Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - The Fastest Retro Bike
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
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![Gymkhana practice, Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe [September 26, 2021]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gouh3EJvnEw/mqdefault.jpg)
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I’ve put 15k miles on my z900rs and absolutely love it. Sport riding, cruising, even some touring. And the older guys at gas stops want to know what model year it is.
Yes, it could totally be a sport tourer with decent range and excellent comfort.
Have you looked at the weird valve check intervals?
Same here on my '23 café!
Same, I get so many comments and questions on my 2018 café. I got the classic Kawasaki green, so it’s unmistakably Kawasaki!
Same on my cafe 2022, people asking what year it is. Some old people even told me that I kept this motorcycle in a very good shape meaning it's old. But I lovez900rs cafe. I will never sell it
I bought the standard 900RS in 2018 and I am still happy. I grew up with Toecutter and Bubba Zanetti so yes thanks to Kawasaki for this godess of a motorcycle!
I have a 2019 cafe, and it absolutely reminds me of those cool Mad Max bikes! I know Jim Goose would approve!
"The Nightrider, that is his name..."
I bought my cafe when they were first introduced in the U.S. in 2018. Took one look at it and had to have it. And now six years later and 11000 miles it's been a great bike. I Love it.
You’ve only done 11,000 in 6 years?
I have a question about longer trips. Do the lower handle bars make trips over 2hrs uncomfortable?
Slow down there mile cruncher.
This bike has such a timeless & purposeful design. A bike that looks like a bike in any era. Like a watch that looks like a watch in any era.
I was 34 when I bought mine. I'm glad the design is coming back; the bug bikes, as performance oriented as they might be, have an industrial connection to them as modern-day "architecture".
Agree get the bug wish Suzuki would build a Retro like GS model love the look!
I own the 2019 Cafe version and it is without a doubt the best looking and most comfortable bike in its class I have ever owned or trialed.
I loved my zrex1100
lawson, the song it was singing from the vance and hines pipe was beautiful
Sorry to be pedantic but the Z900RS is based on the original 1972 Z1 which was beautiful especially the candy red version.
Yes this is what I’ve been told as well
Absolutely ✌️.
My cafe black and gold reminds me of my 78 KZeeee 1000A2
It never was a caf racer
@@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou during this Time ( 60, 70, 80s) ALL the bikes was transformed in Caf’ Racers…. By the owners bikers✌️
Been riding Kawasaki's since 1976 with my KZ400, two Vulcan 1500's, and four Concours 14's, and riding a new 14 now. This Z900RS is gonna be my next bike.
I had an 09 Concours it was a great bike i could wheelie it anytime with a passenger and full bags to a just me and no bags on it. The ultimate sleeper some sportbike riders and lots of Harley guys asked me what is that bike after i smoked them. But it roasted me someone added high temp foam to keep heat off ankles but then the heat came between the tank and frame leaving red burns on my inner thighs. What year did you think was best?
Nothing sweeter than a motor bike!😊
There was a time, not so long ago, that the Z900RS was an affordable classic motorcycle.
Glad I bought mine when I did
I cannot wait for the 2024 GPz900R version! I have a fully restored 1984 GPz900R A1 and it still feels amazing on the road - not like a near 40 year old bike!
I have the 'normal' Z900RS. Everything you say about this lovely machine is true. Hahaha, when you say: 'Above 7000 rpm all hell breaks loose'😀 Soo true..
It is a fantastic motorcycle; you have a constant smile on your face while riding it.
Thought-provoking as usual, it all depends on whether you get the Kawasaki 4 cylinder heritage thang & don't care about QS etc. I had a Z1000J2 back in 1982 & it was the most fun bike I've ever owned & the list is very long. So imagine how delighted I was when my youngest boy rocked up on a grey & green Z900 RS Café? Looks like he was brought up properly! 😊
Nice! There's a reason UJMs were so popular.
QS is an easy fix (I got the Translogic for my RS), it's the more "built-in" or electronic stuff that you'll have to do without
@@DifferentSpokesTV UJM's rule my friend.
@@Vis_Maior A perfect solution!
That's beautiful. Had to bring a tear to your eye.
I bought mine when they first came out. I flashed the ECU and changed the velocity stacks. I also changed the headers to the akrapovic ones. It has made the bike so much meaner!!!! I would suggest ALL of these modifications to really unlock the bike.
