The new Z900RS series will go on sale on February 14, 2026! New Z900RS Series to Go on Sale on February 14, 2026

Kawasaki Motors Japan announced that the 2026 Z900RS series (Black Ball Edition/SE/Cafe) will go on sale on February 14, 2026. Prices range from 1,529,000 yen to 1,837,000 yen, and from the specs that have been revealed, it appears that the model is getting sportier driving performance. This report focuses on the changes from the previous model.

Grade development

The previous model had four grades: STD, Yellow Ball Edition, SE, and Cafe, but the new model has three grades: the newly introduced Black Ball Edition is the STD grade, Cafe with a bikini cowl, and SE with Ohlins and Brembo. The STD grade is 44,000 yen more expensive, the Cafe grade 22,000 yen more expensive, and the SE grade 132,000 yen more expensive than the STD grade, but the price increase seems reasonable in light of the changes and additional equipment described below. The previous STD was available in two colors, but the new model is available in one color per grade. The Black Ball Edition features blacked-out parts and a two-tone color scheme, while the Cafe features rainbow lines reminiscent of "Mach," and the SE combines a fireball color for the first time in this grade.

Conventional model

• Z900RS (STD): 1,485,000 yen
• Z900RS Yellow Ball Edition: 1,562,000 yen
• Z900RS Cafe: 1,518,000 yen
• Z900RS SE: 1,705,000 yen

New model

• Z900RS Black Ball Edition: 1,529,000 yen
• Z900RS Cafe: 1,540,000 yen
• Z900RS SE: 1,837,000 yen

<Engine Components>Sportier settings

While maintaining the 948cc displacement and 73.4mm x 56mm bore x stroke, the compression ratio was increased from 10.8 to 11.8, and the camshaft working angle and lift were increased (IN: 248°/7.0mm → 270°/8.0mm, EX: 244°/7.0mm → 250°/7.4mm). In addition, flywheel mass has been reduced by approximately 10% to improve high-rpm performance. In addition, the intake funnel length was shortened from 112 mm to 51.5 mm for the 1/4 cylinder, and conversely slightly lengthened from 150 mm to 151.5 mm for the 2/3 cylinder to strengthen the high-revving range while also compensating for low and mid-range speed. Maximum output & torque are as follows

• Conventional model: 111ps/8500rpm, 10.0kg-m/6500rpm
• New model: 116ps/9300rpm, 10.0kg-m/7700rpm

The shape of the exhaust pipe has been revised, and a layout that extends further forward than the previous model has been adopted. The main catalytic converter is located immediately after the assembly section, as in the previous model, but a sub-catalytic converter has been added to the smaller chamber chamber. The megaphone silencer has been extended by 70 mm, and by reviewing the internal structure and aperture area, it is said to produce a richer bass sound than the previous model.

In addition, a new electronically controlled throttle is also a topic of interest, which allows the use of a two-way up-and-down quickshifter and cruise control. The throttle butterfly has been changed from twin to single. Another notable change to the engine is a complete overhaul of the gear ratios. The gear ratios are now much more cross-ratio than in the previous model, and while the secondary reduction ratio has been shortened slightly, the first gear is longer and the sixth gear is shorter. Combined with the higher rpm/higher output engine, the engine blows up sharper and with better gear connection than the previous model, giving the driver a sporty feeling.

Comparison of old and new gear ratios (conventional model in parentheses)

• 1st gear = 2.600 (2.916)
• 2nd gear = 1.950 (2.058)
• 3rd gear = 1.600 (1.650)
• 4th gear = 1.389 (1.409)
• 5th gear = 1.217 (1.222)
• 6th gear = 1.069 (0.966)
• Primary/secondary reduction ratio = 1.627/2.867 (1.627/2.800)

These engine/transmission-related changes are almost in line with the previously remodeled RS base model, the 2026 Z900, which also shares the same transmission ratios. Of course, it complies with the current Euro 5+ emission regulations. As a side note, Honda's CB1000F has a wider gear ratio than the base model CB1000 Hornet, with a setting that allows the engine to blow up longer, making it more enjoyable. It is interesting to see the difference in the thinking of the two vehicles.

<LiPosi>New Seat Improves Comfort

The handlebars have a new shape, and the grip position has been moved 50 mm inward and 38 mm downward. They are narrower and lower for a more compact riding position. The seat of the Blackball Edition and SE has evolved into the new "ERGO-FIT Low Seat. The tuck roll shape has been revised to incorporate thicker urethane foam, while the height has been increased from the previous model for improved comfort. Although the seat height is 10 mm higher than the previous model, the seat sinks into the ground when seated, making it almost as comfortable to sit on as the previous model (the seat in the café is the same as the previous model).

Electronic shifter and cruise control are now standard equipment.

The electronic controls have evolved significantly. A Bosch 6-axis IMU that detects the rider's body posture is newly equipped, and KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function), which optimally controls engine power and brake force while cornering, has been introduced. More advanced traction control is now possible, and ABS also provides precise control during pitching and cornering. A bidirectional up-and-down quickshifter (activated from 1500 rpm) and cruise control are also standard equipment, and a smartphone linkage function has been added while maintaining the two-lens indicator-type meter. The engine key has been replaced by an internal-cut, theft-resistant key, and ETC 2.0 is standard equipment, as in the previous model. In addition to these features, the SE also comes standard with a GPS-compatible two-camera front and rear digital camera system and a USB type C socket. Brembo calipers and Ohlins rear suspension are also standard equipment. No changes to the frame, suspension, or other aspects of the chassis have been announced for any of the three grades.

The "Black Jade" color scheme is a must-see!

Black Ball Edition

This is an innovative coloring based on solid black with metallic black "fireball" color graphics. The side cover emblems, which pay homage to the Z1, are also a feature. The instrument bezel, headlight rim, handlebar, left and right levers, front fender stays, radiator shroud, knee grip covers, fuel tank cap, chain, and front and rear wheels are also blacked out. The silencers have a hairline finish, and the end caps and heat guards are painted a newly developed matte black to prevent minor scratches from being noticed.

Cafe.

The Café with a bikini cowl is equipped with low handlebars and a special café-style seat, as before. The 2026 model features rainbow lines on the tank graphics in homage to the Mach series.

SE

The 2026 SE features a fireball color, a first for the SE, which follows the graphics of the 2018 model, but with increased saturation and brightness in the orange areas and metallic in the brown areas. The muffler is buffed three times: before assembly, after assembly, and after finishing. The Öhlins S46 rear shocks, Brembo M4.32 calipers and 300mm discs, special diameter Nissin master cylinders, and mesh hoses are the same as the previous model. The "RS" portion of the side cover emblem is red.

Kawasaki Z900RS Black Ball Edition (2026) Main Specifications

Overall Length x Width x Height: 2100 x 815 x 1135 mm (Cafe = 845 mm width, 1190 mm height)・Wheelbase: 1465 mm (25° caster/98 mm trail)・Seat Height: 810 mm (820 mm for SE/Cafe)・Car Weight: 216 kg (SE = 217 kg, Cafe ＝ Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line 4-cylinder 948cc- Maximum output: 116PS/9300rpm- Maximum torque: 10.0kg-m/7700rpm- Transmission: 6-speed return- Fuel tank capacity: 17L- Brakes: F = W disc, R = disc- Tires: F ＝Tires : F=120/70ZR17, R=180/55ZR17 Image gallery (41)