Kawasaki Z 1100 SE 2026 — Specifications

The Z 1100 didn’t arrive alone! It remembered that when it was called 1000, its sportier R clone accompanied it. It will be the same with this Phase V of the big Z, enhanced with a more virulent desire. The name changes, the spirit remains, the dosage arrives as the Z 1100 SE.

Here’s how it will happen: we’re going to start by adding some joy and color to the motorcycle. Because the standard Z 1100 is a permanent night scene, where light exists only in the headlights. The SE brings much more presence with its green rims, gold forks, and secondarily, a less taciturn gray paint scheme.

Just like the R, it doesn’t bring any extra power, half-handlebars, or racing appendages. It’s oriented towards more dynamism... or rather, increased efficiency with a few sportier parts. At the rear, the suspension benefits from an Öhlins S46 element, with a remote adjustment knob. Enough to bring a gain in traction and comfort. Plus, it’s beautiful. At the front, it’s the brakes that are improved. With the presence of braided hoses and a pair of Brembo M4.32 calipers, more biting and effective than the original Tokico.

Okay, we appreciate having more robust calipers with a quality label written on them. But the first Z 1000 had better calipers with its M50s. Why this (small) step down when the theme is enhancing the machine? It might be time to move on to Stylemas. A certain Hornet 1000 SP understood this well, and won’t fail to throw it in her face.

But it will be felt. Standard or SE, the Z 1100 looks like two drops of water to the previous version, the Z 1000, with barely perceptible cosmetic touches. Yet, many things have changed:

Over time, the price gap has increased between two versions of Z. The 1100 SE is close to 14,000 euros, which is well above a Hornet SP and yet not so high. Let me explain: with (almost) the same chassis as the Z 1000 R, followed by engine evolutions and the addition of electronics, the Z 1100 SE is cheaper than its predecessor. And I’m not even taking inflation into account.

M.B - Photos constructeur