Motorcycle fans, rejoice! Kawasaki has officially brought its legendary “Big Zed” back to India. The brand-new 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 has just been launched, hitting showrooms with a price tag of Rs 12,79,000 (ex-showroom).
This is a big deal for fans of the “super-naked” streetfighter. While we won’t be getting the even pricier “SE” version, the main event is that the iconic Z is finally back on our roads.
It Still Looks Mean
The new Z1100 sticks to Kawasaki’s well-known “Sugomi” design, which is all about making the bike look aggressive and muscular, like it’s crouching and ready to pounce. It has the same low headlight and sharp, high tail that the Z family is famous for.
One change people will notice is the exhaust. The old Z1000 had two large pipes on each side. The new Z1100 has a slimmer, single-sided exhaust, which cleans up the look. We’ll miss the old quad-pipe look, but this new bike still has more than enough attitude to turn heads.
A Smoother, Friendlier Engine
Kawasaki has updated the engine to a new 1099cc inline-four. The big change here isn’t just about raw power. The company tuned this motor for everyday use. It makes 136 horsepower (PS) and plenty of torque, but the power feels stronger and smoother at lower speeds, making it easier to ride in the city.
The 6-speed gearbox now includes a slipper clutch and a quickshifter (which lets you change gears without using the clutch). It also finally gets cruise control, which is a huge bonus for highway trips.
A Solid Foundation for Thrills
A lot of the bike’s “bones”—like its aluminum frame and adjustable front suspension—are shared with the comfortable Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX sport-tourer. This setup is built to be a great all-rounder, perfect for having fun on weekend rides while still being comfortable enough for daily use. It’s a bit heavy at 221kg, but the 17-litre fuel tank means you won’t be stopping for gas every five minutes.
Finally, All the Modern Tech
This is where the Z1100 really steps into 2026. It’s now packed with top-level electronics, all managed by a smart computer called a six-axis IMU. This gives you high-tech safety features like cornering ABS and traction control that adjust to how much you’re leaning the bike.
It all shows up on a new 5-inch TFT screen that connects to your phone via Bluetooth for maps, music, and call alerts.
A New Rivalry: Z vs. Hornet
The Z1100 doesn’t enter the market alone. Its biggest rival is the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which was launched back in May 2025 and costs a bit more at Rs 13.29 lakh. The Hornet is lighter and technically has more horsepower (150 PS).
However, Kawasaki is betting that riders will prefer the Z1100’s stronger mid-range power, aggressive looks, and, importantly, its slightly lower price tag. With the “Big Zed” back, the battle for the best streetfighter in India just got very interesting.
