Kawasaki Z900RS motorcycle review | Visordown.com
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- Is the Kawasaki Z900RS the new lord of the retro bike class? Full review here: 👉 bit.ly/2U8hKtT
It has to be one of the most highly anticipated bike to appear at EICMA 2017, with amazing colours including a brown and orange or a matte green. Unfortunately Kawasaki have priced the brown and orange (the original Z900 colours), more expensive at £10,199 compared to the £9,899 in black, 10,099 in matte green.
We were also gutted that we couldn't ride the Cafe version of the Z900RS, as it wasn't ready in time for the launch.
Overall a great modern take on a classic retro motorcycle.
Read the full review here: bit.ly/2ni9CuP
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Great review! I started riding in '76- so I'm Kawi's target demographic- and this bike harkens me back to my first Kawi, which was in the same color scheme. Would absolutely love one in my garage. Kawi has knocked this one out of the ballpark- good on them!
I've watched pretty much every Z900RS video on TH-cam and this is definitely one of the most comprehensive ones. Good point about using a higher gear than usual for leaving the curve.
entropede I put a 16 tooth front sprocket on mine. I highly recommend it.
Got ours yesterday, What a bike, looks fantastic,rides great and you feel so good jusst cruising on it, A credit to Kawasaki for building a true usable retro bike.Great review as well, Thanks
Aussie Kawiman where in Aus?
Hi G Sea, we are in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast QLD,Call in for a test ride some day.
They’ve got a silver gray cafe style out this year, looks great. Shad makes some great panniers and top case for touring too. Great mileage for 200+ mile range nice.
I didn't like this bike that much until I drove it in a demo ride. Oh my gosh - it was the most fun bike I've driven in a long time. And that exhaust system they'll put on it for you sounds incredible. The bike has such great road, engine, and brake feel. Everything, especially the engine is immediate. It instantly pulls hard at any RPM resulting in a huge smile on my face. If I had the cash to throw around, I would have bought it right then. I drove pretty much every Yamaha and Kawasaki demo bike and the Z900RS was the most fun.
Yeah, most riders say “ride”, not drove.
I just want to compliment Visor Down. I don't use TH-cam much but once in awhile I search motorcycle reviews. Too many of them ramble about, likely because the narrators are ad libbing and they're not particularly skilled at it.. The Z900RS review by Steve Farrell is well-organized, clear, and thorough, and the graphics are very good too. Nice job.
thank you guys: saved my evening after a shitty day at work. I´m in love with this beauty. Thanks to god it seems to hold up to the expectations provoked by its looks.
Price seems justified, except from the differences for color choices.
Looking forward to feb./march --- Testride!
I like this bike as well. I'm not sure where you are Mike but here in Australia it's on the expensive side at $17,990 ride away. That's more than $3,800 more than the Z900 and $3,500 more than the XSR900.
That price would stop me from buying it, so I'm hoping they revise their pricing ;-)
in germany its about 12,200€, 2800€ more than z900. Its ok considering the upgrades in optic and dampers, but still too much for me. :) XSR900 is much cheaper, around 9500€. But doesnt have the looks. Keep my XSR700 for some more years, brilliant little machine.
just left my deposit! I will have it in 2-3 weeks I picked the black /silver and gold color, man this bike is even more beautiful in person. thank god Kawasaki posted pictures when they did, I almost put money on a indian scout bobber.
Love it! I had one of the original Z1's back in the day. It took me to many places and I have many memories of great times on that bike. One memorable is being able to avoid going to jail after being caught by the police going 140mph+ down a long straight, on a Sunday afternoon ride. My buddy and I, both on modified Z1's, just sat there and listened to the officer scream at us for about 30 minutes. We didn't say a word except for, "yes sir" and "no sir" to his rant. I may have to get one of these new Z900's... :-)
Man I love this review, I'm so tired of the typical bro reviews you see on TH-cam. They start to talk about the bike then it's a typical mototvlog....ty
Mines done 300ks still wearing it in. And it’s magic. I personally own the original from the 70’s in the same colour. Kawasaki thank you for producing such an amazing machine. Love this review also... get out there and experience one of these beautiful machines.
I have just ordered this bike unseen and untried based on the look of it and your review! I can't wait until march 18.
This thing is PERFECT ! The bike I've been wanting for 10 years now. I was SO FUCKING tired of bikes that look like something out of a transformer movie.
