2026 Kawasaki Z900RS Breaks Cover: Here’s What’s New

Kawasaki has unveiled the updated Z900RS in Europe for 2026. While the neo-retro roadster retains its Z1-inspired styling, it receives multiple feature and mechanical updates, in order to fine tune the rider experience. Like the outgoing model, the 2026 Z900RS comes in two trims: standard and SE.

2026 Kawasaki Z900RS: Updated electronics

The biggest feature update in the Z900RS is the addition of ride-by-wire, which unlocks the cruise control functionality that should ease highway touring significantly. It also allows electronic throttle valves to manage fuelling more effectively. The IMU electronic package now comes as a standard fitment.

This setup adds a bi-directional quickshifter to the mix, making downshifts cleaner and more precise. The other big addition is the Kawasaki Cornering Management function which reads lean and pitch to keep braking and power delivery, especially when the bike is about to enter and exit a corner. This adds to the confidence of a relatively newer rider.

2026 Kawasaki Z900RS: Mechanical updates

Besides electronics, Kawasaki has also made a few tweaks to the mechanical configuration of the roadster. Starting with its hardware, the suspension is tuned for a sportier ride comprising a 41mm adjustable upside-down fork and a rear monoshock. Braking hardware consists of 300 mm twin front discs, accompanied by a 250 mm rear disc. Step up to the SE trim, and the rear suspension gets an upgraded Ohlins rear suspension, Brembo front calipers, and steel-braided brake lines.

The engine has also undergone some notable upgrades. Kawasaki says that the 948 cc, liquid-cooled inline-four now gets a smoother bottom end performance courtesy of new electronic throttle valves and revised ratios across all gears. As a result, peak output arrives much higher in the rev range producing 115 bhp at 9,300 rpm and 98 Nm of torque at 7,700 rpm. For reference, the outgoing model pushed out 110 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 98.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

2026 Kawasaki Z900RS: Other updates

Kawasaki has also reworked the megaphone-style exhaust with reshaped header pipes that should possibly enhance the aural experience. The standard Z900RS comes painted in a Candy Tone Red colour scheme inspired by the classic 1975 Kawasaki Z1B, while the SE variant sports a Metallic Spark Black finish complemented by an orange fuel tank.

Deliveries for the updated Kawasaki Z900RS are expected to commence soon although prices haven’t been announced yet. Meanwhile, the updated Z900RS can be expected to reach Indian showrooms sometime next year, since the outgoing model was on sale in India previously, albeit briefly.

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