Kawasaki Z900RS SE Ride Review - Cycle News
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- We take delivery of the 2022 #Kawasaki Z900RS SE and put some first miles on this retro looking ride. See our previous project Z900RS: www.cyclenews....
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I'm a 73 year old rider. Lack of Quick shift and cruise control are absolutely no issue for me.
Kawasaki makes wonderful bikes.
Nice video, thanks. But I don't understand this fixation with quickshifters. Why do you want to turn a bike like this into a twist'n'go? Surely gearchanging is a skill to be celebrated and enjoyed, especially on a bike like this with such a retro vibe?
All just personal preference.
Obviously never used one.
@@MrMoto948 Why is it 'obvious' I've never used one? Actually I have, when I had an MT 10 SP, I just don't see why you would want one on a bike with such a retro flavour...
@@spudflap I agree. Also, this bike has slipper clutch and from what I've heard from many is that the gear changes are very light and smooth, so don't get the "agricultural" comment in video. Are they just spoiled in Ozzie land with their perpetual sun, surf and barbies? No clue about all weather riding down under.
Mate get real, next you will say we should go back to brakes that don't work and carbies that stall out and suspension like a mattress 😂. Get a naked bike with a QS and you will never look back! You can use the clutch with a QS Of you like so it doesn't detract from anything and only adds to the bike.
One of the most beautiful motorcycles I've ever laid eyes upon, but she came with a fair few bad habits to test my patience! But her rough edges were not so hard to correct, and it was well worth the effort to fix them - today she is even more beautiful, and far better behaved!
Kawasaki got it right - ABS and TRAC. is enough, you don't need a quick shifter for this bike. Big old school bike. With a 900cc, LC inline 4. Nice chassis. The 900 RS SE is the top spec. model.
agreed, I hated quick shifter on Versys 1000
I guess my old Honda Z50 was considered a quick shifter since it did not have a clutch. QC is not wanted to needed.
I'd rather have center stand then quick shifter but you're right bike is quite expensive.
*The latest CB1000R and XRS900 are off the list because the classic styling is gone. Honda and Yamaha says it's not but I don't see anything classic on it.* The Z900RS is the only Japanese modern classic left by attrition. I'm hoping it's worth the price.
Perfect all round bike, the old CB750 still one of the greatest looking bikes, in candy apple red😁
An all time classic
Finally a review in English on the Z900rs se lol
We got you!
@@cyclenews i love you
Bang on with the sentiments in your review. I have the 50th anniversary which looks quite similar to your 2018. Had the ECU flashed, performance header but kept the stock silencer, added a UJM style front fairing and this is one of the most perfect simple motorcycles with the benefit of modern tech. Same as you, I wish it had electronic throttle so you’d get QS, cruise and maybe two riding modes but I will say once the ECU was flashed, you get buttery smooth shifts. Even the 2022 50th had a on off throttle. It’s always fun to hear others enthusiasm with this bike. They really made a wonderful motorcycle
Good stuff, Brandon. I'm glad to hear an actual owner wants a quick shifter, too! Enjoy the ride.
I installed a G2 throttle tamer in my 50th which made a big difference in off on throttle jerkiness. I’m happy with the performance so waiting for the warranty to expire before I do the header and flash. The only other things I’ve changed is the optional low pro seat and Roadsmart IV tires after getting a large puncture in the rear tire.
I have a 2018, Rootbeer & Orange color, I think thats the best. New K-tech suspension front & rear, ECU flash, airbox mod. added a color matched bikini fairing and new Michelin Pilot power 5's. Its a great bike. I like it so much I sold my R1.
Very nice
Yes 👍
Was lucky my dealer found me a 50th anniversary model I’m picking up Saturday. It may not be the SE with the Ohlins shock but it’s still got the gold wheels and the sweet Fireball paint. Maybe I’ll upgrade the rear shock for the best of both models. 😄
Congrats!
