5 Bikes Under Rs 15 Lakh That Are Good Alternatives to Kawasaki Z900
If you're someone who loves motorcycles that thrill, excite, and make every ride feel like an escape, chances are you’ve looked at the Kawasaki Z900. It’s one of the most talked-about naked bikes in India for a reason. The Z900 offers the right mix of power, agility, and comfort. But what if you’re looking for something different? What if you want a machine that feels just as alive, just as aggressive, maybe even more?
You’re in luck. The Indian market has matured, and today you have more choices than ever before in the sub-Rs 15 lakh segment. Whether you’re looking for European engineering, Japanese reliability, or Italian style, there’s a motorcycle that gives you everything the Z900 offers—and then some.
Let’s take a deep dive into five bikes under Rs 15 lakh that offer serious competition to the Kawasaki Z900, and in some aspects, might even surpass it.
01 / 07
Kawasaki Z900 – The Benchmark (Rs 9.38 Lakh, ex-showroom)
Before we talk about the alternatives, we must understand why the Z900 is such a strong benchmark. It’s not just about its 948cc engine, which puts out 122 bhp and 97.4 Nm torque. It’s about the overall feel of the machine.
The Z900 is aggressive when you want it to be, and surprisingly polite when you're navigating traffic. It has rider modes, traction control, and an upright seating posture that makes it far more versatile than its looks suggest.
At 213 kg kerb weight, it’s manageable, even for someone stepping up from a 500cc bike. It delivers one of the best balances of performance and daily usability in the naked sportbike segment. But what if you want more tech, more character, or a different kind of thrill?
Let’s explore the five motorcycles that can stand shoulder to shoulder or maybe even a step ahead.
02 / 07
Suzuki Katana – Retro Style Meets Modern Might (Rs 13.61 Lakh)
The Suzuki Katana is a name that evokes emotion. Inspired by the original Katana of the 1980s, this modern version brings together classic styling with top-end performance.
Under its uniquely styled bodywork lies a 999cc inline-4 engine that pushes out 150.19 bhp and 106 Nm of torque. That’s significantly more horsepower than the Z900. The 6-speed constant mesh gearbox delivers smooth and consistent power, ideal for both city rides and spirited weekend blasts.
Where the Z900 gives you comfort with aggression, the Katana is slightly more leaned-in—sporty but not uncomfortable. At 217 kg, it’s a bit heavier, but the weight disappears once you're moving.
It doesn’t just look different. It rides with more intent. If you want something that turns heads even while parked and can pull like a freight train when the lights go green, the Katana should be on your list.
03 / 07
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP – Refined Brute (Rs 12.36 Lakh)
When Honda launched the CB1000 Hornet SP, they brought a sense of maturity to the liter-class streetfighter category. It isn’t just a muscle machine it’s a refined beast.
This bike uses a 999cc inline-four engine producing 155 bhp and 107 Nm of torque. These are numbers that don’t just match the Z900 they blow right past it.
What sets the Hornet SP apart is the quality of refinement. The throttle response is cleaner. The ride feels more planted. And despite its premium nature, it’s surprisingly lighter than the Z900 at 211 kg. The suspension tuning, seat design, and overall ergonomics are built with longer rides in mind.
It feels like a motorcycle made not just to impress but to endure. While the Z900 is excellent for the daily rush, the CB1000 Hornet SP feels ready for the long road ahead.
04 / 07
Triumph Street Triple 765 RS – Precision Over Power (Rs 11.81 Lakh)
The Triumph Street Triple 765 RS is a machine that speaks to purists. It might have a smaller engine just 765cc but what it lacks in displacement, it makes up in character and engineering precision.
Powered by a 3-cylinder engine that makes 128.2 bhp and 80 Nm of torque, this bike offers razor-sharp throttle response and a chassis that feels like it reads your mind.
The Z900 is great, but it’s not as agile. The Street Triple 765 RS has a wet weight of just 188 kg, which makes it one of the lightest in this segment. That translates to tighter cornering, faster changes in direction, and a riding experience that feels alive.
Don’t let the smaller engine fool you. The power delivery is so linear and responsive that you’ll never feel like it’s underpowered. In fact, many riders have claimed that the Street Triple RS gives them more control and confidence, especially on twisty mountain roads or at the track.
05 / 07
Ducati Monster – Italian Passion in a Compact Package (Rs 12.95 Lakh)
Some bikes are all about figures. Others are about feeling. The Ducati Monster falls in the second category.
This is a motorcycle that delivers 109.4 bhp and 93 Nm of torque from its 937cc Testastretta L-twin engine. But it’s not just about those numbers. It’s about how it makes you feel every time you start it up.
With a kerb weight of just 179 kg, the Monster is the lightest bike on this list. It’s compact, agile, and quick. Whether you’re darting through traffic or carving corners on the weekend, the Monster gives you full control with minimal effort.
The design is unmistakably Ducati muscular, sculpted, and sexy. But don’t be fooled by the aesthetics. The Monster is also packed with tech, including cornering ABS, traction control, and a bi-directional quick shifter.
It’s not just a motorcycle. It’s a personality.
06 / 07
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX – Sport Touring Done Right (Rs 13.49 Lakh)
Yes, it’s from the same brand. But the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is a completely different experience compared to the Z900. Where the Z900 is a street brawler, the 1000SX is more of a long-distance sprinter.
This bike uses a 1,043cc in-line four engine that produces 142 bhp and 111 Nm torque. It’s a fast machine, no doubt. But what makes it special is how easy it makes speed feel.
At 238 kg, it is the heaviest bike in this comparison. But that weight brings stability. On highways, it feels planted and reassuring. Add to that a comfortable seat, upright position, and large windscreen, and you get a machine that can tour across states without breaking a sweat.
It’s also packed with electronics—ride-by-wire throttle, electronic cruise control, riding modes, and a full TFT display.
If you want something more versatile than the Z900, something that can thrill on Saturday and cruise on Sunday, the Ninja 1000SX fits perfectly.
07 / 07
Final Thoughts – Choosing The Right Kind of Thrill
The Kawasaki Z900 is still one of the best value-for-money naked sportbikes in the market. But it’s not the only player anymore. Whether you’re drawn toward the legacy of the Suzuki Katana, the refinement of the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, the agility of the Triumph Street Triple RS, the flair of the Ducati Monster, or the versatility of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX—there’s a lot more to explore.
Each of these motorcycles brings something different to the table. Some give you more power. Others offer better handling, more comfort, or richer features. But all of them promise an experience that’s no less exciting than the Z900.
The best part? You don’t have to go beyond Rs 15 lakh to get them.
So the next time you find yourself eyeing the Z900 at a showroom, ask yourself. what kind of rider are you? Because chances are, one of these five machines might suit your style even better.
Disclaimer
Prices mentioned are ex-showroom and may vary based on location and dealership offers. Test rides and individual preferences are always recommended before making a purchase decision.
Source: Data compiled from official brand websites and trusted automotive media. For more detailed reviews and updates, visit www.rooh-e-seemanchal.in
