Kawasaki Z900 (2020–2024, ZR900F/H) Maintenance Schedule
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the second-generation Kawasaki Z900 made from 2020 to 2024, with model codes ZR900F/H. Kawasaki replaced this version with the substantially updated 2025+ Z900 and Z900 SE, so this page does not cover the new-generation motorcycle.
The 2020–2024 Z900 uses a 948 cc liquid-cooled inline four. It makes 91.2 kW (124 hp) at 9,500 rpm and 98.6 Nm (72.7 lb-ft) at 7,700 rpm in full-power form. Some markets also received a restricted version.
Kawasaki added the TFT display, riding modes, traction control, LED lighting and revised emissions equipment for 2020. The engine and most service parts carried over from the 2017–2019 Z900, but the published maintenance schedule changed.
This schedule applies to the standard Z900 and Z900 SE where the manual lists the same service work. Suspension adjustment and component replacement differ on the SE.
This post was first published July 8, 2021 and comprehensively revised August 31, 2026.
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!
Updates
- August 2026: Closed the model range at 2024, checked the schedule against Kawasaki’s final-generation 2024 owner’s manual, corrected the Z900/Z900RS wording, tightened the service and chain guidance, and added current manual-page evidence.
Kawasaki Z900 Service Intervals
Kawasaki specifies an oil and filter change every 12,000 km (7,600 miles) or one year, whichever comes first. Replace the spark plugs at the same distance interval and complete the inspection checklist.
Inspect the valve clearances every 24,000 km (15,200 miles).
Replace the coolant, water hoses and O-rings every three years. Kawasaki specifies brake-fluid replacement every two years and brake-hose replacement every four years.
What you need to service your Kawasaki Z900 (2020–2024)
The Z900 leaves most service points accessible, though the valve-clearance inspection still requires removing the bodywork, fuel tank and cylinder-head cover.
The following parts and fluids cover the regular scheduled work.
| Part | Part spec (Z900, 2020–2024) |
|---|---|
| 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 grease | 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 2020–2024
The table below reformats Kawasaki’s 2024 owner-manual schedule for the 2020–2024 Z900. Repeat the listed pattern after 48,000 km (30,400 miles).
Where Kawasaki gives both a distance and time limit, perform the work at whichever comes first.
| 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 2020–2024 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 (2020–2024)
The 2020 update kept the Z900’s 948 cc engine and steel trellis frame while adding a TFT display, four riding modes, selectable power modes, Kawasaki traction control, LED lighting and smartphone connectivity. The standard model uses a 41 mm inverted fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension. The SE adds higher-spec suspension and Brembo front brakes, but its routine engine-maintenance schedule is the same.
The Z900RS is a separate retro-styled model. It shares the basic 948 cc engine architecture but has different tuning, chassis parts and service pages, so use the Z900RS maintenance schedule for that motorcycle.
If your motorcycle is a 2017–2019 model, use the first-generation Z900 schedule. The redesigned 2025+ Z900 and Z900 SE are covered separately on the page linked above.
Reference — Kawasaki Z900 Owner’s Manual
I checked this page against Kawasaki’s final-generation 2024 Z900 owner’s manual, publication 99803-0416. The screenshots below show the schedule key, the main maintenance table and the chain-slack procedure used above.
You can view the official 2024 Z900 owner’s manual in Kawasaki’s online manual library.
Thank you