Ivan Performance did it for me. ECU flash from the start is a must. Eliminates all fuel management issues,runs cooler,lower cold idle rpm’s.
That bike almost makes me regret that I´ve given up sportbikes. Great looking, great sound, a real motorcycle that us oldtimers instantly recognize as the only right choice in that (and any other) segment. A motorcycle is more than transport and that Kawa would be enough bike for almost everybody. Including me.
Yeah, it could be a sport bike but really it's a cool looking standard.
Agree with you. There are means of transport, there are motorcycles, but there are also motorcycles that stands above and they transmit something unique and that is passion. Drop by when have time, you may like my content.
The Z900 RS a quick bike.
However I have seen a TH-cam channel where they ride Kwak H2 and Honda Fireblade. They said the Z900 RS is not a fast bike, but they are idiots in my book. (YammieNoob channel. Saw a vid of Yammie Noob himself doing well over 120mph on the road, on a Fireblade.)
@@greenbow7888 when I started to ride the fastest bikes or superbikes of the day were Honda CB750 and Kawa Z1 900cc. Those had 68 and 82hp and they were fast. Every bike that is fast enough to kill the rider is fast, to say anything else just shows publicly the amount of grey matter between their ears. Glad to see that you´ve found a better channel. 🙂
@@greenbow7888 Rode the Z900rs and the videos goes this Sunday June 18. It is a fast bike.
Back in the early noughties I had a Honda CB900 Hornet (known as the 919 in North America). All the things you say about this Kawasaki applied to my Honda. These are just a great bike for all around riding. I miss my Honda but today I would buy the standard Z900RS (non-café model) in a heart beat. Kawasaki should be congratulated for preserving this type of bike and its great riding feeling. Nice video, by the way 😆😁😀👍
I owned a 2002 CB900 Hornet a few years ago and loved that bike. By comparison, the Kawi is lighter and more powerful, also wilder. And the looks of the Cafe❤❤❤made me fell on the first sight. I bought a green 2018 model and use it for almost daily riding, long or short.
These days you have a hard time to find such bikes, except in same cases like with this Kawa. :) I completely agree about the Hornet. Rode the 600 and it was a wonderful bike. Can check it.
I have one ,I simply lov it …powerful,stylish and comfortable…no matter where u are,city or highway,it fits for both.
My son and I were out looking at bikes the other day and I must say this bike really caught my eye based solely on looks. I’m hoping to test ride it sometime.
The engine on this thing is great. Perfect tuning for the road.
Just bought mine yesterday. I'm loving it. I'm reading the manual today.
For me it's either this bike, had a kz900 from new back in 1976 or the Ducati 950s supersport. Strongly leaning toward the Kawi 😊
Great review. I've have hand my 2018 RS for 3 years now, and I absolutely love it. I also get stopped and asked questions constantly.
Love the retro look, Kawa Nailed it! modern platform with Retro looks !!! like a Good Restomod !! ;-)
What a gorgeous bike.Great review I concur -true modern classic.
I just bought a '78 KZ400 and I love it, I'm going to upgrade eventually but I didn't find anything I liked before the z900rs. I'll be saving up for that one now!!
I test rode one a few years ago, great looking motorcycle, high quality all around.
I have the SE version. Had to wait 1 year for that specific trim. Totally and absolutely worth it. The brembo brakes and ohlin suspension are game changers 💚🖤
Sell it?
@@keithmcknight1223 thanks but this is the bike that I will never sell. 😊
I bought the Yellow Ball SE. Best bike I have ever owned. Stunning looks, superb suspension and a motor that delivers.
I have a Z900RS and Z900SE. The upspec bike does ride more comfortably and it just handles better. Worth the extra money.
Another great video, thank you 👍
$18,500 ride away in Australia for anybody thinking about getting one here. Best looking new bike in my opinion. I think it might be the look of it with the bikini fairing that does it.
Chic Design makes a spot on bikini fairing for the RS ABS version. Best of both worlds...
Rode it. It has a great styling when you see it in person and it also rides very well. Great video mate. Enjoyable till the very end.
p.s. My video goes out on Sunday June 18. :)
Another great review.😎
And on this one I have to agree with you a full 100% rather than my usual 90-95.🤔
Used to ride the mighty ZRX1100 and it was awesome. If this bike is anything like that, I'd take two :)
Great review. I thought the scenery looked familiar, welcome to Cobourg!
Nice review! I was lucky enough to get a 2019 cafe for under 10k new. Feels faster than the ZRX1100 to me, or maybe cause I’m a lot older now. It’s my 4th Kawasaki and my only regret is selling the older ones. Ride safe!
Great video ! Thanks
I have several motorcycles. Absolutely love my Z 900 RS. It is a beautiful fast and fun machine. Not going to win any races anytime soon. But if you want to go for a rip on Sunday morning. You’ll have A smile on your face every minute.
“…with 1982 looks.” That made me chuckle.
I had a KZ900 in the mid-70s with after market bags & fairing. WoW! Been riding since 1974 and I think I need to downsize from the HD because of it's weight and my strength. The Kawy is bulleye in my sight picture.
A great morning ride and coming back to a different spokes kawasaki video. Choice my freind👌
Thanks ✌️
I went into my local dealer to buy a Z900rs, and left with a Z H2.
I love them both, for different reasons.
Absolutely love mine, akrapovic headers with a tune and a few other things. She screams
You are spot on. Most modern bikes look like space ships. Not my thing. Had a ZRX1100. Great bike, but eventually sold it to move onto another bike. And I like the look of the Z900rs. Test rode one, but preferred the character of my Speed Twin's engine. But I totally get the appeal.
Love the 2021 green yellow colors best IMO
I owned The 1974, Z1 900 it was lots of fun
Great review!
Mine is a 2018 green! I love it!
This thing looks like the old Kawasaki Zephyr, more than the DAEG.
It's cruise control and a quickshifter away from being the ultimate all rounder.
Yes, those would be nice.
Because of cruise control I pick the xsr900! If the Kawi offered this feature the z would probably be my next bike! I don't know why these manufacturers don't understand how adding such a simple thing would earn them a lot of business!🤠
@@unclejj509same here. I actually prefer the looks of this Kawi over the XSR but Yamaha through in all those niceties.. for less money! I love it so much.
@@DifferentSpokesTV Not the fastest retro. My 2020 Yamaha XSR900 smokes these on public roads. Sounds a lot better too. The Kawasaki is simply too heavy and under powered.
Fair excellent review , full discloser rode one , bought one !
Also, I've a 2003 Z1000, and it looks okay-Muzzy slip ons made a world of difference-and it's just under 500pounds, lots of poop,comfortable to California, so it's Japanese and unbreakable, and paid for. This z900 is the closest to luring me away form my "Itchy Boots"- stickered bike I have. Cheers. Yours and Ryan's are the best Canadian motorcycle channels.
Thanks! Much appreciated.
My brother in-law bought a new Eddie Lawson replica. That bike was so fast for it's time. I'm glad I got to ride it.
That's awesome!
Thé café without the fairing looks AWESOME
I’m getting a new bike next year and keep cycling through this, the XSR900 and the Speed Twin 1200. I’m riding a Speed Twin 900 now and want to go faster, a sixth gear, dual discs. I love all three so we’ll see where I land in the spring.
Love mine-very fast and smooth
I'm getting the Z900 RS SE this year, as they totally capture the brutal elegance of the late 70's early 80's Kwaks. 1st thing to get replaced will be the stock headers and muffler. Getting rid of the weight of the Cat. Plus I don't like the Traffic Cone mufflers, so I'm going with a shorty 'side pipe' style end can. Also getting rid of all that plastic number plate hanger, and going for a minimalist fitting directly under the tail light. I might go as far as replacing the large crank case covers, for CNC'd billet covers, polished up, like on the older bikes. A couple of minor cosmetic mods, like under bar end mirrors and I'm good to go. I can't feckin wait!!
Just got a 2022 z900rs cafe with 3k on it for 9,500 (plus taxes and whatnot) feel like it was a pretty solid deal. It’s crazy how little justice the videos I watch do for the sound of this stock exhaust. Thing sounds and feels amazing. I was torn between this and the speed twin, but at 6 ft and 215 lbs the speed twin felt cramped, didn’t like the sound comparatively, and the fact that the suspension was not adjustable just sealed the deal for this bike. I have no regrets and I’m excited to see how many miles in can get out of it. Will soon be riding with a pillion and hoping with the rack and cargo box with the back pads we can get a little more comfort out of it for day trips with two. Nice video!
I hear you! My z900rs sounds so good! The gear whine, induction howl under load, grumbly exhaust, and mechanical racket create a fantastic symphony, especially when accelerating. I often step on it just to hear it.
Came for the review, subbed for the history lesson.
It's a keeper Bro, buy it!
As the owner of 2 KZ1000's and a more modern 2013 Triumph I welcome the older style bikes. Sales will tell how popular they are.
1970s z900 vibe to me. I bought mine in 1918. Rode it once this season. A little heavy and prone to tip.
I bought the lime green and white stripe 2018 in January of 2019. I've got over 23,000 miles on it. It's been a blast. After 5 years of riding bone stock, I'm thinking about doing a full exhaust and ECU flash.
I have to say I am happy to own one, especially after reading all the comments!
If I was to get a sports bike this would be it. I've got a Versys 1000 which has a stroked out version of the same engine and it sounds great.
What does stroked out mean? More torque at the low end or more revvier?
Thing is with the speed you referenced, it's still fast enough to put you in a cemetery. Can't drivers don't care whether you're on a retro Royal Enfield scrambler, or the latest Ducati or Aprilia race machine, they 'just didn't see you'!!!
I have read some reviews regarding abrupt on/off fueling. Curious if you noticed that. Great review and as the 70s were my formative motorbike years this one tugs the heart strings.
Unless he rode a mapped bike then it will have had the on'off throttle. It's not an issue when riding at anything more than moderate speeds, but it can be a bit annoying when doing low speed, tight turns. But for those that tend to drive at low revs in high gears in the style of a twin, it can be a real issue.
It seemed okay most of the time. Doing tight figure eights it was a bit lurchy but you can smooth that out with the clutch.
Most modern inline fours get lurchy from the emissions stuff. Easily rectified.
Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Cheers and thanks for the comment!
Are you on the island? I used to ride the marine loop with my z900rs.
Nice review! How tall are you and how did you find the fit? Thanks!
There is another competitor on the Canadian market, same retro look but was not mentioned in this chapter. BMW nine T.
I really like this bike, Z900, but fastest new retro bike? You should try GSX1400 (2001-2004 twin exhaust model), or maybe XJR1300 (also twin exhaust model). Than we discuss this matter further :-) Stay safe on the road! Cheers from Slovenia!
Yamaha xsr900 about to come out with racing kit that would make it look even more retro
Informative video. Now the choice is ours.
😎👍🇺🇲
Haven't ridden one but I can say it looks ok.
I have an absolutely spotless Green ZRX12 and it looks so much better. It's other shortcomings fade quickly.
It's my only standard. If you need a old school looking standard in your lineup. The ZRX just can't be beat. Especially for less than half the cost.
Nevertheless. This was a pretty good review and video.
Cheers from the PNW Seattle WA area 🤘
Excellent review! How tall are you Sir?
I am drawn like moth to flame by the regular z900 SE. That's going to be my next bike
I am a total liar, I have an opportunity to buy one of these it looks great
They got many things right, I would rather had the option of having 4 into 4 exhaust. The BMW R9T and Triumph Thruxton RS are worthy competitors.
I think a pair of good quality shock absorbers would have completed the look,for me. An aftermarket 4 into 4 exhaust system is available...... at much expense, but do look and sound superb.
I have the exact same bike. I'M NEVER SELLING IT
The bike has more of a 70s Z1 vibe than an early 80s Lawson Replica vibe.
Yes I think so too
Yeah, it was modelled after the 1973 Z900 Jaffa (look at the 2018 launch model). Don't know where he got the Lawson idea from.
i want it so bad it solves all my problems with restoring an older bike or building a cafe raceer
Eddie should call that Japanese investor back.
Fools like that only come along once in a lifetime.
That’s a good look retro motorcycle, the seat will be a little high for me, being 5’5, otherwise I’ll buy it!! Nice review!!
Always have a few bikes of different styles, including a ZH2. Love the ZH2, but wish it had the style of the RS, such a great looking bike! But, Im a 50 something and sure Id be in the minority of ZH2 buyers.
The price is ok compared to competition but expensive. Actually, no new bike is affordable these days with our low average salaries (in my country) and inflation. Its a bike i would love to buy and keep for next generation. I already have a true classic, a sv650 2004 that i improve year after year and pretend to keep till i day but this inline 4 is beautiful and considering big fours are at the edge of extinction, it will be a classic for sure
One of each, please!
I like that you include your partners impressions in the reviews. Nice to get a different perspective.
Bought the speed twin. Tried the z900rs. But the twin cylinder thumpiness spoke to me more than the inline 4. That being said, the z900rs is still on my list of bikes I want to own. Its a great looking bike. And the Yamaha, while capable, is flat out ugly in my opinion.
Drop the front 12mm, raise the rear 14mm (180/60), add ohlins front, nitron rear, brembo M4s with a high compression Z9 motor and it becomes a relaxed scalpel. I suprise a lot of modern sports bikes. Totally different bike with TRC off and decent suspension.
in my opinion the kawasaki has the perfect look and is plenty fast i have been riding a triumph speed twin for several years but find i like the styling of the kawasaki more plus the inline four has about 10 more ponies under the tank
I love my t100 but I'd like to get this bike, I went to the mountains this past weekend and ground off my peg feelers,,,, and part of my brake pedal and gear shifter. I'd do it for the extra lean angle
Agreed I rode one of these in the 70's when they were the first Super Bike, the next best thing was the Honda CB750, so I am definitely biased ........
Sounds "growly and menacing". Nope! 35-years riding and I never gave a rats ass about loud sounds. I want an honest, "just doing my job" exhaust. Not trolling. I wanted to note that not EVERYONE riding thinks the same. Yup, been a sub for a good long time :) Keep up the good work.
I’m wondering if you know if the passenger seat is any better on the other model? It’s a shame because I like this bike a lot. I suppose i could get one of those Corbin seats so my wife has a more comfortable ride.
If you don’t mind me asking, how tall are you? I’m 6’1” with a 34” inseam. I’ve only set on it in the showroom and fell in love with the bike.
Went to a Kawasaki demo day in Chatsworth CA. Rode the Z900RS Cafe and had my pink slip for my 2016 Z1000. I was disappointed at the power and super soft suspension. Kept my Z1000. Wish the 1043cc was an option bc I would have traded in my Z1000 that day. Looks cool though. Why couldn't Kawasaki put the Showa BPF forks? It's inexpensive compared to Ohlins and work just as well.
I don't understand why people keep saying the regular Z 900 doesn't pull down low like the RS. I have a '22 Z and a '22 blue RS. To tell you the truth, I feel the Z will kick the RS's behind all the way through.The Z will take off in 4th without slipping the clutch. Super smooth, torquey 4 banger. Power everywhere. Love the RS, but wish it had the Z's engine and tranny. Almost nothing interchanges on these engines. Different head, rods.crankshaft, etc. Crankcases are the same and a few other parts. Z has much smoother tranny and engine. The RS gets more attention, but if I had to choose, it would be the Z. Love it.
Was thinking of putting a ‘zed900’ cam into my zee900rs, to get that 130HP.
I do not know about US/CA.
I own a GSX1200 by Suzuki. It is marketed as the Inazuma (japanse for lighting), for it's accelaration.
98hp 1153 ccm.
I would love to have a KZ1000
They stopped releasing the cafe version in the UK 😭
Quicker than the Thruxton RS? Weird you didn't mention that bike at all.
A Hooligan Bike in a Smoking.
Price is fine if that is what you want. I have a t700, fz07, R3, wr250x, and the z900rs.
Had mine since 2018 - great bike, handles well, good power, comfy suspension but it is uncomfortable to ride - they seem to have got the proportions and angles all wrong and the seat is very hard. Had to make major modifications to make it reasonably comfortable. It is probably best a a cafe style bike, definitely not a tourer. Don't know where you got the fuel mileage from (your figures suggest around 18.8 klms per litre). I'm lucky to get 14klm per litre on a good day. The tank is way too small for the bike to be usable as a tourer. I have to carry fuel. The upside is that it looks great, especially custom painted in the original maroon strip - see pic logo.
How do you get Zed out of Z, does the alphabet end in XYZED or XYZ?