Kawasaki Z1100 vs Triumph Bonneville Bobber – Which Premium Big-Bike Should You Buy?

The Indian big-bike segment is hotter than ever, and two machines that are trending across searches are the Kawasaki Z1100 and the Triumph Bonneville Bobber MY25.
Both offer premium performance, head-turning design, and advanced rider tech—but they serve two very different kinds of riders. In this detailed Kawasaki Z1100 vs Triumph Bonneville Bobber comparison, we analyze price, engine, features, performance, tech, design, comfort, mileage, service cost, and more.

Price Comparison

ModelPrice (Ex-Showroom India)
Triumph Bonneville Bobber MY25₹12,87,500 – ₹13,37,500
Kawasaki Z1100 (2026)₹12,79,000

Engine & Performance Comparison

FeatureTriumph Bonneville BobberKawasaki Z1100
Engine1200cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled1099cc inline-four, liquid-cooled
Power78 PS @ 6100 rpm136 PS @ 9000 rpm
Torque106 Nm @ 4000 rpm11.5 kgm (~112 Nm)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
CharacterHigh-torque cruiserHigh-revving streetfighter

Real-world feel:

  • The Bobber delivers strong low-end torque, perfect for city cruising and slow-speed style riding.
  • The Z1100 offers explosive acceleration and a superbike-inspired top end, ideal for performance-oriented riders.

Design & Styling

Triumph Bonneville Bobber – Retro Custom Icon

  • Floating seat
  • Fat 16-inch wire-spoke wheels
  • Blacked-out finish
  • Premium paint schemes
  • Minimalist styling with strong character

The Bobber is a lifestyle motorcycle, built for attention on the road and at bike meets.

Kawasaki Z1100 – Sugomi Supernaked

  • Sharp lines
  • Aggressive stance
  • Aluminium twin-tube frame
  • LED headlamp with Z-family styling
  • Larger, wider road presence

The Z1100 is built for riders who want a modern, muscular streetfighter look.

Winner (Styling): Tie—depends on preference

  • Retro lovers → Bobber
  • Modern streetfighter lovers → Z1100

Features & Electronics

FeatureBobberZ1100
Riding ModesRoad, RainMultiple IMU-based modes
Traction ControlYes (switchable)Advanced IMU-dependent
ABSYesYes (cornering ABS)
DisplayAnalogue + LCD5″ TFT w/ smartphone app
QuickshifterNo (Not standard)Yes, dual-direction
Cruise ControlYesYes
ConnectivityLimitedFull smartphone integration

Suspension, Braking & Handling

Triumph Bonneville Bobber

  • 47mm Showa cartridge fork
  • Rear mono-shock (hidden design)
  • Twin 310mm Brembo front brakes
  • 255mm rear disc
  • Best for relaxed riding and highway cruising

Kawasaki Z1100

  • SFF-BP front forks (Showa)
  • Horizontal Back-Link rear suspension
  • Brembo dual 310mm discs
  • 260mm rear disc
  • Designed for aggressive cornering and high-speed stability

Winner (Handling): Z1100 – sportbike-derived chassis and suspension.

Dimensions & Weight

FeatureBobberZ1100
Seat Height690–700 mm815 mm
Fuel Tank12 L17 L
Wet Weight251 kg221 kg
Wheelbase1500 mm1440 mm

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

  • Triumph Bobber: 4.5 L/100 km (approx. 22–24 km/l)
  • Kawasaki Z1100: Expected ~16–18 km/l

Comfort & Practicality

Bobber Comfort

✔ Low seat height
✔ Relaxed riding posture
✔ Smooth torque delivery
✘ Small fuel tank
✘ Heavy body in traffic
✘ Solo seat (not ideal for pillion)

Z1100 Comfort

✔ Upright riding stance
✔ Lighter weight
✔ Larger tank
✘ Firmer suspension
✘ Not meant for relaxed cruising

Service & Maintenance

  • Bobber: 10,000 miles / 16,000 km
  • Z1100: Typical Kawasaki superbike intervals (annual)

Triumph offers excellent build quality and longer service intervals.
Kawasaki parts may cost more due to its high-performance components.

Comparison Table (Full Overview)

CategoryTriumph Bonneville BobberKawasaki Z1100
SegmentPremium CruiserSupernaked Streetfighter
Engine1200cc Twin1099cc Inline-4
Power78 PS136 PS
Torque106 Nm112 Nm (approx)
Weight251 kg221 kg
Seat Height690–700 mm815 mm
Fuel Tank12 L17 L
ComfortRelaxedSporty
FeaturesRetro + Basic TechAdvanced IMU Tech
Best ForStyle lovers, cruisersSpeed lovers, thrill seekers

Which Bike Should You Buy?

Buy the Triumph Bonneville Bobber if you want:

  • A stylish premium cruiser
  • High torque at low RPM
  • Low seat height and comfortable riding
  • Retro design with modern touches
  • A bike that stands out everywhere

Buy the Kawasaki Z1100 if you want:

  • High performance and thrilling acceleration
  • Latest electronics and tech
  • Lightweight handling and sharp cornering
  • A modern, aggressive streetfighter
  • Superb power-to-weight ratio

Conclusion: Which One Should you Buy?

Both motorcycles are excellent, but they target very different types of riders.

  • The Triumph Bonneville Bobber is perfect for riders who love retro charm, effortless torque, and comfortable cruising.
  • The Kawasaki Z1100 is the better choice for riders who crave speed, sharp handling, and modern performance.

If your priority is style and comfort, pick the Bobber.
If your priority is power and technology, go for the Z1100.

Read more: Yamaha XSR155 Aerox-E EC-06 FZ-Rave India Launch 2025: A Bold Step into the Future of Mobility

FAQs about Kawasaki Z1100 vs Triumph Bonneville Bobber

Which is faster: Triumph Bobber or Kawasaki Z1100?
The Kawasaki Z1100 is significantly faster with 136 PS vs the Bobber’s 78 PS.

Which bike is better for beginners?
The Triumph Bobber, thanks to its low seat height and smoother torque delivery.

Which bike has better mileage?
The Bobber (approx. 22–24 km/l) is better than the Z1100 (approx. 16–18 km/l).

Can the Triumph Bobber be used for long rides?
Yes, but its 12L tank and solo seat may limit long-distance practicality.

Is the Kawasaki Z1100 suitable for city rides?
Yes, it’s agile and lightweight, but its aggressive nature is better suited to open roads.

Which bike gives better value?
Z1100 offers more power and tech for nearly the same price.

Leave a Comment