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 2: In the rain in Sport mode ?
By testing the Sport mode in the rain, MNC finds that the KTRC becomes far too permissive for these difficult driving conditions. By insisting heavily on the throttle, the rear wheel can slip for several meters and deviate slightly before the electronics decide to put it back on the right track. Watch out for pin outs !
On the other hand, level 1 of the traction control will undoubtedly be "oddly" permissive on perfectly dry tarmac, insofar as it should let the front wheel leave the ground – and lose speed – without immediately intervening on the rear wheel. which will continue to accelerate, she…
Without even disconnecting the traction control – which is possible in Rider mode – the pilot thus has the full and playful character of the Z900 whose engine has not changed in terms of maximum performance and behavior, despite a "Euro 5 ready ".
In the first half of the tachometer, the Z900 always accelerates with great conviction and without vibrations. Then in the second half, it offers thunderous covers coupled with an intoxicating soundtrack. Recalibrated for 2020, the injection is intended to be softer but still requires a little tact, especially when the gas is cut off.
Almost unchanged, the cycle part is at the height of the engine. The suspensions retain in their original settings the rigor necessary to attack hard on beautiful dry roads, while sparing the pilot fairly well in town, on cobbles or speed bumps. The thicker saddle also improves comfort.
Same satisfaction about braking: if some customers may be disappointed to see renewed axially fixed calipers – and not radial as is the current fashion – no one will be able to honestly criticize their efficiency. The "petal" cut of the discs transcribes well on this roadster the sharp and powerful side of the brakes.
ABS, compulsory for three years on motorized two-wheelers over 125 cc, fully assumes its function when necessary: the wheels never lock regardless of the grip or the pressure exerted on the lever or on the pedal. right). The finesse of the system is such that the braking distances are never excessive and even less frightening.
In terms of new features, a beautiful element makes its appearance on the Z900 2020: the color TFT instrumentation which allows the pilot to check all the important data at a glance, such as speed, gear engaged, fuel level. , time, etc..
By quickly pressing the controls on the handlebars, the rider scrolls through a host of secondary information (read our Technical point). Longer presses change the driving modes: up for more sportiness, all the way down to set the bike to your hand (see our).
Color screen and LED lighting: full of eyes !
This second generation of Z900 also has a Bluetooth connection. By the same admission of Kawasaki officials, the pairing is at this stage very easy with an iPhone but can be much more recalcitrant with smartphones running Android…
In this case, the site did it three times to connect its Sony Xperia Z5 to the Z900 … and once connected, the bike was considered by the "Rideology" application as a Ninja H2 SX SE! A colleague even had access to electronic suspension settings … which the roadster does not benefit from! Kawasaki therefore still has some "bugs" to exterminate before the launch of the Z900 in January 2020.
When properly adjusted, the Kawa app will allow the pilot to be notified of the receipt of an email or a phone call (urgent ?!). It will also compile the motorcycle data (speed, consumption, etc.) with the GPS coordinates recorded by the phone to be able to relive its rides, otherwise.
On the other hand, no problem was detected by MNC with regard to the new lighting: the white brilliance of the LED lights and night lights is reflected particularly well in the mirrors. A plus for safety, even if more and more cars are themselves equipped with light emitting diodes.
The front optics are even more convoluted than on the previous model and the fuel tank scoops are redesigned, as is the engine guard. Kawasaki does not question its "Sugomi" design, quite the contrary: whatever one thinks, the "Zed" look appeals to a large number of bikers! And then fans of the round headlight and purer lines can turn to the .
Always more stylish, much more sophisticated and much more reassuring on wet or tricky roads, a tad more comfortable, the 2020 Z900 represents a clear step forward compared to the first version, progress which unfortunately also translates into a price increase..
The new Z900 will land in January 2020 at a price of 9,499 euros, or 400 euros more than the old one … or even 600 euros more if we take into account the "immanKable" promo rate currently offered on the 2019 , which falls back to the price of the Z900 when it was released in 2017 (8,899 euros).
Fortunately for Kawasaki sellers – but also for future customers -, the presence of traction control makes it possible to put this rise into perspective: a beast falling when accelerating at the controls of the "Nine-without-aides" of 2019 will have great risks to cost more in parts … not to mention the possible injuries of the pilot !
Finally, we appreciate the commercial gesture of Kawasaki France which will offer new bikers the A2 version of the 2020 Z900 at a price of 9,199 euros. Before March 31, 2020, this 95 horsepower motorcycle (bridle at 48 hp or 35 kW) will even benefit from an introductory price: 8,999 euros. The motorcycle license is so expensive nowadays that it is necessary to help young people who are starting out !
Related articles
-
2020 Z900 test: Kawasaki returns to its Nine-without-aids Successfully launched in 2017, the Kawasaki Z900 evolves in 2020: the roadster changes music…
-
2020 Z900 test: Kawasaki returns to its Nine-without-aids Successfully launched in 2017, the Kawasaki Z900 evolves in 2020: the roadster changes music…
-
Comparison test Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S750 and Yamaha MT-09: Election of the best Japanese maxi-mid-size roadster In 2017, Kawasaki further…
-
Comparison test Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S750 and Yamaha MT-09: Election of the best Japanese maxi-mid-size roadster In 2017, Kawasaki further…
-
Kawasaki Z900 2020: price and release date of Full models and A2 license Site is currently participating in the presentation of the second generation of…
-
Z H2 test: Kawasaki’s super-inflated maxiroadster New boss among Kawasaki roadsters in 2020, the Z H2 intends above all to dominate the competition’s…
-
Z900RS test: the new neo-retro Kawasaki Zed, zen and zealous Kawasaki is back in the neo-retro segment with a brand new motorcycle: the Z900RS! Site was…
-
Z900 test: the new Kawasaki roadster without aids ! True to form, Kawasaki has decided to replace its popular Z800 with a beefier Z900: larger engine,…
-
Comparison test Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX- S750 and Yamaha MT-09: Election of the best Japanese maxi-mid-size roadster In 2017, Kawasaki further…
-
Z900RS test: the new neo-retro Kawasaki Zed, zen and zealous Kawasaki is back in the neo-retro segment with a brand new motorcycle: the Z900RS! Site was…