Which A2 motorcycle to choose from Kawasaki? Test of Z900 70 kW, Ninja 400 and company…
In 2018, Kawasaki launches two new motorcycles compatible with the A2 license: the Z900 70 kW and the Ninja 400. Site was able to test them along with the five other models that the Greens are offering to new French bikers: Z650, Ninja 650, Vulcan S , Versys 650 and Versys-X 300.
Page 2 – New 2018 roadster: Z900 70 kW
Main characteristics
- Engine: 948 cc in-line 4-cylinder
- Maximum power and torque: 95 hp and 91.2 Nm
- Front and rear brakes: double disc of 300 mm and single of 250
- Seat height: 795 mm
- Fuel tank: 17 L
- Full weight: 210 kg
- Price: 9,099 euros
What the builder says
The legendary name Z900 is very relevant again! A cutting-edge roadster dedicated to its rider with superb power and excellent handling. The combination of a tubular trellis chassis housing a cheerful 4-cylinder and a design that perfectly reflects the Sugomi style provides sensations that only Z riders can experience. The Z900, Refined Raw.
What Site thinks
According to the officials of Kawasaki France, their competitors would be "green" with envy because the Z900 70 kW is to date the only 4-cylinder roadster of medium displacement available on the market in version A2! The new French bikers want to afford a 4-legged have no other choice but the Kawa.
By taking control of this one-of-a-kind machine, the future owner is therefore securing a good rating with his fellow travelers: this Z900 70 kW has the allure of a big motorcycle. A good point, provided you have the right physique !
Although 19 kg lighter than the Z800, the Z900 still displays 210 kg on the manufacturer’s scale. After the Versys 650 (see page 3), the "big" roadster is the most difficult Kawasaki A2 model to move with the engine off, especially when you are in a dirt parking lot and on a slight slope..
Fortunately, the saddle of this "Zed" is generously hollowed out, thus allowing the majority of bikers to touch both feet on the ground: it is much more reassuring to maneuver! To drive, we simply let the engine take over…
Faced with the medium and small displacement twin cylinders which accompany it on the occasion of this French press presentation, the 4-cylinder imposes its more rounded and serious sound. However, the prize for the best soundtrack does not belong to him. You will understand later why…
The least compact and the most expensive
Tested by MNC in its flanged version at 35 kW then in "full" at 70 kW, this Z900 for A2 license benefits from the same flexibility as the original Z900. The mill – water – pulls the "big" motorcycle without batting an eyelid and accepts to trot at 30 km / h in fifth gear. 650 twins can’t do the same !
By opening the throttle wide, MNC notes that the Z900 limited to 47.5 hp does not have the same tone very low in the towers. It produces its effort at around 3000 rev / min but this gain in vigor is very quickly muzzled: past 6000 rev / min, the engine simply continues to take turns, without pulling more on the arms..
It’s very simple: while driving this Z900 "35 kW", MNC has the – unpleasant, it must be admitted – impression of being stuck in "Rain" mode. Or in "Cevennes thunderstorm" mode more exactly, you have to wring out the right handle to stay in contact – on sight! – of our opener Bruno Langlois perched on a Versys-X 300 !
At the controls of the Z900 "unbridled" at 70 kW, the acceleration is much more muscular. At the end of the two-year probationary period and by unleashing their Z900, the new "short" A licenses will therefore have the pleasure of discovering a new motorcycle, much more expressive than when it comes out "only" 47.5 horsepower..
Incidentally, overtaking cars or trucks are done in half the time: it’s safer for bikers, right ?! On the other hand, compared to the original 125 hp Z900, high speeds are not as explosive: the front wheel no longer rises when accelerating fully in the first two gears….
Smoother and less aggressive accelerations have good sides: the new A "short" licenses and all excited to have finally unleashed their machine will not risk turning around by starting knocked out of their concession. Likewise, the lack of traction control is less critical on this Z900 of less than 100 hp..
To take advantage of the full potential of the 948 cc, 125 hp and 98.6 Nm 4-cylinder, owners of the 70 kW Z900 will have to resell their motorcycle – to an A2 license! – then buy a "short" Z900. The latter is displayed at approximately the same price as the 70kW on the official Kawasaki France website: 9,099 euros.
By scrolling under the lens of the photographer and on a partially wet pin therefore negotiated calmly in third, the Journal moto du Net notices one last thing: the Z900 35kW and 70 kW keep the little hiccups when going around already. detected on the 125 hp. Too bad: Kawasaki could have taken advantage of the change in mapping to update the engine response in mid revs.
The Z900 70 kW being scrupulously identical in terms of chassis and equipment with the Z900, Site invites you to dive back into our …
- Highlights Z900 70 kW
- Only 4-cylinder on the market A2
- Large displacement look
- The 95 hp in "full"
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