The Kawasaki Z900 is one of the most popular "supernaked" motorcycles on the market today. Known for its aggressive "Sugomi" styling and a torque-heavy 948cc inline-four engine, it is a fantastic machine straight from the factory. However, like any motorcycle, it can be improved to fit your specific needs.

Whether you want to protect your investment, make the ride more comfortable, or just want that inline-four engine to scream, here are the best accessories and modification ideas for your Z900.

1. Essential Protection (Safety First)

Before you make the bike faster or prettier, you should make sure it is protected. One small drop in the parking lot can cost a lot of money if you don’t have the right gear.

• Radiator Guard: This is arguably the most important accessory. The Z900 radiator is large and exposed. A simple stone thrown up by a car in front of you can puncture the radiator, causing a coolant leak and ending your ride. A metal mesh radiator guard is cheap insurance.
• Frame Sliders (Crash Bobbins): These stick out from the side of the engine. If the bike tips over, the slider hits the ground instead of your expensive fairings or engine cases. Look for "no-cut" sliders, which install easily without requiring you to drill holes in the bike's bodywork.
• Front Fork & Swingarm Sliders: These protect the axles and the braking components during a slide. Swingarm spools also serve a double purpose: they allow you to use a paddock stand to lift the rear wheel for chain maintenance.

2. Improving Comfort and Ergonomics

The Z900 is a naked bike, which means zero wind protection. It also has a sporty riding position that can get tiring on long trips.

• Aftermarket Windscreen: Since the bike has no fairing, the wind hits your chest directly. Installing a fly screen or a taller touring windscreen pushes the air over your helmet. This significantly reduces fatigue on highway rides.
• Comfort Seat: Many riders feel the stock Z900 seat is a bit hard and slides you forward into the tank. Investing in a gel seat or a custom saddle with better foam density can make 300-mile days much more enjoyable.
• Adjustable Levers: Stock brake and clutch levers are functional, but adjustable aftermarket levers look better and feel better. They allow you to set the distance of the lever from the handlebar to match the size of your hand perfectly.

3. Performance and Sound

The Z900 engine is a masterpiece, but strict emissions laws often choke its sound and performance.

• Slip-On Exhaust: The stock exhaust is heavy and very quiet. A slip-on muffler is the easiest mod to change the character of the bike. It reduces weight and gives the bike a deeper, growling sound. Note: Always check your local noise and emissions laws before changing the exhaust.
• Full Exhaust System: If you want maximum power, a full system (headers and muffler) removes the catalytic converter. However, this usually requires an ECU Flash or a fuel controller to ensure the engine runs safely without being too lean.
• Tank Grips: These are rubber pads that stick to the side of the gas tank. They allow your knees to grip the tank better. This takes the weight off your wrists during braking and cornering, giving you much better control over the bike.

4. Aesthetics and Practicality

Finally, you want your bike to look good and be useful for daily riding.

• Tail Tidy (Fender Eliminator): The stock license plate holder on the Z900 is very long and bulky. A tail tidy moves the license plate closer to the rear light, exposing the wide rear tire and giving the bike a much cleaner, sporty look.
• Bar End Mirrors: The stock "bunny ear" mirrors offer decent visibility but ruin the low, aggressive profile of the front end. Bar end mirrors make the bike look wider and lower, and they often provide a better view of what is behind you because your elbows aren't blocking the reflection.
• Phone Mount: In the modern age, having GPS is essential. A quality phone mount on the handlebars allows you to use navigation apps safely. Pair this with a USB charger wired to the battery so your phone never dies on a long ride.

Conclusion

The Kawasaki Z900 is an incredible platform. You don't need to do all these modifications at once. Start with protection (radiator guard and sliders), then move to comfort, and finally, upgrade the sound and looks. By personalizing your Z900, you turn a factory machine into a bike that is uniquely yours.