The Kawasaki Z900RS | What is it About the Big Z?
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- Опубликовано: 7 апр 2023
- The Kawasaki Z900RS review. I take a look at Kawasaki's heavyweight retro and find out how it compares to the European competition.
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You can also find me on the @tuesdayatdobbs RUclips channel for weekly motorcycle chat:
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The bike: 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS
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Locations:
- Sewa Motor Bali, Jl. Kubu Anyar No.19, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
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My personal motorcycle: 2010 Triumph Bonneville 865cc (the base version)
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FACEBOOK: / freddiecmdobbs
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Video editing: @monikameraki (Instagram)
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Music:
- Coste: Gotta Live Now
- Mhern: Wonderous Things
- Ooyy: Endless Loops
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Loved your summary at the end, pure brilliance. It left me in no doubt what the bike offers. I don’t think any professional on TV could have put it better.
Delighted you enjoyed it, that’s very kind of you to say so
Totally agree. If you could only have one bike, the Z900rs would not be it. But if your second bike is a twin or boxer, and you have a warm summer day for a blaat then I'm dialling Mr Kawasaki!
yeah, well said
Freddie, loved the video, though I have to add, I think you feel that way about it because of the aftermarket exhaust and current state of tune your particular bike has. I own this bike, and fully stock driving it around gently, it is a pussycat. Very easy and smooth throttle, sounds good but quiet, only wild when you rip the throttle. I think your particular bike might not be in the best state of tune judging by what you have mentioned.
@@FreddieDobbs I absolutely loved this. Also I NEED you to review an original 1973 z900 and compare this to that. That bike, is my love.
The bike has so much character absolute beauty
I've had my z900rs for a year now. Had the ECU flashed and switched out the handlebars. The engine is so super smooth. No problem for me to cruise along very relaxed or if I have the itch ... crank it up to warp speed. Really two bikes in one. Can't express how fun it is for me. After 50 years on various motorcycles, this is a seriously good motorcycle.
2 years my bike now - agree 100% with you.
I had the Zephyr 1100 in 1993-94. Sold it... "2000 bought a Triumph Sprint Executive. Sold it when we moved from Holland to Austria in 2007. Now I have found the same Zephyr on internet with 27.000 km. But I'm not sure. Is the z900 rs better ? I'm 68 years now. ABS and traction control a big advantage for me?
@@paul55austria51 go for it, seriously nice motorsickle
A primary school teacher had the original Z900 sitting in the school car park each day.
One of the inspirations behind my bike love.
It started early for me.
The thought of a teacher rocking up on one of those🙌🏻⚡️
@@FreddieDobbs
Pretty cool at the time Freddie. 👌
I remember a guy down here having an original Z1 in 1974. He Rode it wearing a rough old pudding basin helmet. Looked brilliant!
Arguably one of the most iconic looks in motorcycling…the bike, not you Freddie! 😂 Thanks to you both for another great watch - I’m really enjoying this trip.
I was about to say “you are too kind”!😆
🤣
Yet again, you hit the spot Freddie! You and Monica make reviews and videos that capture the listener so intensively. If I didn't know better I would say that you would be a professional motorcycle journalist without any doubt - You're that talented.
That’s very kind of you to say so, thank you🙌🏻🙌🏻
As others here have mentioned, your final sum-up was tremendous and almost Clarkson-esque in a classic Top Gear kind of way. Delivering the final line in an analogy, just as the music fades in and the engine roars up. Amazing!
Outstanding Freddie. Not only have you risen above 200cc (thank you), but you have demonstrated your natural abilities to the full. As an Englishman myself I can appreciate that your accent is clear, your vocabulary wide, and presentation style (given location etc.) excellent. As a motorcyclist of decades, I am impressed that you researched the subject (Z900RS) rather than just spouting brochour numbers and buzzwords du jour! Based on this your future looks very bright.
calm down mate.
in America no matter how large we get as a country and in our waistbands....england will always be our cool older brother with style class and elegance that spends little time with his little fat brother BC he's always out on a date......
@@andrewbisbee9251 ffs the original comment was bad enough, but you seem to want to be an even bigger dweeb. Guess we'll have to wait and see if someone else top this embarrassment now.
@Andrew Bisbee speak for yourself, virgin fatty. Lol jk 😜
@@andrewbisbee9251 I disagree. Brits tend to come off as being very pompous and condescending. Cool is not what I would consider them in most instances. But, Freddie actually seems very down to earth. There was a time when they were considered cool, back in the 70s and 80s. But that has long since passed. They still have and love their Monarchy. I have zero respect for anybody or country that has a monarchy even if they don't have a lot of political power.
