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Yes—the 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 gives the Honda CB1000 Hornet a credible new rival on paper. Its 1,099 cc inline-four, updated electronics and standard-versus-premium trim choices put it in the same supernaked conversation. But “worry” is a hook, not a proven outcome: official specifications do not show that the Kawasaki is faster on the road, a better buy or a threat to Honda sales.
What Kawasaki has announced
Kawasaki’s UK announcement, dated 25 September 2025, confirms the 2026 Z1100 and Z1100 SE, with dealer availability scheduled for January. The US product page lists a 2026 Z1100 SE ABS. Trim names, equipment and availability vary by market, so those labels should not be treated as interchangeable worldwide. Kawasaki UK’s announcement and Kawasaki’s US model page describe their respective versions.
How the specifications compare
The following comparison uses Kawasaki’s UK announcement for the Z1100 and Honda’s UK specifications for the 2025 Hornet range. It is a useful paper comparison, not a same-year, same-market test.
| Model | Engine and output | Torque | Kerb weight | Price in source market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 | 1,099 cc inline-four; 100.0 kW (136 PS), Kawasaki Motors UK, announcement dated 25 September 2025 | 11.5 kg·m maximum, Kawasaki Motors UK, announcement dated 25 September 2025 | Not stated in the cited UK announcement | £11,099, Kawasaki UK launch figure dated 25 September 2025 |
| 2026 Kawasaki Z1100 SE | 1,099 cc inline-four; 100.0 kW (136 PS), Kawasaki Motors UK, announcement dated 25 September 2025 | 11.5 kg·m maximum, Kawasaki Motors UK, announcement dated 25 September 2025 | Not stated in the cited UK announcement | £12,699, Kawasaki UK launch figure dated 25 September 2025 |
| 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet | 1,000 cc; 111.6 kW at 11,000 rpm, Honda UK model-year 2025 specifications | 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm, Honda UK model-year 2025 specifications | 211 kg, Honda UK model-year 2025 specifications | £9,099, Honda UK model-year 2025 listing |
| 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP | 1,000 cc; 115.6 kW, Honda UK model-year 2025 specifications | 107 Nm, Honda UK model-year 2025 specifications | 212 kg, Honda UK model-year 2025 specifications | £10,099, Honda UK model-year 2025 listing |
These prices are not a like-for-like current-market comparison: Kawasaki’s UK figures are launch prices for its 2026 models, while Honda’s are UK listings for 2025 models. In the United States, Kawasaki lists a $14,999 base MSRP for the 2026 Z1100 SE ABS; that is a different market and trim from the UK Z1100 prices. See Kawasaki’s US Z1100 SE ABS page and Honda UK’s Hornet specifications and price page.
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- 【NOTE】 Before ordering, please make sure that the bolt hole size is measured correctly. It can only fit 0.315 inch thread. And comes with four washers,if the rear rocker slider can not be installed flush in the spool bracket, or not firmly placed in the spool bracket, please add a washer.
- 【Application&Components】Universal,Compatible for most 0.315 inch street cars, sports vehicles, off-road vehicles, MOWOK 0.315 inch swing arm slider is made of aluminum high performance anodized alloy and specially designed and manufactured fasteners. For Kawasaki Z800 Z1000 Z1000SX Z1000R ZX-6R ZX-10R ZX-10R (ABS) Z900 Z650 Z400 Z500
- 【Basic Function】 To protect the rear rocker arm from inevitable tipping, place the motor on the bracket.
- 【Quality Assurance】 MOWOK attaches importance to the shopping experience and satisfaction of each customer, so we provide lifelong technical support and 6 months of damage replacement service. No matter what problems, please contact us first, we will try our best to solve any problems for you.
- 【Excellent Performance】The swing arm spool screw used with the swing arm can easily move the motorcycle up and down to avoid damaging the main body of the motorcycle when parking or repairing. Our swing arm spool is equipped with black gasket, which is used to increase the stress area, so as to reduce the damage to the motorcycle body.
What the Kawasaki brings beyond engine size
Kawasaki lists an IMU-equipped rider-support package, electronic throttle valves, a dual-direction quickshifter, a 5-inch TFT display and smartphone connectivity. The US SE ABS page also lists Kawasaki Corner Management Function for that trim. In the US, voice command and turn-by-turn navigation require a paid app licence; availability and equipment can differ by market. Those features make the Z1100 more than a displacement bump, but a feature list alone cannot show how the systems feel or work in a head-to-head ride. Kawasaki’s US specifications and feature details provide the market-specific information.
Where the Honda trims differ
The Hornet SP is not simply the standard model with a higher output figure. Honda UK lists Öhlins rear suspension and Brembo Stylema front brake calipers for the SP, while the standard Hornet uses Nissin front calipers. Honda also lists a quickshifter as SP equipment. These distinctions matter when comparing premium versions: Kawasaki’s SE designation and Honda’s SP designation do not establish that their suspension, braking or electronics are equivalent. Honda’s UK Hornet overview describes the SP equipment differences.
Rank #2
- ✅ Tailor-Made for Kawasaki Models – Custom-cut to perfectly fit the instrument clusters of Kawasaki Z900 2025+, Z1100 2026+, Ninja ZX-10R / ZX-10RR 2026+, ensuring seamless edge-to-edge protection without interference.
- ✅ Premium Nano Glass Material – Built with next-generation Nano Glass that combines the flexibility of film with the hardness of tempered glass. It delivers superior anti-scratch, impact-resistant, and ultra-clear protection for your dashboard display.
- ✅ Durable & Scratch Resistant – Engineered to withstand everyday wear such as dust, keys, and gloves, the Mogico protector keeps your dashboard looking new and scratch-free, extending the life of your motorcycle display.
- ✅ Anti-Glare & Ultra Clear Vision – Designed to maintain the natural brightness of your dashboard screen while reducing glare and reflections. Enjoy clear visibility in bright sunlight or at night without distortion.
- ✅ Bubble-Free Installation – The advanced self-adhesive layer ensures quick, precise, and bubble-free installation. No residue remains when removed, keeping your Kawasaki’s display clean and intact.
Does the Z1100 have the Hornet worried?
It is reasonable to call the Z1100 a serious rival in the segment: it is a confirmed new model with a large naturally aspirated inline-four and a modern electronic package. The published figures, however, need careful interpretation. Kawasaki’s UK output is stated as 100.0 kW (136 PS), while Honda’s UK page reports power in kW and torque in Nm; the US Kawasaki page gives its own horsepower and lb-ft figures for the SE ABS. Peak numbers expressed in different units, markets and model years do not reveal the full torque curve, gearing, acceleration, handling or ride quality.
No independent comparative test or verified riding experience is established by the cited official material. Nor does it show that Kawasaki’s launch will change Honda sales. A buyer deciding between them will need to compare the locally available trims and prices, then consider equipment and a real ride rather than treating the headline specifications as a verdict.
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- ✅【FITMENT 】Compatible with Kawasaki Z1100 / Z1100 SE 2026+
- ✅【PROTECT YOUR BIKE】Our premium quality aluminum frame sliders are designed to protect your bike's frame and engine from unexpected crash damage, protecting vulnerable engine components and potentially reducing fixing costs
- ✅【DURABLE AND RELIABLE】Made from high-quality materials, our frame sliders are shock-resistant and wear-resistant, providing reliable protection for your bike
- ✅【ANTI-SLIP STABILITY】Features a secure, non-slip design to keep sliders firmly attached, ensuring consistent performance on the road
- ✅【EASY TO INSTALL】Our frame sliders are easy to install, with no instructions required. Simply attach them to your bike and enjoy the added protection
Rank #3
- ✅【FITMENT 】Compatible with Kawasaki Z1100 / Z1100 SE 2026+
- ✅【PROTECT YOUR BIKE】Our premium quality aluminum frame sliders are designed to protect your bike's frame and engine from unexpected crash damage, protecting vulnerable engine components and potentially reducing fixing costs
- ✅【DURABLE AND RELIABLE】Made from high-quality materials, our frame sliders are shock-resistant and wear-resistant, providing reliable protection for your bike
- ✅【ANTI-SLIP STABILITY】Features a secure, non-slip design to keep sliders firmly attached, ensuring consistent performance on the road
- ✅【EASY TO INSTALL】Our frame sliders are easy to install, with no instructions required. Simply attach them to your bike and enjoy the added protection
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
