When Kawasaki has announced its new motorcycle range for 2025it did not include the Kawasaki Z900. While it’s not the end of the world for anyone considering purchasing Kawasaki’s larger Supernaked motorcycle, it could mean hoping to find remaining 2024 models in dealer inventory or searching used outlets .

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Kawasaki’s legacy of powerful Z-series naked bikes started in 1973 with the Z1. While the Z1 was one of the Kawasaki’s most successful motorcyclesnewer versions, including the 2024 Z900, have improved its performance, handling and technology. These technological advancements include features such as anti-lock braking systems, power-assisted and slipper clutches, dual throttle valves, selectable power modes, and Kawasaki Traction Control. While anti-lock brakes, traction control, assist and slipper clutch work together (and independently) to prevent tires from slipping, especially in adverse conditions, selectable power modes and dual throttle butterflies help modulate the power transmitted to the rear wheel during acceleration.

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These features are ideal for anyone learning to ride a motorcycle. Learning how to balance, lean, and steer a motorcycle is hard enough. Add to that using one hand to accelerate and brake, while braking with one foot (and shifting up and down with the other foot while the other hand operates the clutch), it’s amazing let anyone realize it. However, the Kawasaki Z900 is not the best choice for the beginner motorcyclist.

My motorcycling journey began when I was young when my mother put me on a 50cc Suzuki mini-motorcycle over 50 years ago. It didn’t have anti-lock brakes, traction control, or selectable power modes, but I was grateful that it had an automatic clutch to make the process somewhat simpler.

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One of the most important tips for new motorcyclists is to start with the right bike. Even though it’s a good bike, the Kawasaki Z900 has too much power to build the confidence of anyone trying to learn to ride a horse or those trying to teach them.

The worst thing that can happen to someone trying to learn the coordination of events that must occur when riding a motorcycle is that it gets away from them. This usually happens with a combination of too much throttle and releasing the clutch too quickly. Less powerful motorcycles stall more often in these conditions, but the margin of error of the Z900 is very small.

If you’re a new motorcycle rider and have your heart set on Kawasaki’s Z series, you’re in luck. Kawasaki offers four variants of “New Rider Friendly” Z bikes to suit almost any beginner. The least powerful is the 2025 Z125 PRO, followed by the 2024 Z e-1, 2025 Z500, and 2025 Z650. While they all feature Kawasaki Supernaked Z styling, there are some key differences.

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New riders encompass a variety of maturity and skill levels. An adult who has never ridden two wheels is on a different level than one who has ridden a dirt bike for years. While we still wouldn’t throw a 14-year-old amateur national motocross champion on a Z900, it’s easier for someone familiar with motorcycles to learn to ride on the street than it is for someone with no two-wheel experience .

Even without motorcycle experience, maturity level comes into play. A tall beginner, cautious by nature and receptive to instruction, could start on a Z650. Others may be more comfortable on the Z500. The less powerful Z125 PRO could be a good option, although it lacks the rider assist features found on the others.

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Finally, the 100% electric Kawasaki Z e-1 could appeal to some beginners. It’s almost as powerful as the Z500 but weighs about 70 pounds less, has a top speed of 63 mph and doesn’t have the vibration, noise and exhaust of gas-powered Kawasakis. However, its estimated range of 41 miles is a drawback for all but the shortest journeys.