Kawasaki has introduced the 2020 Z900 in India and will price it between Rs 8.5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom). The sport-naked bike makes its way to our shores shortly after it made its world debut at the 2019 EICMA in Italy. It is not an all-new motorcycle but bears significant upgrades over the outgoing model. In fact, these upgrades were the need of the hour, considering that the competition had caught up and moved on. That said, the new 2020 Kawasaki Z900 costs close to a lakh more than the previous Z900 (Rs 7.69 lakh), which is quite a steep hike.
The updates include a slightly revised design, which is apparent in the new LED headlamp with Kawasaki H2 inspired fangs underneath. The tank extensions and tailpiece have also received a slight tweak, with the latter being chopped further to expose the trellis chassis. Its signature, Z-shaped LED tail-lamp continues in the 2020 model.
The biggest update is the introduction of electronic riding aids such as a three-level Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and two power modes – Low and Full. Low power mode chops power to 55 percent of the available 125hp, which makes it useful while riding in slippery conditions, like on rain-soaked roads. In addition, the new Z900 also gets four riding modes – Sport, Road, Rain and Rider, with the latter allowing the rider to set the systems as per preferences. This can be done via the new TFT instrument panel interface that also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair their smartphone using the Kawasaki Rideology app.
The 948cc, inline-four engine has been updated to meet BS6 norms but surprisingly, there’s no loss in power output. It produces 125hp at 9,500rpm and 98.6Nm at 7,700rpm, and is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Also, as before, the front and rear suspension units are the same, and so are the brakes.
The 2020 Kawasaki Z900 goes up against the Suzuki GSX-S750 (Rs 7.46 lakh), Triumph Street Triple (Rs 9.19 lakh), KTM 790 Duke (Rs 8.63 lakh). KTM’s 790 Duke is the most advanced motorcycle among this quartet, when it comes to electronic aids. Its IMU assisted electronics package includes four riding modes, nine-level traction control, bi-directional quick shifter, launch control and cornering ABS.
While there is no official information on when the bike will be available, we expect it to launch soon.
*All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
