First appearance of the new 2026 Z900RS Black Ball Edition! Evolved RS with shibu "Black Fireball" to be released in February for 1,529,000 yen

At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, which was held from October 29, Kawasaki unveiled the new 2026 Z900RS for the first time in the world. The "Z900RS Black Ball Edition," which features a special color scheme, was unveiled at the same time as the new model. While the equipment and specifications are the same as the 2026 model, the entire body is blacked out to create the "Black Ball Bug" specification.

New Z900RS modernized with electric throttle, quickshifter, cruise control, and IMU

Kawasaki's large road sport Z900RS, which has been in the lineup since 2017, is the flagship of the so-called "neo-retro" model, with its conservative style inspired by the former Z1 and equipped with the latest power unit that shares its design with the street-fighter Z900 The Z900 is the flagship model of the so-called "neo-retro" class. The overwhelming popularity of this model, which has consistently maintained the top position in new vehicle sales in the large motorcycle class since its debut eight years ago, continues to this day. The new Z900RS unveiled at the Mobility Show 2025 maintains the same silhouette as before, but has undergone major updates centered on the engine and electrical system. The liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder 948cc engine features a new electronically controlled throttle valve, and the intake funnel, cam profile, and ECU settings have been revised accordingly. This allows the engine to be equipped with a new KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) for up/down and cruise control, while maintaining the same direct feel as the conventional wired type. Engine power has also changed, with improved high-rpm performance and maximum output.

In addition, the exhaust system has been completely redesigned to comply with the EURO5+ emission regulations. The shape of the exhaust pipe was redesigned and the layout was made to protrude more forward. In addition, the pre-chamber has been downsized, and a sub-catalyst has been added to the design. The most obvious changes, however, are the sensor installed in the assembly area and the silencer, which has been extended by 70 mm. The silencer's internal structure has also been improved, and the end section has been revised from a slash cut to a flat shape, changing the impression of the tail area. The electronic control system, which was previously simple, has been fully enhanced with the KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) package, which includes traction control and ABS controlled by a new Bosch 6-axis IMU. In addition to enabling more precise attitude control than ever before, the new model also features advanced ABS control for trail braking during cornering and stable deceleration in response to sudden changes in road surface. The basic design of the chassis and equipment is the same as before, but the new narrow handlebars are designed to be lower and more compact, and the grip position has been moved 50 mm inward and 38 mm downward to provide a more comfortable posture for smaller riders. In addition, the ERGO-FIT low seat is standard equipment, and the seat height has been increased to 810mm. Although it is a low seat, it is 10 mm higher than the previous model, but the tuck roll shape and urethane placement have been reviewed to improve the sink-in effect. The leg room is almost the same as before. A new feature is the smartphone linkage function. However, the layout of the meter is the same as before, with two analog meters, and the connection unit is housed in the body, so the appearance of the cockpit has not changed. This smartphone linkage allows users to check vehicle information such as remaining fuel, odometer, and maintenance schedule from the "RIDELOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE" application, and also enables a wide range of functions such as recording riding logs via GPS, phone calls, incoming mail notifications, navigation, and voice command functions. The new system also offers a wide range of functions such as GPS riding logs, phone and e-mail notifications, navigation, and voice commands.

List of new equipment

Newly adopted] ETV (electronic throttle valve) - [Newly adopted] KQS (quick shifter) - [Newly adopted] Cruise control - [Newly adopted] IMU (inertial measurement unit) - [Newly adopted] KCMF (cornering management function) - [Newly adopted] Internal cut key Newly adopted】 USB type C ・Newly adopted】 Drive recorder ・【Newly adopted】 ABS ・【Tra-Con】 KTRC ・【Tra-Con】 Sound tuning ・【Tra-Con】 A&S clutch

The new original color "Black Ball Edition" is a graphic for adults that pays homage to the Z1.

The new Z900RS, which has undergone a major update, was exhibited at the Mobility Show, with the high-end "Z900RS SE" and the cowl-equipped "Z900RS CAFE" each announced to go on sale in February 2026. The "Black Ball Edition," which will be released at the same time as the Z900RS SE and Z900RS CAFE, is a special color with a special exterior finish. While the exterior of this edition is similar to the STD, at first glance it appears to be all black, with a metallic fireball pattern on a solid black base, giving it the well-known "fireball" style. While there have been special "fireball" variations of the "50th Anniversary" and "Yellow Ball" editions in the past, the use of a single color, glossy black, is unprecedented in the history of the market. The paint job is not limited to the paint job, however, as details such as the gauges, headlights, brake and clutch levers, fender stays, radiator shrouds, and front and rear wheels are also all finished in black.

The Black Ball Edition is priced at 1,529,000 yen, which is 44,000 yen more than the previous STD model. The new "SE" model is priced at 1,837,000 yen and the "CAFE" at 1,540,000 yen. Both models are scheduled to go on sale in February 2026.

Z900RS Black Ball Edition (2026)

Release date: February 2026 Manufacturer's suggested retail price: 1,529,000 yen

Ebony [new color].

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Z900RS Black Ball Edition (2026) main specifications

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