Great review as always Rennie. The RS has to be one of the best looking bikes on the road and it always reminds me of the Castrol 6 Hour whenever I see one. Although I have to admit I mostly cheered for Mike Hailwood and some lanky Aussie bloke (you probably know him) on a Ducati SS.
Yeah, I have a fair idea who you mean ;).
Bruce - agree. Caught one while pootling along one sunny Sunday near Wollombi a while ago, and it looked great.
This guy rode in the Isle of Man! I bow to him and your kin. Well done. Well done. You are THE MAN.
Cheers mate
@@cyclenews And I'm happy to see you made it back unscathed. I hope Boothy is coming along as best as can be expected. 🤞
You’re lucky to get hold of an SE, they are very rare. Good to see it looks like they’ve fixed the throttle snatch, I had to get a Woolich ECU flash and dyno run to fix my 2018 Jaffa. I put a Translogic quickshifter on mine, only good for upshifts though because you can’t have an auto-blipper with the way the throttle is set up.
👍👍
I had a 2020 Z900RS and after replacing the shock, thicker fork oil, better tires, decat, ECU flash and some lower bars, it was brilliant. Actually did a track day on it and it was a blast. Have video of the track day on my channel. its a brilliant bike.
Then why'd you sell it? You must have room in your garage. That beautiful green paint. I know you like big HP #'s, but this thing looked great.
@@TrustyZ900 Garage is a bit full these days. 2022 Ninja ZX14R, 2022 Triumph Speed Twin, 2018 Triumph Bobber and a 2022 Harley Street Glide. I just tend to run through bikes at an alarming pace. haha
I can see myself getting the new SE model at some point.
Very cool. Nice job on those key mods.
If there was a choice for only one option between the quick shifter and cruise control - I’d have the cruise control.
Noted
@@cyclenews - it would just be my choice for where I live and how I would use the bike. 👍🙂
At the time, I was choosing between the speed twin and z900rs. Chose the triumph, and don't regret it. But its been 2 years on the trumpy now, so its time to trade in for the z900rs. Just a gorgeous looking bike for sure.
Can't go wrong!
Great review. I think this is the street bike ive been looking for. Love the classic style without having the thruxton rs reliability worries or bmw r9t cost. Id bet this is perfectly capable of some spirited backroad fun while also looking great and having kawasaki reliability.
Good choice!
Thx for video!!! I am an old dude at 57 coming from Suzuki GS1100E models
Happy to help!
Great review! Have a 2020 green colour, did a flash and put on a fairing, just love the thing, amazing bike that turn heads everywhere, great review!
Probably looks amazing!
The 2020 candytone green with yellow trim is stunningly beautiful!
@@RickyJr46 👍 yeah, so better to put a Ohlins and brembo on that one
Paul Dark, yep, I have the Öhlins shock and a pair of black Dymag UP7X wheels on it now.
@@RickyJr46 cool👍
I was fortunate to have owned one in 1978. ZX900 LTD. I was a bit of menace in my town on it.
I have owned all manner of bikes. I love the RS SE. The look is killer and gets lots of attention. I went be a dealer recently and they had never seen one in person and they fawned over it even though they sell the RS and RS Cafe. The Like Yamaha but that is not retro and it is down right hideous. I am sure the engine is nice as most Yamahas are. Nice review and I plan on putting lots of miles on my 2024 RS SE.
Now added fuel off throttle in oem mapping. Original mapping had zero fuel when tps was zero in all rev rangers (popping running lean) need 2-5% at zero throttle to avoid on throttle jerk. It is amazing that 80% of road riding is done in the 0-10% tps range . Solution is a pwr commander 5 and a dyno tune, add a QS while you are there.
Why the need for the Power Commander when they can do the same with a flash on the dyno?
I keep looking at this Kawasaki Z900RS and the Honda CB1100RS.
I think the Honda looks a lot more retro because of the more flat bench seat and the twin rears springs.
