2020 Z900 test: Kawasaki returns to its "Nine-without-aids"
Successfully launched in 2017, the Kawasaki Z900 evolves in 2020: the roadster changes music and goes electro with color screen, Bluetooth connection, LED lighting and above all, power and traction control modes. MNC hits the road with the new Kawa … and its old K-way, too…
2020 Z900 test page 3 – Technical point
Engine
As a reminder, the 4-cylinder of the Z900 is based on that of the … Z1000! It cube 948 cc, or 140 more than the "eight hundred", and has traditional liquid cooling, double overhead camshaft and 16 valves (29 mm on the intake side, 24 on the exhaust side).
According to Japanese engineers, the bore of 73.4 mm (ie 2.6 mm less than on the Z1000 of 1043 cc) and the stroke of 56 mm (therefore retained) "were selected to obtain the engine characteristics. desired ". Namely: distribute the 125 hp and 98.6 Nm (unchanged in 2020) in a linear and expressive manner, without a sudden drop in power at the top of the tachometer.
Side expression precisely, Kawasaki ensures to have particularly worked on the sound: "after the Z1000 of 2014, the Z900 is the second model of the range to benefit from a real sound research on the admission", underline the Greens whose engine roars rather well spent 7000 rpm.
The shape of the airbox, its inlet facing upwards – and therefore towards the pilot’s ears -, the presence of a dividing wall in the center of the upper casing, the 50 mm horns on the outer cylinders and 25 mm on both interiors: everything coincides to give the intake of the Z900 "a clear and balanced sound", distinct from the "powerful and nervous roar of the Z1000", illustrate the Japanese engineers.
The two horn lengths must also consolidate performance at low and medium revs (long version) and amplify the sound (short version). The intake diameter of 36 mm should mean "an ideal response at mid-speed, while the secondary butterflies guarantee flexibility and sensitivity of acceleration". Regarding mid-regimes, MNC is not fully convinced. For the rest, however, there is no deception !
Thanks to a specific casting process, initiated on the and, the weight of the Z900 pistons would be comparable to that of forged pistons. They are associated with a crankshaft whose lightness praised by Kawasaki allows – indeed – sharp revs. To increase performance at high rpm, channels have been added between the cylinders.
A secondary balance shaft, driven by a pinion mounted on the sixth crankshaft flyweight, is supposed to suppress excessive vibrations and keep the good ones. Le Journal moto du Net recognizes once again that the "Zed" correctly stifles the crackling of the 4-legged … except at the level of the footrest plates.
The exhaust gases are expelled in elbows connected two by two by pipes (1 and 4, 2 and 3). These couplings must strengthen the torque at mid-speed, while the diameter of the elbows (35 mm) "benefit high-speed performance as well as noise quiet at idle", says Kawa.
On the 2020 model, the expansion chamber has taken on volume in order to anticipate the upcoming Euro5 standard … without changing the size of the silencer which retains the compact and dark look of the Z800’s pot, dressing in a stainless steel end cap and cover.
Like its little sister Z650, the Z900 has an assisted anti-slip clutch. As a reminder, it incorporates two types of cam: an assistance and an antidribble, hence its name! The first cam appreciably softens the operation of the lever, the second prevents that the rear tire does not dribble or skid during a too abrupt or involuntary downshift.
More classic, the gearbox includes six reports: five rather close to promote acceleration and relaunching, and a sixth qualified as "overdrive" by the manufacturer which allows cruising on the motorway at 140 km / h (counter!) Without too much spin the machine (just above 6000 rpm).
The A2 version naturally remains in the catalog: it represents about half of Z900 sales! On this version flanged to 95 hp (70 kW) or even 48 hp (the famous 35 kW maxi granted to the new licenses), the final reduction is shortened: two teeth are added to the crown to consolidate the pickups….
Cycle part
The frame of the Z900 weighs only 13.5 kg: for comparison, that of the little sister Z650 – which was also born in 2017 – weighs 15 kg … Nothing illogical, however: the 4-cylinder is a suspended element which actively participates in lightening the cycle part.
