Kawasaki has long protected the “Supernaked” category in motorcycling. These bikes take off the fairings of their sportbike cousins to show off their raw performance and aggressive styling. For years, the Z1000 was the best example of their unique Sugomi design philosophy, which was meant to make the bike look like it was crouching and ready to pounce with a lot of energy. Kawasaki is bringing the litre-plus naked class back to life with the new Kawasaki Z1100 SE for the 2026 model year. This bike combines raw excitement with cutting-edge refinement and technology.
The name Z1100 comes from Kawasaki’s history. It goes back to the early 1980s, when the 1100cc class was the best for Superbike performance. The new Z1100 family, which includes the standard and higher-specification SE models, is a spiritual successor to that time, but it uses all of the latest engineering and design techniques. The heart of this new beast is a completely new engine package. The new bike has a 1,099cc in-line four-cylinder engine, which is bigger than the Z1000’s 1043cc motor. This engine is also used in the new Ninja 1100SX and Versys 1100. The stroke is now 3mm longer, and the camshaft profiles, valve springs, and pistons are all lighter, which all contribute to this increase in displacement.
This engine’s tuning is a masterclass in how to make a modern street performance. Kawasaki has worked to improve the low-to-mid range grunt, which is a great feature for riding a naked bike in real life. It has a claimed 134 horsepower and 83.3 pound-feet of torque, and the heavier flywheel makes the throttle response sharper and the performance even stronger right from the start. The Z1100’s peak power number may not be the highest among all super-nakeds in hyperspace, but its focus on huge mid-range torque promises thrilling acceleration and smooth handling on the road. Longer fifth and sixth gears and optimized final gear ratios make cruising at high speeds more comfortable and relaxing.
The Kawasaki Z1100 SE really stands out because of its high-end parts and cutting-edge electronics package. The standard Z1100 is already a high-end bike with a strong aluminum twin-tube frame, Showa Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP) forks, and strong brakes. But the SE model really takes performance and handling to a whole new level.
The Z1100 SE has an Öhlins S46 rear monoshock that makes it even better for riders who want the best in chassis control. This fully adjustable unit comes with a remote hydraulic preload adjuster, which makes it very easy to fine-tune the suspension for a passenger or luggage without using any tools. This is a great feature for a powerful bike that is meant for both fast solo rides and occasional touring. The stopping power is also top-notch. The SE version replaces the standard Kawasaki-branded calipers with top-of-the-line Brembo radial-mount monobloc calipers that grip Brembo discs. The brake lines are made of steel braid for performance that is sharp and fade-free. A premium, limited-edition motorcycle has an Öhlins rear and a Brembo braking system. This combination is sure to appeal to fans who know how important it is to have better feel and control.
The Z1100 SE is very modern because of its electronics, not just its hardware. It has a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that opens up a lot of rider aids that are sensitive to lean. This includes the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), cornering ABS (KIBS), and lean-sensitive traction control (KTRC). The package also comes with Electronic Throttle Valves (ETV), which make cruise control and a standard bi-directional Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) much more useful and integrated. A new 5-inch full-color TFT digital dash lets riders control these systems. It connects to smartphones and lets you navigate turn-by-turn with Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
The Z1100 SE is proud to show off the next version of the Sugomi design. The look is sharp and angular, with sharp lines, fierce LED lights, and a muscular fuel tank that make it look like a street fighter. The SE model has its own look, which usually includes unique paint jobs and contrasting highlights like green wheels and the striking gold anodization of the Öhlins shock and some fork parts. This makes it clear that it is the best machine.
The Kawasaki Z1100 SE is going to make a big splash in the super-naked market. It’s not just a power boost; it’s a carefully crafted package that includes a powerful, charismatic engine, a top-of-the-line chassis, and the newest electronic rider aids. The Z1100 SE keeps the Kawasaki Z Supernaked line at the top of the road by honoring its history and giving riders a premium, controlled experience.