I’m excited to walk you through the latest news: the Kawasaki Z1100 has officially been launched in India. In mid‑November 2025 (reports dated Nov 13–14, 2025), Kawasaki brought this new flagship super‑naked to our market. In this post I’ll break down the price, core specs, key features, and how it stacks up against one close rival. I’ll keep things simple and useful so you can decide if this bike fits your riding plans.
Launch timing and Price in India
Kawasaki launched the Z1100 in India in mid‑November 2025. The announced ex‑showroom price is Rs 12.79 lakh. That puts it as Kawasaki’s new top Z model in India and positions it attractively against rivals. For perspective, the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP is reported at around Rs 13.29 lakh, so Kawasaki has undercut that competing option by a noticeable margin.
At the time of launch Kawasaki appears to have brought the standard specification to India. Reports say the higher‑spec SE (with Öhlins and Brembo upgrades internationally) was not brought in for the initial Indian launch. Colour choices at launch were limited, with outlets listing shades like Ebony or Metallic Gray.
Engine, gearbox and performance figures
Under the tank the Kawasaki Z1100 uses a proven powerhouse: a 1,099 cc liquid‑cooled inline‑four. Kawasaki reports peak output in the same ballpark as international models — outlets list around 136 PS, while some sources quote ~134 hp (small reporting differences exist). The bike makes about 113 Nm of torque and uses a 6‑speed gearbox with an assist/slipper clutch.
Important performance aids include a bidirectional quickshifter (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) and an assist/slipper mechanism to smooth downshifts and help with aggressive riding. If you like rapid up‑ and downshifts, this setup will feel modern and responsive.
Example: with that kind of mid‑range torque you can expect effortless overtakes on highways. I found similar inline‑four machines to be very usable in mixed city and highway riding — the Z1100 should be no different.
Chassis, weight, dimensions and handling
The Z1100 shares an aluminium frame with the Ninja 1100SX. Key dimensions and figures reported for India include a kerb weight of about 221 kg, a wheelbase of around 1,440 mm, seat height 815 mm, fuel tank capacity 17 litres, and ground clearance near 125 mm. These numbers give an idea of the bike’s road manners: stable at speed, but still nimble enough for quick direction changes.
Suspension is fully adjustable Showa units on the standard model. The international SE trims offer Öhlins S46 with remote preload adjust, but that higher trim appears not to be in the Indian launch lineup. Brakes on the Indian Z1100 use Tokico radial calipers up front with large dual 310 mm discs. The SE would get Brembo M4.32 calipers and braided lines if you want that extra stopping feel.
Electronics, tyres and rider aids
The Z1100 arrives with a modern electronics package packed into a 5‑inch colour TFT. You get Bluetooth connectivity for navigation prompts, calls and messages. A 5‑axis IMU enables cornering ABS, three traction control levels (plus an off setting), two power modes (Full and Low), cruise control, and the Kawasaki Quick Shifter. Dual‑channel ABS is standard.
Tyres are Dunlop Sportmax on 17‑inch wheels. The typical sizes listed are 120/70‑ZR17 up front and 190/50‑ZR17 at the rear. This tyre choice balances grip and long‑run durability for everyday use and occasional spirited riding.
Key specs at a glance
Below is a quick spec table you can scan to compare the most important numbers at a glance.
| Item | Figure / Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch (India) | Mid‑November 2025 (reports dated Nov 13–14, 2025) |
| Price (ex‑showroom) | Rs 12.79 lakh |
| Engine | 1,099 cc, inline‑four, liquid‑cooled |
| Power | ~136 PS (some reports list ~134 hp) |
| Torque | 113 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6‑speed with assist/slipper clutch and bi‑directional quickshifter |
| Kerb weight | ~221 kg |
| Fuel tank | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 815 mm |
How it compares and real‑world use cases
We should look at two quick comparison points. First, price. At Rs 12.79 lakh the Z1100 is cheaper than the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP (reported ~Rs 13.29 lakh). Second, features: the Z1100 brings a full IMU and a modern TFT, traction control, and cruise control as standard. The Hornet SP has its own strengths, but Kawasaki’s price and features list make the Z1100 a strong contender.
Real‑world example: if you plan long weekend trips, the Z1100’s 17‑litre tank helps. If you average about 20 km/l on a tour, that gives roughly 340 km between fill‑ups — enough for long rides without frequent stops. For city riders, the mid‑range torque of 113 Nm means easy starts and quick overtakes even in traffic.
Note on variance: some outlets list peak power as 136 PS while others use ~134 hp. Also, availability of the SE trim and exact colour options differ across reports. I recommend checking with Kawasaki India or your local dealer for final on‑road specs and delivery timelines.
Also Read: Hero Vida VX2 with 3.4 kWh Battery Launched at ₹1.02 Lakh — 100 km Range Confirmed
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Kawasaki Z1100 launched in India in November 2025 brings a strong mix of power, modern electronics, and competitive pricing. For Rs 12.79 lakh (ex‑showroom) you get a 1,099 cc inline‑four with quickshifter, an IMU‑based rider aid suite, and a well‑sorted chassis. If you want a high‑performance super‑naked that undercuts some rivals on price while keeping advanced features, the Z1100 is worth a close look.
If you want, I can pull the official Kawasaki India press release or dealer pages to confirm the final power figure, exact colours, and whether the SE will be added later. Alternatively, I can prepare a one‑page quick comparison between the Z1100 and the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP to help you decide. Which would you prefer?
