Kawasaki Z900RS SE 2026 — Specifications

One can grumble about many things, be resistant to many ideas, but one cannot refute the fact that the Z 900 RS SE is a motorcycle of great class. This timeless line, these tender gold finishes from the forks to the rims, its ambiance halfway retro, halfway modern, halfway rock'n'roll... Why do more?

To bring it up to date without overdoing it. That’s what happens to it in 2026, with an increase in electronic modules. It has had ABS and traction control since the beginning of its career. They will move to the next level of efficiency with the installation of an IMU and therefore angle sensitivity. In addition to ABS cornering and KCMF modulated traction in corners, the Z 900 RS gains a cruise control and an Up&Down shifter.

Why not a few extra horsepower?! To emerge with your head held high from its conversion to E5+, 116 horsepower come from the 4-cylinder engine. Five more than the previous generation. A slightly less torque but almost imperceptible. Or less... Because it can now be available in a 70 kW version, to be restrictable in A2 and thus attract young license holders.

This Speciale Edition wants to capture all eyes. Better equipped, with an even more vintage scent, more desirable, better suspended - it smells of great pleasure and a good whim at the same time.

It’s a showstopper... It parades... It assures until the end with its fork tubes and gold wheels. One would swear they are Marchesini, which flatters the eye as much as the machine. The sun-drenched patina provides a much more precious vision than the classic elements adorned with gray or black. The Z 900 RS evokes only one thing: it goes by, it’s beautiful.

And it’s going to go even better with the improvement of the chassis. The 41 mm inverted fork doesn's just have a beautiful coating; its settings have been reworked to match the better-made rear shock absorber. Kawa offers the SE an Öhlins S46 element, more rigorous and more qualitative. It takes its name from its 46 mm diameter piston, housed in an aluminum body.

Braking also revises its pretensions upwards with the arrival of Brembo M4.32 calipers. The Italian jaws will offer more consistency and feel, especially since they are activated by a smaller (Nissin) master cylinder and a set of aviation hoses. It’s as if the Z 900 RS drew some inspiration from the Z 1000 before unleashing its big game.

The handlebar receives the company of a USB-C port, placed like a wart on the finger. A practical goodie but with an integration as bad as on the 1100 (Z, Versys and Ninja SX). We will nevertheless appreciate its services for connecting the smartphone; itself now able to synchronize with the motorcycle thanks to the Rideology app.

Of course, it will be necessary to extend the check to cavort with this more affirmed, more ardent motorcycle.

M.B - Manufacturer photos