Kawasaki Z1100 SE

The Kawasaki Z1100 SE is the specification built for riders who want to fine-tune every part of Kawasaki’s biggest naked bike, pairing the same explosive engine as the standard Z1100 with a genuinely premium chassis. It keeps the aggressive Sugomi stance and muscular tank shrouds that mark out the whole Z1100 family, but sharpens the hardware beneath it for riders who notice the difference a better-sorted chassis makes on a fast, flowing road.

That means the identical 1,099cc liquid-cooled inline four, a DOHC 16-valve unit with a 77.0mm bore and 59.0mm stroke producing 136PS at 9,000rpm and 113Nm of torque at 7,600rpm, driven through a six-speed gearbox and wet multi-disc manual clutch to a chain final drive. A 17 litre tank keeps fuel stops infrequent, while an 11.8:1 compression ratio, digital ignition and four 38mm throttle bodies deliver the same urgent, hard-charging character that defines the range, with electric start and forced wet-sump lubrication for dependable everyday running.

Where the SE earns its name is in the chassis. SFF-BP forks and Horizontal Back-link rear suspension sharpen the handling further still over the standard bike, both offering compression and rebound damping alongside spring preload adjustment for genuinely precise set-up. Radial-mount, monobloc calipers bite on 310mm discs for serious stopping power, with a single 260mm rear disc completing the package and a 120-section front and 190-section rear tyre putting that power down, while the twin-tube aluminium frame keeps everything rigid under hard acceleration. At 221kg with an 815mm seat, a 1,440mm wheelbase and 125mm of ground clearance, it remains manageable despite the extra capability on offer, and a 2,055mm overall length keeps proportions in check for its class.

It suits confident, experienced riders who want the sharpest-handling version of the Z1100 without compromise, treating suspension quality as seriously as outright horsepower. Comprehensive electronic rider aids keep that power in check across changing road conditions, and the whole package comes with Kawasaki’s four-year manufacturer warranty as standard. GT Motorcycles, your Kawasaki dealer in Plymouth, has the Z1100 SE in stock now, with finance and test rides on offer for riders throughout Devon and Cornwall.