2022 Kawasaki Z900 ABS [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2022 Kawasaki Z900 ABS: Time to Get Supernaked

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

Let’s be honest: Kawasaki makes some sexy motorcycles. And it should surprise no one that their quintessential supernaked, the Z900 ABS, fits deliciously into that category. We’re not drooling; you’re drooling.

Yes, there are plenty of naked bikes out there by Japanese motorcycle marques, like the Yamaha MT-09 or the Honda CB1000R ABS. But there’s also a good reason why Kawasaki’s website (in Canada, at least) uses a single word as the subheading for their page about this bike: DOMINATE.

With a 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four engine, the Z900 ABS is an absolute beast—pumping out 113 hp @ 9,800 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque @ 8,100 rpm. For 2022, this bike receives some upgrades to improve rider experience as well—like brand new TFT color instrumentation, multiple power modes, and all-LED lighting.

The Z900 ABS is offered in two color schemes for 2022: Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White / Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray. It starts at $9,199 USD / $10,999 CAD. Kawasaki’s 2022 lineup just wouldn’t be complete without it.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2022 Kawasaki Z900 ABS in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $9,199 USD / $10,999 CAD
Key Features:
- Brand-new TFT color instrumentation
- Multiple power modes
- Sound tuning
- Kawasaki Traction Control (KTC)

Main Specs

Engine: 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
Power: 113 hp @ 9,800 rpm
Torque: 66 lb-ft of torque @ 8,100 rpm
Curb Weight: 467 lbs (212 kg)
Seat Height: 32.3 in (820mm)

Competitors

2022 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE

Engine

948cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled

Power

113 hp

Bore x Stroke

73.4 x 56.0mm

Compression Ratio

11.8:1

Fuel System

DFI® with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Starter

Electric

Electronic Rider Aids

Integrated Riding Modes, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Power Modes (2)

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch

Transmission

6-speed, Manual, Return Shift, Dog Ring

Final Drive

Sealed chain

CHASSIS

Suspension Front

41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability/4.7 in

Suspension Rear

Horizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload/5.5 in

Brakes Front

Dual 300mm petal-style discs with four-piston calipers, ABS

Brakes Rear

Single 250mm petal-style disc with single-piston caliper, ABS

Tires Front

120/70 ZR17

Tires Rear

180/55 ZR17

Fuel Tank Capacity

4.5 gal

Color

Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Twilight Blue/Metallic Spark Black

ELECTRICAL

Ignition

TCBI with electronic advance

Spark Plugs

Headlight

LED

Tail Light

LED

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length

81.5 in

Overall Width

32.5 in

Overall Height

42.5 in

Wheelbase

57.3 in

Ground Clearance

5.7 in

Seat Height

31.5 in

Curb Weight

467.5 lb*

WARRANTY

Warranty

12 Months

Kawasaki Protection Plus

12, 24, or 36 months

2022 Kawasaki Z900 ABS Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.

Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak® rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.