 Kawasaki used smaller 32 mm carburetors (the ZX900 used 34 mm), different timing and camshafts with less duration.This gave the engine a different personality, trading the Ninja's high-end power for low-end and mid-range performance that was more suitable for a cruiser.At the time, the ZL900 was the only bike in its segment using an Inline-four powerplant instead of a V4 configuration.