Kawasaki Z900: BS4 vs BS6 Image Comparison

Meaner and greener in an era of stricter emission norms, here’s how the Z900 BS6 stacks up next to its predecessor

Its launch was originally slated for March, but after all the COVID delays, we’ve FINALLY received the Kawasaki Z900 BS6. So to check out how it compares to the older BS4 version, we’re putting the two side by side in a series of images:

The Z900 has always been a pretty intimidating looking motorcycle, and that has been dialled up another notch on the BS6 bike with its very pronounced Sugomi design language. It’s also a cleaner, less cluttered look, especially around the tank extension region.

Its fascia has become even meaner, courtesy of this edgy new LED headlight which replaces the old halogen unit. The tail-lamp and turn indicators are also LED units on the BS6 bike.

Another area that has been brought up to date is instrumentation, because the BS4 bike’s ageing LCD display has been replaced by a snazzy new colour TFT screen. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard.

While the BS4 bike demanded skill and caution from the rider with no electronic aids (aside from ABS) to help you out, the BS6 version is a far more forgiving bike, coming with four ride modes, two power modes and a three-level traction control system.

It’s just as well that Kawasaki has thrown in these electronics, because despite meeting stricter emission norms, the 948cc, inline 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor produces the same 125PS at 9500rpm and 98.6Nm at 7700rpm as earlier.

While there haven’t been any radical changes in the chassis department, Kawasaki says that the BS6 bike’s frame has been strengthened and suspension settings have been improved.

To help make the most of these chassis tweaks, the Z900 BS6 now rolls on grippier Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres compared to the BS4 version’s Dunlop D214 rubber. Tyre sizes are unchanged.