2022 Kawasaki Z900 SE | First Look Review

October 26, 2021 editor Kawasaki 2 min read

The 2022 Kawasaki Z900 SE naked sportbike receives upgraded brakes and suspension.

Kawasaki has spiced up the Z900 mix with a new SE model, which adds upgraded brakes and suspension.

The Z900 SE’s styling draws from Kawasaki’s “Sugomi” design concept, which makes the bike look in motion even when standing still. It has aggressive angular detailing, an exposed subframe, and a sharply contoured belly pan. For those who prefer more classic styling, check out the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE.

At the heart of the Z900 SE is the liquid-cooled 948cc inline-Four, which made 113 horsepower at 9,800 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque at 8,100 rpm at the rear wheel in our 2020 test. As we reported at the time, this lightweight and compact engine spools up quickly and delivers solid and smooth performance when pushed but is versatile enough to be ridden in traffic with ease. Standard electronics include power modes, traction control, and integrated riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider [manual]).

Aggressive contemporary styling gives the the Z900 SE an imposing character.

The Z900 SE’s upgraded suspension includes a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork and a fully adjustable Öhlins S46 rear shock with a remote preload adjuster. The new setup promises improved customization and handling.

The SE version also benefits from a new radial monoblock Brembo M4.32 4-piston front calipers squeezing 300mm petal discs and Nissin radial-pump master cylinder. At the rear, there is a 250mm petal disc with 2-piston caliper. ABS and steel-braided brake lines are standard.

At the front: a new fully adjustable, 41mm inverted fork and Brembo 4-piston M4.32 calipers

At the rear: an Öhlins S46 rear shock and a 250mm petal disc and a 2-piston caliper.

The Z900 SE’s cast aluminum, five-spoke wheels are fitted with Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires. Although the turnsignals are still the old bulb type, all the other lights on the Z900 SE are LEDs. A large 4.3-inch color TFT dash with a selectable background color (black or white) and screen brightness automatically switches between three rider-set levels to suit available light. Bluetooth connectivity is compatible with smartphone devices and Kawasaki’s Rideology App.

A full range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are available and options for the Z900 SE include crankcase protectors, a meter cover, and an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust. The 2022 Kawasaki Z900 SE is available in Metallic Spark Black/Candy Lime Green with an MSRP of $10,699.

2022 Kawasaki Z900 SE Specs

Base Price: $10,699
Website: kawasaki.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse inline-Four, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 948cc
Bore x Stroke: 73.4 x 56.0 mm
Horsepower: 113 @ 8,500 rpm (2020 Z900, rear-wheel dyno)
Torque: 66 lb-ft @ 6,700 rpm (2020 Z900, rear-wheel dyno)
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 57.3 in.
Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/4.3 in.
Seat Height: 31.5 in.
Wet Weight: 470 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gals.