Kawasaki Z900RS Review - Worthy successor to the Z1 900?
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- I've been waiting since 2018 to ride Kawasaki's Z900RS retro bike. Thanks to my friend Dan, I finally had the chance to ride and review it. Though the styling on the Z900RS harkens back to the original 1973 Z1 900 (especially in the rooter and orange color scheme), the Z900RS is a thoroughly modern, sport-oriented motorcycle. In this review I'll talk about the history of the Z900RS, we'll look at the specs on the bike, I'll talk about it's performance numbers and we'll go out on the road for a road test. What is Kawasaki's Z900RS like to ride? Let's find out together!
This last Christmas Santa brought me a 2019 💚 Z900RS CAFE 💚 I've been a good 62 year old kid no switches and coal this year . I'm in love with a living legend ,growing in lore and reputation itself. Sure to be another Kawasaki time capsule of looks sound and power. 42 years of riding over 2 dozen motorcycles, and this is without doubt my new favourite 💚🎯😁
So cool! I want a green one. Cheers!
I owned a 2021 Z900RS in the green/yellow color combo- just stunning. It's the ultimate modern UJM and the most beautiful bike built by any manufacturer in the last 2+ decades. It's just gorgeous from every angle. Outside of enjoying its overall performance, I could just sit in my garage and stare at it. The stock exhaust was fantastic sounding. The bike's only flaw was that it lacked cruise control but a Kaoko throttle lock was a sufficient replacement. I modded it into a lightweight ST and loved every minute of ownership. Sadly, it was not a good 2-up bike and had to go, but I had tears in my eyes when selling. Of all the bikes I've owned in the last 45+ years of riding, this is the one I wish I still had. Perhaps in the future another will occupy the limited space in my garage.
Thanks for sharing your experiences withthe Z900RS, Levi! Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 in regards to the choppy throttle opening, a simple ECU flash from 2 Wheel Dynoworks cleared that up instantly.
Another great video as always. I've always been a fan of the older Big bore Kawasaki and many years ago owned a 78 LTD 1000 and 80 LTD 1000... I think they've done a nice job with blending modern technology with the earlier styling as much as they could.
I agree!
This and the Triumph 1200 twins are great modern takes of older bikes 👍🏻
Nothing sounds better than the Speed Twin exhaust! When I was shopping UJM style bikes, it was down to the Z9000RS and the Speed Twin. The Z won out but I could see my way thru to ownership of the Speed Twin.
The triumphs are more of a style exercise.This has modern chassis geometry, a monoshock, and the engine isn't neutered. Kawasaki was very clever in the design.
I have a friend with the Thruxton 1200 that he loves, so maybe a future review...
Couldn't have said it better myself. My '22 blue RS is about 5 feet from me in the foyer- no more room in the garage. Took it last August on a 2500 mile ride to the Sierras with just a tailbag and my brother on a VStrom packed to the gills. All in all everything I want in a bike. It only has about 10k miles on it but never a problem. My friend's RS has 60k on it and runs perfect. These bikes have unbelievable low end grunt for a 4 banger. Come around a corner in 4th at 10mph and pulls away so smoothly. All in all very happy and it gets more compliments than my HD Low Rider S 117.
Right on!
I drool 🤤 over my neighbors Z900RS... but he won't let me ride it. 😢
*maybe ur video will help(?), I'll give it a shot
Good luck, Jason 🤞!
There's a guy on YT that races an RS in Retro class. He's putting 130 hp to the wheel with Z900 cams. Cleans up on R9T's, Speed Twins and various Ducatis. He says his RS pulls XSR 900's in the straights. He has raced it in tons of events and has yet to have a failure. Great bikes.
Right on!
Ivans Performance is getting this with his ECU flash, airbox mod and full exhaust. I did this to my 2022 SE, fantastic !
@@steveo4253 Awesome! Thanks for the heads-up, Steve!
