making long rides much more bearable. The revised subframe and handlebar position also help reduce fatigue for both rider and pillion.
The Verdict
In the end, the 2025 Kawasaki Z900 proves that evolution can be just as exciting as revolution. It doesn’t chase extreme horsepower figures or flashy gimmicks. Instead, it refines what already worked, adding modern technology, improved comfort and better rideability.
It remains a fast, stylish and characterful naked bike that excels in real-world riding. After spending time on the updated Z900, it’s clear that Kawasaki has modernised the platform without losing its identity. It’s still very much a Z, and for many riders, that’s exactly what they want.
Specification: Kawasaki Z900 2025
- Engine: 948cc, liquid-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder
- Fuelling: EFI
- Power: 124bhp @ 9500rpm
- Torque: 97.4Nm @ 7700rpm
- Frame: Steel Trellis
- Front Suspension: Showa 41mm USD forks, adjustable rebound & preload
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock, adjustable rebound & preload
- Front Brakes: Nissin monobloc calipers
- Rear Brake: Single-piston caliper, 250mm disc
- Riding Modes: Yes
- Traction Control: Yes
- ABS: Yes
- Quickshifter/Autoblipper: Yes
- Wheelie Control: No
- Launch Control: No
- Wheelbase: 1450mm
- Seat Height: 830mm
- Wet Weight: 214kg
- Fuel Capacity: 17 litres
- Price: RM47,900 with Black or Green frame (RM60,100 Z900 SE)
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