2026 · Hyper Naked · A variant of the Z1100
Differences between the standard Z1100 and the SE
Bottom-End Grunt, Properly Packaged
The Z1100 SE is built around a 1099 cc inline-four that makes 136 hp and 83 lb-ft, and the tuning tells you everything: this is a hyper naked that puts accessible grunt ahead of a headline peak figure. The pull from low revs is its defining trait. Around that engine sit an aluminum twin-spar frame, an Öhlins rear shock, Brembo M4.32 front calipers and a full rider-aid package: cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and ride modes. Cruise control and a quickshifter that works in both directions come from the factory too. At $14,999 it's priced sensibly for a liter-plus naked. Very Kawasaki.
This is a road bike first. It's ferocious when you open it up and manageable when you don't, and that mix suits experienced riders who spend their weekends on twisty roads and want real shove without wringing the engine out. The build feels solid, and I'd expect it to stay dependable for years: that's the proven-recipe side of the brand showing. The honest caveat: if you measure a hyper naked by peak horsepower, 136 hp won't win the bragging contest, and 487 lb (221 kg) wet isn't light. You buy this one for torque. Not for the spec sheet!
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 136 hp (100 kW) @ 9,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 83 lb-ft (113 Nm) @ 7,600 rpm |
| Displacement | 1099 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 190/50-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
| Seat height | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
| Wet weight | 487 lb (221 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gal (17 L) |
| Top speed | 149 mph (240 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 42 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Lighting
Safety
The Z1100 SE (MY2026-SE) builds on the standard Z1100: the upgraded hardware, the key spec changes and where its character shifts. The full ride, specs, scoring and verdict are all right here on this page.
| Spec | Standard Z1100 | SE | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 300 mm | 310 mm | +0.4 in (+10 mm) |
Where this Kawasaki Z1100 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Z1100 is actually built for.
City traffic first, canyon second: that's exactly where this engine works. You get strong pull out of every bend without chasing revs, plus the brakes and lean clearance to match your pace.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
In tight, repeated corners the low-end torque lets you focus on your lines instead of gear choice. Be honest about the 487 lb (221 kg) though: it's stable and balanced, not a featherweight.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
This is a road bike first. Adjustable suspension, strong brakes and good lean clearance will carry you through a skills day, but 136 hp won't satisfy you if peak power is the goal.
Made for Barber Motorsports Park · WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca · Circuit of the Americas
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2014–2020
Raw Pull, Zero Safety Net
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