Really like that model as well as the Z650. Tell your buddy to get a G2 Throttle Tamer for it. MUCH more affordable than a remap of the ECU, and an easy install. It will completely transform the abruptness of the throttle. Trust me on that! And they make them for most bikes.
Thanks for the tip, Roland!
Beautiful machine , I would argue with myself whether to install KERKER or Supertrapp exhaust .
I really like the Delkevic 4-into-4 exhaust that looks like the original Z1 exhaust. I'm sure any exhaust system would sound great. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
I'm with you on that Jon.
If I have to complain about any style feature of the Z900rs it is the exhaust.
Nothing compares in looks to a good set of 4 into 4 chromed exhaust pipes just like the ones on the '70ies bikes.
Since the RS is a homage to the legacy of the mighty "Zed" of yore, Kawasaki should make an even more retro looking version of the present bike using that kind of pipes and rounded chromed blinkers as well as something like a "Special Edition" or "New York Stake" edition.
Regards from Brazil.
🛣🏍
thanks for the review, about the only newer bikes that spark my interest.and sure its ALOT better than my old magna in every catagory.
Very true. They are nice bikes. Cheers!
looks are everything awesome review and motor great perfect for the road ! thanks
You're welcome, Douglas. It was a fun review to make. Cheers!
I just bought one and I LOVE IT!
@@thomasroberts1554 Right on!
Great Review, how would you compare this bike Z900 against the ZRX 1200 that you use to ride, from the standpoint of power and handling on both bikes
I've owned both and they're both terrific bikes. The ZRX is supremely dated in comparison but you won't find me saying anything negative about the ZRX as it was a fantastic bike. It's bigger, heavier and more powerful but if given my choices, I'd take the Z900RS over the ZRX.
Great question, Chris! I love the lightness, 6-speed, roomier ergonomics, and suspension of the Z900RS. I like the torque of the ZRX1200R and the styling. Both are great bikes. Cheers!
HolanJhon. Excelente prueba..el disen̈o es fantastico.la mezcla entre lo clasico y lo moderno..Acá en Argentina vale mucho dinero. Cuantos dolares vale en EEUU? Un abrazo Jhon y gracias de nuevo
Beautiful bikes, on my wish list for the future…
Right on!
perfect for road twisties performance 130hp max for road to use all of it ! thinking getting one -Quick light and fun .. all you need great
Right on, Douglas!
I'm glad you reviewed this one, because I've been really curious about it for a while now. I like that they did this as a blend of the old athletics aesthetics with modern technology actually, with a modern mono shock rear suspension and water cooled engine. I'll probably stick with my '79 Yamaha XS 11 for a good long time, but if there was one new production bike that is tempting to me it's this one.
Right on!
Great review on an retro classic, I would like to hear your thoughts on the 2014 Honda Cb 1100. Thanks for showing
I have owned the 2014 CB1100 and the earlier 5-speed CB1100. They are nice retro bikes for general riding. However, when the pace picks up, the suspension and brakes really let it down compared to the Z900RS or even the ZRX. The 6-speed CB1100 is the one to have if you get one. Cheers!
Hey Jon, I've been really looking forward to this review. This bike has been on my short list for awhile. My thoughts were leaning more towards an upright sport-tourer to add to my collection, but I know that I would love to see this in my garage as well. I enjoyed the review and video. 👍
Eric in NC
Thanks, Eric!
This is a really beautiful bike. Eventually I'll have one, some day... The cafe version with the little head fairing, dark grey with green stripes is my favourite. Though the naked version with dark blue colour looks amazing as well.
Thanks for the review... will you ever go back on an 80ies bike after this?
If this was the green Z900RS Cafe, it would be seriously tempting for me. I still love my classics, though. Cheers!
I have the z900. The looks grow on you. But for the life of me I don’t understand why Kawasaki didn’t use the same tune z900 engine in the z900 RS? They detuned the RS engine and charged several thousand more for the RS. Great bikes.
I like the tune of the RS since it has more power in the rev range you use on the street. Cheers!
z900rs engine is better that z900 engine.
EVERY day of the week
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 There is a chart somewhere out there that shows the z900 putting out more power than the zx10R up to 8000 RPM. It is very torquey. Kawi gave the RS the dreaded "tuned for torque" which doesn’t show up in any chart.
@@michaeltrivette1728 Not quite. I have both and the Z is smoother and has more grunt everywhere. The Z will take off from a dead stop in 5th, the RS in 4th without grumbling. Both are impressive.
@@blipco5 Very true. The Z900's power and smoothness are uncanny. Had a '19 MT09 and I prefer the Z's engine any day. Gets with the program.
Nice looking bike, Jon. I would love to hear the sound of a Kerker or Delkavic. Enjoyed the video,Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks, Henry!
I have a '23 in Candytone Blue finish. Very nice bike and a fabulous engine, very torquey and good on fuel, 46 mpg / 5 liter per 100 kms. I like this bike a lot, the engine is modified to get more smoothness but when it revs it becomes a thug in lamb's clothing. During the '80s I owned a '78 Z1000 and sold it but never forgot it ;-)
@bikespages1897 Right on! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Z900RS. I'm working on a 1978 KZ1000 currently...
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thanks, please share a video of the '78 KZ1000, I loved mine.
@@bikespages1897 Here's the playlist so far: ruclips.net/p/PL0gjN9hf6pSqp2hb8NbXRXkVYv185cA5y&si=z9jiiT2viP3d6WRb
Good looking bike. Nice review.
Thanks, Bruce!
good job Jon , thx for sharing
does it feel faster than the CRS1k?
You're welcome!
@BiGDeE3 The fueling is more abrupt on the Z900RS, and it feels quite aggressive. It's also a bit quicker 40-80 mph top-gear roll-on. Performance wise, the Z900RS is more equivalent to the Eliminator 900. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 👊👊
I have the 21 model...which is the same. My only complaint coming from 1000cc bikes is the performance is lacking just a bit. It needs 120hp and higher torque figures, if it had that it would be a bike to hold onto. I'll keep mine but I've had to buy another GSXS1000 for the fun factor.
@jimmymc10021 Right on! When you're used to a higher level of power, it's hard to go back. The GSXS1000 is a fun bike, too! Cheers
Sounds like an excellent rendition of the original !
Right on! Kawasaki did a great job on the Z900RS. Cheers!
I have the 2018 z900rs. Stock they are horrible with twitch throttle. Ive had my ecu reflashed and 16t front sprocket. Its rides somewhat better but still not great.
A throttle tamer might help. It's just a hand grip with a different cam. Quite effective, though.
Would be great to see how you rank all these bikes to one another.
Which bikes specifically?
great vids jon and superb bikes you are reviewing, but theer is a "missing link" betwin the original z1 and the z900 rs and this is the ZEPHYR, i'd like to see your opinion about it( wich i own of course) greetings from france
@@harryhaller21 Thanks for the feedback, Harry! I would love to ride and review the Zephyr when I get the chance. They are quite rare here. I would love to have one, though. How do you like yours? Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 sure i do like my 1100 zephyr , it's a beautiful girl, a sexy bike to my eyes . the ride is smooth and comfy , the handling is not bad even at high speed . dowside i'ts quite heavy and the fuel consumption high . and again very well designed ,she's a beauty !
@@harryhaller21 Very cool 😎!
I've seen them at the dealership. They're nice. I wonder what would happen if they built the original Z1 900 again. I bet people would buy it big time. 6/22/24.
I think you're right, but sadly, I think government regulations would prevent that 😕. Cheers!
Looks great. Do you ever rev it right out? I know its not your bike, but I live in the lower gears and revved out. My riding style. What was your impression in the higher rpms?
This motor pulls nicely throughout the rev range. It's a few hp down on the Z900 in the upper revs, so if absolute hp is a criteria you value, the Z900 is a better choice.
Beautiful bike😮😮😮😮
@@lindaeiane9733 I agree!
Great bike. I don't like chrome handlebars or clocks, that's all for the negative stuff.
Right on!
8.2 seconds, from 40-80? That bike is "injected" I'm sure, you've riden/tested some of our "OLD" favorites that were quicker that that, weren't they? (i.e. Yamaha XS1100)?
The XS1100 and GS1100E I tested recently both ran 7.9 second 40-80 mph top-gear roll-on times on a 70-degree day. The Z900RS was tested on a 90-degree day. I think it would perform better on a cooler day. So, similar midrange performance to some of the quicker classics. No contest with the 6.3 second FJ1200, though. Cheers!
ECU flash fix the low rpm abruptness -- fix averthing ecu flash hp++ and smooth
Right on!
It look squeezed together.
180 what I want for rear, and that bike is fantastic, the problem with old standards is the mushy weak brakes and in this age especially I want serious brakes.
Funny but those tiny flyscreens can help out..lol
Watch for deer, looking at it I bet you have many there, morning is bad followed by dusk..
Right on!
@@paulscountry456 The deer are thick around here!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538And the farmers kid stared in envy as you cruise by mesmerized by the howl...lol.That is light at 472 that is great as I expected more, only a little more than some 600s..
Good review. Is the 'abrupt throttle response' @3,200rpm a lean spot due to emissions?
Maybe? It isn't nearly as bad as on a Yamaha FZ09, but Kawasaki improved the fueling on later models of the Z900RS. Cheers!
If they made them with dual rear shocks, I would have bought one, when first released.
One ride should convince you otherwise. The monoshock performs so nicely 👌. Cheers!
The looks is one matter, the from left2right flapping rear wheel of the old Zs is another.
I rode Z900/Z1000 back in the days, nowadays a Z900RS.
Prefer this one much better.
@@kwakithailand Right on!
A Power Boost will fix that problem.
Is the Power Boost similar to a Power Commander?
Sorry Jon, but for me the radiator kills it . I remember Zephyrs coming out in the 90's .....thought back then "why ride retro when you can ride the real thing" .....same feelings now. It's probably a great bike , but to me it's just a pale imitation . There was only one Munroe ....copying icons is kinda naff and shows how lazy bike marketing has become . Looks better than Suzuki's 2019 "Katana" tribute nonsense , about best I can say .
@SlabCityNews Exactly - thought Zephyrs were fake too when they came out .
A lot of guys would consider your mk II ‘81 not a “real” KZ either. See how that works?
they are making retro style bikes because I'm assuming there is a large group of people who don't like the alien looking weirdness like ktm and the z1000 are
Many people love the looks of the classics but want modern performance and safety features in addition to a warranty and parts availability. I have a garage full of classics and love them, but they're not for everyone. Cheers!
They are selling faster than Kawasaki is producing them.
Funny how "marketing" works 😂
to turn off KTC you will need to come to a complete stop.
Interesting. I switched from 2 to 1 on the fly. Maybe they want you to be REAL sure before turning it off. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 with it off just like the old days, no traction control😁
@@gtrs4ever Right on! I would never feel the need to turn it off on the street. Cheers!
Iuuuhhhh it’s actually 109HP.
@eyemallears2647 May I ask the source you're quoting, and is that rear wheel hp or crank hp? Depending on the source, the dyno, and the day the bikes get tested, there can be variations on hp numbers. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 all I know is that the official spec for the stock bike is 109HP (111PS)
@@eyemallears2647 That is probably a crankshaft hp number. Mechanical losses result in a lower hp rating at the rear wheel. Cheers!
Mono shock rear end, inverted front forks ain’t very retro 😅
One ride back-to-back with a CB1100 will tell you which is the right choice 😉. Cheers!