I had a 13 CB1100 when they came out. Nice looking bike but motor was bland
If I had one, I'd buy the extended tail piece and the pillion grap bar. The real problem with the original bikes were the brakes, you could go very fast extremely quickly but try stopping.
Widowmakers lol
2021RS. the quick shift we didn't have in 76 , It comes with a tool kit . Makes me feel like I've gone back to the 70s it a good copy, I have the green one it's a Monster
after listening to you wondering if Kawasaki will offer an computer upgrade but here again my 76 was jumpy maybe keep original . Maybe it's more retro than you know .
Very cool James
I agree. Why do you need a quick shifter for street and highway. Race track maybe.
Kawasaki have really nailed it with these bikes, but agree would be great to see the quick shifter as standard though. Good to see they fixed the initial throttle response. But what would you prefer, one of these or a Z1?
This is one of our favs. But yes, still wishing it came with the quick shifter.
Agree with your comments 👍 especially about gear change being a bit average . I have the blue pearl model 💙
Right on!
Personally, I prefer less tech. Less to go wrong. Less expense. And, in the long term, easier to fix.
Good point.
I brought this bike after watching this video,,,,So Happy
Congrats! Great choice
Been dreaming of this bike for years. The dealers around here just won't bring them over, nobody buys them apparently
I would love to get an SE this year
Time to rally the troops! Best of luck.
I’m sorry.
Good review. It is definately one of the bikes i'm considering. The Trriumph Speed Twin 1200 is it's main competitor in my book.
You should refresh our memory on the engine specs with the chart. Mapping can’t do everything, some internal component(s) may have been revised.
Bang on mate! Every year I wait for Kawi to put a QS and Cruise control on this bike to make it perfect 😔😴🙈. And come on the Jaffa is the colour that everyone wants and it's not available on the SE or RS 🤦🏼.
Nailed it
Dude it is basic standard qs is bs and cruise control is for cars. If you cannot ride without those get a car. I still hate no kick starter on bike, when battery dies i could still crank and go back in the day. Riders today ate pampered girlie men. Do your on speed shifts, easy if you know how to ride and just as quick. Put pressure on shifter, blip throttle next gear fast butter smooth no clutch.
I reckon Kawasaki made the right decision by not having a quickshifter on this bike, a quickshifter is not the be all and end all of a bike, there’s a time and a place but this bike is renowned for its build quality and a quickshifter is just one less hassle when your crunching thousands of miles with this bike, if you still think quickshifter are great ride a KTM you will change your mind any model will do 690,890,1290 there all junk
*Coupling and Doctor Who Stephen Moffat?*
Mate brought this bike on this reveiw happy now
Cheers
You know when they ship these out, I’m from Germany and ordered one in September last year, was a birthday gift for my dads 60th and they haven’t shipped it out yet, it was promised that it would arrive three months ago.
Just looked at 1 of these...Im 62 j remember the original z1 900
They do look great
Hits us right in the nostalgia feels
I had a 74 z1 back then. It was incredible compared the other bikes of the time. I think the orig looks the best, the new one is nice.
Just give me both and will be a happy camper.
Totally agree
Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada, mate.
😀😀
U can have heated grips put on and a windshield would b great for the freeway ,ecu flash ,it's a bike that will last a lift time no matter how fast u drive
I love naked type of bikes. Just back to 2 wheels after 15 years pause, and riding ER5. Nice bike to daily commute, and get back in the motion of things, but lacks power for big guy like me, and doesn't brake all that well. But this Z900RS , and especialy SE is so god damn sexy hot that it is crazy. Has everything out of box, even the stock exhaust sounds awesome.
Already started putting money aside
Nice, welcome back!
Maybe they just had the throttle cables adjusted better on the SE. speaking of throttle cables, probably the reason they couldn’t do a quick shifter or cruise control.
