News/ Bikes/ 2025 Kawasaki Z900 Launched in India: Sharper, Smarter, and Still a Powerhouse

2025 Kawasaki Z900 Launched in India: Sharper, Smarter, and Still a Powerhouse

Overview: What’s New on the 2025 Kawasaki Z900?

The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 receives its most comprehensive update yet. While it retains its beloved 948cc inline-four engine and trellis frame, it now gets:

  • All-new styling inspired by the Z500

  • 5-inch Bluetooth-enabled TFT display

  • Ride-by-wire throttle with cruise control

  • Bidirectional quickshifter

  • 5-axis IMU for enhanced rider aids

  • Radial-mount 4-piston Nissin brakes

  • New Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres

  • Slightly cushier revised seat with no change in seat height

The 2025 Kawasaki Z900: More Than Just Muscle

Kawasaki’s Z900 has long been the people’s choice for a high-value, high-performance naked bike. With its 2025 update, the Japanese brand has taken this proven formula and injected it with a dose of tech, finesse, and style. Priced at ₹9.52 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Z900 continues to offer incredible value while closing the feature gap with more premium European rivals.

At the heart of the Z900 is the same creamy-smooth 948cc inline-four engine producing 125hp and 98.6Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. What makes the 2025 version more exciting is the addition of a ride-by-wire system, which opens the door to cruise control, riding modes, and a more responsive throttle.

Smarter and Sharper

The biggest visual change is the headlight, now resembling the Z500’s sharper unit. The overall bodywork is sleeker and more aggressive, with redesigned tank shrouds and tail panels. The 5-inch TFT screen is all-new and offers Bluetooth connectivity through Kawasaki’s Rideology app, letting riders sync their phones for navigation, calls, and bike data.

With the 5-axis IMU onboard, the Z900 now supports cornering-aware ABS and traction control, improving safety and rider confidence. A new bidirectional quickshifter enhances both sporty riding and urban commuting.

Hardware Tweaks for Better Control

Kawasaki has also focused on improving the cycle parts. The new Z900 gets radially mounted 4-piston Nissin calipers up front gripping 300mm twin discs – a step up from the axial setup on the outgoing model. The tyres too have been upgraded from Dunlop Roadsport 2 to the stickier Dunlop Q5A, promising significantly improved grip.

Despite the tech and hardware additions, Kawasaki claims seat height remains unchanged thanks to revised frame rails, even with extra seat cushioning.

Color Options and Pricing

  • Price: ₹9.52 lakh (ex-showroom, India)

  • Colours: Metallic Spark Black/Green and Metallic Spark Black/Red

  • Price Hike: ₹14,000 more than the previous model

How Does the Z900 Stack Up Against Rivals?

Honda CB650R

  • Price: ₹9.20 – ₹9.60 lakh

  • Engine: 649cc inline-four (94hp, 63Nm)

Triumph Street Triple R

  • Price: ₹10.17 – ₹10.43 lakh

  • Engine: 765cc inline-triple (118hp, 79Nm)

Ducati Monster

  • Price: ₹12.95 lakh

  • Engine: 937cc L-twin (111hp, 93Nm)

Verdict: A Sensible Thrill Machine

The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 blends old-school engine charm with new-school tech. It may not be as agile as the Street Triple or as premium as the Ducati Monster, but it offers a near-perfect balance of performance, value, and practicality. With this update, the Z900 moves from being “great for the price” to “just great” – a middleweight naked that doesn’t make you choose between power and tech.

If you want a powerful, reliable, and now smarter motorcycle for everyday fun and weekend thrills, the new Z900 remains one of the most compelling options in India today.

TopGear Magazine May 2025