Z900 or Z900 SE - help me decide

[RedTexan70]

I'm 5'11" and 200# and picked up a new Z900. One, because no one for 500 miles had an SE. And, I bought it on 12/31 and the dealer took $400 off the bike to have "one more sale for 2022". This bike does everything I want, and I've spent that $400 on upgrades to the bike. You have to look at what style of riding you do most of the time, and buy the bike that fits.

[Klooginator]

I'll chime in since I owned a 2021 Z900 for 20 months or so and I just recently upgraded to a 2023 Z900 SE after my 2021 was totaled by a thief.

I've got about 100 miles or so on the bike so far so I haven't really been able to push it too hard, but the suspension and braking upgrades really make the bike feel premium.
The lever feel for the front brake is much better than the non SE.

I'd definitely opt for the SE.

[Lcfour]

Klooganator, how do the suspensions compare comfort wise? Does the SE feel toò harsh? Thanks!

[Klooginator]

While the SE suspension does feel stiffer overall, I think it absorbs bumps and irregular pavement better than the base model.

[zed9]

Originally Posted by Klooginator

While the SE suspension does feel stiffer overall, I think it absorbs bumps and irregular pavement better than the base model.

That’s what a good suspension does.

[Klooginator]

Originally Posted by zed9

That’s what a good suspension does.

This is my first time on something "premium" so I'm learning what a quality suspension feels like.

[zed9]

Originally Posted by Klooginator

This is my first time on something "premium" so I'm learning what a quality suspension feels like.

I owned a Triumph Daytona 955i once upon a time. I refreshed the forks with new seals and quality fluid. Afterwards, that bike glided over rough pavement with no jumping around or impact coming to the grips. (Oh, so that’s what a 'plush' suspension feels like). I got spoiled by that bike's suspension so now I improve the suspension on any bike I own.

I had my z900 full suspension modified by Daugherty Motorsports soon after buying my bike. Big difference for not a lot of money.

[kevperro]

I think it is vital that people understand what makes a suspension good.   Better parts may or may not make your suspension better for you.    The most critical factor is having it set up for your weight (springs/sag right).    It allows the bike to ride with the correct geometry, and for the front/rear to work together.  Without that,  you are not likely to get what you perceive as better results.   

There are also preferences involved and priorities for what you want.   My ideal suspension doesn't involve me dragging my knee around a race track.   I want a controlled suspension for where I ride, I want to enjoy some mountain corners (mostly at sane speeds) and I want to tool around with my buddies from cafe to cafe.   Other people who are a different weight than me, and who want to track the bike would want a different suspension setup.    For them, my ideal setup would be a step away from a "better" suspension and visa versa.     

So I don't so much have any problem with the "upgraded" suspension other than to say that you should first focus on getting something set up for your weight, and your riding style.    That applies to you whether your spring and forks are yellow or black.   

[10m3guy]

Originally Posted by OldGuyZ

Appreciate the insight and perspective.  For sure no track days for me!  Looks like a split decision so far 

I did 4 track days on my 2017.  The bike was not holding me back but I am pretty sure I was holding it back..... lots of fun and totally fine for an occasional track day.
   

[rcannon409]

Guys, please dont ignore what Kevpro said in his post.  At 250 lbs, it doesn't matter what color your stock suspension is.  Your bike does not have the correct springs and damping for your weight. Kawasaki or anyone else doesn't design suspension for people who are over or under the average weight.

Even if you buy the SE version the Ohlins shock isn't going to give you performance suspension until it has the correct spring and damping for your weight.

Its no ones fault. When they build these bikes they have to use suspension settings that cover a massive weight range.  It would be like us having to design a work boot that would fit any foot.  If you had to do that it's not going to fit anyone perfectly, but we could all get by.