Kawasaki has recently launched the 2025 version of the Z900, showcasing a modernized design, enhanced electronics, and a new TFT display. This article compares it against its main competitors: the Triumph Street Triple R and the Honda CB650R. Let’s see how these bikes measure up against one another.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Rivals: Engine and Output
| Engine and Output | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Street Triple R | Honda CB650R | ||
| Engine | 948cc, inline-4, liquid-cooled | 765cc, inline-3, liquid-cooled | 649cc, inline-4, liquid-cooled | |
| Power | 124hp at 9,500rpm | 120hp at 11,500rpm | 95hp at 12,000rpm | |
| Torque | 97.4Nm at 7,700rpm | 80Nm at 9,500rpm | 63Nm at 9,500rpm | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed | |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 586hp/tonne | 634hp/tonne | 467hp/tonne | |
The Z900 Offers the Most Peak Output
The Honda CB650R features the smallest engine among the three, which is to be expected, given its classification in a lower category. Nonetheless, its competitive pricing aligns closely with that of the Z900, justifying its inclusion. While the CB650R also utilizes an inline-four engine like the Kawasaki, it delivers 30 hp less.
True to Triumph’s reputation, the Street Triple R employs an inline-three engine. Although it falls short in power compared to the Z900, it boasts a better power-to-weight ratio due to its lighter frame.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Rivals: Weight and Dimensions
| Weight and Dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Street Triple R | Honda CB650R | ||
| Kerb Weight | 213kg | 189kg | 207kg | |
| Seat Height | 830mm | 826mm | 810mm | |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 litres | 15 litres | 15.4 litres | |
| Ground Clearance | 145mm | NA | 150mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,450mm | 1,402mm | 1,450mm | |
The CB650R is 18kg Heavier than the Triumph Street Triple R
Among the three, the Z900 is the heaviest, although it also has the largest fuel capacity. The latest Z900 has gained an additional kilo compared to its predecessor. Notably, despite its smaller engine, the CB650R is 18kg heavier than the lightest contender, the Street Triple R. Although the Z900 features the highest seat height, Kawasaki asserts that its frame design allows for a comfortable ground reach. The Street Triple R presents a similarly elevated seat height but offers a more aggressive riding position compared to both the Kawasaki and Honda. In terms of agile handling, the Triumph is likely to outperform the others.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Rivals: Suspension, Brakes, and Tyres
| Suspension, Brakes, and Tyres | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Street Triple R | Honda CB650R | ||
| Suspension (F/R) | USD fork / monoshock | USD fork / monoshock | USD fork / monoshock | |
| Brakes (F/R) | 300mm discs / 250mm disc | 310mm discs / 220mm disc | 310mm discs / 240mm disc | |
| Tyres (F/R) | 120/70 R 17 / 180/55 R 17 | 120/70 R 17 / 180/55 R 17 | 120/70 R 17 / 180/55 R 17 | |
The Triumph Street Triple R is the Only One to Offer Brembo Calipers and Steel-Braided Brake Line
All three motorcycles share the same wheel and tyre specifications. The Street Triple R distinguishes itself by featuring Brembo M4.32 calipers and steel-braided brake lines, while the Z900 and CB650R use standard rubber lines and radially mounted Nissin calipers.
While all three bikes come with a USD fork, the Triumph provides the most comprehensive adjustability, followed by the Z900. The Honda, on the other hand, provides no front-end adjustability. At the rear, each bike uses a monoshock, with the Triumph’s offering full adjustability; the Z900 provides rebound and preload adjustability, whereas the CB650R only has preload adjustment.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Rivals: Features
The 2025 Z900 Debuts a New 5-Inch TFT Dash
For 2025, Kawasaki has extensively revamped the Z900’s feature set. It is the first Kawasaki in India to introduce a new 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity. Additionally, the updated Z includes a 5-axis IMU, which facilitates traction control, cornering aids, and cruise control.
In contrast, the Street Triple R is equipped with a unique digi-analogue instrument cluster taken from the Daytona 660. Though it is Bluetooth-compatible, accessing its features requires purchasing a separate module.
Honda has also updated its 2025 lineup, introducing a TFT display and an E-Clutch variant that eliminates the necessity of manual clutch operation. Despite this, the clutch lever remains intact, allowing riders to manually engage it as desired. This innovative feature adds only 2.8kg to the overall weight of the 650 twins.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Rivals: Price
| Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Z900 | Triumph Street Triple R | Honda CB650R | |
| Price | Rs 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom, India) | Rs 10.17-10.43 lakh (ex-showroom, India) | Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Haryana) |
The Street Triple R is the Priciest of the Lot
The Triumph commands the highest price in this category, varying by colour options. Following the design revamp, the Z900 is priced Rs 14,000 higher than its predecessor. At Rs 9.52 lakh, the Z900 is the most affordable option, undercutting its competitors while delivering the highest power. The Honda CB650R makes up some ground not through specifications, but through its exceptional reliability and relatively lower maintenance costs.
If you’re considering the mid-range Z900, you may also want to check out the newly launched Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which offers exceptional performance akin to a litre-class motorcycle, with a competitive price tag of Rs 12.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Haryana).
