2026 Kawasaki Z1100 SE Review | The Big Naked Is Back – Bigger, Smoother & Smarter - video Dailymotion

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The legendary Kawasaki Z is back with a bigger engine, modern electronics, and real-world performance that matters. In this review, we take a close look at the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 SE – covering engine performance, ride quality, comfort, handling, tech, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Honda Hornet 1000 SP and Suzuki GSX-S1000.

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00:00Kawasaki's Big Z is back and this time it's grown up.

00:03After the Z1 Nu Nu quietly bowed out in 2020, the Z9 Nu Nu and Wild ZH2 carried the naked

00:11bike torch.

00:13Now the Z returns as the Z110, with a bigger engine, modern electronics, and two versions

00:21to choose from.

00:22The standard Z1100 starts at 11,099 pounds.

00:27While the Z1100 Say We Rode comes in at 12,699 pounds with some tasty upgrades timing dash-wise.

00:35Kawasaki couldn't have picked better.

00:38European supernakeds are now brutally powerful and eye-wateringly expensive, which has made

00:43the Japanese alternatives far more appealing again.

00:46The Z1100 isn't chasing headline horsepower instead.

00:50It's all about real-world performance, usability, and that classic big naked vibe.

00:57The Nu.

00:581099cc inline-4 is based on the same longer stroke.

01:03Motor used in the latest Versys 1100 and Ninja.

01:0611OSX power is actually down compared.

01:10To the old Z19013 for BHP Versys, one for OBHP.

01:16But honestly, you'd never notice on the road.

01:19What you do notice is the smoothness and the extra mid-range shove.

01:25It pulls cleanly from low revs, makes overtakes effortless, and feels relaxed at cruising speeds

01:31thanks to longer gearing 70 miles per hour sits at around 4-5 wound hours.

01:36RPM closing parenthesis dot twist.

01:39It harder, and the Z1100 still knows how to party.

01:43The airbox growls.

01:45The quick shifter snaps through gears with a satisfying crackle.

01:49And the anti-wheely system works hard in the first few gears to keep the front wheel vaguely

01:54sensible.

01:55Fast enough to feel exciting without ever feeling intimidating, which is a big plus.

02:00Handling is another strong point.

02:02The chassis is largely carried over from the old Z1000, but the bike feels well balanced

02:07and easy to ride.

02:09Steering is light and accurate, and it flows nicely through corners.

02:13The standard Dunlop Q5A tires offer decent grip.

02:17Though better rubber would let the bike really shine.

02:20And the old-school 190 50ths rear tire profile isn't the most modern choice.

02:25The Say model's Hlinz, 46 rear shock, adds a touch of class.

02:30Even if it's fairly basic by Hlinz standards, with preload and rebound adjustment only.

02:36It strikes a good balance between sporty riding and comfort.

02:40Up front, fully adjustable show of forks do a solid job.

02:45Braking is a real highlight on the Say the Brembo M4.32 calipers.

02:48Deliver the best braking feel we've experienced on a Kawasaki in years, comfort-wise.

02:55The Z1100 is compact, but not cramped, even for taller riders.

03:01The riding position is sporty without being extreme thanks to wider, slightly more forward

03:05handlebars.

03:07That said, the seat does start to get uncomfortable after about an hour, so it's not perfect for

03:12long stints.

03:14The back is bang up to date.

03:16You get ride-by-wire, lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, abs and up-down quick

03:22shifter, cruise control, and a new 5-inch colored TFT dash with Bluetooth.

03:28There are four riding modes, sport, road, rain, rider, and everything works smoothly.

03:33Small touches like the USB-C port and new belly pan are welcome.

03:37Though the headlights are only average at night, fuel economy is respectable too.

03:43We saw an average of 44 MPG during testing, which is decent for a big naked with this much

03:48performance.

03:49The big question is value.

03:51The standard Z1100 already costs more than rivals like the Suzuki, GSX-S1000 and Honda

03:58Hornet 1000.

04:00In safe form, it's a hefty 2,600 pounds more than the excellent Hornet 1000 SP and it's

04:07down on power.

04:08However, the Kawasaki counters with stronger, low RPM torque.

04:14More build quality and a very polished, easy to live with feel.

04:18In short, the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 say isn't about chasing spec sheet glory.

04:26It's a smooth, muscular, confidence-inspiring naked bike that makes everyday riding fun.

04:33It may be expensive, but as a real-world road bike, the big Z is back and it's better than

04:38ever.

04:44The standard Z1100 is presented with the top of the draft section of the

05:06top of the draft section of his Robert Hall.

2026 Kawasaki Z1100 SE Review | The Big Naked Is Back – Bigger, Smoother & Smarter

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