Kawasaki Z900 Performance 17 – 2021′ Exhaust Pipe & Black Alloy Shield Cover

The kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover is one of the most sought-after decat upgrades we stock at Max Torque Cans, and once you understand exactly what this kit delivers, it is not difficult to see why riders keep coming back to it time and again. This is a precision-engineered, bolt-on performance upgrade that saves serious weight, frees up exhaust flow from one of the most well-documented restriction points on the Z900, and wraps the whole package in a stealthy, blacked-out finish that looks absolutely purposeful on a naked streetfighter. Whether you are chasing sharper throttle response, a more characterful exhaust note, or simply want rid of that heavy, restrictive cat box hanging beneath your bike, this is the upgrade that makes the difference.

What’s Included With the Kawasaki Z900 Performance 17 – 2021′ Exhaust Pipe & Black Alloy Shield Cover

When you order the kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover, here is exactly what arrives at your door, ready to fit straight to the bike:

• CNC mandrel-bent 2″ de-cat link pipe — precision bent for perfect fitment and unrestricted gas flow, with no kinks or compressions to hamper performance
• Mounting brackets — keeping everything solid, secure, and rattle-free once installed
• Stainless clamp — no welding required; the clamp re-secures your silencer exactly as it was before
• Black alloy heat shield cover — included at 50% discount when purchased alongside the pipe, offering both practical heat protection and a genuinely aggressive visual upgrade

The black alloy shield cover deserves a specific mention here because it does two jobs at once. It protects your leg from the heat generated at the mid-section of the bike, and it adds a clean, purposeful aesthetic to the underside of the Z900. Finished in black, it complements the bike’s dark, naked styling far better than the oversized, drab OEM cat housing it replaces. It is the kind of detail that makes the whole bike look more considered and track-ready — and at half price when ordered as part of this kit, it represents exceptional value.

The Performance Case for the Kawasaki Z900 Performance 17 – 2021′ Exhaust Pipe & Black Alloy Shield Cover

Let us talk numbers, because the figures alone build a compelling argument. The standard Kawasaki Z900 catalytic converter box weighs in at a substantial 4.33 kg. The kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover de-cat pipe tips the scales at just 0.7 kg. That is a saving of 3.6 kg from a single bolt-on swap — and crucially, that weight is removed from a central, low position on the bike, precisely where mass reduction has the greatest positive impact on handling, agility, and overall feel through corners.

Beyond the raw weight saving, removing the cat box liberates the exhaust flow considerably. The standard cat is a well-documented restriction point on the Z900 — exhaust gases are forced to navigate a dense honeycomb matrix engineered for emissions compliance, not performance. Swap it out for a straight, mandrel-bent 2″ pipe and the difference is immediate: crisper throttle response off the bottom, a stronger and more linear midrange pull, and an exhaust note that has real character rather than the muffled, strangled tone that the cat box imposes.

If you have already fitted an aftermarket performance can or silencer to your Z900, or you are running an aftermarket air filter, the kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover is the natural next step. Air filter, de-cat pipe, and performance can work together as a complete package — each one freeing up a restriction that the others then capitalise on. We would always recommend having the fuelling mapped once all three changes are in place, as a proper tune will extract every last bit of performance the engine is capable of delivering.

MOT Compliance and Road Use

One of the most common concerns riders raise about fitting a de-cat pipe is whether the bike will still pass its MOT. The answer is reassuringly straightforward: motorcycles in the UK are noise tested, not emissions tested during an MOT inspection. Provided your silencer or can is road-legal — either standard or fitted with a compliant baffle — removing the cat box will not cause an MOT failure.

All road-legal exhausts from Max Torque Cans are supplied with a removable road-legal baffle and BSAU markings. With the baffle in place, the performance exhaust is fully compliant for road use. Remove the baffle and it becomes a race configuration — not road legal. Our race exhausts carry no BSAU markings and do not include a removable baffle. Please make sure you understand the distinction before riding on public roads.

The kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover retains your existing oxygen (O2) sensor fully in place within the front downpipes, so your fuelling management system continues to operate correctly without any additional modification. The bike will run cleanly straight after fitting — though a full remap will always deliver more once you are ready to extract maximum performance.

Fitment and Installation Notes for the Kawasaki Z900 Performance 17 – 2021′ Exhaust Pipe & Black Alloy Shield Cover

This product is designed specifically for the Kawasaki Z900 Performance model, covering model years 2017 to 2021. Please confirm your model year before ordering — the kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover will not fit earlier or later Z900 variants without modification. Getting that confirmation right before you start is the single most important step.

Installation involves the following steps:

• Cut the standard headers to the measurement shown in the product photographs — review these carefully before starting work. The cutting measurements are clearly marked to ensure a clean, accurate result
• Slide the CNC mandrel-bent de-cat pipe into position where the cat box previously sat
• Secure using the supplied stainless clamp — no welding is required at any stage of the process
• Refit your rear silencer — standard or aftermarket — exactly as it was before
• Fit the black alloy shield cover using the supplied brackets for a clean, secure, and professional-looking finish

This is a job that a competent home mechanic with basic tools can complete in an afternoon. That said, if you have any reservations about cutting the headers, we would recommend having the work carried out by a trusted motorcycle technician. A clean, square cut makes fitting the kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover straightforward and ensures a leak-free seal at every joint. You will not need anything beyond a pipe cutter or angle grinder, a torque wrench, and standard hand tools. Full fitting guidance is included with the product, and reference photographs are available in our Flickr album — the link is in the product listing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Kawasaki Z900 Performance 17 – 2021′ Exhaust Pipe & Black Alloy Shield Cover

Will my standard silencer still fit after fitting this de-cat pipe?
Yes — your rear silencer, whether standard or aftermarket, will bolt straight on exactly as before. The only change is the removal of the cat box between the headers and the silencer.

Do I need to remap the bike after fitting?
Not necessarily. The kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover retains the O2 sensor in the downpipes, so the ECU continues to self-manage fuelling. However, if you are also running an aftermarket air filter and performance can, a remap will maximise the gains right across the rev range.

Is this suitable for track use?
Absolutely. The de-cat pipe removes a significant restriction and 3.6 kg of dead weight, making it an ideal track day upgrade. Pair it with a race can from our range for the full performance package.

How long does fitting take?
Most riders report completing the swap in two to four hours, depending on experience level and the condition of the existing fittings.

If you are working through decat upgrades for other bikes in your garage, it is well worth exploring the Aprilia RS660 De-Cat DownPipes — a similarly well-engineered solution for RS660 owners looking to shed weight and unlock performance across the rev range.

The kawasaki z900 performance 17 – 2021′ exhaust pipe & black alloy shield cover represents outstanding value — particularly with the black alloy shield cover included at half price. A 3.6 kg weight saving, improved flow, a more characterful exhaust note, and a cleaner, more aggressive look: all from a single afternoon’s work. If you want your Z900 to perform and look the part, this is the upgrade to make it happen.