Welcome to Northside Motorcycles – Sydney’s Motorcycle & Scooter Experts

Z900RS SE

Timeless Style Meets Premium Performance

Our Official Bike Review

2025 Kawasaki Z900RS SE – Heritage Refined to Perfection

The Z900RS SE isn’t just another retro-styled motorcycle — it’s Kawasaki’s love letter to the golden era of Z bikes, elevated with modern performance hardware that transforms the riding experience. Building on the already-beloved Z900RS platform, the SE takes everything riders loved about the original and refines it with premium components that deliver a noticeably plusher, more controlled ride.

Performance with Purpose

At the heart of the Z900RS SE beats a spirited 948cc inline-four engine producing 82kW (111PS) at 8,500 rpm and 98.5 N·m of torque at 6,500 rpm. This isn’t about chasing top speed — it’s about delivering smooth, accessible power with that classic four-cylinder soundtrack that reminds you why you fell in love with motorcycles in the first place.

But where the SE truly separates itself from the standard model is in how it handles and stops. The upgraded Öhlins S46 rear shock — the same unit found on the Z1000 R Edition — offers a markedly suppler ride quality while maintaining that planted, confidence-inspiring feel through corners. With its large 46mm piston and sophisticated internal construction, the Öhlins shock delivers superior grip and more precise control over varied road surfaces. The gold-coloured fork outer tubes aren’t just for show either — the front suspension has been specifically retuned to work in harmony with the new rear shock.

Up front, Brembo takes care of stopping duties with 300mm discs, M4.32 radial-mount monobloc calipers, and performance pads. Paired with a smaller-diameter master cylinder and stainless-steel braided lines, the braking feel is stronger, more linear, and remarkably easy to modulate — exactly what you want when you’re carrying speed into a corner.

Rider-Focused Tech

The Z900RS SE keeps technology tasteful and functional. You get the remote preload adjuster on the rear suspension, making it effortless to dial in your settings for solo rides, two-up touring, or loaded luggage runs — no tools required. The adjustable suspension at both ends means you can fine-tune the bike’s character to match your riding style or the roads you’re tackling.

Design: Aggression Meets Elegance

The Z900RS SE channels the spirit of Kawasaki’s iconic old-school Z models with unmistakable retro styling that never feels dated. The trellis frame, classic proportions, and round headlight create an instantly recognizable silhouette. Those gold fork tubes and the embossed Öhlins logo plate add premium touches that signal this isn’t your standard retro ride. Finished in Metallic Flat Spark Black with Metallic Matte Carbon Gray accents, the SE exudes understated sophistication.

Is It for You?

The Z900RS SE is for the rider who appreciates heritage but refuses to compromise on modern performance. With an approachable 845mm seat height and 214kg curb weight, it’s manageable for a wide range of riders, yet the premium suspension and brakes reward skilled hands with exceptional control and feedback. Whether you’re carving canyon roads or enjoying a spirited Sunday ride, the Z900RS SE delivers classic style with contemporary capability.

 

Maximum Power 82.0 kW {111 PS} / 8,500 rpm Maximum Torque 98.5 Nm {10.0 kgfm} / 6,500 rpm
Engine 4-stroke In-Line Four Displacement 948 cc
Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0 mm Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Valve System DOHC, 16 valves Fuel System Fuel injection: ø36 mm x 4 with sub-throttles
Ignition Digital Starting Electric
Cooling Liquid-cooled Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission 6-speed, return Primary Reduction Ratio 1.627 (83/51)
Gear Ratio: 1st 2.917 (35/12) Gear Ratio: 2nd 2.059 (35/17)
Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.650 (33/20) Gear Ratio: 4th 1.409 (31/22)
Gear Ratio: 5th 1.222 (33/27) Gear Ratio: 6th 0.967 (29/30)
Final Reduction Ratio 2.800 (42/15) Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive Chain

 

Frame Trellis, high-tensile steel Front Suspension ø41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Rear Suspension Horizontal Back-link, Öhlins S46 gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability Front Wheel Travel 120 mm
Rear Wheel Travel 140 mm Rake 25.0°
Trail 98 mm Steering Angle (L/R) 35° / 35°
Front Tyre 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) Rear Tyre 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
Front Brake/s Dual semi-floating ø300 mm Brembo discs Front Caliper/s Dual radial-mount, Brembo M4.32 monobloc, opposed 4-piston
Rear Brake ø250 mm disc Rear Caliper Single-piston
Dimensions (LxWxH) 2,100 x 865 x 1,150 mm Wheelbase 1,470 mm
Road Clearance 140 mm Seat Height 845 mm
Curb Weight* 214 kg Estimated Dry Weight** 195 kg
Fuel Capacity 17 litres

Enquiry About Test Ride Availability

Bike enquiry for:
Z900RS SE
Your Contact Details:

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Enquiry About Availability & Price

Bike enquiry for:
Z900RS SE
Your Contact Details:

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Enquiry About Test Ride Availability

Test Ride enquiry for:
Z900RS SE
Your Contact Details:
Book your test ride — choose a date and time that suits you:

Test rides run for approximately 30-45 minutes.

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy.