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Head to head

Kawasaki Z900RS vs Honda CB1000F

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Kawasaki Z900RS and Honda CB1000F are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. The Honda CB1000F undercuts the Kawasaki Z900RS by about $2,050, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda CB1000F leads on power with 122 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Kawasaki Z900RS
Our pick
8.5

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z900RS
Honda CB1000F
8.3

Honda

Honda CB1000F

The verdict

The Kawasaki Z900RS edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the Honda CB1000F wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Kawasaki Z900RS

111 hp.

Most exciting

Honda CB1000F

122 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Honda CB1000F

Our 8.3/10 at $10,599, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Honda CB1000F

211 kg with an 795 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Kawasaki Z900RS

Our top score in this matchup at 8.5/10.

Price & rating
Price$12,649$10,599
KickTheStand score8.5 / 108.3 / 10
Performance
Engine948cc four1000cc four
Power111 hp122 hp
Torque98.5 Nm103 Nm
Power-to-weight0.52 hp/kg0.58 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork, adjustable41mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork
Rear suspensionHorizontal back-link monoshock, adjustablePro-Link monoshock
Front brakesDual 300mm discs, radial 4-pistonDual 310mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 250mm discSingle 240mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight215 kg211 kg
Seat height800 mm795 mm
Fuel capacity17 L17 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicModern Classic
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forcommuting, sport, cruisingcommuting, sport, cruising

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Kawasaki Z900RS vs Honda CB1000F: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the Honda CB1000F?

The Honda CB1000F makes the most power at 122 hp and 103 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the Honda CB1000F?

The Honda CB1000F is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,599.

Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the Honda CB1000F?

The Honda CB1000F is the lightest at 211 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z900RS or the Honda CB1000F?

For a new rider we'd point to the Kawasaki Z900RS: 111 hp and 215 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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