Kawasaki Z 900 Performance Plus 2017 — Specifications

So, you want to be the ultimate connoisseur? Kawasaki is launching this Z 900 Performance Plus with a simple logic: the base version is already a beast, but here’s the formula for those who think the original equipment is a suggestion rather than a finish. The heart of the machine remains this 948 cc inline four-cylinder engine, a mechanical unit that delivers 128 horsepower with a voracity that makes racers smile and novices nervous. Its torque of 100 Nm arrives fairly high, at 7700 rpm, which requires a bit of arm strength to extract, but when it unfolds, the propulsion becomes addictive.

The Performance Plus pack is, in reality, a set of elegant accessories rather than a technical revolution. It complements the standard Performance pack, which already included the Akrapovic muffler, with a carbon fiber heat shield for the exhaust line. A windscreen, a self-adhesive tank protector, and a seat cover are also added. It’s intelligent cosmetics, which gives the motorcycle a more complete look, more ready for the track or sporty rides, without altering its fundamental character. With a wet weight of 207 kg and a seat height of 795 mm, it remains accessible, but its temperament is far from docile.

Compared to its direct rivals, such as the Yamaha MT-09 or the Suzuki GSX-S1000, the Z 900 stands out with its Sugomi stylistic aggressiveness and an inverted 41 mm fork that offers precise handling. Its braking, with two 300 mm discs at the front, is sufficient to contain this power, even if some competitors offer higher-end calipers. The announced top speed of 220 km/h is a realistic figure, but the essence lies in the responsiveness between 6000 and 10 000 rpm.

The price, justifiably, crosses the symbolic bar of 10,000 euros. At €10,099, this version requires a significant budget. It’s a choice for the enthusiast who wants a motorcycle immediately ready for sport, without spending hours choosing accessories after purchase. The target audience? A sporty tourer or a novice track rider looking for a complete, expressive machine that doesn’t want to compromise on looks or sound.

In conclusion, this Z 900 Performance Plus is a statement. Kawasaki says: here is our roadster, already formidable, and we dress it so that it is as beautiful as it is fast. It’s not a mechanical update, but a finish that flatters the ego and the ear. If you buy a standard Z 900, you’ll probably want these accessories later. This version gives them to you from the start, for an extra cost that is justified if you value the integrity of the package. It’s a machine that doesn’t let anything escape, especially your attention when you open the Akrapovic sound in a quiet street.