2026 Kawasaki Z1100: A Powerful New Contender in the Naked Bike Segment.
Kawasaki is set to make waves in the motorcycle world with the upcoming 2026 Kawasaki Z1100, a successor to the long-retired Z1000. Following the success of the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX and Versys 1100, this new naked bike aims to reclaim its place in the competitive four-cylinder Japanese roadster category.
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Key Specs and Performance
The 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 shares many parts with the Ninja 1100SX, as shown by European approval papers. Its performance and specs are well known. The engine is a 1099cc inline-four (ZX10HE), which is larger than the 1043cc motor found in older models. It produces around 134 horsepower, similar to the Ninja 1100SX, providing a lively ride.
Its top speed is estimated at about 154 mph, a bit lower than the faired Ninja 1100SX. The bike weighs 487 pounds, making it much lighter than the 518-pound Ninja 1100SX. A less powerful version with 114 horsepower will be sold in some markets, though it’s unlikely to appear in the US.
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Chassis, Design, and Features
The 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 is expected to have a chassis similar to the Ninja 1100SX, with a wheelbase of 56.7 inches. However, its size shows it will differ from the older Z1000’s style. It is longer and wider, measuring 80.9 inches in length and 32.5 inches in width, making it slightly larger than the Z1000. Its height stands at 42.7 inches, likely due to an updated TFT instrument panel.
The seat subframe is lighter, reducing the maximum load to 397 pounds, compared to 430 pounds on the Ninja 1100SX. Its weight savings, lack of a fairing, and sporty naked-bike look suggest that the Z1100 will draw design ideas from the popular Z900 model.
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As Kawasaki fine-tunes the Z1100 ahead of its expected fall 2025 reveal, motorcycle enthusiasts can anticipate a streetfighter that blends power, agility, and iconic design. Stay tuned for further details, as Kawasaki is likely to unveil the full specs and features in the coming months!
Source: Cycle World
