2017 Kawasaki Z 900 Specifications

Name: 2017 Kawasaki Z 900
Brand: Kawasaki

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2017 Kawasaki Z 900 Overview

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 948 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.8:1. 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 delivers 125 hp @ 9500 rpm of peak power and 98 Nm @ 7700 of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 Z 900 tips the scales at 210 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 795 mm and spans a 1450 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 9 kg heavier than the average naked bike in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2017 Kawasaki Z 900 compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category

Here is how the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 stacks up against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1318 models.

Power-to-weight ratio of 434 W/kg is higher than that of 521 of the other 580 bikes in the Naked bike category.
Only 124 of the other 1124 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher power output than the 91.2 kW of the Z 900.
With 98 Nm, the Z 900 has the joint 275th highest torque of 1318 bikes in the Naked bike category, 45% above the category average of 67.6 Nm.
Narrowing the field to the 236 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 434 W/kg is higher than that of 197 of the other 235.

Versus the 1976 model

Compared with the 1976 model, peak power rose from 59 kW to 91.2 kW (+32.2 kW), peak torque increased from 73.5 Nm to 98 Nm (+24.5 Nm), wet weight came down from 248.6 kg to 210 kg (-38.6 kg), displacement grew from 903 cc to 948 cc (+45 cc) and seat height dropped from 813 mm to 795 mm (-18 mm).

2017 Z 900 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 makes 125 hp @ 9500 rpm with 98 Nm @ 7700 of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.

Considerations

Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

The Liquid cooled system on the Z 900 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.

Valve clearance checks

Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the Z 900 means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the Z 900 runs 41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability and Horizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Trellis, high tensile steel - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Z 900 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 with its 948 cc naked bike, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 9 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Z 900 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the Z 900's 948 cc in-line four, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With an 11.8:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the Z 900 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z 900. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2017 Kawasaki Z 900 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 have?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 948 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 weigh?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 weighs 210 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 make?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 produces 125 hp @ 9500 rpm of power and 98 Nm @ 7700 of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.

Is the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 has a seat height of 795 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.

What brakes does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 have?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 uses 2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers at the front and single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 use?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 have?

The 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki Z 900 Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki Z 900 was produced across 8 model years (1976-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1976	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Max Power	81 hp / 59 kW @ 8500 rpm	125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm	125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm	125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm	92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm	92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm	92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm	-
Wet Weight	248 kb / 548 lbs	210 kg / 463.1 lbs	210 kg / 463.1 lbs	210 kg / 463.1 lbs	212 kg / 467.5 lbs	212 kg / 467.5 lbs	212 kg / 467.5 lbs	212.1 kg / 467.5 lbs
Dry Weight	230 kg / 507 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	212 kg / 467.4 lbs	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	-
Seat Height	812.8 mm / 32.0 in.	795 mm / 32.8 in	795 mm / 32.8 in	795 mm / 32.8 in	820 mm / 32.2 in	820 mm / 32.2 in	820 mm / 32.2 in	800 mm / 31.5 in.
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.7 gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal	17.03 litres / 4.50 US gallons
Ground Clearance (mm)	-	130 mm	-	-	130 mm	130 mm	145 mm	145 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	-	5.1 inches	-	-	5.1 inches	5.1 inches	5.7 inches	5.7 inches

Key Specifications

Engine

In-line four, four-stroke

Power

125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm

Torque

98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

210 kg / 463.1 lbs

Fuel Capacity

17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Full 2017 Kawasaki Z 900 Specifications

Year 2017

Colours Pearl Mystic Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Candy Lime Green/Metallic Flat Spark Black, Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black

Make Model Kawasaki Z 900

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.1 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 130 mm

Seat Height 795 mm / 32.8 in

Wheelbase 1450 mm / 57.1 in

Ground Clearance 130 mm / 5.1 in

Height 1065 mm / 41.9 in

Length 2065 mm / 81.5 in

Width 825 mm / 32.3 in

Fuel Capacity 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Wet Weight 210 kg / 463.1 lbs

Max Power 125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm

Max Torque 98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700

CO2 127.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Engine Type In-line four, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Displacement 948 cc / 57.8 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder

Fuel System Injection

Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0mm

Compression Ratio 11.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Engine Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

Fuel Consumption 5.50 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l or 42.77 mpg)

Fuel Induction DFIØ with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Ignition TCBI with electronic advance

Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

Final Drive Sealed chain

Final Drive Ratio 2.933 (44/15)

Gear Ratios 1st 2.692 (35/13) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 1.034 (30/29)

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Sealed chain

Primary Drive Ratios 1.627 (83/51)

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Trellis, high tensile steel

Suspension - Front 41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Suspension - Rear Horizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload

Rake 25°

Trail 103 mm / 4.1 in

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 140 mm / 5.5 in

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 11.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 300 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 9.8 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 250 mm

Brakes - Front 2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 120/70 ZR17

Tyres - Rear 180/55ZR17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.