Kawasaki Z1100 And Z1100 SE: Kawasaki's Big Z Is A Massive W!

Kawasaki has pulled the wraps off its 2026 Z1100 twins, reintroducing the so-called “Big Zed” to the super naked scene. The motorcycle arrives in two versions, the standard Z1100 and the more premium Z1100 SE. We really love the fact that much of what made the older Z1000 stand out is still present, especially the aggressive design language - finally a big green that doesn’t look exactly like five other big greens! Apart from the bigger heart, it has also now been brought in line with what riders expect in terms of electronics.

Still The Big Z

The Z1100 follows Kawasaki’s distinct ‘Sugomi’ silhouette, with its forward-canted stance, low set headlamp unit and upswept tail section. A slimmer silencer cleans up the profile compared to the older Z1000. The upper-spec SE gets subtle additions like the gold fork tubes, green wheels, and matte paint finish.

Lower Power, But More Usable

The ‘new’ 1099cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine is a reworked, bigger version of the Z1000’s 1043cc mill. It has new cams, pistons, valve springs, and now makes 136PS at 9000rpm, 113Nm at 7600rpm. The Z1000 made more power (143PS at 10,000rpm) but at 1000rpms more, and lower torque (111Nm at 7300rpm). It’s paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch with revised ratios in the top two gears. A bi-directional quickshifter is standard, and thanks to ride-by-wire - you now get cruise control.

Unmasked Ninja

It shares much of its underpinnings with the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX, like the twin-tube aluminium frame, and the fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork. The SE version steps up the monoshock with an Öhlins S46 unit complete with remote preload adjuster for easier tuning. Both use 310mm front discs, but the SE upgrades to Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers and steel braided lines. Some other figures that matter on an everyday basis: 815mm seat height, a somewhat hefty 221kg kerb weight, and a large 17-litre fuel tank.

Caught Up With Rivals

The six-axis IMU unlocks cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, and engine braking control. It gets 4 ride modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and Custom. The 5-inch TFT console has Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, phone alerts, and voice commands.

Launch And Pricing

In the UK, the standard Z1100 is set at £11,099 (about Rs 13.25 lakh) while the SE comes in at £12,699 (around Rs 15.15 lakh). While the price undercuts exotic European rivals, it also places the Z squarely against other Japanese nakeds; Many of which now push higher power numbers or lower weights such as the Honda CB1000 Hornet. Kawasaki’s gamble is that riders will value its real-world usable torque and the unmissable in-your-face styling.

ZigSays

The 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 is not without compromises. Its weight may blunt some agility at low speeds, and power figures fall short of the headline numbers offered by rivals in this class. Initial colour choices are subdued, which may leave some riders wanting more flair. On the flip side, it delivers usable performance in the range where most street riders spend their time; comes equipped with a comprehensive safety net of electronic aids, and continues to embody the Sugomi ethos that has always set the Z apart.

For those who have been waiting for Kawasaki to revive its big naked, the Z1100 feels like a faithful return rather than a radical reboot. Expect the new bike to be launched in India some time in early 2026. It could command a price tag of around Rs 13.50 lakh (ex-showroom). If we’re lucky, we might just see its debut at the India Bike Week (IBW) towards the end of the year.