Great bike (one of my personal favourites) and great presentation Freddie - top marks to you and Monika as always, really engaging video, loved it!
Just a brilliant characterisation of Mr Triumph vs Mr Kawaski. I enjoyed that thoroughly! 🎉
I just got the 2023 Café, black and gold. The stock exhaust is unusually good and looks better than the aftermarket one in the video. Most importantly for me, as someone having come of age in the seventies, the four-in-line is the bees knees. That sound just never get old.
They put a lot of effort into that stock exhaust. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to change it. When you wind it on, it gives a lovely howl.
@@markellott5620 Best sounding stock bike in my opinion
I've got the same bike, fell in love with the green and white striped cafe and ended up with a 23 black and gold cafe and the exhaust to me sounds perfect the way it is,maybe a ecu flash in the future but I'm enjoying it as is. Sold my 99 Lawson zrx1100 and the cafe took its place
Too butch to give a damn. That has to be the single best one-line description of a motorcycle that I’ve ever heard. Well done Freddie!
The summary at the end is worth an Oscar. 100%! A master of description, a work of art.
Not a bike that ticks our boxes, but a jolly decent review. A bit like a G Shock Aviator: some retro elements with modern components. 👍🏼👍🏼
I would love to see you guys on this bike.
It’s a damn hoot. To me it’s a better looking R9t.
I thought this may be juuuuust on the edge of bikes that fit into your niche. I totally get the G Shock reference👌🏻
Z900RS owner here and enjoyed your POV on the bike. I absolutely love mine with one gripe: it's a challenge to just relax and have chill rides with it. That said, whenever I do a pretend shopping for its replacement, I can't seem to find any fitting bike. Without spoilers, your ending sums it up quite well. Cheers!
I installed a Corbin seat on my Z900 RS, and discovered that the rider's seat height is lower. This change changed the feel of the bike in the direction of cruising comfort. Also, the exhaust is stock, so the bike is not too loud for relaxed riding.
Wonderful review! Such allegoric, literary approach takes reviews to a completely other level - a level where you do not meet much competition. Well done!
Bravo Feddie. I was in stitches with your analogy depicting the Z900 as a roided up flat mate who loves a night out 😂 absolute quality content for a Sunday morning. Kudos Monica, the filming is always on point. Roll on Tuesday! Ride safe.
This has to be one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever produced. Gorgeous, thank you for a wonderful review.
love ur style of videos and storytelling! also the travelling aspect of ur videos are awesome! Keep it up and much love from the Netherlands
Your production got the style, voice, video style, originality and quality that very few got. At this year end you will got over 200 000 subs. Remember the BMW Z3 review and the travel videos with the 500, the first videos i came across. Im hooked now.
That’s very kind of you to say so, really appreciated🤜🏼🤛🏼
Thank you for following🙂🙌🏻🙌🏻
You are right. They are unique and an utter pleasure to watch.
Thanks for the great review and entertaining video as always! Always a good story with an interesting travel destination - you and Monica are a cut above the rest! I do love my Kawasaki Z900RS! It’s been quite a ride so far.
The quality of your channel is getting better and better. Keep knocking it out of the park Freddie, you deserve the success.
how you have only 83k subs is disappointing given the quality of the content, your channel consistently provides content that even the most highly regarded motorbike vlogging channels would find difficult to compete... All the best to you both Freddie and Monica, absolutely awesome.. I hope the numbers climb to a number that is more deserving.
I love your passion. I love my 2018 Jaffa. Careful clutch adjustment can get the gear changes near 100%. A big tip for owners, they run way too lean for emissions. Before getting a flash/tune, unless heavily modified, try a 46psi fuel regulator in place of the standard 43psi. It fattens up the fuel curve nicely, and transforms the way the engine runs. Much improved low end smoothness and roll on power is incredible. Not hard for the DIY’er and around $100 for a huge improvement.
Really enjoyed that video…just enough info but brilliantly edited and the presentation was first class…I can see Freddie eventually working and presenting for TV someday 🇬🇧👍
Really glad you enjoyed it, thank you Alan🙌🏻
I have a 2018 version of this machine. Almost to 50,000 miles at present. Rode to Indiana from WA state. Then back to Washington. Total of 4,500 miles in less than a week. Replaced tires, chains, brake pads, and sprockets over the past few years. Brake pads too. Keep checking valves but they are within tolerance. Ride Michelin Road 5s. Next tires will be Road 6s. The bike always starts. When the original battery died, I push started. Ridden in mud, snow and rain. I was first licensed in 1978 but rode dirt bikes before then. Nearest Triumph dealer is 70 miles away. Kawasaki is only 6 miles away and they are open on Saturdays. Totally understand the review but I want a vehicle with endurance and a dealership close by that can fix the bike if there are issues. Nothing against the Triumph or Yamaha but going 50,000 miles without having to do valve adjustments just seems extraordinary. Added a center stand and a seat rest. Also have crash guards for the engine. No issues as of yet though I probably will have to replace the seat as the snow is starting to crack it.
