If you want to know where Kawasaki’s pulse sits right now, look at the Z1100 SE ABS. It’s the largest Z the company’s ever built—1,099cc of inline-four attitude—and it doesn’t arrive quietly. This one leads a 2026 lineup that spans nostalgia, performance, and everything in between, but the Z1100 sets the tone: focused, fast, and unmistakably Kawasaki.
Here's everything you need to know about the Z1100, as well as the rest of Kawasaki's street motorcycles coming to dealers near you.
The New Z1100 SE ABS
The Z1100 feels like the natural evolution of Sugomi—that “predator-poised-to-strike” philosophy Kawasaki’s been chasing since the original Z1000. It’s sharper, more compact, and decidedly premium, with hardware to match: a Showa SFF-BP fork, Öhlins S46 shock, and Brembo M4.32 calipers on steel-braided lines.
Power comes from a new 1,099cc inline-four, tuned for linear throttle response and muscular mid-range torque. Add in Kawasaki’s full suite of electronics—KTRC, KQS, KIBS, KCMF, and selectable ride modes—and you’ve got a bike that’s just as happy carving canyons as it is devouring highway miles. A 5-inch color TFT with RIDEOLOGY THE APP connectivity rounds out the tech package. It’s equal parts analog charm and digital convenience.
Naked and Fearless
The Z-lineup broadens from there. The Z900 and Z900 SE ABS carry on as the sweet spot between power and practicality, each powered by a 948cc inline-four with IMU-based rider aids and integrated ride modes. The SE adds Öhlins and Brembo bits for riders who like their daily ride with a little more bite.
Below that, the Z500 and Z500 SE ABS serve up everyday accessibility wrapped in Sugomi styling—a lightweight trellis frame, 451cc twin, and enough tech to make it a real commuter-plus machine. And at the opposite end of the scale, the Z125 Pro keeps the “mini-moto mischief” vibe alive for less than four grand.
Supercharged and Supersport
Then there’s the Z H2 SE ABS, which remains Kawasaki’s no-subtlety-needed statement piece. Its 998cc supercharged inline-four and Skyhook-equipped electronic suspension still make it one of the most absurdly capable streetfighters you can actually buy.
Its touring sibling, the Ninja H2 SX SE, pushes that same motor into a hyper-touring chassis packed with radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Detection. At nearly $30K, it’s the two-wheeled equivalent of a high-performance grand tourer—equal parts speed and serenity.
Sport Touring, Refined
Bridging the performance gap is the Ninja 1100 SX ABS, and it might be the sleeper hit of this release. It borrows the Z1100’s new powerplant and pairs it with long-haul ergonomics, heated grips, and (on the SE) an Öhlins rear shock. Think of it as a true do-it-all Ninja—comfortable enough to cross states, sharp enough to carve them.
Retro Revival
Kawasaki’s modern classics continue to hit their stride. The Z650RS ABS nails that balance between retro charm and modern usability, while the new W230 ABS gives newcomers an accessible entry into the W-series with a 233cc air-cooled single that looks straight out of the ‘70s. The W800 ABS, with its vertical twin and chrome everything, keeps doing what it’s always done—refuse to age.
Cruisers, Simplified
The Vulcan family returns in force, from the fit-friendly Vulcan S (with Kawasaki’s clever ERGO-FIT system) to the Vulcan 900 Custom and the long-legged Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS. The Eliminator, meanwhile, keeps things lean and low with a 451cc twin and classic proportions—think of it as Kawasaki’s modern reply to every “I just want something simple” request.
Adventure and Dual-Sport
No Kawasaki lineup would be complete without the KLR650—the bike that refuses to die. For 2026, it returns in five trims with three base iterations, including the S and the Adventure ABS model, complete with side cases, engine guards, and auxiliary lights. Still powered by that indestructible 652cc single, still capable of crossing continents on bad gas and goodwill.
Kawasaki keeps the “go-anywhere” lane well stocked. The Versys-X 300 ABS remains the lightweight ticket to real travel—296cc twin, tall screen, rear rack, and just enough range and wind protection to stretch a weekend into a story.
Stepping up, the Versys 650 LT ABS stays the back-roads sweet spot: 649cc twin, upright ergos, TFT with RIDEOLOGY, KTRC, handguards, and the KQR hard bags that pop off without tools. It’s the “ride after work, ride all weekend” bike.
For something lighter (and newer-school), the KLX230 S and KLX230SM ABS keep the fun factor high with approachable seat heights, LED headlights, and RIDEOLOGY connectivity. The SM variant swaps knobbies for 17-inch street wheels and sharper suspension for city or supermoto playtime.
Between the high-tech hyperbikes, reborn retros, and everyday commuters, Kawasaki’s 2026 lineup feels like a full snapshot of what modern motorcycling looks like—equal parts analog soul and digital control.
Prices start at $3,799 for the Z125 Pro and climb to just under $30,000 for the Ninja H2 SX SE. Whatever your idea of “Let the Good Times Roll” looks like—twisty roads, long tours, or lighthearted commutes—Team Green’s got an option waiting on the showroom floor.
