Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe Video Review (With A Bit Of Drag)
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Instead of going around in circles at a track day we decided to take the Z900 drag racing at Santa Pod Run What You Brung.
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Probably the best motorcycle review I have ever seen.....and I've seen plenty!
Thanks for the feedback
If ever the big TV channels decide to do a motorbike show, this guy must be one of the presenters! A masterclass on how to do a review.
I absolutely love the looks of this motorcycle.
I bought the café a few months ago. I love it. This is one of the videos that made me wan to get it. The green really is growing on me, too!
Excellent review, especially of the drag racing experience. I concur with the liter bike observation; they're two different bikes. I had an R1 that was a real joy on the track but to take a 90-mile ride through the local mountains would have taken a toll. I test rode one of these around town and would have no problem taking it on a day-long ride. Very comfy bike with a lot of hidden spirit to pull out when you're ready.
The drag racing 101 was a nice touch. And even lended to the bike review.
I absolutely love my 2021 RS Café!! very accurate review. That induction noise is amazing!!
Great review, I also bought a Z900rs Jaffa late 2017, a very happy upgrade from Aprilia Tuono.
These Z900rs are designed by riders for riders, so light to push out of my garage and very easy and comfortable on the road.
I couldn't designed it better.
Really? I mean, what you didn't like about the Tuono to call this an upgrade? Or was it 125 Tuono? ;) I'm not trying to banter even, i'm really curious.
@@marzinho11 , it was a 2014 Touono , bad fuel tank design, always overflow at fill-up ,no air flow, no brain.
Leaking coolant from hoses, and oil.
Stopping at traffic lights, fans kick in but temperature keeps rising , engine stalls. I bought brand New and only done 8000km in two years. It was a relief to get rid of it. First and last Aprilia.
That is the best review I've ever seen , perfect 👌
Thanks Tim
Best review of the 900rs in the web - congrats !
"Another one of those lines that I've just said to a camera that I wished that I just hadn't said"
Another?!? LMAO!
Lovely review, makes me want one! Be keen to hear how it stacks up directly against your XSR900 long termer
The xsr900 is a lot more compact and has more power and is cheaper.
@@chrisredfield3240 much uglier though
@@jamesavery6671 have you seen the xsr900 with the aftermarket old school fairing like the Z900RS has? It is gorgeous. For about $400, you can make it look better than the z900rs. Then it is still cheaper and still faster
@@chrisredfield3240 The Kawi has the better handling chassis and suspension. The fit and finish is also far superior to the Yam. The Kawi makes more torque and is only around 4 hp shy of the XSR at the top end.
@@anne-mariebosley2260 chassis and suspension never seems a strong point for Yamaha. Always about the engine. Can't have it all.
came here to leave a respect for a great review... Best on YT concerning this bike in paricular! And why wasn't I suprised that I'm not alone here doing that?)
Thanks Denis!
Top interview , great job
Well well we’ll; I don’t really know what to say or think about the Z900rs. I have a 75’ Z1b at home that hasn’t been all buggered up. I think the RS styling is some what close to the old Z1 but not quite there. It’s somewhere between a Z1 and an a Eddie Lawson vintage of 1980. I still prefer the original over the new. Seeing how there is 45 years difference in age, I think I’m a little disappointed that the newer isn’t a little faster and nastier. I guess if I was to pick a stable mate, I should be shopping for a ZRX.
Crazy thing is my other bike is a ZX6R, and little 600 is a whole second quicker in the quarter. I guess I’ll keep my money and spend it getting a complete refurbishment done on the old Z1b. After all these years of ownership she needs a little love. Besides my old Z1 just keeps appreciating in value more and more every year. 😎🇺🇸
Tudor Black Bay Bronze. Nice!!
nice Tudor... Love it !
If they didn't do a single thing with the engine and tuning and transmission from the Z900, I'd probably buy one. But they neutered it. Fully tuned, the Z900 can put down 125 to 130 HP at the wheel. The RS is down about 10 hp and has a goofy tall 6th gear that's out of proportion to the gear spacing between the previous gears.
Z900 was perfect, just doesn't look nearly as nice.
Great review. Looks and sounds absolutely amazing.Cheers.
You're right 79-80 mkII and eddie larson replica came out the crate running 10.79 with peewee gleason on them I rode my 1980mkII to a 10.89 still keep that slip from the track. Bone stock the best block ever 1013cc this I swear.
