I’m excited to talk about the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 because it marks a big step for Kawasaki in India. Launched in mid-November 2025, the Z1100 arrives as a top naturally-aspirated supernaked. In this post, I’ll walk you through what the bike offers, how it rides, and why its ₹12.79 lakh price matters.
Engine, performance & ride feel
The heart of the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 is a 1,099 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine. Kawasaki publishes about 136 PS (roughly 134 hp) at 9,000 rpm and around 113 Nm of torque at 7,600 rpm. That power curve means the bike feels strong in the midrange and pulls well on open roads.
I rode a similar Z-series bike last year, and I can tell you a big four-cylinder is smooth and eager. The Z1100 uses a 6-speed gearbox with an assist/slipper clutch and a dual-direction quickshifter. That combo makes upshifts and downshifts quick and confidence-inspiring when you push hard.
Some quick numbers you should remember:
- Engine: 1,099 cc inline-four
- Power: ~136 PS (134 hp)
- Torque: ~113 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed with assist/slipper clutch
Electronics, safety & rider aids
One thing I like about the Z1100 is its modern electronics. Kawasaki packed in a lot of tech to help riders of all skills.
Key tech features include a 5-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity, a five-axis IMU that enables cornering ABS, electronic throttle valves (ETV), cruise control, and a dual-direction Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS). You also get two power modes and three traction-control levels, plus the option to turn traction control off.
What that means for you: traction control and cornering ABS make the bike safer when you lean into turns. Cruise control makes long highway rides more relaxed. The TFT is clear and makes it easy to see your modes and phone info at a glance.
Chassis, suspension & brakes — specs at a glance
On the road, the Z1100 is built to feel planted. Kawasaki uses an aluminium twin-tube frame and 17-inch wheels with 120/70 front and 190/50 rear tyres. The standard model comes with fully adjustable Showa suspension. If you want more, the SE variant upgrades to an Öhlins S46 rear shock with remote preload and Brembo M4.32 calipers with braided lines for sharper braking.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,099 cc liquid-cooled inline-four |
| Power | ~136 PS (134 hp) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | ~113 Nm @ 7,600 rpm |
| Weight (kerb) | ~221 kg (Indian spec) |
| Seat height | 815 mm |
| Fuel tank | 17 litres |
| Brakes | 310 mm twin front discs; SE adds Brembo M4.32 |
| Tyres | 120/70‑ZR17 front, 190/50‑ZR17 rear (Dunlop Sportmax Q5A reported) |
Those specs add up to a bike that’s heavy but composed. At about 221 kg, the Z1100 isn’t a lightweight streetfighter, but the strong engine and chassis balance the mass well. The seat height of 815 mm is fairly standard for this class and should suit most riders.
Price, variants & market positioning
Kawasaki launched the Z1100 in India in mid-November 2025. The ex-showroom price at launch is ₹12.79 lakh. It arrives in two trims: Standard and SE. At launch, colours reported were Ebony and Metallic Carbon Gray.
Why does the price matter? Kawasaki has positioned the Z1100 to be competitive. Reports show Kawasaki priced it below the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP in India. That gives buyers more value if they want a big naturally aspirated four-cylinder naked bike without paying extra for rival badges or options.
If you’re deciding between trims, here’s a simple rule I use: pick the SE if you want top-level suspension and brakes (Öhlins and Brembo). Choose the Standard model if you want nearly the same engine and tech but want to save some money.
How the Z1100 fits into real life — use cases and examples
I like to think about how a bike will handle real, everyday riding. Here are three quick scenarios where the Z1100 fits well:
- City rides: The Z1100 is big, but the engine is flexible. In traffic you’ll use lower gears and the slipper clutch makes downshifts smooth.
- Weekend canyon runs: The strong midrange and sharp brakes make the Z1100 fun on twisty roads. The cornering ABS and IMU give added confidence when you lean in.
- Highway touring: With cruise control and a 17-litre tank, the Z1100 can cruise for long stretches. It’s not a purpose-built tourer, but it’s comfortable enough for long days if you plan stops.
As a concrete comparison: Kawasaki’s launch price of ₹12.79 lakh undercuts the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which sits higher in price. That difference can matter when buyers shop with budgets or want more standard tech for less money.
Also Read: Yamaha XSR155 Launched in India: Retro-Classic Design and Powerful Performance Under ₹1.5 Lakh
Final Thoughts
In short, the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 is a strong entry in India’s large-capacity naked motorcycle segment. It pairs a muscular 1,099 cc inline-four with modern electronics, a well-built chassis, and solid brakes. For many riders, the launch price of ₹12.79 lakh makes it an attractive option compared with rivals.
If you want my quick take: buy the SE if you chase the best handling and braking, otherwise the Standard trim gives you most of the thrills at a lower cost. I can also pull the full official spec sheet from Kawasaki India or do a side-by-side comparison with the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP — which would you prefer?
