New Delhi: Kawasaki has launched the Z1100 in India at Rs 12.79 lakh (ex-showroom). It is a premium naked motorcycle and sits above many middleweight options currently on sale. The bike is aimed at buyers who want a powerful machine but do not want the design or riding position of a fully faired sports bike.
The Z1100 comes as an update that focuses more on improving the overall riding experience rather than changing everything. It gets a refined engine setup, added electronic aids, and some hardware changes. The design stays sharp and muscular, keeping in line with Kawasaki’s naked bike lineup, but without going over the top.
Engine and performance
Kawasaki Z1100
The Z1100 runs a 1,099 cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 134 hp at 9,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 7,600 rpm. These are strong numbers for a naked bike, and the power delivery is expected to be usable across a range of riding conditions, not just on the track.
A six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch handles power transmission. The slipper clutch keeps the rear wheel from hopping during hard downshifts and makes the clutch lever feel lighter during regular city riding.
Features and hardware
The Z1100 shares its chassis and suspension setup with the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX. It uses a lightweight aluminium frame with Showa suspension units. The top-spec SE variant steps things up with an Öhlins S46 monoshock that has a remote preload adjuster, letting riders change suspension settings without tools.
Braking comes from 310mm dual front discs with Tokico radial calipers on the standard model. The SE variant upgrades to Brembo M4.32 calipers and steel-braided brake lines for more precise feel and stopping power.
On the electronics front, the Z1100 gets two power modes, three levels of traction control, a bidirectional quickshifter, cruise control, and dual-channel ABS. All of this is managed by a five-axis IMU that monitors the bike’s movement and position in real time.