One of the best polished bike reviews I have seen and listened to. In the vein of FortNine.
simply loved that Freddie - I have the Z650RS and my wife wanted me to get the Z900RS but I was a bit wary. Interestingly, I spoke with a Z900RS owner the other day and he never switches the TC off and he said I made the right choice, both you and he have validated my decision.
Freddie that was the best review I’ve seen on the z900rs to date! The summary at the end was the perfect was to put both bikes in perspective
Brilliantly put across as always
Now THIS is a bike review!. That analogy at the end was priceless. Informative and funny as hell 😂
Absolutely hilarious comparison Freddie! Now I know who I’m gonna ride with from time to time: the beast ❤
Got mine on a great deal at the end of March, I couldn’t wait to see your review. Best Moto channel on RUclips, looking forward to seeing what else you ride.
Another great vid from you both 👍🏻
Test rode one recently at a Kawasaki demo day and was absolutely taken aback by the bike. LOVED every minute of it ❤
Great review, Thanks! It is interesting that the bikes you compare the Z900RS have all different engine configurations. 4-in line, parallel twin, triple and boxer. I think the preference for one of those will steer people to the right bike. Happy Easter!
As someone who is old enough to remember lusting after the original Z1 while all I could afford at the time was the Kawasaki KS 125 Enduro, there is no doubt that the new Z900 evokes the nostalgia, style and purpose of the original bike. The original ‘Z’ bikes were always the undisputed center of attention in their day and never designed for Mr. Sensible, who always opted for the Honda CB 750 and the full touring package. However, when James Dean walked into the showroom with his well worn leather jacket and faded blue jeans he climbed straight aboard the Z1 and took off into the sunset with envious eyes gazing at his disappearing silhouette and thinking ‘if only!’
Given the chance would I buy one today - probably not, unless I come across an exceptional review in this months National Geographic, but it’s such a pleasure to know the option exists!
Thank you Freddie and Monika, another stellar start to my Sunday.
This review was intense! very interesting all the way through. Thx mate.
Morning Freddie, yes I have to agree the analogy at the end was just pure gold…..love it! I take it you guys are coming home to sunny Suffolk for the summer!? All the best Dan 👍
Its a joy listen to you talking about Motorbikes. I can feel that this is your passion. Superb and beautiful Machine the Kawasaki Z900RS
As usual, brilliant, classy, delicious test. Each video becomes a real Bike National Geographic! I am for selling my GS1250 and I am so in love with this and the Triumph Street twin 900, and the stunning SpeedMaster.
Congratulations for your great work!
Brilliant Video. Pick up my Z900rs in a couple of days. Previously had T100 and an XSR 900.
Great review Freddie, summed it up perfectly.
Excellent sum up.. really enjoyed the two videos and the naturally appropriate music.. Great camera Lady is the Monica.. ride on Freddie.... the music of the Lone Ranger finishes the video!
I agree. You two always nail these videos. The are beautiful, fun, and amazingly informative.
I have the Z650rs which is just a little more relaxed. Still a tattoo under the collar but it's his grandmother's name 😅
What a cracking video mate!!!! Really well done
Great review! I think this was my favourite to date.
Favourite of all the bikes you’ve reviewed. Gorgeous.
A great review Freddie, Thanks
I love my red Z900RS. Its the BEST BIKE i've ever had and i love this beast. Great video, love your content.
This has to be, without a doubt, the absolute best review of the Kawasaki z900rs that I have ever seen.
You have a gift, and that gift can make even the most mundane of information sound absolutely captivating.
Not to mention the landscape in the background that looks so perfect it's almost like a dream.
Another fantastic video. Loved the Mr Triumph and Mr Kawasaki story haha
Hi John here, I've got a test ride after next week on z900 can't wait had test ride on BSA Gold star what a lovely bike. One more thing you both have a good life. 😊
The way you review bikes, Freddie, it completely different from others. You have brought those reviews to a very high level, like art. Love for you from Bangladesh. Hopefully, you will visit our country one day.
