2018 Kawasaki Z900RS: 5 Things You Need to Know
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- Everybody’s cashing in on their heritage these days. Why shouldn’t Kawasaki? The original Z1 really was quite the atom bomb when it got here with its big DOHC engine in ’73. The RS picks up the thread with a new 4.5-gallon gas tank that closely mimics the original before flowing into side panels with original-look badging, then rearward into that duck-tail rear end and period-correct round taillight - though illumination at both ends is by modern LED. The molded in seat stitching looks the same, the big round tach and speedo look the same, the metal-flake paint job looks the same, and the polished edges of the cast wheels on the Candytone Brown model look like spokes. If there was anyplace else to put a radiator on a motorcycle other than front and center, you’d be hard-pressed to tell old from new.
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I remember my math teacher in junior high had one and would power wheelie out of the parking lot. I remember that more than any lesson taught in 8th grade.
😆
And number 6: That analog speedo and tach. Nice!
I only buy analog...digital sucks, and I seldom ever use that word....
the retro styling is so pretty on the z900rs
Just picked mine up Friday afternoon. Managed to put close to 400 miles on it. It's my first "big boy" bike, and I have to say I am impressed. I love it so far. Looking forward to many years of riding it.
It's a Kawasaki so you can bet on many years of riding....trouble free.
Best of luck to you, beautiful motorcycle! Safe riding.
Oh my oh my, I saw the new w800 today in Japan, just released for 2019. Up to 52 hp and looking sweet. I have a w650 already so..I wandered over to this, oh dear, drool...112hp! I want the pegs moved back and the sales dude said they have a Cafe version available to with lower bars (which I don't want, but ,..) so fine. I envy you man. I already have two bikes but boy oh boy, I want one of these now!
You lucky duck. I was at the dealer today and oogled at them, soo sexy!
do you still love it?
Except back in my neighborhood, everyone tossed the multi exhaust and installed a Kerker 4 into 1, I think they understood the icon perfectly
re pipes: Multi muffler pipes were stylistically popular with designers back then but many riders actually replaced them with 4-1 systems simply for the weight saving. So the Z900RS is really just reflecting what people did with their bikes in this case.
Michael Watts that’s exactly true and that is what they said
Kerker 4 into 1 pipes were also used for performance advantages... My dad still has his 1973 900 "Z1" (Root Beer / Orange) with 1,750 Miles.
Yep, my dad's '73 Z1 still has the 4 into 1 Hooker exhaust he put on it in the 70s, so my Z900RS reminds me even more of his original Z1.
But...when buying a older Z ..say from ebay...the bike with the original pipes are what is desired. The retro should reflect that. I had a yorshimura 4 into 1 on mine, as a teenager. I am going to buy a 75 and it must have the original pipes.
Michael Watts exactly, keeps the weight Down, and looks better.
I'm 60yrs and still riding. I picked up a "1973" Z-1 in "1987" with 10k on odometer. Original motorcycle, no mods, cool bike. The frame/suspension technology was far behind the powerplant, making the bike a little more than "spooky" in real-world riding. Top heavy & unstable overall. Even under 100 mph (it would do 143 mph topped out) . Head wag and no shock dampening have to choose The Correct line through a corner. Owned & road the thing for 30+ yrs. Sold it for a good price. I like the new one much more than my original . Faster, lighter, and genuinely fun to ride. (the look of the radiator doesn't bother me a bit) It's the new improved Z-1! Thanks for sharing, J.
I owned a 1973 Kaw 900. Loved it. I got major chills looking at the new version.
The 2003-6 is a great example... with Ninja OEM parts.
I had a '74. Someone forgot to tell me it wasn't a mild adventure bike. (-:
yeah, I've an 02 Harley full bagger now. Couple years back I realized I'm really a foot peg kinda guy for mild off roading, leaving an outside music venue via ditch vs waiting in line(s), etc.
~ Room for a gal, wine 'n cheese hillside with no trails at 18-19yo was perfect..yup this bike is calling me too.
erm ~ Tunes, cruise, wind protection for 3+ hour rides I'd miss. lol, two hours to wash, two hours to wax the big ol' Harley, not so much.
I have the 2019 Cafe and I gotta say Kawasaki did an EXCELLENT job. if ya wanna nit pick over tiny details like the radiator you need to remember the the old Z1 didnt have a radiator but I wouldn't expect a millennial to know that you werent alive to ride the orginal ones but my old ass was lol and I love my 2019 Cafe far more than the old Z1 due to the fact that the new tech is so much better. This bike is awesome.
I agree it's really hard to hide a radiator lol. It's necessary to have wind hitting a rad!
