Retro Rumble Redux: Kawasaki Z900RS vs Suzuki Katana
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- Lately, it’s like time travel around here. A couple years ago we put the then-new Kawasaki Z900RS up against the Suzuki GSX-S1000 in a slightly apples-to-oranges comparo, Retro or Not(ro), which the Kawi won by a hair. Now that Suzuki has their own retro based upon the GSX-S in the Katana, we felt like we had to do it again. Our duty.
So, which retro bike comes out on top? The '70s-inspired Kawasaki Z900RS or the modern revival of the Hans Muth Suzuki Katana of the '80s?
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The Katana looks like something youd see in a 80's/90's scifi movie and i fucking love it.
the original one. 2020 looks good too, but it looks modern anyway (my opinion)
It looks like a judge dredd bike a lil bit. I love it
Ok potty mouth.
Didn't care much for the katana's look until I saw it at my local bike dealer. It stood out in such a good way and looked so much better in person
Same here!
This looks dope I love it 😍
I bought the katana... Awesome bike handles and goes like a gsxr1000. A brilliant motorcycle by any standard.
I agree, man. I got mine for a really good price because it was a demo model but still carries the full year warranty.
The bottom line with the Katana or GSX-S1000 is that, even in stock form, it’s going to match or exceed pretty much anything on the road in a 0-100 mph sprint and only starts to fall behind above about 130 or 135, all while being very mild-mannered in town and very stable, balanced, and predictable in its handling.
As a gsxs1000 owner I can say they are brilliant bikes just done 900km last 2 days on it. When the Katana came out I wasn't that impressed especially with the small tank size but after seeing it in person they look great the black one looks the bollocks. As far as fuel range goes it doesn't bother me now and i would assume you'd get 200+kms which is fine for where I live. Another thing is the Xsr900 only has a small tank and nobody seems to complain.
As a tall and fat guy I can tell you 30 sec. inside the review, that the seat of the Kawi looks way more comfortable. Allows the rider to reposition.
1980s sportbikes looked the best in my opinion. And I have been waiting YEARS for them to bring back the oldschool styling. Cant wait for those twin round bug-eye headlights to come back
1993 ZX7rr!! Theres a rumor from December that Kawasaki may be making a retro Ninja GPz 900 styled bike. Perhaps a Z H2 in retro style, like they did with the z900...
@@Justen1980 The ZX7 would be amazing. The GPz would be cool too since the 1984 GPz550 was my first bike
Man these bikes are beautiful! The Katana has really grown on me - such a great looking bike!
Tank is too small
I’ll bet you didn’t buy it though. Am I right?
@@wirenut3020???
At orginal msrp the kawi was by far the better choice but considering you can get a new 2020 katana for 10500 now its alot harder choice
Love z900rs, so smooth riding and cruzing !!
Kawasaki Zed all day, such a fine motorcycle. Kawasaki's line up is extremely impressive, the Z and the W800 have both sides of the modern retro and classic retro market.
Too bad the W800 is so underpowered. 47 hp for an 800 is pathetic
@@supersportimpalass I reckon it needs to be up to about 60+ horsepower.
@@supersportimpalass and forget about the price... A bit expensive 😔
Can we get a weekly feature of JB sitting in a comfortable old chair in his library/parlor/solarium with a glass of some beverage and really classy pipe speaking freely about...whatever?
maybe i could just WRITE something down once a month in the classic style? would be easier no?
@@johnburns8956 JB, why can't you just let us love you?
@@cdubbleyoo you'll only break my heart in the end like all the others.
@@johnburns8956 love is not for the past or future, love is only for now.
Burns is hilarious. If he is in the video, it's always entertaining.
I'm now seeing New old stock Katanas for £7999 compared to £10399 for a Z900RS in Britain. The Big Kat is a bit of a bargain buy. The Kat will get dropped by Suzuki just before it begins to grow on people again. Future classic.
I ride an SV650X and love it, but that Kawasaki is just gorgeous. I think the rs cafe will be my next bike.
I love my Z900RS! It’s the Jaffa/ Root Beer color which is the best looking if you ask me. The factory Dunlops are crap, Bridgestone S22s made a world of difference. I wouldn’t mind the power of the Katana, but hey, you can’t have everything. I’ve owned mine 2 years/ 20,000 kms, the notorious snatchy throttle was a pain but I’ve fixed that.
How did you fix that? I plan on getting a z900rs once this quarantine is over with.
Bought a Booster Plug from Denmark. Works well on my bike. I’ll get the ECU flashed sometime in the future, that fixes everything.
www.boosterplug.com/shop/frontpage.html
Different strokes for different folks 👌. I decided on the ZRS because I prefer the more retro look and overall design being that it's tuned for a little more low end, a little hefty, and plush. I primarily travel 2 up so this will fall right into place in place of my Nighthawk S
When im sitting on a Z900RS : i am feeling good. If i was not an adventure bikes lover, i would be really interested by the Kawasaki Z900 RS.
I recently picked up an old stock 2018 at a crazy price, they are out there depending on where you live. I had to got out to Fresno or around 2.5 hrs for me. But it was worth it. It feels like a middle ground between my Ninja 650 and my modded Mag bonnie with rearsets and lower bars.
Really enjoyed your cast, in 1983 I had a 1100 Katana with clip ons and rear sets. Michelin rain slicks, shocks and springs, cam change, and a little Nos through the velocity stacks. Was my favorite bike of the day. Ran every weekend to the Rock Store in Malibu CA, and the Santa Monica Mountains. What a blast when we had no fear or not to much for brains. Enjoy your rides, rubber side down. I really miss the rush, still tear it up from time to time.
The Kawasaki is a beautiful retro that carries its lines front to back. 👍
I finally saw in person the Katana I was so excited about. From the front fairing it starts out alright but moving towards the rear it just loses the plot. It's confused, it doesn't know what it is.
Win goes to the RS. 🎉
Couldn't disagree more. Opinions. We all got 'em.
Damn I want the Katana so bad. I love the look!
You're in luck then. Looks like 90% of the new ones.
TANA NEEDS MORE GASCANNA
I love the way the katana looks , the 1980s square front light is my favourite part , really cool looking bike got loads of character for a Suzuki and the name sounds cool
Definitely the z900 on the retro styling
And Katana Retro-Modern Style....
The Katana looks great in black.
1:04 wow that bike looks so amazing
What, the Katana? It’s SPECTACULAR in person.
The Kawasaki
I would like to buy the Katana...but a 12L fuel tank is a joke😳😳😳
Kajetan Pietraszkiewicz that and it’s basically the same as the GSXS1000F but $3k more for the name and look!
@@tammyforbes2101 It is more refined that the gsxs1000 s , they fine tuned it ! and the dash alone is worht it :)
Yeah, I'm with OP on the fuel tank capacity not being large enough. On a 1000cc bike that's like what... Maybe 100 miles?
Strange u guys don't mention the low revs assistance of the Suzuki at low speed , It is so nice while driving in town !
Even though they’ve only been around for five minutes, TFT screens make me nostalgic for analog gauges.
Suzuki probably should at least offer a TFT or AMOLED on one of its higher-end models, but I still enjoy good-ole, segmented LCD displays like on the Katana, new Gixxer and new Strom - more so with the Katana's blue tint that looks vaguely vacuum-fluorescent.
Def prefer the circular tacho to those bar tachs.
All bikes except maybe pure race bikes should have at least an analog tag. LCD tachometers never look good. Then have an LCD next to it. Everyone should just copy the Versys 1000 or Chevrolet Sonic.
Thanks for this. I am an old dude and I never got into the Katana but man do I luv the Honda retro CB bikes. No longer for sale in the USA.
The Katana is too expensive. I'd get the GSX.
I have the gsxs750 and it’s a fantastic bike.
and ugly as sin
jim perry is the 750 perfect for you, or would you rather have the 1000? I’m shopping right now and don’t want to have to “upgrade” in 18 months...
@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ you better get a triumph rocket just in case
Rick Sanchez C137 The 750 suits me just fine. It has plenty of power, and the handling and brakes are really good.
The tiny sized gas tank kills the Katana for me, and I used to have a '83 GS750ESD, back in '85. I loved that bike! The Z900RS Cafe looks awesome, though! Not too big a fan of the naked one here.
Nothing looks cooler than katana ( Japanese bike with this much character is rare)
Amd it goes with your 1980 disco silver jump suit ...pure manga
Great review, thanks. Beauty and the Beast (the bikes, not you guys :-) Both look great in different ways - I like the muscualar stance of the Katana, but the Z900RS pips it for me on looks. If you tune the rear shock on Z - which is factory set to the softest compression setting...give it a few turns - you'll find that the suspension is great at pace.
good review, as you said it just depends on what you want to do with your bike, for me the kawasaki is the go, pillion friendly and more upright
Nice different review. I know it's flawed & not the better bike but I would choose the Katana every time. It's just so different. You can get 100 bikes that look like the Kawasaki, albeit not as good, but nothing looks like the Katana. Although I get many people may think that's a good thing lol but not me!
You looked in the last 50 years?
Nice to see a review that isn't somebody cruising around on a bit exposing their opinion. Pretty tired of VLOGS.
I rode the Katana about 3 weeks ago and enjoyed it more than the GSXS1000 I rode a couple years ago, but the price is hard to accept. The MT10, while not a cool looking to me, is a better bike for $500 less and it comes with cruise. The natural comparison is Katana and Z900RS Cafe. I think they are a little closer in terms of ergos and wind protection. For the money, I will take less power and the less sporty ride of the Kawi.
Plus the crossplane engine in the MT-10 sounds fantastic.
MT-10 is a fun ride. A lot more aggressive than the z900.
I see a 2020 Katana in Austin Texas for $9950 pretty good deal for that price👍
That Katana is an fugly looking bike. I remember the original ones looking better but then I looked better back in the 80's as well. I also owned a z900 in the 70's. I think Kawasaki have done an awesome job. Up from 82 hp to 111 is a significant jump from the original. Good review.
the katana reminds me of a smaller Dredd motorcycle hahaha both amazing bikes!
Just 3 days and I will pickup my 2021 Candy Green Z900RS. Back in saddle after a 4 year break.
The katana is my all time favorite looking bike
The first production year of the Z 1 was 1973, not `1971.
@Jesus H Christ Here in the states, the Z1 was shown in 1972 as an upcoming 1973 model. First MODEL year was officially titled as a 1973 motorcycle, and when purchased, was titled as a 1973 model. Understood now?
Are you funking kidding me , it came out in 1972 . ????
I'd ride that Kawi all day. Katana looks like a robocop bike.
Hated the Katana of the 80’s. When I bought my new ‘83 Suzuki GS1100E, the dealer had a 82 leftover Katana that he’d give me a good discount on. I never even considered it, but I must say I kinda like this version. I don’t even like todays bikes with their edge styling I guess you’d call it. That Kawasaki is really nice.
They kawy and the XSR900 would have been a better comparison but love the content just the same
Absolutely agree. Definitely need this one!!
I just can’t support the XSR 900 design. The headlight looks like coffee can, and those plastic covers on the frame to hide electrics are just poor thinking.
metalheartmachine respect bro. To each his own. I think she is beautiful. I thought the comparison would be better because that are both modern day retro styled bikes that don’t sacrifice performance. The kawys 950 4 cylinder and the Yamahas 847 triple both move. Brutes in suites!
Neo Musa very true. It really comes down to personal taste. The Yamaha engines are exceptional. I really like the FZ-09 engine.
I know looks are subjective but the Kawasaki looks beautiful the Katana looks even worse than the original, not saying its a bad bike I haven't ridden one. The 900 is like when I was a teen except it is a better version.
+1 for the kawi, It's like the platonic ideal of a UJM.
David Duthie The original Katana was shitty as well as this one.
I saw an article about pleasing flowing motorcycle lines. They used the Katana as the example of un-pleasing, unflowing lines!
I live the Kawi. 👍
Suzuki is King when it comes to cornering
The modern UJM vs the modern '80s JDM crotch rocket. I don't hate the looks of the Katana but the Kawi is the one I'd have.
They're both so damn cool! If I was going to choose one I'd have to ride them first for sure.
The fuel tank is probably a big factor to many riders!
Nice job John. Ryan got almost three sentences in, hehehe. Seriously though: good commentary.
Z900RS vs. CB1100?
Vs sv650 x
They are pretty different bikes. The z900rs is a modern naked bike sport bike with inverted forks, watercooled engine, and you can use any 17" sport tires. The 1100 pays homage to the cb750. Its heavier with bigger tires but stays more true to its heritage with its looks, wheels and engine (air/oil cooled). It's really comes down what your riding style and look you're going for.
Z is going to win in every way. CB is a stupid bike . I know alright. I have one. I am going to sell it.
@@sbsb4995 I bet the CB is more comfortable, and in my eyes, better-looking. If you're not trying to go fast, maybe the CB wins?
@@sbsb4995 Why is it stupid? Just curious.
Yeah the metal flake is gorgeous. My 750 zephyr had that. Looked dark blue until you got up close.
Thanks, guys. This make me want to get my ol 82 Yamaha 650 turbo bike out!
Wish you guys did alot more of these comparo vids. Even though some of the outcomes are obvious I still love watching you burn around those calif mountains. never gets old.
I bought the blacked out katana in February and am absolutely in love 😍 don’t regret it in the least
Post a vid!
I've got one too and it's excellent.
I have the Kawasaki and it’s been less than two weeks and I put around 2500 miles on it, no regrets it all
Always with the fuckin track day with these guys.
Saw a bike world review of an original 79 gsx1100 a few days ago. Suzuki might be better off copying that - along with a very torquey 1100 motor - than the Katana. At the time that kat styling was notable and is even today, but not actually - imo - attractive. The 79, well 80 gsx, wasn't pretty but had more presence. And even easier ergos for the aging bike population.
With a 3.2gal tank, the Katana isn't a long distance touring machine. I'd buy the Z900rs.👍.....😺
My first bike had a 3.2 gallon tank. Loved the bike BUT after three years & 27,000 miles I got something else with more range.
Thanks. I'll look for a used ZRX1200, save money and split the difference on power.
Had ZRXs for 20 years. I love my hot roddedZRX, but I do long for the ease of FI and effortless operation. Also traction control and ABS ... I am getting old. The Z900 just needs more power!
I have both, and the Z900rs is totally different, weight, rider position etc. not comparable.
Hi fellas what about Z900rs vs Street Twin? I couldn't find any "proper" comparison videos between the two in english except those by the europeans in german or italian. Unfortunately I can only communicate in English, Malay and Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien)
This review reminded me how much I loathe exposed radiators. Would definitely buy the CB1100 if I were in the market for a I-4 bike.
😉👍grande Z900RS!✌
I love your comparison videos! Keep them coming!
Love your work! FYI the Katana headlight is hexagonal - trapezoids have four sides by definition
Can please someone tell me if Katana is as comfy as the RS around town? In my country streets are full of holes and bumbs and my back is a bit sensitive. Thank you
I think I'm just amaized at how you managed to balance tree on your head.
I love the 80s scifi look of the Katana. I would have already bought it if it were not for the ridiculous tank range. 12 litres? Come on. Give me 18 and we'll talk.
Loving all of the ads on your channel (NOT)
I and a lot of people would like to see more videos from experts like you, even because you are the one who makes the best reviews, but please be more specific about the height of the bikes, it seems that bikes are made only for tall people , I 'm 5.7 tall and I can ride any bike, but many people can't do it especially if they have somebody on the back the bike , tells us how it can be solved as well as other problems short people face. Thanks.
That Katana looks huge!
great review, all I have to say.
11:45 if you're going around town with your best gal on the back. No mention of the second best. Or the worst.
If you don’t like her, you take the Katana ha.
Just saw the 2023 Z900RS Cafe a few days ago. I don’t care much for black but it would be my choice for looks but the price….?
The Orginal Hans Muth Katana was Beautiful the first year it was a 1000. To meet Super Bike Racing size. The next year they said the heck with it and made it an 1100.
I wanted one but had to settle for a GS1100E.
The Best UJM Universal Japanese Motorcycle ever!
I do not like the current Origami style naked bikes.
But I would really like to have either of these or both!
Cheers!
Both bikes look awesome
Burnsie, you did 90%+ of the talking...geez, let your associate contribute some!
Both lovely retro modern examples of 2 very iconic bikes. I owned both back in the day and it's like picking your favourite child. I am leaning more towards the Kat....
Both lovely bikes.
That katana resembles the very first katana.... tremendously
Unless it's the all black version, then it resembles all the other "transformer" looking bikes.
I have been suspicious that it would happen, but I would like to see what the designers that came up with the Neo Katana could do by adding some of those influences to a new S1000/F.
I would also like to see a concept of the original Katana 750 using the S750 - not a production model, a concept. I know Suzuki doesn't have the budget to just whip new plastic out every 2 years.
Pop ups rule!
Let's admit it: ANY bike on those amazing serpentine So. Cal. mountain roads would kick ass.
For me the ergonomics of the Kawasaki are a better fit and the exhaust is one of the few factory exhausts that would remain mostly intact save for the cat which would hit the scrap heap immediately. The Suzuki exhaust would be gone from the heads back day one it’s aweful
I dig em both. As a So Cal daily rider since late 80s, I've owned both Suzuki and Kawasaki. Currently own Suzukis and owned Kawasakis in the 90s.
I do wish the Katana would of been a modern BKing from Suzuki (yes, I'm one of the few that got a BKing) and stepped up with a Busa motor in it. It just needed a little extra in this category.... Great looking bike, considering its 80s timeline and retro-ness. They just missed the mark again (they just continue to miss the mark so many times) for me on the package vs what else is out there. That gas tank is ridiculous....
The Z900 RS does it for me and I'd personally go for the SE. Kawasaki nailed the UJM mojo. Looks, sound, character. I prefer the Kawasaki timeline for retro-ness. This 50 something thinks the Kawasaki takes it by a landslide. Tires and suspension are easy fixes and I always do suspension on all my bikes. Very few are the mythical 175 lbs riders the Japanese think are buying these.... Most buyers are going to need to go through the suspensions and throw better non oem tires on both bikes anyways.
I do like the katana styling and i appreciated it more when i saw it in personal. A modern retro styling bike.
Heck man I'm just want to know where I can buy the album for the music LOL. That song has me riding, all over my couch baby LOL
Next by your Kawasaki local shop : the Z900Ninja, brand new Z900 engine and frame with the same square headlight than the Katana !
I have the z900rs cafe and I really like it. Plenty of power for me without any modifications. I like that it's not loud. I have a Harley for that. And I like that the Harley and the Kawi are two completely different rides.
Not feeling the Can o' Tuna. But I already own a Z900 and love it so each their own.
Great review 👍
The Katana is not selling well for Suzuki. The kawi is a huge sales success. Also the fit and finish is far superior on the Z900RS. Kind of says it all really.
Z900rs = 111hp :)
Both are good bikes but, I am happy with my 2014 CB1100 that I bought for waayyyy less than these. No radiator, classic retro looks that are better than these. And I honestly don’t need 137hp. My Honda makes me smile.
3.2gal? What is Suzuki thinking
What the fuck is a gallon anyway?
Chris Doms 4 quarts. 👍
the gsxs tank is larger. I like smaller tanks often that's one of the things I hate about my sv650 hard to get a decent bp. eyy that pic looks like ncbike I ride w PRE there often
@@RIDERsxv Yep, its ncbike.
You guys are always filming on my road! But I’m somehow never there when you are. Must be a weekday.
They're avoiding you xd
6:14 what is the little spooler looking thing just under the seat? is it supposed to be a tie down point? or do they have some kind of saddlebag system that clips onto it?
New 2020 Katana for 9998 by me right now, should I get it?
I use my z900rs to go anywhere and the best part is the seat
Thank you
The million dollar question. If these bikes will accelerate at 1500 rpms in 5th gear, why the fu$! don't modern motorcycles have an overdrive gear???? Can anyone provide a logical answer? The 1932 Henderson motorcycle had an overdrive gear. I can't accept this.
The katana is only a retro bike because they forgot too update it.