The engine is attached to the frame via five rigid supports: "at the front and rear of the cylinder head, behind the cylinder block as well as at the top and bottom of the crankcase," says Kawasaki. Designed with the methods developed in the manufacturing of the Ninja H2 / R, the steel trellis frame also supports a rear loop made of two other tubes.
Below, "the swingarm in extruded aluminum weighs only 3.9 kg, which reduces unsprung masses and also promotes the agility of the motorcycle," says the manufacturer. Following the concern and recall of the very first models, Kawasaki decided to strengthen the chassis of its Z900 at the level of the swingarm axis..
Original Kayaba, the rear shock absorber with rods is adjustable in preload and rebound. Ditto for the inverted 41 mm fork whose adjustments are made only at the left tube, under the handlebars. This one, open and wide, spreads the arms noticeably, as on the predecessor Z800.
Another "size" modification for 2020: the saddle height is not as low as before! Installed at 795 mm in 2017, it is now positioned 820 mm from the ground. Kawasaki has simply reversed the standard low saddle and the optional high saddle … The pressure on the wrists is not exaggerated, however, and riders over 1.70 m always put both feet on the ground simultaneously..
Installed on the five-spoke rim, the two 300mm "petal" discs are still bitten by calipers – not even radial ?! – with four opposed pistons. The resin brake pads are responsible for providing "a progressive feeling which facilitates the dosage of braking, for beginners as well as for experienced riders". MNC validates again !
Behind, a simple 250 mm "petal" disc is clamped by a simple – and effective! – piston. Mandatory in Europe since 2017 on motorcycles and scooters over 125 cc, the ABS of the Kawasaki is entrusted to compatriot Nissin. Tires are still supplied by Dunlop, but the specific D214 "Z" give way to Roadsport 2.
Electronic
It’s a new chapter that opens for the Z900: unlike the original "Nine-without-aides", the 2020 model is updated from an electronic point of view! Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) is paired with two engine power modes.
The pilot can now adapt his machine to the driving conditions or to his "moods": Sport driving mode to benefit from the full potential of the mill and a traction-control – very – permissive, Road mode to still benefit from the 125 horsepower and more vigilant traction control, Rain mode to restrict the watermill to 69 horsepower (52.25 hp on the A2 model) and maximize the work of the KTRC.
A fourth Rider mode allows the rider to independently select the level of traction control (1,2,3 or disabled) and engine power (“Full” or “Low”). These choices are carried out very easily and while driving thanks to the buttons placed on the left stalk … and via the new instrumentation (see below).
Reserved for the only rear light in 2017 – Z-shaped which means Zed! -, Electro-Luminescent Diodes lighting is becoming more widespread in 2020: headlights, daytime running lights, indicators, and even the small lamp illuminating the license plate are now LED. "Full LED" !
To underline the technological evolution experienced by the Z900, Kawasaki has redesigned the front optics, its trim as well as those of the radiator and the tank. The "Sugomi" touch is intended to be more pronounced, more aggressive. The many fans of the genre will be happy … The others will not agree more.
Instrumentation
As in 2017, the Z900 shares the same instrumentation as the Z650 for the new year. They both abandon the analog-look rev counter – but with a digital needle – and steal from the Ninja H2 and Versys 1000 their pretty color TFT panel measuring 10.9 cm diagonally..
"Speed, engine speed, gear indicator, shift-light, fuel gauge, odometer and partial trips A / B, instantaneous and average consumption, remaining range, average speed, travel time, coolant temperature, clock , battery voltage, next service reminder (dealer managed), oil change reminder (owner manageable), driving modes, call signal and email alert, bluetooth indicator, eco driving light " … Kawa has had plenty of information !
Thanks to the Bluetooth connection, the Kawasaki "Rideology The App" application provides access to information collected by the smartphone and the motorcycle: the GPS coordinates can be combined with speeds, revs, gears engaged, consumption, etc..
Conversely, the screen of the Z900 "can also display, by means of an icon, whether a phone call or an e-mail has been received". Practical to keep in touch with his fellow travelers: "I didn’t wake up, we meet directly in Dampierre for a andouillette-frites this afternoon".
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