It's brake pads that make brakes feel wooden the most. Manufacturers consider plenty of things when designing motorcycles, and brake feel is one of them. It's a relaxed retro cruiser, so no, you don't need quick shifter, or track rated brak pads. Easiest way of changing how transmission shifts is by changing engine oil. Try different brand of oil of same weight and it'll feel different. I know when to change oil based on how my transmissions click...
I love kaw I drove them wide open in the heat for years after I bought them used across the u s
Very lovely machine, hands down. Would love one for sure. Leave track weapons for once and just tag along.
Exactly!
Suzuki needs to make a New GS1K they already have the bulletproof mill and buttery smooth gearbox. Style it like the old GS. I like the new katana but the gastank is too small.
That would be awesome
I have a husky 701 with a Quickshifter and have ridden several other bikes that have them and honestly I don't like them. Using the clutch to shift adds to the experience of riding a motorcycle for me but from watching different RUclips video's it seems I'm in the minority.
I don't understand the obsession with quick shifters...
Just personal preference
nostalgic look 😇😇with inline4
Love my Jaffa.
i loved my original Z1 in fact if i could choose to have one bike back again i'd choose my old Z1 and that's even over the GSX-R1100 i used to have however, with that said there's no way i would pay $13k for a naked 900 no matter how good it is.......
Hard to beat the classics
The only real competitor for Triumph Speed Twin ✌️
Will make for a great comparison.
Honda 1000r neo cafe also!
Finally a naked bike without gratuitous plastic all over it. What a ujm should look like in 2023
You nailed it!
I'm wondering when someone is going to do another comparison of the lastest crop of "retro" sub liter bikes. I've been eyeing the XSR900. I had a 2018 Z900RS, it was comfortable but just didn't do it when trying to hustle through turns and the wind blast was really strong above about 75-80. The 14 Superduke 1290R I had did not have that kind of windblast for some reason.
Check new Kawasaki Z900RS SE MY2023: ruclips.net/video/rNvVeHrEVn4/видео.html
Great review but I don't think a quick shifter is required on this model
All just personal preference
The Radiator is too large and the bike would look better with a four into four exhaust .
Don't get the obsession with a quick shifter .
Agreed 👍
Mine gets more than it’s fair share of attention whenever or wherever you pull up. They must be looking at that ugly radiator and exhaust 😂
dude, great cover of the bike but no sound and riding footage is not going to get this channel anywhere
Thanks for the tips
Love this bike, but.....waaaaay overpriced for what you get! I went w/ the XRS900. Couldn't be happier!
Congrats!👍
That Öhlins KA739 shock is available from Öhlins USA, and they match its spring rate to a rider's weight.
Why not the dark blue and gold? Seems like they stopped making what I feel is the most beautiful colour combination I have come across, but I know this is not the SE, just the RS. Sure would be nice if Kawa gave you a choice.
Great vídeo, thanks. I own a 2018 RS se candytone..i've mounted a puig small smoke windscreen and puig small round sliders and thats it, the throtle is really snatchy, but the induction sound os something that no other bike does. The suspension doesn't filter very well and after 4 hours of contínuos riding,you end up with some fatigue. Now my question regards This new ohlins suspension, does it filter better than the first edition? You see , i ordered This new One and i wanted her to be my only bike
They never made an SE edition for the 2018 RS.
Great bikes
Exactly
How do you get to ride an SE in Oz thought they weren't coming here. Any future plans from Kawasaki for more special editions. Also do you know the arrival date of the 2023 models in Australia. Cheers
This test was done in the States. Not sure the status of this bike in Oz. Cheers
Having trouble picking between This and the Triumph speed double. I keep things forever, so quality is high on the priority list.
I have a Z900RS Cafe and also a Speed Twin. Both great bikes, but very different. Triumph has a ton of torque early in the power band. Very addictive! The Kawi likes to be revved out more. I think I prefer the Triumph ever so slightly. U can't go wrong with either.
@@churchofbrap876 Thank you!
great review my friend!
Thank you! Cheers!
The lack of QS and Cruise Control is a bummer...the XSR 900 is $3k cheaper and has both those features plus more...
Will make for a good comparison test
Wow ... good info.
@@cyclenews it's pig ugly too
It’s still a sows ear compared to the Kawasaki.
Buy the Yam.
Does this model use an oem or Brembo master cylinder for the Brembo calipers?
Your have been to a few races, haven’t you master rev matching shifting already? Bad quick shift is worse than no quick shift.
My GF's bike She ordered it last year. She should get it in 2 weeks . She presently has the 900 Cafe racer 2018 , but her back hurts on it.
Nice! Have fun
Quick shifter 😂🤣😅 these bikes don't even NEED it they change gear clutchless so easy anyway due to the redesigned clutch basket that stops backlash and missed gear mistakes. I think myself a quikshifter would make it TOO smooth and it'd be jumpin in an out of gears. Cruise control ??? Man are you a lazy rider or what ? You might as well buy the vfr 1200 honda, a 1200cc automatic, so boring to ride it's brain numbing. Ridings a physical thing and that's part of the enjoyment. If you just want comfort and not have to do anything might aswell buy a car 😲
Thanks Stephen, really appreciate your feedback👍👍
He didnt look like a lazy rider at the 2019 pikes peak hc or 22 TT. Maybe he just set the cruise control for those 🤣
@apriliaskreetrider5807 very true, he's a top rider 👍
A commenter in Canada on another video was told by his Kawasaki dealer that the SE has electronic throttle valves. Spec sheets in other countries apparently don't list this. 🤔
Nice catch
Specification listed on the German website for every version of Z900: It has dual valves per each cylinder, one which is connected to the throttle cable and on which is an electronic valve which is controlled by the ecu. There is a symbol with two circles and a number 1 and 2 on it on the feature site.
Nice review!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it
Forgot to mention hard to use tyre valves air adjustment any one know of good angle replacement valves ?
They aren't hard to find - try Cycle Gear or Revzilla.
No that Yamaha argument is never too early. It's not retro enough so it's not retro at all. Where are the round signal lights on a chrome, tubular arm? LED lights don't have to look modern. Classic means classic. Compromise isn't in it. Kawasaki has done a great job on this one but it falls short with the signals too. Thanks for your input.
I wonder if there are any aftermarket round turn signals available. I kind of miss the twin rear shocks also but it probably wouldn't handle as well.
@@dandersonjr I suspect that OEM signals of yesteryear would fit. There's no good reason to change something that works well.
@@user-un9lx4kp6u Yea I wouldn't change them I was just responding to the other comment.
Is the onlins plusher than the standard suspension and worth the extra £
Poor me, I had ducatis, Yamahas have no abs, tracking control, or cruise control, What was I thinking?
Oooooof they fixed the throttle response finally !
I Own a 2018 Z900RS Cafe and have NEVER noticed any throttle response issues. BUt I will say the bike does have a particular riding style it prefers. I grew up road racing the old Eddie Lawson Replica and I prefer this bike. It has crisp throttle response and it ya take the traction control off it will pull power wheelies on straight aways on tracks.
No problem in mine either.
Thanks for the ride, i scribed too.
Get the ecu flash
Great review mate. Is this model coming to Australia?
Not sure, mate. I'll do some digging.
Loved the video, thanks for sharing 🏍️
Thanks so much👍
Great review thx. Re your 2018 red/Orange one, was that with black or brown?
Yeah 2018
Thanks, also read the article - useful. Was the tank colour Orange/black? Or Orange/brown?
@@guitartolearn You can see the bike at 2:20
@@cyclenews Thanks. Have looked a few times - and the article - but not clear to me if it’s black or brown paint
@@guitartolearn It's brown as per the original Z1 of the early 70s.
