REVIEW RIDE: 2023 Kawasaki Z900 Special Edition Streetfighter

The previous edition of the Kawasaki Z900 SE from Model Year 2017 till 2019 is totally different from the 2023 model. The only similarity between them is the name designation, that’s all.

What set the latest variant of the Z900 SE apart from the previous model?

Z900 SE made a brief stopover @ Tanjung Sepat

Not much, just a few novelties that aren’t available from the standard Z900. There’s no Quickshifter installed despite “Special Edition” name. What one pays for the RM58,300 sales price is the inclusion of acclaimed dual Brembo front calipers and Ohlins forks and rear absorbers.

The Brembo brakes do provide excellent stopping power over the standard variant, which is important nowadays to avoid hitting vehicles driven by clueless people who couldn’t anticipate the speed of an incoming motorcycle.

As for the Ohlins suspension, you don’t need them. Malaysian roads aren’t built to accommodate Ohlins suspension. Yes, they are great for track day ride and fine quality roads as found elsewhere but the local roads have uneven surface, filled with bumps and potholes. It’s painful for the butt when those Ohlins can’t absorb the bumpy surfaces well.

As for the performance and other features of the Z900 SE, it’s not much difference from the standard Z900. Both share the same improved, full color TFT speedometer screen. Next is the KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) which gives 3-step of intervention; Riding Modes and LED lighting is used for the headlights, taillights and indicators. And Euro5 emission control – it's not worth mentioning because many owners would discard the original exhaust system for a louder (but weaker acceleration) noise level.

Like the standard Z900 ABS, the SE still retained its 125hp but the Ohlins suspension do assist in better handling when riding it on better quality tarmac.

The Z900 SE is indeed fast, and could challenge many 1,000cc bikes out there, regardless of them being naked sports or full-faired sportsbike. The exhaust muffler emits a pleasant note – if rider wears a full-face helmet, may not hear the smooth sound. However, with an open face helmet, the crisper note can be heard more clearly.

Nevertheless, even without a Quickshifter, the Slipper-Assist Clutch of the Z900 SE is super smooth to operate and doesn’t slow the bike when upshifting/downshifting.

The Traction Control and Riding Modes

Both features have 3 settings each. Traction Control has 4 settings, namely 1, 2, 3 + Off while Ride mode has Sport, Ride and Rain. Both KTRC and Riding Modes are stepless and can be set independently from one another, as in using Sport in any TC choices, and the same applies for Ride and Rain modes.

Sport is the ideal choice for a track day; Ride is for normal city & twisty roads while Rain is slippery surfaces. And KRTC can be set at one’s discretion regardless of the Ride modes.

The fuel tank capacity remains unchanged at 17-litre, with the electronic sensor giving a range of some 265km mileage if the tank is filled to the brim. Like every Kawasaki motorcycle that incorporates a 17-litre capacity, the Z900’s Low Fuel Gauge blinks once 13-litre has been used, leaving 4-litre in reserve for the rider to find a petrol station to top up. No worries though as the remaining 4-litre is enough to last another 72km mileage provided the cruising speed is not more than 120km/h.