My younger Brother had a 1976 KZ900 ... in that same 'root beer' metallic color!
SO, when the new 'Retro-Bike' was announced, he went right down to the Dealership and placed a Deposit! When they called and said he could place his Order he acted immediately. And because we already had a 'relationship' with that Dealer (having bought previous bikes and services there) they assembled the bike the very day it arrived! And they called him at 8:00pm to come and GET his new bike! {They had to post-date the paperwork because it wasn't supposed to be 'officially' released for 2 more days.}
He LOVES the bike! But already having a GSX-R750, he is a bit disappointed in the performance...but realizes it is NOT a 'crotch rocket', and is much more comfortable for riding to and from work, and 'more relaxed' rides with friends and small groups.
I am Hoping to get one in Sparkle Black, soon, and "add" the cafe screen, with a Parts Department order, and have it painted to match the bike.
The z900RS is my absolute favorite of the "neo-retros"...I'm going to add one sooner or later as my "2nd bike"
It's NOT a "neo" retro....just a retro.....new CB1000R is neo and Husqvarna's Vitapilan is neo.
I Love Retro, I Love the design of this bike and engine sound even in stock muffler. Every rev of this bike is music to my ears. Hoping to own this bike someday.
Love the "old school 1970's" color of root beer!
what color is root beer in 2018?
Wasn't impressed until I saw one in person - love it!
Same, these things look better in person than on film.
Floating Troy!!! Welcome back from Alpinestars, we missed you!
As for these videos, I really like how they are short and sweet, in particular this bike looks gorgeous, a true modern interpretation of a classic
Put 5000 miles on one and you will be a fan. I like the 4 into 1 exhaust. The radiator could be redesigned to better flow with the lines, but overall a very fun versatile bike that performes well.
Yeah I like the 4 into 1.
Well I love it!
starting to say the same, over the gsxs 1000 its easy on the eyes and looks like a comfy, sporty and smooth ride. got a 2014 Yamaha Stryker and kinda want something more sporty but would love to retain the classic styling of a cruiser. Gsxs bikes are like looking at a full on sport bike. Decisions decisions, need that seat time
@3:08--that metallic brown in the sunlight looks phenomenal. This bike (and it's green variant) are definitely on my 'short list.'
When I bought a new 2019 Vstrom 1000 XT a month ago, there was a Z900 RS in the showroom and I have to say that the bike looks cool and has a gret fit and finish.
I personally love the single pipe. My old honda and Kawasaki pipes were replaced with 4 into 1 Kerker pipes back in the day. The new Z900RS is a beautiful bike. Kawasaki did a much better job than Honda did with the CB1100 in my opinion.
I know I love my 2022 and of the 60+ bikes I’ve had it’s one of my favorites admitting I’m getting older and not comparing it to all the moto cross bikes I’ve had.
This bike has one of the best exhaust notes to come out of a factory. I heard one in person a few weeks ago and was very impressed.
Back in the day, hardly a Z1 lasted a month without a Kerker or Yoshimura 4-into-1 pipe being bolted onto it. There must be whole landfills of original Kawasaki exhausts out there somewhere.
My dad kept his original set, and has a spare original set sitting just because he had the space. They bring silly money now in good shape, I told him he should let one go.
Had one too, that was without a doubt may favorite part. Mine had engine mods so 10k+ revs were no problem and the sound was absolutely glorious.
goog le You can still get repro stock exhausts for a Z900.....£1300.00 per set they ain't cheap! But look fantastic!
Right you are!! I'd add that the Yoshi pipes were more a Honda/Suzuki thing and Kerker was a definite Kawasaki thing.
And Yamaha?? No one I knew had a Yammie as they were not 'sporty' enough!
Keith Daniels :
I agree. Incredible sound outta those pipes. I pulled the baffles out of mine. A rich and throaty sound.
Beautiful bike!
Congratulations to all owners💚
Well done Kawasaki
I think this kawasaki retro is a huge win! I'm going to be looking for it on my local show room floor! I think it will be a great second bike.. My 2015 SGS is awesome but a lighter naked bike will round out my motorcycle needs /wants. Great video!
In 1994, Kawasaki was banned in Pakistan due to some issues of local manufacturing partner with the Pakistani Stock Exchange... And Importing one is very pricy due to very high taxes.. Z900rs costs around 12000 USD, so whilst clearing the taxes in Pakistan, the price of this very bike may rise up to 36000 USD
Their old 2 stroke GTO series is marvellous having GTO 110 and GTO 125 .. So much so that those old bikes are still very pricy (if they are in immaculate condition).. Ranging a price equivalent between 1200 to 1400 USD (you can get a new 125 cc bike around or below amount equivalent of 800-1000 USD in Pakistan ..
