2026 Kawasaki Z1100 and Z1100 SE – First Look

As we also previously confirmed, the new Z1100 models share the same “Sugomi” styling as the Z1000, which was last offered in the U.S. in 2016. The main styling difference with the Z1100 is a new undercowl with fin-shaped openings, and an updated LED headlight. Kawasaki also tweaked the ergonomics, adding a new handlebar that is 0.9 inches wider and 0.5 inches further forward.

The Z1100 shares the same 1,099cc Inline-Four as the Ninja 1100SX and Versys 1100. The engine is similar to the 1,043cc engine from the previous generation 1000 models, but with an extra 3mm of stroke. Kawasaki also added a heavier flywheel and updated the intake ports, camshaft profiles, valve springs, and pistons. The previous double-exhaust design has also been replaced with a 4-2-1 exhaust on the right side. On the naked bikes, Kawasaki claims an output of 134 hp at 9,000 rpm and 83.3 lb-ft. at 7,600 rpm.

The Z1100 models come with four ride modes, a custom Rider mode plus the usual Sport, Road, and Rain modes. A six-axis IMU unlocks the Kawasaki Corner Management Function, which includes lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, sliding control, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System (KIBS), and engine brake control. Cruise control and a bidirectional quickshifter come standard. A new 5-inch TFT color display helps to manage all the electronic settings, while offering turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app.

2026 Kawasaki Z1100

Coming in Ebony and Metallic Carbon Gray, with black fork tubes, the base model Z1100 comes equipped with a fully adjustable Showa Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP), and a horizontal back-link rear shock with adjustable rebound damping and preload. Dual Brembo radial-mount four-piston calipers are matched with 310mm discs for the front wheel, while a single-piston caliper and 260mm disc stop the rear wheel.

For the U.K., the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 starts at £11,099 (US$14,800). By comparison, the Z900, another naked Inline-Four with a 948cc engine, is priced at £9,199. For the U.S., the Z900 starts at $9,999, which means the Z1100 should be priced around $12,000.

2026 Kawasaki Z1100 SE

The Z1100 SE comes in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray with green wheels and gold-colored fork tubes. Apart from the gold color, the fork is the same as the base model. The SE does get a more premium Öhlins S46 rear shock with a remote preload adjuster.

The SE also receives M4.32 monoblock front brake calipers and more premium rotors from Brembo, plus steel braided brake lines.

Pricing in the U.K. starts at £12,699 (US$16,940) for the Z1100 SE. By comparison, the Z900 SE starts at £11,349. Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. prices the Z900 SE at $11,849, so the Z1100 SE should be somewhere close to $14,000.