Brilliant video and just to say that I’ve had the 50th Anniversary model last year and it’s a stunning looking bike and always turns heads. The perfect retro bike.
Great video. I started with a KZ650, years ago, then bought a KZ1300. This is a newer bike I would love to have to take me back! The badge looks like period correct. Enjoyed the ending!
Thank you for an entertaining review. I have the Zd here in Australia and even here it turns heads and gets the odd compliment. It was nice to see the bike in Bali, you must have filmed early to avoid the traffic! Cheers
Hehehe, always a joy to watch your videos. I feel like you and Ryan from fortnine are making the best motorcycling content.
By far the best reviewer and a host of in the motorcycling world. Truly worthy of his own major channel show any day and that includes yesterday. Cheers mate
Fantastic review!!
Freddie. Your review is what pushed me to choose the Z900rs over the FTR1200 & XSR900.
I had spent a couple years trying to find a worthy replacement for my 2001 Yamaha XJR1300sp that was wrecked in an accident. Something was needed that could adequately replicate (or at least come close to) the torque, power, weight & causal hooliganism of my beloved XJR
I’ve had my Z for 7 months & I haven’t regretted a moment of it.
From the bottom of my heart, Thankyou for inadvertently nudging me in the direction I’ve chosen.
I'm just wondering if you were able to ride all three before you chose one?
My first street bike was a 1981 Honda CB900F and I loved it. Put 400 miles on it getting home from the dealership in Chicago though it was only 30 miles home.
I came here because of the Kawasaki, but the way you talk and describe your impressions hooked me. Great video, great summary at the end❤
Love the channel and look forward to watching every week. I’ve got a Ducati Scrambler 1100 and love it but it never seems to get a mention by you or anyone else on RUclips.
Great review as always Freddie. For me, this bikes encapsulates the difference between the Kawasakis and the Triumphs of this world. The “retro” element in each relates to their own heydays. So for example, the T100/120s really hark back to the 60s whereas the Z900RS is a real 70s bruiser of a bike. Like the Yamaha RD250. The era when Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha really came to market and kicked a&se.
Anyway, great content as usual. Keep up the good work!
I'm a cruiser guy through and through but retro japanese bikes pull to my heart strings just like bug v-twins do, especially the Z series from Kawasaki because I'm a big anime fan and I've grown up watching GTO, where Onizuka rides a Z-750 with a 900 motor in it❤
Amazing video as always mate, but I wouldn't expect less from you 💪💪
Great Video's Freddie + Monica! New to the channel but keeping track now for new content. enjoy your time in Bali I'm a expat living across in Vietnam not sure if you've visited but I'm sure you would get some crazy footage here with the millions of motorbikes (scooters) ! keep up the good work :)
Excellent review Freddy, i really enjoyed it
Back in the day; I had a Honda CB900 Hornet, a very similar bike to this Kawasaki. Like the Kawasaki it was a joy to ride. I used it for local commuting, day rides and 4/5 day touring around New South Wales and Victoria (staying in pubs and carrying everything I needed in a back pack). It was just a fabulous ride. These UJMs of around 900/1100 cc are the Goldilocks class of motorcycle. Ahhh! I miss that bike. But today I wouldn't buy the Honda CB1000, I'd buy one of these! Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
That old CB900 Hornet never really grabbed the headlines, but it looked good in an understated way and I can imagine it was a ridiculously good bike to ride and own.
Great analogy Freddie! The z900rs is a bike I could see myself owning at some point. I really like the way you review a bike its not completely drowned in specs and performance, brilliant!!
Great review. Your channel is going places! As mentioned before I have one of these. I’m 64, and yes I’m trying to be young and naughty again. I feel cool on it but others probably see me as a daft old git. The thing is, the bike makes me not care anymore! 🤣😈
Spot on . I'm the same age and still at it !
I know exactly how you feel l’m 2 years older and ride a Aprilia Mile RSVR (which l’ve had for 18 years) with a loud Akrapovic can and now feel embarrassed to remove my helmet in public.
@@Munter1 yeah. I love being a baldy flatulent old git ! All the best mate. 🤣
YES , I know how you feel , but sat in our Honda type R in a car park , two young lads jumped out of a Corsa with a big exhaust , looked at me and said look at that old fart in that , i My domestic goddess heard them and replied and he is my old fart and he knows how to drive it . Then we met them on a round a bout and believe you me ? 200 plus hp takes some handling , but we won . Happy days .👍 But remember Hospital food is not great these days .