Great review, thank you. The engine sounds like you're describing the Z1000 Gen II, not a bad thing. I love the Z1000 with the 4 pipes but I'm also old enough to remember the first Zed owners couldn't wait to put on a 4 into 1 system (Micron was usually the pipe chosen) so I think this present system makes perfect sense. As for the spoke rims, great to look at ~ pain in the ass otherwise. Beautiful bike, great review.
i ride a 1975 kz 400 its very little brother in candy apple red, but same styling. i love the look can't wait to ride one
Ordered mine on December 1st. Waiting for delivery. As a kid, I followed the advent of the Z1, and got to ride my cousin's 74 Z1 in the late 70s. I'm sold.
That was a brilliant review!! The impression I get is that anyone who wants one of these will want one even more, anyone who buys one of these is going to be rewarded with everything they hoped it would be - plus a bit more.
5:33 I like the tasteful mix of retro look with modern engineering.
one of the best reviews I've seen. very comprehensive!
Glad you liked it!
This is drawing me in. I have several bikes and bought the Zephyr 750 and ZRX1100 when they came out. This one looks great too.
What a great looking bike. Also, a refreshing alternative review style, delving deeper into both the bike and its' use case, something I don't see enough of. Well done Visor Down.
All other bike companies take note. This is how you do a retro modern bike.
Guys, you doing the best reviews!
Your fb page is so so, but reviews are great!
Great review and great bike. Though I sat on a green rs cafe at the Sydney Motorcycle Show last week, and fell in love.
I like the styling of the Z-900. I'm old enough to remember when the original Z-900 changed the game back in 1973. What I don't understand is why after all of these years motorcycle manufacturers still can't seem to make a comfortable seat. Only the touring bikes come equipped with comfortable seats. What's up with that?
Thanks for a brilliant and comprehensive review, guys - Ordered mine TODAY, hopefully picking up in Jan '18... traded in my MT09...
Good review as usual from this journalist. He did not did justice though to the fully adjustable suspension when commenting on the city pavement ride. He should have adjusted compression and rebound and tried before instead of saying it is sporty and you feel the bumps. By the way FAS are vastly missed and complained by journalists and riders, so Kawa should be much complemented for providing stock FAS on this nostalgic hyper cool bike. Thank you for bringing a glance of your experience VisorDown to us with knowledge , emotion and rational.
Suzuki need to do a bike like this.
This, I started riding on a GS and Ive always wanted another GS but with a modern engine, suspension and brakes.
The problem with that is the most iconic Suzuki's of the era were all 2 strokes ... difficult
to re-imagine a bike that had an engine that is now defunct .
David Jay I was talking about the old GS550 and the likes, same type of an inline 4 engines with Suzuki styling...
I know but the point is if a manufacturer wants to build a modern classic is has to be based on an iconic bike, the reason this bike will sell is that Kawasaki Z 900 /1000 had a legendary status , and therefore it has a ready made fan base .
The Suzuki GS range were capable bikes but had no cult following whatsoever .
Suzuki's memorable bikes of the era were all 2 strokes ... the GT 750 "kettle" still has a massive following
and fetch big money , the GS's ( 400 /550 /750 /1000 ) are nowhere near as sort after and are seen as run of the mill.
Could do a re-imagined Katana...
Thank you for helping me with my research. I just put a deposit down on a '21 x900rs cafe with abs, looking forward to seeing it in the garage next to my '01 zrx1200
Thank you that was one of the best reviews I have watched very professional and informative please have safe travels while riding.
Thanks, will do!
A beautiful bike, very 70's to look at and all the better for it, a lot of the 1970's bikes still look as cool today as they did then.
Always great thorough reviews!
Thanks for mentioning the lean off idle fueling. I cannot be happy with a bike that has poor low speed response. So adding a fueling module is a must for me. National Cycle will no doubt offer a quick release plexi glass wind screen for this bike which will allow it to tour nicely. I had one way back on my 1981 CB900F Super Sport and it worked wonderfully. Nice job Kawasaki!!!
Fantastic review. Well researched & knowledgeable, words chosen carefully and no BS. Well done and many thanks!
Best review of the RS in english so far as to 2019
Takes me back to looking in the motor bike shop , only wish they could bring back the laverda jota 😢
Would be interested in the z1 with a cafe racer look clip ons etc , etc . Spock wheels is a must
This guy is crazy good at what he does!!! Nice work
Great video. Yes, I remember these from the '70's when I started riding. Incredible that a new Z1 can be purchased with the beautiful styling of 1970's bikes.
Beautiful looking bike,sure it will sell in massive numbers.
What a great review. Very well done. Just like another comment, as a kid , this was the ultimate bike. Yeah, I pretty old. I'm seriously considering getting one but I may wait to see if Suzuki comes out with a retro gs1000. That would be something
God looking at that bike brings back memories...can bring tears to the eyes ha ha...I’m getting one. It’s the bike I always wanted when I was a kid.