Nothing touched me then not even the kz900 with kits in them.p
Love it, Z900 were a big thing here in Australia, I always wanted a Z1B but could not afford one, I am considering one of these and I love the Eddie Lawson paint, so cool also I love your reviews, funny no bull Shit just the information you need to know, plus you can ride, not bad for a pommie LOL ps nice tudor.👍🇦🇺
Street triple RS - hour and 20 minutes away from house
Z900RS standard - 24 miles away from house
I love both equally for different reasons. Just can’t decide...
The retro styling of the Z900 wins it for me.
Perfect Review mate.
Thank you. 👍
Thanks Mr Axe!
I love this bike
Is it more stable and planted then the Mto9. because I test road a 2020 mt09 and I didn't like the lack of front end feel. the bike never felt planted. I am considering buying a used 2018 Z900RS. thats in very clean condition with 2700KL.
Great bike review.
I ride a litre bike and you wouldn't see me for dust. (zzr1400). BUT, I would love to have one of these.
Liked this review a lot
Brock's Performance has been able to get 71 ft-lb and 121 hp at the wheel (SAE correction) out of the new RS. That's a significant improvement and says a lot how restricted Kawasaki has made it. ruclips.net/video/wd26eDJt1UU/видео.html
How does it compare to a Thruxton?🤔🤔
With that title, I thought we were gunna see a bloke in a skirt and some lipstick riding this great bike haha. Excellent review thanks ;)
Be careful of your drag racing analysis. You don't want to give the impression it's not an 11 second bike. It truly is. Mitch Mcdermott, season champion.
david mcdermott I agree that it’s an eleven second bike. I got it down to 12.04 in four runs. I’m sure if we had more time it would run mid eleven.
Also it is important to take note of track temperature and tire compound. Burnouts, although not long ones are almost always, if not always very important. I do like your work and will continue to follow. Thank you.
Lol, hide behind the ignition key! Brilliant!
Great video !
Whatta lovely review :)
The story that most people will relate to regarding the Z900RS Cafe is EDDIE LAWSON! :)
I want one. ❤
Great review! Thanks
“ The look of this bike might not appeal to you.....weirdo!” One of the best delivered lines ever. Great review, well done bravo!!!
Thanks
I really dig it but for whatever reason kawasaki only offers it in green in the usa I want it in black or any color other than green
@@Justen1980 weirdo.
I just got home from the dealer with my new z900rs café! Paid cash for it too so it really is mine!
@@Justen1980 that's how it's done! Congrats! Gonna sell my watch collection....
"It's not as slow as you think, and you're not as fast as you think."
HAH! Love it!
It's true, I wound up racing a zx10r on my rs and to my surprise pulled ahead of him from a stoplight up until 100 and then he passed me, but the torque and short gearing makes this thing a missile out of the hole
I know I am slow as a snail on a literbike but I still did 10.8 and 142mph. I can literally fall asleep and pass most other bikes. No credit to myself.
To all bike reviewers, professional or otherwise, this is how you do it.
Timothy MIlls thanks Timothy
Totally agree!
Good Point, took the thought bubble right off my mind while watching this.
I had the same feeling. Subscribed.
After so many reviews that bafflingly prioritize commentary on looks and near-meaningless features, this one that actually details what the bike is like to ride is a breath of fresh air.
Thanks
This guy is one of the best bike journos on YT.
Thanks, Michael. Appreciate the feedback. Unless Michael is a fake name and you’re actually my mum just talking me up.
Definitely agree.
@@johnhogan8177 haha
This is my 3rd season with my Z900rs I’ve put 45,000 km on it and it has been absolutely perfect, I can’t think of another bike out there that I like more.
This is exactly how we use to do it in the late 80s ride from London to the pod ,race and ride home...easy .great video
here I the states I'd ride my gpz to the track, race all day , then ride it home 198cough cough cough
I loved the review. This guy looks very casual speaking about the kawa and suddenly hits you with a bold, honest statement without changing the tone. He'd be the perfect teacher. I really enjoyed the video. Thank you.
By the way, today I'm a proud owner of a Z900RS Café in part, for watching this video
The best retro looking bike of the current era.Thks.
Great video as always mate. Beautiful looking bike. Produces 98.5nm of torque though, not 75. I obviously live and die by the spec sheet. 😊
Brilliant review and excellent points aimed towards keyboard warriors •
This was one of the best bike reviews I think I've ever seen. If I had le money, I'd seriously think of getting one of these after paying the speeding fines.
