Kawasaki has finally brought back its iconic super-naked to India with the launch of the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100, priced at ₹12.79 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle arrives less than two months after its global debut and replaces the long-discontinued Z1000 as Kawasaki’s flagship naturally aspirated streetfighter.
With a larger engine, refined performance, sharper Sugomi styling and a comprehensive electronics package, the Z1100 enters India’s premium naked-bike segment positioned directly against the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
Key Takeaways: 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 India Launch Highlights
- Price: ₹12.79 lakh (ex-showroom), undercutting the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
- Engine: 1,099cc inline-four producing 134 hp or 136 hp (reported variably) and 113 Nm.
- Chassis: Shares engine and frame with the Ninja 1100SX.
- Suspension: Fully-adjustable Showa units; SE variant with Ohlins is NOT offered in India.
- Brakes: 310mm dual discs with Tokico calipers; Brembo setup only on SE overseas.
- Electronics: 5-inch TFT, IMU-supported rider aids, traction control, power modes, cruise control, quickshifter.
- Design: Updated Sugomi styling with a slimmer silencer and aggressive stance.
- Tyres: Dunlop Sportmax Q5A with 120/70-ZR17 front and 190/50-ZR17 rear.
Aggressive Sugomi Styling Returns with Sharper Road Presence
Kawasaki has retained the fierce, intimidating design philosophy that made the Z1000 a standout in the segment. The 2026 Z1100 continues the bold Sugomi language, featuring a forward-canted stance, twin-pod LED headlamps, angular tank shrouds and a sharply upswept tail. A slimmer silencer adds modern sharpness and improves the side profile compared to its predecessor.
While the global market gets an SE variant with gold forks, matte finishes and green wheels, India receives only the standard Z1100, which still maintains a muscular and dominating appearance capable of turning heads instantly.
A Bigger, More Usable Engine with Street-Focused Performance
The new Z1100 is powered by a 1,099cc inline-four Liquid-cooled engine, the same motor used in the Ninja 1100SX. Reports vary slightly on peak power, with some outlets claiming 134 hp, while others list 136 hp (136PS/136bhp). However, torque remains consistent at 113 Nm at 7,600 rpm.
Kawasaki has clearly tuned this engine for stronger mid-range performance and smoother power delivery, making it more usable on everyday roads while still delivering thrilling acceleration when pushed. The 6-speed gearbox is equipped with a bi-directional quickshifter (KQS). Several sources confirm the presence of an assist and slipper clutch, aiding smoother downshifts and reducing wheel hop during aggressive braking.
Redesigned gear ratios further refine everyday rideability, offering more flexibility across urban, highway and spirited weekend usage.
Shared Underpinnings with the Ninja 1100SX for Improved Stability
The 2026 Z1100 shares its aluminium twin-tube frame with the Ninja 1100SX, offering a stable yet agile platform. Kawasaki has used the same proven architecture to strike a balance between high-speed composure and cornering confidence.
Suspension setup includes:
- Fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks
- Fully adjustable Showa monoshock
The SE variant, which features an Ohlins S46 monoshock with remote preload adjuster, is not launched in India. Even so, the standard model delivers a strong balance between city ride comfort and weekend sportiness.
Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja 300: The Perfect Balance of Power and Style
The motorcycle’s kerb weight of 221 kg remains identical to the international version — a rare case where the India-spec model does not gain additional kilos due to regulatory parts such as the saree guard.
Upgraded Braking System with Larger Discs
The braking setup on the Indian Z1100 consists of:
- 310mm dual front discs with Kawasaki-branded Tokico radial calipers
- Rear disc with standard ABS
This is an upgrade over the Ninja 1100SX’s 300mm discs, offering stronger braking bite. The top-spec SE variant internationally benefits from Brembo M4.32 calipers and steel-braided lines, but these are not part of the Indian package.
The bike rides on Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres, providing strong grip and stability with a 120mm front and 190mm rear setup.
Modern Electronics Package with IMU-Supported Rider Aids
For the first time, Kawasaki has fully modernised the Z lineup with a comprehensive electronics suite. The motorcycle features a new 5-inch TFT colour display offering improved visibility and Bluetooth connectivity. The screen supports:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Call and message alerts
- Smartphone notifications
- App-based vehicle monitoring
A five-axis or six-axis IMU (reported differently across sources) monitors lean angle, pitch and yaw to enhance safety features such as:
- Cornering ABS
- Traction control (3 levels + off)
- Two power modes: Full and Low
- Riding modes (where reported): Sport, Road, Rain, Custom
- Cruise control
- Engine brake control
- Bi-directional quickshifter
These features bring the Z1100 up to 2026 superbike tech standards, significantly improving both safety and rider convenience.
Where the Z1100 Stands Against the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
The Kawasaki Z1100’s closest rival is the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, priced at ₹13.29 lakh. The Hornet SP offers higher peak power and a lighter chassis, but Kawasaki focuses on:
- A stronger mid-range torque curve
- Improved rider comfort
- Sharper street-friendly delivery
- Aggressive Sugomi styling
- Competitive pricing
Kawasaki has strategically priced the Z1100 ₹50,000 lower than its Honda competitor, making it an appealing choice for riders seeking a feature-packed, naturally aspirated super-naked.
A New Chapter for the ‘Big Z’ in India
The 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 marks a powerful return of the Big Z brand in India. With its larger 1,099cc engine, updated electronics, sharper design and refined ergonomics, the Z1100 strikes a strong balance between everyday usability and thrilling performance.
Although India misses the higher-spec SE variant, the standard Z1100 offers meaningful upgrades over the previous Z1000 and emerges as a valuable contender in the premium streetfighter segment. Kawasaki’s aggressive pricing further strengthens its position, ensuring the Big Z reclaims its place among India’s top performance motorcycles.
FAQs on 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 India Launch
1. What is the price of the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 in India?
The 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 is priced at ₹12.79 lakh (ex-showroom), making it more affordable than its rival, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP.
2. What engine does the Kawasaki Z1100 use?
It features a 1,099cc inline-four engine producing 134–136 hp (as reported across sources) and 113 Nm, shared with the Ninja 1100SX.
3. Does India get the Kawasaki Z1100 SE variant?
No. The SE variant with Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes is not offered in India; only the standard Z1100 is available.
4. What electronics does the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 offer?
It includes a 5-inch TFT, quickshifter, traction control, cruise control, power modes and IMU-supported rider aids like cornering ABS.
5. Which bikes compete with the Kawasaki Z1100 in India?
The Z1100 directly rivals the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which is priced at ₹13.29 lakh and offers higher peak power.
