2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS Specifications

Name: 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS
Brand: Kawasaki

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS Overview

For 2018, Kawasaki offers the Z 900RS as a naked bike motorcycle with 948 cc on tap. The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS 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 900RS delivers 110 hp @ 8500rpm of peak power and 98 Nm @ 7700 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2018 Z 900RS tips the scales at 210 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 795 mm and spans a 1470 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS spec sheet below.

2018 Z 900RS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the Z 900RS is 110 hp @ 8500rpm and 98 Nm @ 7700 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.

Considerations

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.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the Z 900RS'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 semi-floating 300 mm discs 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 41mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability up front and Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound and 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 900RS 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 900RS - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS 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 900RS settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

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

Carburetor upkeep

A Z 900RS that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a Z 900RS'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.

2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 948 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS weigh?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS weighs 210 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS make?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS produces 110 hp @ 8500rpm of power and 98 Nm @ 7700 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.

Is the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS uses 2x semi-floating 300 mm discs 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS use?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS 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 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki Z 900RS Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki Z 900RS was produced across 7 model years (2018-2026). 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	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2026
Max Power	110 hp / 82 kW @ 8500rpm	110 hp / 82 kW @ 8500rpm	110 hp / 82 kW @ 8500rpm	110 hp / 82 kW @ 8500rpm	110 hp / 82 kW @ 8500 rpm	-	114 hp / 85 kW @ 9300 rpm
Wet Weight	210 kg / 463 lbs	210 kg / 463 lbs	215 kg / 474 lbs	215 kg / 474 lbs	215 kg / 474 lbs	215.1 kg / 474.1 lbs	216 kg / 476 lbs
Seat Height	795 mm / 31.3 in	795 mm / 31.3 in	820 mm / 32.2 in	820 mm / 32.2 in	845 mm / 33.2 in	836 mm / 32.9 in.	836 mm / 32.9 in
Fuel Capacity	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	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Frame Type	High-tensile steel trellis.	High-tensile steel trellis.	High-tensile steel trellis.	High-tensile steel trellis.	High-tensile steel trellis.	Trellis, high tensile steel	High-tensile steel trellis
Brakes - Front	2x semi-floating 300 mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x semi-floating 300 mm discs 4 piston calipers	2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers	2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers	2x 300 mm semi-floating discs, dual opposed 4 piston calipers	Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.	Z900 RS: 2 x 300mm discs with radial-mount four-piston monoblock calipers and ABS Z900 RS SE: 2 x 300 mm Brembo disc, Dual Brembo M4.32 radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston caliper
Wheelbase	1470 mm / 57.8 om	1470 mm / 57.8 om	1470 mm / 57.8 in	1470 mm / 57.8 in	1470 mm / 57.8 in	1470 mm / 57.9 in.	1470 mm / 57.7 in
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper	Single 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper	Single 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper	Single 250mm petal disc, 1 piston caliper	Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.	Single 250mm Nissin petal disc, 1 piston caliper

Key Specifications

Engine

In-line four, four-stroke

Power

110 hp / 82 kW @ 8500rpm

Torque

98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

210 kg / 463 lbs

Fuel Capacity

17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Full 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS Specifications

Year 2018

Colours Candytone Brown/Candytone Orange, Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Covert Green/Flat Ebony

Make Model Kawasaki Z 900RS

Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty

Ground Clearance (mm) 130 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.1 inches

Seat Height 795 mm / 31.3 in

Wheelbase 1470 mm / 57.8 om

Ground Clearance 130 mm / 5.1 in

Height 1150 mm / 45.2 in

Length 2100 mm / 82.6 in

Width 825 mm / 32.4 in

Fuel Capacity 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal

Wet Weight 210 kg / 463 lbs

Max Power 110 hp / 82 kW @ 8500rpm

Max Torque 98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700 rpm

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Engine Type In-line four, four-stroke

CO2 123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Displacement 948 cc / 57.8 cu-in

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

Engine Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

Fuel Consumption 5.30 litres/100 km (18.9 km/l or 44.38 mpg)

Fuel Induction DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies

Ignition TCBI with electronic advance

Lubrication Forced lubrication wet sum

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

Final Drive Sealed chain

Gear Ratios 1st 2.917 (35/12) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 0.967 (29/30) [

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 41mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Suspension - Rear Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound and preload adjustability

Rake 25°

Trail 98 mm / 3.8 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 300 mm discs 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper

Rims Dunlop Sportmax tires

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.