Kawasaki Z900 (2020+, ZR900F/H) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the 2nd generation of Kawasaki Z900, made from 2020+, with the marketing code ZR900F/H. This generation replaced the first gen Kawasaki Z900 (made from 2017-2019), adding more tech and emissions compliance.
The original 2017 Kawasaki Z900 took over from the Kawasaki Z800 in most markets, but in the US, it also replaced the Z1000 in Kawasaki’s line-up. The Z1000 has not been refreshed in many years.
The Kawasaki Z900 is a naked bike based on a 948cc inline-four liquid-cooled engine. It is somewhat of an underdog in the middleweight world, but it is a high-performing bike, making an impressive 91 kW (125 hp) @ 9,500 rpm, and 98 Nm (73 ft-lb) of torque at 7,700 rpm. The power specs remain unchanged for the 2020 model (as the engine is largely the same).
Despite the similar engine, Kawasaki modified the maintenance schedule for the more recent EURO5 compliant Z900.
The 2020+ Kawasaki Z900 got a general revamp at the same time, with a TFT display and an updated chassis, plus revised emissions control systems.
The Kawasaki Z900 also shares a platform with the retro classic Kawasaki Z900RS, although the latter has many different components and the engine has a different state of tune.
This post was originally published July 8, 2021, but has since been updated.
This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!
Kawasaki Z900 Service Intervals
The Kawasaki Z900 has 7600 mile / 12000 km or annual service intervals between oil changes. At every oil change, also change the filter and spark plugs, and follow the checklist of items to inspect.
The major valve service interval for the Kawasaki Z900 is every 15200 miles or 24000 km.
The Z900 has a liquid-cooled engine, so you need to refresh the coolant according to the schedule.
Also be sure to keep your brake fluid fresh, replacing it every 2 years with something DOT 4 compliant.
What you need to service your Kawasaki Z900 (2020+)
Maintaining your 2020+ Z900 is pretty straightforward as it’s a naked bike with a mostly exposed engine.
You need the following tools and consumables to service your Z900 (2020+ updated)
| Part | Part spec (Z900, 2020+) |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Spec is for a 10W-40 motorcycle oil with JASO MA rating or API SG or higher, e.g. Kawasaki 10W-40 Engine oil or another high-quality synthetic, like Motul 7100 10W-40. |
| Engine oil filter | Part number is 16097-0008. You can also use an HF303RC oil filter. |
| Spark plug | Standard spark plug is NGK CR9EIA-9, same as previous version. |
| Air filter | Standard air filter is 11013-0760. You can also use K&N part KA-9017. |
| Brake pads | Front brake pad part number is 43082-0195, different from the earlier gen. You can also use EBC FA347HH double-H pads for more bite and less fade. |
| Rear brake pads | Rear brake pad part number is 43082-0151. You can also use EBC FA140HH to match your front double-H pads. |
| Chain | Maintain chain lubrication with Motul chain paste. |
| Cable crease | Keep cables lubricated with Protect all cable life. |
| General grease | Grease external pivot points (e.g. side stand) with lithium soap-based grease. |
Maintenance Schedule for the 2nd Gen Kawasaki Z900 2020+
Below is the full maintenance schedule from the manual for the 2020+ Z900, reformatted slightly to fit this screen. The schedule is different to that of the 2017-2019 Z900 — they show it up to 48K km, and make the maintenance for some items less frequent. Improvements!
In the right-most column, there’s an entry for every “X years” you should do each item. At the first of either distance or time interval perform the service.
| km x 1000 | 1 | 12 | 24 | 36 | 48 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mi x 1000 | 0.6 | 7.6 | 15.2 | 22.8 | 30.4 | Every |
| Inspection checklist (see below) — Perform all items | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Engine oil — Replace (Motul 7100 10W-40) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
| Oil filter — Replace (HF303RC) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Spark plugs — Replace (CR9EIA-9) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Air filter — Replace (KA-9017) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | More often when driving in dusty or wet conditions | |
| Valve clearances — Inspect | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Fuel filter — Replace | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Fuel hoses — Replace | 5 years | |||||
| Evaporative emission control system (if fitted) — Inspect | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Coolant, water hoses, and O-rings — Replace | ✓ | 3 years | ||||
| Brake fluid (front and rear) — Replace (Castrol DOT 4) | ✓ | ✓ | 2 years | |||
| Brake hoses — Replace | 4 years | |||||
| Rubber parts of brake master cylinder and caliper — Replace | ✓ | 4 years | ||||
| Steering stem bearings | ✓ | ✓ | 2 years |
Kawasaki Z900 Standard Inspection Checklist
Below is the standard inspection checklist of things to check on your Kawasaki Z900. Do these checks according to the schedule above.
