2017 Kawasaki Z650 and Z900 to debut at EICMA in November 2016

After what could be the best stand at Intermot 2016, it looks as if Kawasaki hasn’t had enough. The upcoming 2017 Z650 which is the ER-6n replacement and the Z900 are all set to make their debut at EICMA 2016 in November. The fact that both these motorcycles are likely to head to India only makes us more excited.

The Z650 uses a similar parallel twin engine as the ER-6n which still displaces 649cc however, it is now Euro IV compliant. According to the company, the power output has been dropped to 69bhp from 71bhp, though the engine has been tuned to offer better low and midrange torque. It is also 6.8 per cent more fuel efficient than the older engine. Despite the drop in power, the 19 kilogram drop in weight should ensure that the performance doesn’t take a hit. The six-speed transmission also gets a slipper clutch.

The chassis and swing arm have also been redesigned, and the monoshock has now been moved to a more conventional position above the swing arm as opposed to the previous model’s offset orientation. The bike also uses an instrument cluster featuring an analogue-style tachometer with a gear position indicator at its centre, sitting atop a multi-function LCD screen, similar to the new Ninja 650 which was unveiled at Intermot.

Coming to the Z900 which could either replace the Z800 or be a new motorcycle altogether. It gets an all-new steel trellis frame and a new 948cc engine. According to Kawasaki, the new 126bhp engine has been derived from the bigger Kawasaki Z1000 that also contributes to the aggressive design lines of the upcoming Z900. Kawasaki has developed an assist and slipper clutch to make action at the lever lighter and assist with excessive engine braking.

The Z900 is also more accessible with a reduced seat height to 794mm and an overall weight of 210kg (more than 20kg lighter). The 300mm front discs on the motorcycle are gripped by dual opposed four-piston calipers, with the ABS system supplied by Nissin.

Kawasaki has been known for bringing many of its international models to our shores and we see no reason why these two Zs will be an exception. However, expect the Z650 to be priced slightly higher than the outgoing ER-6n. And with the Z900, we can expect it to be priced somewhere between the outgoing Z800 and Z1000 in India. If it does replace the Z800, it sure has big shoes to fill because the Z800 is currently India’s most popular CBU motorcycle. In terms of competition, the Z900 will go head on against Yamaha’s MT-09.