Not long ago, we told you about Kawasaki’s plan to whip up a new flagship naked bike, called the Z1100. The confirmation came via official filings by Team Green, and these filings have now hinted at another inline-four naked. This time, all signs point toward a retro inline-four naked bike, which could be a modern successor of the iconic ZRX1100. Let’s dive in.
Official Kawasaki Filings Hint At A Second Liter-Class Naked Bike
The news comes from Kawasaki’s type-approval documents published across global markets. While these only had the Z1100 earlier, they now have a new ‘ZRT10GT’ model. This ZRT10 code was previously used for the Zephyr 1100 and ZRX1100 models in the 1990s and early 2000s. It also makes sense from a market point of view, since the Z650RS and Z900RS have both been hits in their own rights.
Model code aside, this motorcycle is mechanically based on the upcoming Z1100. So you get Kawasaki’s new 1,099cc, inline-four engine. It’s good for 134 horsepower and 83 pound-feet, all sent to the wheel via a six-speed transmission. This is the exact same output as the Ninja 1100SX currently on sale.
Expected Engine Specifications
|
Capacity |
1,099cc |
|
Layout |
Inline-four |
|
Power |
134 HP |
|
Torque |
83.2 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
But There Could Be A Catch
The idea of a neo-retro inline-four naked makes a lot of sense. And it makes even more sense when you consider Honda is looking to do something similar soon. However, a deep dive into the type-approval documents from Kawasaki paints a different picture. In Europe and Australia, Kawasaki has filed two codes: ZRT10G and ZTR10H. Looking at other Kawasaki model codes, the former might be the base model of the Z1100 and the latter would be the ‘SE’ variant.
The Z900, Ninja 1100, and Versys 1100 all have similar model codes for their base and SE variants. If that is indeed the case, then you can stop dreaming about a successor to the ZRX. Instead, what we’ll get is a Z1100 with upgraded suspension and brakes. We’re still hoping Kawasaki surprises us, though.
The New Z1100 Might Break Cover In The Next Few Months
With filings in full swing, the Z1100’s arrival seems imminent. We expect Kawasaki to launch it in the next few months, latest by EICMA 2025 in November. It would be interesting to see how Team Green prices its new flagship naked, considering there’s already the Z900 selling for $9,999. A $12,000 ballpark seems right then, but that would make the new Z pricier than its arch-rival, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP and Suzuki GSX-S1000. Looks like Kawasaki has some thinking to do!
Kawasaki Z1100 Rivals
- Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
- Suzuki GSX-S1000
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