I wish to see KAWASAKI back in Pakistan.. Perhaps these high end models will not be successful (since our purchase power is lower), but if they launch the variants of similar bike in 125, 150, 175, 200 250CC bikes in Pakistan in a price between equivalent of 1000 to 2800 USD, and spare parts supply is assured, the Kawasaki will hit the sales.. Since People in Pakistan grow loving the Kawasaki...
Love this bike takes me back to when i was younger.
Got a 2018 in May of 2018. This bike is honest. 3 years later and 6500k miles it is still able to move on the curves and easy in town. Would not consider another bike. I am amazed at how few of these are on the road.
It sounds and looks phenomenal! I had a 1991 Kawasaki Zephyr 550, which looked similar, and sounded similar. They made it in a 1100 as well...
This is the kind of bike that really speak to me. I love my Monster 696 but I wouldn't mind trading in for the Z900rs. I'm also looking to get a Monster 821 because, well, Ducati bikes have that special character that makes them so much fun to ride.
Seriously on a top 3 "next bike list"
How about the 5 things we need to know about the cafe edition 900?
I owned a 75 ZI, it was just plain awesome. The new Z900RS makes me want to go buy one right now. Most of your comments reflect personal tastes that I disagree with.
I wish they had put wire spokes instead, then this thing would look amazing... I had a second hand one of these in the early 90's doing courier work on around Melbourne and it was a great machine to blast all day on.
Sweet bike. Gonna get one to stand next to my 73 Z1.
This bike looks great. I own a 2014 CB1100. Would be curious how it compares. This modern Retro’s are a lot of FUN and definitely eye attention!
I remember riding the original 900 Z1 years ago. It felt like the handling and chassis weren't quite up to the house power the bike put out. At 135 MPH I could feel the frame flex and there was some head shake.
I imagine this new rendition would handle worlds better.
Very fine bike. As soon as finances allow I will have one in my garage!
Well there’s your problem, I couldn’t afford the garage but I purchased the bike. Hopefully I will have the garage later. I have the 2021 Z 900 RS café!!
Gorgeous bike the color is awesome.
Love this bike and great video as always. But will call a foul because I rode when the original one was around. What spawned the aftermarket exhaust industry was nobody liked 4into4 and everyone swapped it out for 4into1. And so easy cause no emissions. So kudos to kawi for doing it right!
Its a shame you were not around when some of us rode these bikes , They where heavy pigs compared to now, I'll never go back. I would rather be 20 again than ride what I had 30 years ago.
"I would rather be 20 again than ride what I had 30 years ago"..... Is being 20 again a bad thing?
I ride my 76 cb400 f, and also own a 2018 yamaha MT03, although the first one is
a lot heavier, the seat position, handlebars and also high revs engines on both make them pretty similar, even though separated be 42 years... love both!
Thankyou sir for a natty review!
And I agree with both your quibbles, the radiator detracts from the engine aesthetics and the exhaust pipe muffler is ok but considering how really nice the bike looks, it is not the finishing touch to set it off.
Beautiful bike. I'd like to see the head to head with the Honda CB1100 also a very nice looking bike.
CB 1100 rs. Is slightly ahead
Dual upswept pipes on either side and shaft drive would be icing on the cake.
When I took out my Honda Nighthawk's 4/2 pipes I was shocked how heavy they were now thinking 4/1 aftermarket for weight shaving and performance.I like what Kawi did all reviewers mentioned how beautiful and well made the exhaust is with dble walls and sound nice as well.In this case its more of money saving you dont have to pluck down 800-1200 for aftermarket pips.I love everything about this bike Torn between this and new BMW R9T Pure.Leaning on BMW although love the Kawi too which makes me torn between these two
I think this is my favourite modern classic Japanese motorcycle
2 words , Just Beautiful 😊
Love the bike! Good review.
I had one of these back in the day and a cb900f honda, amazing machines for there time.
no you didn't, just came out this year......
The original lol i am that old
Would you consider this a decent first bike. Somthing for long term use?
I prefer adventure bikes for the practical aspects and the comfort but I cling to this too beautiful motorbike, a masterpiece by Kawasaki
Got a bit close to the guardrail there around 1:22. Sat on one of these at our local dealer. Seat is as comfortable as a brick and just as hard. Other than that first impression I do like the retro look a bunch.
Gorgeous bike. Was there a comparison yet between this and the CB1100? This one is more modern, but the CB feels better. It sits more like the old ones did. The Z900RS sits like a modern naked bike, but just looks kinda vintage.
I’m 6’2”-love the bikes looks-but wondering as usual, how it’d be for a taller rider as myself....
It would be really interesting to have a comparison of the gsx s1000, the new gsx-s750, the mt 09, xsr 900, z900, and the z900rs. I know they aren’t all exactly in the same class, but they are all fun, affordable, and comfortable sport bikes. I am a big fan of more affordable comfy sport bikes that the mt 09 helped to popularize. The retro nakeds also add some variety and a different take on some of these newer naked sport bikes
I'm considering buying one
Is the Z900RS a good beginner bike? I really want to get one, because I don't want to start out on a Ninja 650 like most beginners do.
Totally inexcusable for a new bike at this price to come out without cruise control. That said, as soon as they decide to fit CC I’m buying one! Gorgeous!
If you need cruise control on a motorcycle you are pretty young and lazy. Just my opinion.
@@prairiegold6870 I would think you never toured on a motorcycle? If you think ya don't need a cc your nuts. There were throttle locks back in the '60s. Universal fit. With modern fuel injected engines, cc can be had very cheap if the Manufacturer wants to.
I hate sport bikes because of the hunched up seating BUT this I like!!! Always wanted a fast sporty bike but can’t stand riding a “ crotch rocket”. But this 900 I can ride!! I may have just found my second bike. I have a Vulcan 1600 but it’s like riding a dump truck sometimes and I want something small and fast just to zip around on.
I’ve owned mine for 3 months now and I love it. It actually looks better in real life than in the pics. True, 4 into 4s would have been nice, and maybe twin Ohlins shocks like on the Thruxton R, but honestly it doesn’t change my view of the bike and it is a better bike the way they’ve made it.
You didn’t mention the fuelling issues (snatchy throttle). Some RSs have that problem, some don’t. Mine certainly did, and I fitted a Booster Plug, made in Denmark. It fixed my problem, though really Kawasaki should redesign the parameters of the ECU and reflash them for those of us that have had problems.
Apart from that, I can’t fault the bike, it’s comfortable, got plenty of real world power and torque, it’s really well made, and of course it looks great.
I agree! Got mine two weeks ago in root beer/orange - love it! In fact can't really fault it, the throttle seems fine to me for a fuel injected bike and it does look better in real life - gets lots of complements and thumbs ups on the road!
I agree. The lack of weight is on of the major reasons I went with the Z900RS instead of (another) Bonneville. It is so nimble and fun to ride, one of the nicest bikes I've owned.
Is there a way to put forward controls on the Z900RS?
Remember in the 70' with the Z 900 when it was cool to replace the 4x4 into a 4x1 and the sound was really unique back then.Nowadays this sound is still cool but way too common. Probably this bike would be better with the original 4x4 ,more chrome and original big blinkers.Anyway this model is still a piece of art and on my wish list to be bought next.
No No That is not on ,,,
Keren reviewnya Bang Troy..
I like the 4 into 1 , never liked the 2 pipes on each side like the old one had , the bike looks good though.
Yes a agree..in Sweden everyone chance it to 4 to 1 anyway. So no hazle.. turn the key and go.
nice rig, i'd love to have one
Nice looker!
I'd love the cafe version in this colourway.
Not Zee its a Zed also where were the engineers supposed to hide the radiator under the seat perhaps?
I just "resurrected" a 1979 KZ 750, and it looks remarkably similar to the Z900
I've been working on my '82 KZ750 and it also looks remarkably similar! Love those old KZs!
Looks class😍😍
Root beer and orange CLASSIC 🏁
Wish they had kept the original look of the valve cam covers on the head from the first Z1900.
Regarding the exhaust, Kawasaki have stated that they could have indeed made the pipes the the same as the z1 but!!!! And here's the kicker it would have obviously increased both the weight and the cost...there are some companies out there making the retro styled 4 outlet pipes so not all is lost
I like the single exhaust as it does not clutter the rear
Dual wouldn't have been too much. 4-into-2...
I actually like the black 2018 version best. My second choice would be the cafe. May go ride one Saturday..
I wish they would have had the RS, I rode the cafe and really liked it. Now I have to decide by phone if I want the RS or Cafe as they have to go get the RS. Then Kawasaki just released 3.9% for 60 mos on the RS AND a free Akrapovic slip on muffler!!! Does not apply to the cafe.....
I bought a black 18 Z900RS and love it!!
Will there be a z400rs or z650rs?
Does it have a locking helmet holder?
The single exhaust on the z900rs is a moot point cos nearly every owner of the original Z1 (myself included) used to swap to a 4 into 1
So I have this bike except I have the 2021 café version. It’s actually not a four into one exhaust. It’s actually a four into two into one exhaust!! That being said it’s a sweet ass exhaust and I have no plans to change it. It sounds great and I absolutely love the bike and the factory exhaust!!!
Good review You made some good points This bike is compared to the new Honda retro bike, the Honda CB1000R I almost got this bike, the Kawasaki I mean, but I'm not a fan of chain drive, and I'm glad I didn't get it because if I did, I wouldn't of gotten the bike of my dreams The Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer You guys did a comparison review on this bike, and I believe the them was the "cool" factor Well the point is that I'm extremely happy with my new bike, and I bid you guys goodbye and have a good one
Nice vid Troy, would you say this bike has enough fun factor to keep someone entertained coming off a Speed Triple? Looking at something different but don't want to get bored
A turd would keep you entertained after coming of a speed triple.
If you are looking for something slower with less power and worse handling I'm sure this bike will fit the bill...why on earth would anyone trade a Speed Triple for this wannabe with a pretty(ish) paint job? This bike doesn't remind me of the proper Z's we used to ride back in the 1970's at all. A candy ass paint job does not the big Z make...
I had a new 1977 KZ 650 C bike from 1977-1981. Had to sell it to go to University. Miss it often.They sold like hotcakes in the late 1970's. Maybe Kawasaki would look at a KZ650 retro ?
Paint the silver radiator covers black and voila, instant camouflage. I'd say no to the mahousive 4 output exhaust. Back then, people were replacing with Kerker 4 into 1s anyway.
Big question is did they fix the fueling on this one? One of the reviews on the cafe version said the on/off fueling was perfect on it.
I wouldn't say the fueling is perfect, at least not on mine, but it's not bad. It's very livable. I have the Z900 too, and took care of the snatchy throttle by reflashing the ecu when I put new exhaust on it
love this bike! 15.000 km .... like water!
Nice bike, but the foot pegs could be more forward like a standard.
Do a similar video for Benelli Leoncino 500
nice bike 😍
Looks killer
4 into 4 pipes are cool but heavy. Still thinking about 6 into 6 for my CBX.
I think Kawasaki could have done a better job of this. I agree they could have put four pipes at the back and even made it twin shock! Rear shocks these days are pretty good and I’m sure kawasaki could have designed this in. As for the radiator, look what Triumph did with the new look Bonneville, they put fins on the barrels and head and put a narrow radiator down the front tubes so you get both air and water cooling. I was hoping the RS was going to look more like the classic Z1 but I’m a bit disappointed with it. Think I’ll keep saving and maybe find a nice Z1 to buy.
My old man has been a Kwaka nut since the old days, he’s had every big Z they ever made and lots of different examples of each, grew up riding z900’s and thousands, knows every nut and bolt like the back of his hand. He once said to me, “Son, don’t ever waste your money on a classic motorcycle. They might be fashionable and good looking but the reality is they are slow, heavy, bad on fuel, they handle like crap, the brakes suck, you will forever be fucking around with carby’s trying to get them to run properly, and if you drop it you’l go broke trying to fix it” haha 😂
This makes me want to get an old Z1 or KZ900 ....
I do not like the 4 into one pipe crap, that why, I'm going with Triumph or Royal Enfield or lastly the W800. Could it be changed to two into one on each side?
It is a shame that this bike in Brazil costs as much as 13000 USD... as a owner of a CB400 four, I have to say that at the time( 76) the Z900 was the most impressive bike of all, I dare to say it was prettier that this new one. I think that, considering the weight, they did a good job using a 4 into 1 exhaust.
Any experience riding this with a pillion / passenger ? The seat looks long enough to carry one. Thanks!
Yup ! It's smooth. Rode a female passenger on the back, pretty fun.
The exhaust with the single pipe looks more like the after market exhaust on the old school kz
I like that it has 6 speed gear box.
About rebooting the 1985 Eliminator ZL?900
I had one of those.... it's always going to be the one I wish I would have kept
4 into 1 exhaust is what I would have done if it was not that way already 👍
This bike or Triumph Speed Twin? I like the idea of an everything bike from light touring, commuting, canyons...everything but trackday bike
I love the Triumph Speed Triple, but there's no shop near here that will even change the oil, let alone do a real maintenance.
Is Rod Stewart still doing reviews for you guys?
Will Kawasaki make the Z650RS?
Great bike , if only the cb1100ex was faster it would be a tough decision if you were looking for a retro ujm remake.