Kawasaki Z900RS vs Norton Commando 961 SS (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Kawasaki Z900RSstacks up against the Norton Commando 961 SS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecKawasaki Z900RSNorton Commando 961 SS
Model year20262009
Price$12,000
Engine948 cc961 cc
Horsepower111 hp80 hp
Torque98 Nm88 Nm
Weight215 kg188 kg
Seat height835 mm32 mm
Fuel capacity17.0 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed manual5-speed
Front brakesDual 300mm discsSingle disc. Bremo
Rear brakesSingle 250mm discSingle disc. bremo
Tires120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear120/70-X17 / 180/55-x17

Kawasaki Z900RS vs Norton Commando 961 SS — which should you buy?

Picking between the Kawasaki Z900RS and the Norton Commando 961 SS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Kawasaki Z900RS brings 111 hp in a 215 kg package, while the Norton Commando 961 SS counters with 80 hp at 188 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: