Kawasaki India has recently launched the latest version of their popular naked bike, the Z900, for the year 2024. While the bike comes with new color options, it still retains the same successful formula that has made it a favorite among Indian riders. However, the Kawasaki Z900 now faces stiff competition from the newly launched Triumph Street Triple 765R. So, how well does the Japanese bike fare against its British counterpart? Let’s check it.
Design
The Kawasaki Z900 has been around for a long time, but it still retains the charm of a typical streetfighter motorcycle. It looks aggressive with its low-set LED headlights with pointy-shaped DRLs, muscular fuel tank, and slim tail section. The Z900 looks good from most angles, but in the case of form winning over function, the back seat is quite thin and not suitable for long rides.
The Street Triple R has launched a few months ago and looks quite athletic compared to the ‘Z’. Its distinctive bug-eyed headlights, sleek fuel tank, and pointed tail section contribute to its purposeful, road-naked design. Of the two bikes, the Street Triple R looks sportier, has an aggressive design for the bodywork, and is also the better-finished motorcycle.
Features
Both motorcycles have an extensive feature list that includes full-LED illumination, ride modes, traction control system, digital instrument cluster, and dual-channel ABS. However, the Street goes a step further by offering triple cornering ABS and cornering traction control. It also has a quick-shifter which is sorely lacking in the Z900. An additional feature in the Kawasaki Z900 is K-CARE.
Engine
Probably the most preferred engine format in India is the inline-four in the Kawasaki Z900. Loved primarily for the soundtrack it produces, the Z900’s engine is also known for its incredible tractability, top-end performance, and surprisingly good heat management. The Z900 is powered by a 948cc BS6 engine that develops a power of 125bhp at 9,500rpm and torque of 98.6Nm at 7,700rpm.
As the name suggests, the Street Triple is powered by a 765cc, inline-triple engine that produces 118.4bhp at 11,500rpm and 80 Nm at 9,500rpm. This engine needs to be revved a lot to get maximum performance but we didn’t mind doing so during our first ride. This engine sounds intoxicating with a funky inline-triple exhaust note that we loved. It is also quite characterful.
Hardware
The Z900 features a steel trellis frame, adjustable for preload and rebound on both the 41mm USD fork and the mono-shock. Braking is taken care of by twin, 300 mm discs at the front and 250 mm discs at the rear.
With a fully adjustable, 41mm USD fork and mono-shock, the Street Triple 765R dominates. This provides a better ability to adapt the ride to road conditions, be it rough terrain, undulating tarmac, or the relatively smooth surface of a racetrack. The braking hardware is also better in the form of large, radial Brembo calipers, with 310 mm discs at the front and 220 mm discs at the rear.
Price
The Triumph Street Triple R is the better-equipped bike here and is quite a nice package. That said, this is also the more expensive option, priced at Rs. Rs 10.43 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. In comparison, the Kawasaki Z900 is much cheaper than the Triumph bike. The quoted price ex-showroom, Delhi is Rs 9.29 lakh. While some equipment may be lacking, it still delivers excellent value. Choosing between the two depends on whether one wants a tried and tested Japanese bike or the exciting, feature-loaded Triumph Street Triple.