Great review. You basically sold me that bike.
Really good, comprehensive review.
What a fantastic review. Sounds like it would be a fantastic bike & one with a pedigree
Absolutely lovely bike that does indeed remind me of my burning desire to own one when I was about 17. That said, while it is definitely by far the best looking retro styled bike on the market today, I'd still rather go with an adventure bike these days.
Kawasaki really does know how to produce a really nice retro bike I own a W800 which I love but I will probably have to have a real good think about either adding it to the stable on it's own or replacing the W800 with it.
Had An 1981 KZ900....Total Badass !
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
What a gorrrgeous bike.
I bought the Z900 yesterday. Had the rs been the same price ida bought the rs i think.
Great review. Honest, full of details, links, and dislikes.
I like it a lot. Much better looking than the Honda.
I want one IAm 64 and that is my era I have owned several of the oldies in my time
Me too - a credit to Kawasaki for bringing it to market!
Good review
Now that's a real review. Other publications: take notice.
Please do similar review of the cafe version as soon as you can!
I had the old original 900. 82 horsepower. Handled terrible. And high speed wobble. Im sure this is much better!
That's what people forget. My 1982 KZ1000 LTD (95 hp) had some serious wallow in high speed corners. Not pleasant. The modern bikes have MUCH better suspension and handling.
LOVE the Bike! My Brother had one of the '70s KZ900 in the same 'Root Beer' Metallic brown with Gold accents.
The Torque being virtually equal makes the few missing HP seem rather unimportant...particularly with the lower 1st gear and higher top gear. That matches my typical riding perfectly! I do an occasional Track Day -- to keep my reflexes and skills sharp, but MOST of my riding is twisty mountain roads in the 30mph to 90mph range. [ I currently ride a 'tweaked' FZ1 that puts about 145hp to the ground (Dyno Tested)] I will miss some of that acceleration, but will gladly exchange that for the comfort and styling of the new RS. But I DO still want some wind protection, so I will probably wait for the Cafe model [ I Also Like the bullet-nose cafe fairings.] or just order the fairing and mounting brackets thru the Parts Department ... and then have the entire bike repainted in the RED color scheme of the 70s with Gold accents...
For me, it isn't just the "Retro" factor...but I truly find the riding position and general configuration more pleasant and attractive! I enjoy the performance of my FZ1, and understand the purposes for the shapes and riding position, as it applies to peak Track Performance. But the lower tank height and thicker, more comfortable seat, with a lower seat height as well, could still be easily incorporated into a modern molded frame -- or the 'lattice' frames such as KTM and Ducati -- and still have tremendous styling flexibility for 'modern' bodywork and aerodynamic airflow...
If I had the capabilities of a customizer, I would LOVE to modify my FZ1 in just such a way...lowering the rear subframe (seat & tail-section) a bit, and add a thicker more comfortable seat for 'All Day' riding, and re-style the gas tank/air box for a lower overall height, but still include the knee sections and even a shape above the knee that 'holds' my knee in place... That would leave all of my suspension and 'geometry' in place, while actually lowering the center of gravity of my body, AND get my body down out of the wind better at high speed and reposition my spine so my neck doesn't have to bend backward so far in order to see what is in front of me...
This will be my next bike. I'm planning to trade in my Vulcan S 650 for a Z900RS SE next week.
Good review and beautiful machine from Team Green
Making a satisfying retro bike says a lot about a bike company, about how it thinks🤔. This says Kawasaki loves❤ and knows bikes. Had I not bought a Triumph Twin speed already, I'd have jumped at one of these. Nice👌🏾.
I want one! Great review!
One of the best reviews. Thanks!
Love the look of this. Hate the look of the standard Z900. But then I'm old.
Doubt you are old. That is like saying you hate the look of the 70 chevelle, but you are old. I had 2 75 z1900s. They look much better than this bike. It is not a retro at all ..that is why you like it. It is a modern sport bike with a touch of z1 style. The motor, among other items, looks nothing like the z1. The sexy z1 tank was practically the center pierce of the the early bikes. This has the humpback look that most modern sport bikes have. I doubt any 60 year old engineers were on this team, looks like a bike built by young guns. Please don't call this a retro...it is not. But it is a nice bike...I would rather of had a more retro look though. Triumph and Honda did a much better job on their retros..not a fan of those bikes at all though.
