Oil and filter change
≈ 12,000 km or 1 year
JASO MA or MA2 approved four-stroke motorcycle oil (JASO MB on scooters): an “energy conserving” car oil makes the wet clutch slip. Change it more often in city use or on track.
Source [1]Z900 I · 2017–2019
Kawasaki Z900 I 948 · 125 hp (2017 to 2019)
The Kawasaki Z900 I 948 uses the Kawasaki 948 petrol engine with 125 hp.
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Technical specifications
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power
- 125 PS / 92 kW
- Displacement
- 948 cm³
- Cylinders
- 4
- Engine code
- Kawasaki 948
- Period covered
- 2017–2019
- Documented market
- Europe
Transmission
- Manual · 6 speeds
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [1] AutoKarnet
This version
125 hp (92 kW), chain final drive, 6-speed manual. Built from 2017 to 2019.
AutoKarnet advice
In the range
It is the most powerful petrol version of this generation. The Kawasaki 948 engine is also fitted to: Kawasaki Z900 (Z900 II).
AutoKarnet advice
Body style and inspection points
On a motorcycle, tyres, final drive and brakes matter as much as the oil change. Check the tyre manufacturing date, steering-head play and fork-tube seals; an oil film on a tube means a fork seal needs replacing. A notched steering bearing can be felt when braking at low speed.
AutoKarnet advice
Distinguishing similar versions
Among the Z900 I pages, the 948 70 kW 95 hp offers a comparison: 95 hp (70 kW), Kawasaki 948, 948 cm³, 6-speed manual, 2017–2019. The version on this page has 125 hp (92 kW), Kawasaki 948, 948 cm³, 6-speed manual, 2017–2019. When requesting a quote, specify the output and gearbox; the marketing name alone does not identify the correct parts.
AutoKarnet advice
Maintenance and records
≈: estimated reference — the vehicle’s service indicator prevails.
Brake fluid
Every 2 years
Replace the fluid in both circuits (and the hydraulic clutch if fitted), whatever the mileage; dark fluid has absorbed moisture.
Source [1]Fork oil
≈ 30,000 km
Fork oil change and seal check; an oil film on the tubes means a seal needs replacing before it contaminates the brake caliper.
Source [1]Chain kit (chain and sprockets)
≈ 25,000 km
Lubricate and check the tension every 500 to 1,000 km and after rain; replace chain and sprockets together when the chain no longer holds its tension or the teeth are hooked.
Source [1]Spark plugs
Every 12,000 km
Replace the full set; worn plugs raise consumption and cause misfires.
Source [1]Air filter
Every 18,000 km
Replace more often in dusty conditions.
Source [1]Valve clearance
Every 42,000 km
Check and adjust if needed, often together with the plugs; too little clearance burns the valves, too much makes the engine noisy.
Source [1]Coolant
Every 3 years
Replace the coolant and check the hoses and radiator; check the level cold between services.
Source [1]Questions about this version (3)
Which engine is in the Kawasaki Z900 I 948?
The Kawasaki 948 petrol engine (948 cc), 125 hp (92 kW).
AutoKarnet advice
Which oil for the Kawasaki Z900 948?
A JASO MA2 10W-40 four-stroke motorcycle oil suited to the Kawasaki 948 engine.
AutoKarnet advice
How do I check this page matches my car?
This page covers Kawasaki Z900 I 948 125 hp, naked bike, 2017–2019, with 125 hp (92 kW), Kawasaki 948, 948 cm³, 6-speed manual, 2017–2019. Compare these details with the registration document and gearbox identification. The designation Kawasaki 948 may cover several revisions: a VIN is still needed to confirm part numbers.
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Documentary sources
- [1] Rédaction AutoKarnet
AutoKarnet · FR · Europe · Synthèse éditoriale AutoKarnet · Accessed 09/10/2026