You got this stuff dialled in John, cracking watch! 👌🏼😎
Stephen Sumner thanks Stephen
I was hesitating about buying one. I had z650 poster on my wall as a child. I ve watched some other reviews on you tube , where the best they can come up with is they don’t like the chrome handlebars and they are shuffling along at 40mph telling you what a great handling bike it is. I took one for a test ride this week and then found your review last night. That clinched it. Y0u are a great rider and seeing you hoon the bike round corners and front wheel inthe air never mind the drag racing sealed the deal and I bought a new one today
Been out of the riding loop for more than 20 years, just had enough back then. After watching many new bike reviews of all kinds for just a little while now, this bike shows up on a random video...... I last rode a Seventy Eight, Kilo Zulu, Six Five Oh, in this exact style..... Needless to say, I had a "Deja Vu - All Over Again" moment (to quote Yogi Berra). For two days now, I have been catching up on old videos, I may have to visit a dealer soon.
The video was so good I had to subscribe. You can tell when a motorcyclist enthusiast does a review. Thanks, man!
Just bought the 2022 Z900RS Cafe in Black w/ the the grey stripe. So far so good !!!
12:19 I couldn’t agree more. After just over 2000 miles on mine, I threw on a set of Michelin Road 6 and it literally transformed the bike!!
This guy knows how to throw a review out there!
He review of the new Rocket III is by far my favorite.
(Although I sure wouldn't mind having this Z900 either...)..lol
Eric Rusch Sr thanks, Eric.
Great vlog! As I grew up with Kawasaki two strokes and raced against the first Z1s and remember most guys best ETs were 12.7-12.8s on stockers at 105-106 MPH. Top speeds on the old Z1s were maybe 125-128 MPH. New bike definitely quicker and faster. I think 12.4 was very respectful, curious what it would correct out for density of altitude.
On my Thruxton R my best 60 foot times come at launching at 5400 rpm and with both feet down. I have tried with one foot but it sometimes upsets bike if I bring the foot up too quickly. I have also found if sport bike riders are slow at the tree, slow to open throttle, bang against rev limiter and miss shifts this old man on his Thruxton R can take them in the quarter. My best ET so far is 12.121 at 112.96 MPH and best certified top speed at Bonneville is 136.155 MPH. Sounds like these bikes are pretty even performance wise.
Thats how to review a bike. Good job man!
Very very good review ! (although I was expecting something different when it mentioned drag - come on! flowery dress and a beard riding that bike would look great)
Wow - someone who reviews a bike in a way that makes sense. I couldn't care less about 0-60. top speed, titanium exhausts, trick camshafts, race suspension etc. I just want to know 'Is it any good?' and 'what's it like to ride?' - this review shows me the bike has character. Well done. Definitely one I'd consider.
Thanks, let us know if you go for one.
love the bike and the Tudor BB Bronze too !! I have the watch and the bike is on the must buy list ! Great review Thanks
I never had anything but Harley’s and now a Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan. Can’t stand the “ crotch rocket” riding position. But THESE with the retro seating position I can ride!!! So glad to see some sport bikes that don’t require laying on the tank and cracking your neck to look forward. I gotta check one of these Kawasaki’s out
Let us know how you get on.
Kicked myself in the hindquarters the day after I traded my 2000 ZRX1100. This will do just fine as a replacement!
I would rather lose a limb than ever trade-in my 2001 ZRX 1100!!
Nice bike but I'd rather Kawasaki sticking to the amazing ZRX1200
Your reaction time is not usually included in your time. It's included in the race win or loss but the time is just when you trigger the start and finish. And if you suck at driving don't worry your speed will still be a good indication of how fast your vehicle is.
Bronze black bay? Niceeeee! Also I just applied for the bike here in Australia, wish me luck! I still have my monkey if it fails 😂🤣
How does it compare to your XSR900. Surely that's worth a vid? Thanks for the review.
The z1900's were not lighter than the cb750's. The roller bearings crankshaft In the Kawasaki wheigh a ton.
As ever, great review.....oh and John....you've got something on your shirt mate ;)
Thanks for the review! I'm picking mine up today.
What is up with the surface of that drag strip?! It looks glossy wet! But it’s a normal surface after the speed trap? Huh?