Not all checks are mandatory at the initial inspection, but they are simple to perform.
| Kawasaki Z900 Standard Inspection Checklist |
|---|
| Idle speed — Check |
| Throttle control system — Check (play, smooth return, no drag) |
| Engine vacuum synchronization — Check |
| Fuel system — Check (routing, leaks, damaged hoses) |
| Coolant level — Check, top up as necessary |
| Cooling system — Check (leaks, routing) |
| Air suction system — Check function |
| Clutch operation — Check (play, engagement, disengagement) |
| Tire air pressure — Check |
| Wheels and tires — Inspect condition |
| Wheel bearings — Check damage / looseness |
| Drive chain — Check for wear or damage |
| Drive chain guide — Check wear |
| Brake system — Inspect (leaks, correct routing of cables) |
| Brake operation — Inspect (effectiveness, play, no drag) |
| Brake fluid level — Inspect, top up as necessary (fluid level drops as pads wear) |
| Brake pads — Check wear level Check more often if riding aggressively |
| Brake light switch operation — Inspect |
| Steering play — Inspect |
| Electrical system — Inspect |
| Chassis parts — Lubricate |
| Suspension system — Inspect |
| Condition of bolts, nuts, and fasteners — Inspect, tighten as necessary |
Maintaining Your Chain on the Kawasaki Z900
It’s important to maintain your chain on the Kawasaki Z900, as on any chain-driven motorcycle, but especially on the Z900 as you’re likely to ride it a little aggressively at least sometimes.
Use a good-quality chain lubricant like Motul chain paste, or a Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.
Kawasaki recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule.
| Chain maintenance task | Every |
|---|---|
| Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary (Motul chain paste) | 400 mi / 600 km |
| Check drive chain slack, adjusting if necessary | 600 mi / 1000 km |
However, if you ride your motorcycle in dusty, muddy or rainy conditions, or regularly track / race your Kawasaki Z900, then check/adjust the chain slack and lubrication more often.
Finally, always lubricate the chain after washing the motorcycle.
Checking and Adjusting Chain Slack
Check and adjust chain slack with the side stand down and with no load on the motorcycle.
Find the point midway between the sprockets on the chain. On the lower segment, measure total deflection of the chain up and down (pushing it with a finger or screwdriver).
Target chain slack for the Kawasaki Z900 is 25-35 mm (1-1.4 in).
If the chain is too loose (often the case when it needs adjustment — though someone else may have overtightened it), you need to adjust chain slack with the below procedure.
As for measuring chain slack, make sure that the motorcycle is on a level surface on its kickstand, in neutral, with no weight on it (no saddlebags / luggage).
- Loosen the rear axle and the lock nuts on either side of the axle.
- Turn the adjuster nuts to tighten (or loosen) the chain. Keep checking the chain tension to see if it has come within spec.
- Keep an eye on the adjuster alignment marks on either side of the axle. Make sure that the adjustment is to the same point.
- When you’re done, tighten the axle to 110 Nm / 81 lb-ft.
- Tighten the adjuster nuts.
- Re-check the chain slack again to make sure it’s still within spec.
Kawasaki Z900 Tyre Specs
The Kawasaki manual specifies the following tyre sizes and pressures. These are unchanged for the 2020+ model.
| Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70ZR17 M/C 58W | 250 kPa/36 psi |
| Rear | 180/55ZR17 M/C 73W | 290 kPa/42 psi |
Stock, the ZR900F/H ships with Dunlop Sportmax tyres.
About the Kawasaki Z900 (2020+)
The Kawasaki Z900 is still one of the best (bigger) middleweights in the sport standard bike segment.
It punches above its weight, and many people describe it as surprisingly good despite the low cost. For cheaper motorcycles, reviewers are often wont to say things like “you can feel the budget cuts in the suspension”, but that’s not the case with the Z900 — it is, according to everyone, just a well-built bike that does what it should — rides quickly everywhere and with confidence.
Since Kawasaki released the sexier Z900RS, the Z900 hasn’t received as much attention from the press. The Z900 has its own charm with “Sugomi” design, but it just doesn’t have the retro appeal of the Z900RS that’s all the rage these days. It also lacks the Z900RS’ more comfortable riding position, torque-forward engine, and more advanced suspension.
As with the 2017-2019 Z900, though, the Z900 is a well-loved bike by everyone who rides it.
Here are a few quotes from prominent motorcycle reviewers:
- “Confidence-inspiring” (Schaaf, Austrian motorcycle blogger).
- “A perfect 10/10” — Bikereview.com.au (they just loved the thing)
- “Three bikes in one” — Revzilla, Common Tread
The 2020+ Kawasaki Z900RS doesn’t ruin everything that the 2017-2019 model did, it just adds more tech. Here’s what the 2020+ Z900RS gets on top of its younger sibling:
- A TFT display with a lot of controls
- Riding modes — combining KTRC traction control and power modes
- Compatibility with Kawasaki’s Rideology app (OK, it’s called RIDEOLOGY THE APP)
- LED lighting
- Revised clutch damper springs and updated FI settings for smoother acceleration and deceleration.
- New Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres
The only slight against the Z900, by some people, is the aesthetic. Called “Sugomi” design, it’s Kawasaki’s branded design philosophy of creating a bike that’s aggressively postured, like a crouched animal, ready to strike. It’s not for everyone.
But if you can get behind that (or if, like me, you can’t stop looking at that combination of the green frame and glossy black paint), the Z900 is unlikely to disappoint you.
Kawasaki Z900 Manual
The above maintenance schedule came straight from the manual for the 2020 Kawasaki Z900, though modified a bit (and made into HTML).
You can view the manual online at Kawasaki’s website here.
