Engine Performance and Top Speed
This is where the real battle between the two sisters takes place. The Z1100 does not chase the absolute peak power of its European rivals but focuses entirely on "grunt" in the mid-range.
Engine Smoothness and On-Off: The introduction of Ride-by-Wire has almost completely eliminated the on-off effect typical of previous generations, making throttle response very fluid.
6th Gear Roll-on: Thanks to the 1,099 cc displacement, the Z1100 can pull cleanly even from very low revs (2,000–3,000 rpm) in high gear.
Real Top Speed
Based on instrumental tests and the lengthened ratios (5th and 6th gear), here are the recorded figures:
Kawasaki Z900 2026: Approx. 245-250 km/h indicated (~238 km/h real).
Kawasaki Z1100 2026: Reaches 255-260 km/h indicated (~248 km/h real).
Note: The Z1100's pull is impressive up to 230 km/h; thereafter, the lack of aerodynamic protection makes it difficult to reach the rev limiter in 6th gear.
Technical Data and Acceleration
Power: Z900 (124 HP) vs Z1100 (136 HP).
Torque: The Z1100 delivers 113 Nm with a very flat curve that allows for snatch-free 6th gear recovery from just 40 km/h (approx. 1,800 rpm).
Electronics: The new Ride-by-Wire on the Z1100 has made the ride fluid and predictable even in Sport mode.