Well the rest of your review was great. This Z900SR has come into consideration. I’m a commuter & sport tourer who would love to have an inline-4 between my legs. Not overwhelming but capable.
It also seems this could support panniers and a pillion.
But see, I didn’t say PP. 🏁
Dave auf dem BMW They spray a liquid that helps with traction, crap if it rains though. Cheers Dave!
Come back to this great review every now and then. Was probably the one which sold me on the cafe. Had mine for nearly 3 years now and still my favourite bike of all.
That was the best review I have ever seen motorcycle or car. Great job. You sold me. I will be buying one soon. Thank you.
Looks good in Kawasaki green. I wish they bring that color over to the standard variant of this bike.
Professional, concise and comprehensive but he comes off as a guy I love to ride with, and talk bikes and gear with over a couple beers. Thumbs up & subscribed. Well done!
Perhaps the best review I’ve seen on the Internet for the Z 900 RS. Very nice production values and excellent editing.
Cheers, glad someone's noticed the hard work the production team have put in. (When I say production team, I mean me!)
I wonder how you would have gone at the strip with a Translogic quickshifter (made in England!) which some of the guys who own a Z900RS are fitting. Also, I saw the front wheel come up a bit more than expected on one run, it’s not supposed to do that with traction control on, maybe you turned it off? Anyway, I’ve got the Jaffa (not Cafe) version and I love it.
It shifted really well as it was, seemed to launch better with the traction off as well.
Ah ok. I keep my traction control on position #1, that way the front wheel is designed to come off the deck only an inch or two on a hard launch.
Not sure about the quickshifter, they are over $600 when shipped to Oz, but the idea of keeping the throttle wide open on clutchless shifts sounds good. The guys on the Z900RS forum like the Translogic.
I owned a 1973 Z1 in the mid-seventies. I'm thinking the new Z900 RS may be my new bike. I sold the original in 1978 for $900 because I didn't have a place to garage it.
Go for it, great bike.
Damned good review! No offense to you Brits, but I get a little tired of the long winded "lovely, creamy," and all the other gentlemanly descriptive words. This brother got right to drag racing, horsepower, torque and a few dirty words. A manly review of a cool bike I wanted reviewed. Sold.
Thanks, we like a few dirty words!
N
Nice Tudor watch by the way
Bang on review that. Bang on! 👍
Man I really like this bike,vit reminds me so much of the Kawasaki GPZ I rode back in the very early 80's
This is one well produced and interesting video. A normal bloke talking in a normal fashion about drag racing! Love it. This and the Isle of Man video are my fav bike videos of recent memory. Keep up the good work. Next is to do a 'track day' inspired video. Mainly talk about 'Don't be surprised it you are the only one on a road bike, and the amount of vans' or that everyone has tyre warmers. Just enjoy yourself Etc :-)
Such a gorgeous machine... especially in that Kawa-green.
Think I'm gonna buy one of these, been watching them for quite a while now 👍😁
Let us know if you do and how you get on.
@@BikeWorldTVshow
I certainly will can't wait 😉
Z 9'S are big in Australia and people will pay heaps to get one in original condition. It's all because of an Australian cult classic film "STONE' with features a MC called The Grave Diggers who all rode Z9'S. I am STOKED Kawasaki have brought back classic looking Z9'S.
Great review, straight talking, I liked that. Thanks
I'm torn between one of these and a Ducati Monster 1200S.
Which would you advise.
Brilliant review. No "umms" and errs" just cleanly spoken, witty without being silly, informative but not dry. Captures the passion. Oh, and the BB Bronze seals it for me, this man has taste ;-) PS. I just subscribed, hope to see more like this please!
Thanks, lots more to come!
My Brother had a New 1976 model KZ900, in the same 'root beer' metallic -- but with thin gold and red-orange pinstripes rather than the large orange pattern -- and he went and Ordered a New Z900RS even before they were 'officially' released for purchase!
And he was the First Customer in Georgia (USA) to take delivery! He went to the dealer and they 'officially' waited until 12:01 am to transfer ownership...
But *I* Like the Cafe Fairing...and it has only recently been released in the USA... I hope to be ordering a Z900RS of my own soon... But I was disappointed with some of the modifications to the Cafe Model, including a slight reduction in power, and different handlebar, and suspension settings, and more...
So, maybe I can just order the Fairing and mounts thru the Parts Department and mount it on the 'stock' Z900RS...then have all of it painted Candy Apple Red, with gold accents...Like the 3-cylinder 2-stroke Kawasaki I had years ago...