Bruce T What would you recommend? I'm thinking about the Ninja 1000. Thank you
Not mentioned is the substantial weight reduction from the original, coupled with a shorter stroke, higher compression ratio and wider throttle bodies along with a sixth gear makes for not only the reviewed handling differences, but much more aggressive PERFORMANCE. You won't find points, condenser or carburettor on this one. I still ride the original, but am beginning to ponder why. Banzai!
Great review and how refreshing not to hear "please hit the like button and subscribe and tell your relatives and....."
Love, love, love...also new W800 for 2019. Front and rear discs. 52 hp. Looks great, but bin the plastic guards and tail light.
TommyTwobats any word on W800 Street release in America? I understand the cafe is out but I’m hoping to get a street by next year.
Love it, had a new one same colour back in the day
Great review, Steve!👌👏
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.
ooo hadn't noticed that mank front fender mount until you mentioned it. Well I guess that's easy to change.
I like the analog gauges.
THIS IS THE BIKE OF MY NEED & DEED.
Your reviews are great
This is my perfect upgrade from the bandit. Wish I had the money for it.
Excellent review.👍🏿
Is there a video installing the radiator protector?
It's a shame that they aren't doing one in Z1b colours
Great video.
I can't find accurate HP figures though, I have heard reviews stating 94-111 HP.
Pretty sure the higher number of 111 or 105 is from the manufacturer at the crank, with the lower one at the wheel
Superb review!!!
Would you buy this with your own money..a little expensive. I heard it runs out of power at higher rpms?
Saw this bike at the NEC bike show, looks superb, the best retro on the market ?. Very tempted..
Had they(Kawasaki)put 4 exhausts on it,they would have Had a best seller.......in my opinion
I would fit an aftermarket 4 into 4 exhaust system onto this Z900RS for that real retro look.
I had a 1978 Z1000
I love this bike except for one thing, that 4 into 1 exhaust. I'd be looking for an aftermarket 4 into 2 to balance up the look of the rear.
I really like this bike.
Good review, now waiting for the CB1000R :)
This seems the perfect bike for riders who like roadsters but are getting to old to get their backs destroyed after each weekend trip (and don't want to switch to daddy's touring bike just yet). Whether you care for retro styling or not.
I like the look of this machine, but I'm concerned by the throttle issue and over sensitive ABS operation as reported in this video. These problems seem to be endemic in modern motorcycles and considering how long those technologies have been in use now it seems that there is very little interest in improving or eliminating throttle snatching. Kawasaki have been building retro machines cashing in on the Z900/Z1 heritage since the early nineties, this is the latest rehash of the same thing. Think I'll stick with my ZRX1200R, after all its a reasonably modern and very capable machine that's a take on the early eightiess Eddie Lawson replica I was desperate to own when I was 18. Kawasaki should consider revisiting the GPz900r as part of their retro programme, the original was even more ground breaking and game changing than the Z900/Z1 and commands and equally loyal fan base, a modern version would be extremely popular in my opinion.
Use more clutch modulation in 1st gear. You get used to it quick. Versys 1000 is similar.
Let me be clear , people love this bike beacause of its own merits!!!! Regardless of the Z1 and even if the Z1 had never existed this bike is gorgeous with performance/comfort levels exactly what people want in a street bike ! It stands at the top of the pack on its own without even needing to think about the link to the past.
Shut up and take my money KAWASAKI !!! :)
well i'm happy kawasaki used USD forks and radial mounted brakes, it's like a resto mod. The thruxton R looks a lot better than the standard thruxton in my eyes for the same reason. what i don't understand is why it's not the 125hp motor....
And that bike has great fuelling.
Anyone else note the bolt move when the bike was revved at 3.15 in?!
A real bike nothing like a Kawasaki yeah baby.
Excellent review, well done.
This or the Yamaha GSR? TOUGH CHOICE
Wish you would have addressed the head light.
god DAMN that is a beautiful bike! Nice job, Kawasaki. Fix the fueling.
Great looking bike and great review.. No B.S..
Est ce que Kawasaki va modifier où arrêter la Z900RS pour 2021 ?
👍❤️ I have one and I love it
Still prefer my zrx , more retro , more grunt and going up in value , good vid though 👌🏻
ZRX-1200 Daeg arrived too early in the retro genre market, I hope Kawasaki resurrect the ZRX-1200 Daeg to be sold alongside the Z900RS/RS Cafe.
Looks amazing, and sounds like the ride backs it up too. Little bit worried about the jerky throttle comments - journos usually seem to underplay this, so i'm hoping it isn't as bad the mt-09 or others, because it really spoilt that bike for me.
Sounds really good
This or Duke 890 for fun?