Kawasaki just stirred things up for India’s supernaked enthusiasts. The 2026 Z1100 is official and priced at Rs 12.79 lakh (ex-showroom), and is bringing some serious heat for the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
This is not a Z1000 with a new name. Kawasaki seemed to forget that name altogether and simply started numbering forward with a new engine and tech, and all the attitude you would expect from “Sugomi” in its design DNA.
Engine and Performance
The Z1100 features a 1,099cc inline-four engine from the Ninja 1100SX, with claimed performance of 136 bhp at 9,000 and 113 Nm of torque at 7,600 rpm. The older Z1000 made more peak power (143 bhp) but Kawasaki took a different approach here.
Rather than simply chasing big numbers, they focused more on how power was delivered, so that it would be a more usable, real-world riding experience. It is more powerful in the mid-range, city-friendly, and less hungry for gear changes. The bike has a 6-speed gearbox with a bidirectional quickshifter, so that’s just part of the fun.
Tech That Actually Matters
This is where the Z1100 shines. You’re getting a 5-inch full-color TFT screen with Bluetooth capability for navigation, call alerts, and message notifications. Bye-bye phone mount headache.
The electronics package is stacked – five-axis IMU (accrual and tangent compounding), two power modes (Full and Low), three levels of traction control, cornering ABS (with traction), cruise control, and engine brake control. That IMU isn’t just for show – it measures lean angles and incorporates this information into the performance of the bike. This is the kind of tech that used to exist on bikes with a sticker price that was a lover over the Z1100.
Build and Hardware
The Z1100 utilizes the aluminum twin-tube frame found on the Ninja 1100SX, which has already proven itself as sturdy. Suspension duty is provided by fully adjustable Showa units, providing 41mm USD forks at the front and a horizontal back-link at the back.
The bike’s braking is provided by good performing Tokico (Kawasaki-branded) units with a dual 310mm discs up front and a 260mm rear disc. It weighs 221 kg and has a 17-liter fuel tank. Seat height is 815mm which should work just fine for all average-height riders.
It’s rolling on Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires – proper sport rubber that should do well both dry and wet.
Appearance and Design
If you liked the Z1000’s aggressive look, you’ll feel right at home. The Sugomi design language stays true to the original – sharp lines, muscular tank, twin LED headlamps, and the predator-ready-to-pounce stance. The India-spec model comes in a single Metallic Grey color that looks mean without being garish.
What to Expect on Indian roads
That 136 bhp and 113 Nm torque combo should fuel plenty of fun on our roads. The wider powerband means less effort in hunting for the next gear in traffic, and there’s no shortage of top-end for highway runs. Without a doubt, the fully adjustable suspension will come to the fore in coping with our mixed road conditions – soften it for daily pain, and firm to take the fight on the weekends.
The 221kg weight may feel heavy in tight parking circumstances, but once rolling it should provide stability and without slowing you down. The seat height of 815mm keeps accessibility high without requiring you to tiptoe.
The Competition
Kawasaki’s main rival is the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP at 13.29 lakh – which is 50,000 rupees on top of the Z1100. Honda offers 150 bhp, and is lighter, but Kawasaki gives you more midrange torque, vintage styling, and better looks.
Who is this for?
The Z1100 is not for novices. It is for experienced riders ready to upgrade themselves to litre-class performance. You might have owned a Z650 or Z900 and you simply want more horsepower. Or you might simply desire a real naked bike with modern safety technology without sacrificing that raw, visceral character.
The bike could also serve as an everyday commuter provided you are happy with the size and weight. The upright riding position, cruise control and flexible engine output make a daily commute much more enjoyable than you’d think.
Availability
Deliveries start at the end of November, 2025. If you are at all interested in owning one, be sure to reach out to your local Kawasaki dealer soon.
At an MSRP of Rs 12.79 lakh the Z1100 delivers exciting litre-class performance without completely wiping out the rest of your bank balance. It has aggressive styling, is loaded with tech and is stoe very well in this class, allowing it to potentially shake up the supernaked segment, in India.