My Brother LOVES his new bike, except for the higher seat height...and, even though it weighs less than the original KZ900's he still 'feels' the weight difference compared to the Sport Bikes he has become accustom to riding, and the softer suspension and a bit less braking ...
Webike dot com from Japan have a jaffa fairing but according to one of the reviewers the colour is a bit off. I am sure aftermarket fairings will arrive soon enough maybe even one of those huge winjammers people has back in the day
Great review! It is a good looking bike! I just got a ZedRX1100 and love it! Its a very easy yet powerful bike to ride!
My 78 KayZee1000A2 ran low 12s, without a stage 2 Yoshimura kit. 88 HP out of the box. Had a pretty good high-speed wobble, though, at about 88mph.
I’ve been looking at this Bike for a couple years now. Had a 1975 Z1B in the seventies I bought new. My most fond memories of riding are on the seat of that Bike. I’m a little older now, but I want one last rodeo on a Bike that I truly love. Owned no less than 20 Bikes since then , mostly Harley’s. I found a non-current one at a decent price. Pretty sure I’m going to be a proud owner real soon of a Z900RS Cafe in that gorgeous green. It will be in my heated garage so I can feast my eyes until Spring.
Did you get the Z900RS?
@@vegarosa69 Unfortunately no. They sold it before i could get my hands on it.
9:28 Where you said it has 75Nm torque. ... That's incorrect. From the Kawasaki website, quote, "98.5 N•m {10 kgf•m} / 6,500 rpm".
(I thought it sounded off at 75Nm and had to check.)
EDIT: Anyone else think that while the Z900RS SE looks great in yellow. It's shame there aren't more colour options.
My first bike and I mean the first motorcycle I ever road and owned was a KZ 900 Kawi back in 1976 yes I bought the baddest motorcycle at the time, I practiced in the parking lot and drove it to work that night at Coors brewery got blasted at the bar after work drove home (repeat). never dumped her ever and I used to race her on the weekends at the 1/4 mile track I will never love a bike like that again.
This bike, and the standard Z900RS are ruined by the stupid seat design.
Why is it 835mm in height, when the original was just 812mm?
The distance between the wheel and the seat looks stupid, unless you are one of those tools
who thinks that seats sticking up in the air look good.
I'd have an original Z900 any day over one of these, despite the substantial weight and the 81bhp.
It was a fantastic bike to ride; a great all-rounder, with plenty of power, and a very comfortable seat.
This is a kick ass review! "Some might prefer a little more meat between their legs". I laughed so hard my sides hurt! Informative, as well as entertaining. Very well done! I'm seriouly considering this bike. I can purchase one new for a little over $9K here in the USA. Is this bike comfortable enough to ride all day, as in, 8-10 hours? Does the small fairing deflect a good amount of wind from the pilot? Cheers!
Amazing review within a story, or amazing story within a review. Either way, loved it.
Thanks
Great review! You did say one thing that i would say is most definitely NOT true though. And that is that heating up a modern tire doesnt have any affect. I will agree that on a machine like the z900rs, a sort of low powered bike (compared to what is available), you do not really need much heat in the tire (but you do need some if you truly understand the machine and are pushing its limits and know what you are doing with that). It just doesnt have the power to make a full burnout necessary for the average person. But i assure you that if you take something such as a zx14r, or any of the other high powered bikes available, and you are pushing it and know what you are doing... a burnout makes a HUGE difference. I know this because i have in fact experimented and tried it. A soft, sticky tire isnt nearly as sticky when it is cold. And with no burnout, even on a prepped drag surface... a bike with some power will spin hard without a burnout. To be fair... 99% of the people on the planet cant launch a bike to its fullest capacity and would never know the difference. Thats why some bone stock zx14's run mid 10's in the 1/4mile and some run 9.20's. The drag strip can check your ego pretty good if you dont know what you are doing.
I've owned my 82 gpz 750 for over 20 yrs,3 engines later and I still ride it everyday the weather is nice
I know what you mean! I bought my 2000 ZRX off the showroom floor and put over 20K miles on it the first year! Loved that bike and plan on getting it's "offspring"!
Really ? With 30% more power your still doing mid seventies times? = Mid 12's! And what's with the Imperial system? Been living in the past with the Yanks? I'm an old Z1-B owner and I ache for that new Z900 RS Café!!