Liked the video as in the information you provide with the statistics of the machine, but confused the hell out of me with your personal opinion of the bike: you judge it as its massively missing a quick shifter, then say its a bike for "riding at a sedate pace" and that "your not going to ride it like a ZX10 and rip the head off it" then say, just go and "enjoy it for a cruse(ie) ride". Based on your last three comments on what "you" feel the bike is for, why the hell does it need a quick shifter? I have a 22 model and almost love it for what it is, save for that dam snatchy throttle that can be a bitch on bumpy roads in my opinion.
I wish I never mentioned the quickshifter. It seems nearly everyone has something to say about my opinion, which is given the price of the bike, it would be nice to have a quickshifter as the gearbox isn't the best out there.
That is just my opinion. I'm amazed at the hate comments I get when I try and stand up for the people buying the bike by saying they should get more for their money. A KTM 390 Duke has a quickshifter, why can't this bike that has over twice the horsepower, twice the cost and four times the number of cylinders? Just because it looks retro, does that mean it has to be? I like a 500 horsepower V8 that has its heritage from the 1960s, but I like modern things too like air conditioning and, yes, cruise control.
Kawasaki needs to offer more color options for these, but I guess they aren't big sellers here in the U.S. - there's a ton of the Cafe models for sale on Cycletrader.
Be cool to see the exact colors from the retro bikes
I ordered an SE in January. Terrible Dealer to Customer service. No updates on Possible delivery, always had to make contact with the sales dept. 8 months and No Word. Cancelled my Prepaid ordered Z900RS/SE. (Nash Powersports Kent Wa.)
Hope you receive it soon!
GF ordered hers 11 months ago...... It's long. The dealer got the serial number of the bike last week. So the bike is on a ship somewhere I guest.....
Maybe the dealer wasn’t getting any updates for the delivery date either. Did you ever think of that?
@@supersportimpalass I contacted the Dealer many times. Also they tried 2 times to get me to take just an RS. That is the only reply/E Mail in a year. Also Sent E Mail to KAWASAKI, No Response. Same Bike 2023 not the 50th anniversary, MSRP went up 10 grand! Fuck Kawasaki !
I never understood why anyone would want C-C on a motorcycle?!? If you want comfort, just keep your air-conditioned, automatic driven car with its cup-holders, Hi-Fi stereo, touchscreen-GPS and Bluetooth connections?
ever drive for a day across the desert or west texas?
Yeah... Lake Elsinore
Any crash bars?? AND 4 INTO 2 PIPES???😊
I do t plan on crashing it.😅
Great review!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it
It's got ohlins and brembo and you can't naturally ride it hard? Why pay extra for that jewelry then? It is a very pretty thing.
You gotta wonder who decides to put moron warning stickers on a beautiful gas tank. The radiator cap should be gloss black to blend in.
Government workers who never ride….
@@jtwu8931 not everyone wants the total blacked out boring ugly look
Hello, very nice video. I'm wondering to buy one but it seems very compact bike for my 6 ft tall. Can you tell how tall are you? Thank you, kind regards
Rider in this video is about 6 feet tall
Salva, I'm 6’3” with a true (measured) inseam of 38.5” - with the standard U.S. saddle, a Z900RS is very roomy for me.
6’ 2” and no issue. Ride with a passenger often and still have plenty of space and great handling.
Nice review, & for those cats who don't think a QS belongs on a new bike than just go by an old one.
True
How 'bout we buy a new Kaw ...
up to 2020 it was euro4, 2020 was euro5 ready and from 2021 it is euro5, so its not the same?!
It's a retro bike retro bike's don't have cruise or quick shifters thats the appeal
It isn't a retro bike. It is a new bike meant to look like a retro bike. Nothing about is old school. Even the fins on the cylinder heads are only for looks. If you can have fake retro styling then you can add a button for cruise control and have a quick shifter.
Well said
BRITISH BIKE ELECTRICS = lucas 'THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS'