2020 Kawasaki Z 900 Specifications

Name: 2020 Kawasaki Z 900
Brand: Kawasaki

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2020 Kawasaki Z 900 Overview

For 2020, Kawasaki offers the Z 900 as a naked bike motorcycle with 948 cc on tap. The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 is built around an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.8:1. Out on the road, the Z 900 delivers 92.2 kW @ 9500 rpm of peak power and 98.6 Nm @ 7700 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2020 Z 900 tips the scales at 212 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1455.4 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 spec sheet below.

2020 Z 900 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the Z 900 is 92.2 kW @ 9500 rpm and 98.6 Nm @ 7700 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 820 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the Z 900 comes from fuel injection: 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the Z 900's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by 41 mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability up front and Horizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the Z 900 means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The High-tensile steel trellis chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Z 900 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept Z 900 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a Z 900's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Fuel system care

Injector systems like the Z 900's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a Z 900's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2020 Kawasaki Z 900 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 have?

The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 948 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 weigh?

The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 weighs 212 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 make?

The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 produces 92.2 kW @ 9500 rpm of power and 98.6 Nm @ 7700 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900?

The 2020 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 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 have?

The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 uses 2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 use?

The 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 runs 120/70ZR17M/C front and 180/55ZR17M/C rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 have?

The 2020 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

92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm

Torque

98.6 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

212 kg / 467.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity

17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Full 2020 Kawasaki Z 900 Specifications

Comments Power Mode Selection. Traction control.

Year 2020

Colours Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black, Candy Plasma Blue/Metallic Matte Fusion Silver

Make Model Kawasaki Z 900

Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty

Ground Clearance (mm) 130 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.1 inches

Seat Height 820 mm / 32.2 in

Wheelbase 1455.4 mm / 57.3 in

Ground Clearance 145 mm / 5.7 in

Height 1080 mm / 42.5 in

Length 2070 mm / 81.4 in

Width 825 mm / 32.4 in

Fuel Capacity 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Wet Weight 212 kg / 467.5 lbs

Max Power 92.2 kW / 123.6 hp @ 9500 rpm

Max Torque 98.6 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm

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 valves per cylinder

Fuel System Injection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0 mm

Compression Ratio 11.8:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Induction Fuel injection: 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle

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 High-tensile steel trellis

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

Suspension - Rear Horizontal Back-link with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Rake 24.5°

Trail 110 mm / 4.3 in

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 140 mm / 5.5 in

Instrumentation TFT Color Instrumentation

Brakes - Front 2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper

ABS Standard

Tyres - Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

Tyres - Rear 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

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