Kawasaki Z1100 SE specifications

Kawasaki · Naked

The 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 SE is a 1,099cc naked bike rated at 134 hp and 83.3 lb-ft, with electronic cruise control, traction control and a 5 in TFT display. It weighs 487.3 lb, has a 32.1 in seat, and starts at $14,999 before an $840 destination charge. It replaces the Z1000 with a larger engine and new electronics, and the SE adds an Öhlins rear shock and Brembo brakes.

Reviewers call the engine smoother and more real-world powerful than before, and the seat uncomfortable after about an hour. It suits a rider who wants a fast, torquey road naked.

How the Z1100 SE rides.

The Z1100 is a calmer bike than the Z1000 it replaces. Motorcycle News says the larger, grunt-focused engine leaves most of its wild days behind and is smoother with a bigger wodge of effortless power at road speeds, that the bike is relatively small but not too cramped for taller riders, and that the seat starts to get uncomfortable after an hour or so.

Longer gearing means 70 mph at 4,500 rpm in top gear, the sporty peg position is not knee-crushing, and new handlebars 22 mm wider and 13 mm further forward put more weight over the front wheel. The new 5-inch TFT offers four riding modes: Sport, Road, Rain and Rider.

Motoplanete praised the up-and-down shifter, Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension and standard USB-C charger, and said the SE keeps a standard fork to hold its price.

Power against rivals and a known problem

Reviewers note the Z1100's modest peak power. Motoplanete says its 136 hp is 11 hp more than the Z900, and Bennetts says that even with less peak power and more weight than its direct competitors, it would be foolish to write off the underrated Z1100, which competes on real-world performance and excitement.

Motoryk lists one critical issue owners report on the Z1100 SE: a rectifier-regulator failure that kills the battery, so test the charging voltage and inspect the connector for heat damage on a used bike.

What it costs to put on the road

This model costs $5,000 more than the Z900, and the extra buys a 1,099cc engine and a 487.3 lb curb weight, 17.6 lb heavier than the Z900. Insurers price a 1,100cc naked bike above a 650, so get a quote before buying. A used Z1100 is newer stock, so check the balance of any factory warranty, the tires and the chain.

The 4.5 gal tank matches the Z900's, so range depends on how hard the bigger engine is ridden.

Z1100 SE against the Z900, KTM 990 Duke and Streetfighter V4.

Kawasaki's Z900 costs $9,999 with a 948cc engine, and KTM's 990 Duke costs $11,999, both cheaper than the Z1100 SE. Ducati's Streetfighter V4 is $24,995 at 417 lb, about 70 lb lighter than the Z1100's 487.3 lb.

2026 Kawasaki Z1100 SE questions

How much power does the Kawasaki Z1100 SE make?

Kawasaki rates it at 134 hp and 83.3 lb-ft. Motoplanete measured about 136 hp, 11 hp more than the Z900, and found the engine felt strong in real riding.

What does the SE add over the standard Z1100?

An Öhlins rear shock and Brembo brakes, plus the standard USB-C charger, according to Motorcycle News and Motoplanete. The SE keeps the standard fork to hold down its price.