This is why I love bikes- they transcend ages and generations. It’s fantastic🙂🏍️
Love your knowledge and review motorcycle👍
I liked my first one so much I bought another. Very engaging to ride , the air box sound is amazing
Morning . That Kawasaki is a real looker ! Great review. All the best to you both. 🏴
It a very handsome beast👌🏻 Happy Easter to you in Wales, Mike🙂
Excellent review!!
Great REVIEW on absolutely beautiful bike!
Awesome color combo, together with excellent build quality and stunning retro look and performance!
Great Job Kawasaki👍
Excellent presentation, and excellent camera work!
Really glad you enjoyed it🙌🏻
I nicknamed mine Lecter. It's a well dressed maniac that has finesse and character. I have the 2019 Café version in that gorgeous green and white colorway. I'm absolutely smitten with it.. Well mannered on surface streets and easy to ride on long interstate stretches but once you get up there in the rev range that maniac comes out and it's thrilling.
Having driven both, and I'm a torque 1st kind of guy. I went with the speed twin 1200. Not the steet twin nine currently rebadged is the speed twin. The kawasaki is a very nice machine but ultimately, I went for a speed twin. Having owned over 20 bikes driven hundreds of makes and models. The speed twin was the first bike that I just couldn't explain why I loved it so much.
Loved the vid
“Imagine I’m a pub landlord “. After that summery I imagined you were Alan Partridge. Superb. Keep up the good work. Love it 🤣
I loved your story about the two flatmates, very illustrative! 😀
That is the best conclusion to any video I’ve ever viewed. Mr Triumph vs Mr Kawasaki is too clever for words. Great job Freddy!
Love mine, 29,000 miles on it now. I commute and weekend ride for fun on it. ECU unlocked and cat removed, changed front and rear sprockets, you can do a lot with the gearing based on what you want with how tall 5-6th is. The traction control doesn't like too large of sprocket change, it will sometimes miss 5-6th shift if you mess too much.
Suspension isn't the best, but if you crank it all the way to firm in the front and firm the rear up a bunch it's live able. Everyone loves the sound of it .
Great video, love my Z900RS, need that seat
Great review! Such a beautiful road to ride and sit down for a coffee! What a great metaphor story at the end! Btw, someone could put some tea leaf in the plastic water bottle in the cupholder so it can be boiled perfectly when they arrive your destination.
What a comparison between the Z900RS and the Triumph! Clarkson would be very proud of that one!!! Excellent review and video. Look forward to another instalment from you both!
Lovely bike and an outstanding presentation....Bravo!
Excellent review Freddie 🏍🍀👍
Freddie. there is a major difference between the Z900 and the Bonnie and the R9T. one is a four cylinder the other two are twins... Let's talk torque and when that is optimised and how much pleasure it is to ride a low revving twin with grunt as opposed to a high revving four!
I think this is my new #1. Absolutely stunning machine... I want one!
Great analogy Freddie! You must of scripted that delivery as it was so eloquent. I am not sure that is the best place for a water bottle, surely it must get hot after riding, if not melt the plastic. Your enthusiasm for motorcycles is unparalleled and makes for my favourite RUclips channel. I bet you look good in a suit.
I bought mine when they first came out and I still have it. It's got something. A delight to ride and looks good. Having ridden the RNineT and I didn't like it, despite having had Beemers for years, but I love my Zed. Big Zed just does everything so well and so easily.
Great analogies! 🔥☮️🤘🏻 Love the bike … sat on one today at a local dealership … nearly left with the damn thing.
This is one of my bucket list bikes, if I didn't have the Moto Guzzi for any reason in the future I'd probably replace it with one of these. Even the stock exhaust sounds amazing on the Z900RS
It’s a dream level bike without a doubt. I’d keep the exhaust standard but this after market one sounded insanely mean💪🏼
Stick with the Guzzi...they have bags more character. The Kawsaki is a competent, comfy machine that after half a hour just becomes a modern vehicle, nippy at times but after all is said and done, a bit bland in my opinion.
Great review Freddie. Seriously tempted by that Z but I'm also a triumph fan boy. Not sure I'm ready to swap my Street Triple. It's an older one and I just love the look of it and it's such a great bike with a brilliant engine
AWESOME Presentation
Really awesome video, fun analogies 😂
Nice one Freddie, another really great video. Just want to point out that the Kwak is a retro from the 70,s whereas Triumph,s BSA,s and Enfield,s are retros from earlier decades. I loved riding the Z last year when I was looking for a new bike but opted for the speed twin instead, the proper one not the 900, and I don't regret it.
Mate, this was just brilliant!
The angle, at the beginning of the video, the bike looks every inch a classic an absolute beauty