The new Kawasaki Z900 2017 is lighter and bodybuilded, Kawasaki's flagship model is aimed at corner trackers who appreciate the no-net equilibrium play. At Kawasaki, 2017 marks the renewal of the series Z. After the release of the Z650, the Z900 is the successor of the Z800. A fundamental model that represents about 3000 units per year in only on the French market is as much as the Z650 nevertheless much more affordable and accessible to young people allowed in bridled version at 48 ch. Despite this challenge, the Japanese engineers took the challenge to develop a big roadster hairy and stripped down not to say the old. The Z900 keeps an accelerator cable does not offer traction control. The equipment is also minimalist with a small counter dressed in fake carbon whose access to the menu of the on-board computer requires to release the handlebars to press inaccessible mini-buttons. Other details such as the protective side casings made of plastic or the imposing hoses of the badly sheathed radiator disappoint on a motorcycle to $8,399 and even more on a Kawasaki.
On the other hand, the data sheet gives a smile. Thanks to a new more rigid and lightweight frame with aluminum swingarm, the Z900 boasts 210 kg in running order is 21 kg less than the old Z800 ABS. A diet accompanied by a serious bodybuilding session as the engine gains 100 cc. This new four closely derived from ancient cylinder Z1000 cube 948 cm3 and delivers 125 hp to curl the 100 Nm of torque. If Kawasaki says he has raised the handlebars to provide a more upright driving position, the driver remains leaning forward with the knees very folded as on a sporty. The hard saddle and the firmly calibrated suspensions of origin (but fully adjustable) confirm that this Z does not have Zen spirit.
The unctuous gearbox, precise and accompanied by a soft clutch is revealed on the other hand very civilized. The four-cylinder very elastic and available at low speed can also be able to bend to an urban use as its muffled sound does not risk frightening passers-by. Despite the work done on the air intake box, we can not say that the Z900 has a diva voice. It will probably be necessary to opt for the escape Akrapovic as an accessory to offer a better microphone. Without being singing, the mechanics pulls you on your arms without stopping until 11 000 rpm and can propel you to more than 250 km / h with a disconcerting ease. Always full, this block agrees to take pins on the 5th report and come out with vigor. The absence of traction control also encouraged to stay on a higher gear (see two!) Before giving full throttle.
The braking is in keeping with front calipers with four pistons biting, endurance and progressive dosage. When the lever is in place, the fork bends hard and the rear wheel remains on its track. Ultra rigid, the Z900 requires some commitment to change the angle and fit in tight turns but once her angle, she seems unfazed. Stability is also required at high speed on a fast track even if there is no steering damper. During our test on the sublime Andalusian roads near Almeria, the trip computer showed 6.5 l mean what remains honorable for a missile of this kind. The price of $8,399 seems rather daring in view of the low level of equipment.
Verdict: The Z900 delivers stunning performance and shines through the rigor of its chassis as the precision of all its controls. But its price seems high against a Yamaha MT09 better equipped and more the character said. Text: Maxime Fontanier / Photos: DR from auto-moto.com
Pros:
Suspensions and effective braking
Flexible engine and furious
Fast and precise Box
Cons:
No Traction Control
Any Tone
Disappointing finish Details
Kawasaki Z900 Data sheet :
Engine: 4 cylinders in line, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 949 cm3
Power: 125 hp at 9500 rev / min
Torque: 98.6 Nm at 7500 r / min
Weight in running order: 210 kg
Seat height: 795 mm
Tank capacity: 17 liters
Kawasaki Z900 Price: $8,399 Estimated before final rates in February 2017
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