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. That's roughly 9 kg heavier than the average naked bike in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS spec sheet below.

2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category

Measured against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database (up to 1318 models, one entry per model), the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900RS comes out as follows.

With 391 W/kg, the Z 900RS has the 86th highest power-to-weight ratio of 581 bikes in the Naked bike category, 47% above the category average of 265 W/kg.
Power output of 82 kW is higher than that of 943 of the other 1124 bikes in the Naked bike category.
Only 274 of the other 1317 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher torque than the 98 Nm of the Z 900RS.
Narrowing the field to the 233 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 391 W/kg is higher than that of 182 of the other 232.

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.
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.

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 with its 948 cc naked bike should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. 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 8 years old, this naked bike is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 the Z 900RS's 948 cc in-line four, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 11.8:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. 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 recorded

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 (in.) 5.1 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 130 mm

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

CO2 123.0 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. 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.