Kawasaki Z900 competition check

The Z900 was launched in March this year with added accessories as standard at Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). India Kawasaki Motors has now launched a base version of the bike without all these goodies. The bike is priced at a more affordable Rs 7.68 lakh price tag and squares up against the Ducati Monster 797 and the recently launched Triumph Street Triple 765. How does it fare against its rivals? We find out.

Engine

The newest contender from Team Green sports a 948cc engine which is a smaller bored version of the Z1000’s block. The engine produces 123.30bhp at 9,500rpm and 98.60Nmof torque at 7,700rpm. These power figures are more than its competitors. The Ducati Monster 797 uses an 803cc L-twin air-cooled engine. This unit produces 74bhp of power at 8,250rpm and 68.6Nm of torque at 5,750rpm. Meanwhile, the Triumph Street Triple 765 is powered by a 765cc, inline three-cylinder engine that generates 111bhp of power at 11,250rpm and 73Nm of torque at 9,100rpm. All three bikes come mated to a six-speed transmission. The Ducati will offer a boat load of torque at any revs while the Z900 provides more power at higher revs. The Street Triple on the other hand seems to offer best of both worlds.

Features

Although the Z900 looks like it arrived on a spaceship, it does not feature many electronics, except for optional ABS and a slipper clutch with assist technology. The bike features a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer. While some prefer this old-school feature, others would fall for the LCD instrument clusters on the Ducati and Triumph. The Z900 halts with the help of 300mm discs in the front and a 250mm disc at the rear. The Monster 797, being a Ducati too does not feature much of new age electronic tech. Although braking power comes from twin 320mm Brembo brakes and a single 245mm Brembo disc at the rear. ABS is standard on the Monster 797. The Triumph on the other hand is electronically advanced. The bike features ride-by-wire throttle, two riding modes, switchable traction control and ABS.

Price

The Z900 makes up for its lack of electronics with its value for money, the bike priced at Rs 7.68 lakh (ex-showroom) is the most practical buy. The Ducati Monster 797 sports a price tag of Rs 8.28 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) while the Triumph retails at Rs 8.37 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).