2026 Kawasaki Z900 Launched in India at Rs 9.99 Lakh

2026 Kawasaki Z900 Launched in India: New Colors, Features & Price Under ₹10 Lakh

Kawasaki has launched the 2026 model year Z900 motorcycle in India. Its price is set at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The company has brought the popular middleweight naked bike back under the Rs 10 lakh mark. This follows a recent price increase caused by new GST rates. Kawasaki India sees the Z900 as one of its best-selling motorcycles in the country.

Price Adjustment and New Colors

Last month, the Z900’s price went up from Rs 9.52 lakh to Rs 10.18 lakh. This happened after new GST rates took effect. The price increase pushed the motorcycle above the Rs 10 lakh point. This could have stopped some buyers from purchasing it. By pricing the 2026 model below Rs 10 lakh, Kawasaki aims to keep its strong position in the market. The 2026 Z900 also comes with two new color schemes. All other mechanical and electronic updates from the 2025 model year remain.

Engine Performance and Efficiency

The 2026 Z900 uses the same 948cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine as the 2025 model. This engine produces 125 horsepower at 9,500 rpm. It also delivers 98.6 newton-meters of torque at 7,700 rpm. These numbers show a small increase in power and torque compared to the previous year. This is likely due to updated testing methods, not major engine changes. The engine was significantly updated for the 2025 model year, so no big mechanical changes were made for 2026.

New electronic throttle valves help the engine control unit manage fuel and air better. This results in a smoother engine response and better power output. The updated engine settings also improved fuel economy by 16 percent. CO2 emissions decreased from 132 grams per kilometer to 117 grams per kilometer.

Advanced Electronics and Rider Aids

The motorcycle’s electronics package is the same for 2026. It includes several rider assistance features. A ride-by-wire throttle gives precise control. Cruise control helps reduce rider tiredness on long journeys. The bidirectional quickshifter allows for gear changes without using the clutch. It works from as low as 1,500 rpm, which is useful in city traffic. Riders can also choose different power and riding modes to suit conditions and their preferences.

Safety features include traction control and dual-channel ABS. The Kawasaki Cornering Management Function uses sensor data to monitor the bike in turns. This helps the rider maintain their intended path. The traction control system has three modes for either sport riding or riding on difficult surfaces.

Digital Display and Navigation

The 2026 Z900 features a five-inch all-digital TFT color instrument cluster. This screen supports Kawasaki’s Rideology app. The bike now includes a turn-by-turn navigation system, a first for the brand. Riders can control this through the TFT display. There are three pre-set riding modes: Sport, Road, and Rain. A Rider mode allows manual adjustment of traction control and power delivery.

Design and Chassis

The Z900’s design follows the Sugomi philosophy, which focuses on strong presence. It has aggressive styling with metal parts, a sharp front, and advanced LED lights. The design was updated for the 2025 model year to make it more distinct while keeping its naked street bike look. The bike has a lightweight steel frame. Its design helps improve handling. The front suspension uses a 41mm inverted fork with adjustable damping and preload. The rear has a horizontal back-link, gas-charged shock with similar adjustments.

Braking is managed by dual 300mm front discs with powerful calipers. The bike uses new Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires for better cornering. It has 17-inch wheels at both ends. The six-speed transmission includes an assist and slipper clutch. This reduces effort at the lever and helps prevent the rear wheel from hopping during quick downshifts. The motorcycle weighs 212 kilograms.

Market Position

The Z900 competes with motorcycles like the Triumph Street Triple and the Ducati Monster. At Rs 9.99 lakh, its price is competitive. It offers good value with its electronics package and powerful engine. Yutaka Yamashita, Managing Director of India Kawasaki Motors, stated that the 2026 Z900 continues the Z-Series heritage of performance and refinement. The launch comes at a good time, as the festive season often increases demand for premium motorcycles.

Market Insight: Strategic Pricing and Feature Set

Kawasaki’s decision to price the 2026 Z900 below the Rs 10 lakh mark is a clear strategic move. This shows the importance of price in the Indian premium motorcycle market. By making the bike more accessible, Kawasaki aims to attract a wider range of buyers, especially during the festive season. The motorcycle’s unchanged engine and comprehensive electronics, carried over from the 2025 model, indicate that Kawasaki believes its current package is strong. The focus on rider aids like cruise control, quickshifter, and advanced safety features reflects a growing demand for technology in this segment. The new navigation system and color options further enhance its appeal. This blend of competitive pricing, proven performance, and modern features positions the Z900 well against its rivals. It highlights a balance between maintaining brand heritage and adapting to market demands for value and technology.