That Z900RS SE is one fine bike! It's what brought me to your channel. I've had a few Kawasakis in my day and still have my 02- ZZR1200 and a 2018 KLR 650 in the garage with my Ultra Classic, KTM 890 Adventure S, and a Husqvarna FE501 S. I want to make some room and reduce the stable this year, the two Kawasakis are probably going to leave... well most might go if I can figure out a way to reduce to two bikes. That's a tough thought though, as you probably know with an amazing stable of bikes in your arsenal.
I'd been going to the dealers looking for this bike for over three years and hadn't come close to finding one. I plan to try a few drag races this Spring. My last Kawasaki was Zx1400R that I ran at Bonneville but it was too much for me on the street. You certainly had some great bikes.
@@flatcapcaferacer That’s the way the Yamaha T-7 was for me. Now they are in California dealerships but I’m kinda happy with the KTM 890 Adventure S. Yamaha’s reliability still tempts me though.
I have to say that I was really surprised you purchased this bike. It is a beauty. Rides nice too. Does not have any fueling issues I can detect. Smooth, powerful. handles nicely, comfortable ... Oh and it sounds good too.
Well Jerry you've gone and got yourself a really nice bike there, it's one I've eyed up since it was launched but the early bikes had fuelling issues. I then enquired about the anniversary edition, they were sold out before any hit showroom floors. The RS SE is the same bike, now being reiterated each year and selling as fast as dealers can get them. It makes sense to go for a modern machine and avoid all the maintenance. I look forwards to seeing you enjoy many happy miles on it 👍😀
@@flatcapcaferacer Dealers over here advertise when the next batch will hit British shores, I believe most are snapped up before they can put rubber on showroom floors.
I guess that is a good thing popularity wise but kinda sucks for people waiting. Waiting list for popular street model Japanese bikes usually is from 10 to 45 people deep. That doesn't sound too bad until they tell you they only get in two or three per year.
What a beauty. I see the Saddlebags 73 connection now. His was black. The Missenden Flyer has just bought one. It will be super reliable being a Kawasaki. I understand your reasoning for buying a new retro compared to an actual vintage bike. I had the same reasoning buying my XSR900 with the RD350LC body kit. Carol gives it a big thumbs up. Enjoy
Yep I believe Saddlebags 73 Z900 was called Nikita. I was interested in the new XSR900 GP but we won't get it here . Andy getting one first had me 2nd guessing myself 😂😂 My recovery has been slower than expected and I don't if I'll want to tinker an hour for every hour ridden or have something just break sitting for a week . If I get feeling better I might change my mind if the right bike like that purple 750 H2 shows up.
Always liked the kawasaki 4 cylinder bikes. I had a z650 then a z750e, which I rode around the Isle of Man. Also had a zxr750h2 in the black red and silver colour scheme. Lovely bike, but a bit hard on the backside! A nice new shiny z900 would be lovely! Just a shame about the rain, mud and potholes here!
Thanks Mike, I'll be releasing another video very late tonight and I'd appreciate any recommendations you might have on any changes you would recommend. With yout years and mileage that you have accumulated you insights on riding this bike would very much appreciated.
Congratulations! Beautiful bike. And that thing has some punch...and it is the special edition with the Ohlins suspension, upgraded brakes, etc. Niceeeeee!! I was looking at the W800 the other day...
Yes that is a great looking bike. New or used ones around here are almost impossible to find. George has a couple of W650s but they never up and running or not long anyway.
How did I not guess 🤦🏻♂️ Gorgeous bike especially with the yellow. I do miss Nikita my 18’ RS. Congratulations, Flat Cap. Wishing you many safe and happy miles together. Careful though, the induction howl is addictive but you’ll soon be in 3 figures 😂
Bread box out Iridium spark plugs K&N air & oil filters Akrapovic muffler ÉCU flashed SAI disabled Dyno results = 106 bhp at 8.8 rpm 94.1 torque at 6.7 rpm …. Lot of funny power !!!!
I'm just about finished with the first 600 miles and I'm still contemplating how I will be primarily using the bike. I like your suggestions especially if I go down the drag racing or land speed racing route. The other piece of the puzzle still open is how long I'll keep the bike. I'm at the age that I want to try some other bikes so I'll be selling my five bikes once they get about two years old. Some bikes might stay longer depending on how I'm using the bike. Maybe the direction I'll take the bike would be a good video and for suggestions like yours.
I believe the yellow ball is only available on the RS SE model but the other models have some great colors too. Perhaps in the future or in different countries they may offer it on the RS model.
There is a bit more than the gas tank and wheels. Front brembo brakes and braided lines, a rear Ohlins to. Actually a good time to buy new bikes as dealerships are starting to deal on price.....if you can find one. I waited a couple of years before they had one. Like I said the RS models come in some tasty colors if you don't want the other stuff.
I want it all and found a few all across the country which I don’t mind driving to pick one up I just need to sell my Indian FTR because I can’t get a good trade in price
I wish you the best luck on obtaining what your lookung for. There is a lot of used bikes for sale with the weather turning cold and inflation knocking at the door. New bike inventory is high right now and some dealers are also discounting new bikes and offering lower interest rates which makes the hew bikes a little more appealing than used bikes.
Nice bikes, wish I had one. would look much better with a wider rear tyre/ wheel though. Also they could have put a ignition key hole cover on it as seen on some cheaper mopeds. Uk 🇬🇧
😁 I went to buy my first motorcycle in 1970 and the dealer refused to sell it to me. I was 16 and wanted the Kawasaki 500 triple. It was a good thing he didn't sell me that bike or I would have been dead in a week. Now I'm over 70 so I'm planning to hold to any of my bikes for a couple of years. So if you want a great deal on this bike in 2026 it will be available..
@@flatcapcaferacer Yup, bikes and young guys are quite the combination! Luckily I'm a late bloomer for this stuff and more on the sensible side, plus aware of starting from scratch. Although you never know what the machine might start whispering... I might be tempted to take a reservation spot if I were on the same continent. I'm sure this beauty will find a nice home when the time comes. But before that, there must be lots of rejoicing 😃
I hardly ever know where people are from, some are from Australia and some as close as a few miles. I almost always get transferrable extended warranties so the next owner has a year or two left for piece of mind.. Good luck on your choice .
Yes my first Japanese bike in about nine years. I still got more Triumphs in the shop than anything else. The only Triumphs I haven't had in last 28 years is a Rocket 3 and a Street Triple. The last Rocket 3 ride didn't turn out so good but the Street Triple of Tiger 660 is a possibility..
I think you nailed it because of the similarity of the engines with the Speed Twin and Thruxton. The accident at Bonneville drove home I needed to get started on trying some new bikes. I like the modern classic styling but in order for me to keep riding ergonomics and weight figure in my choices .
It's beautiful Jerry!! Well done, great choice!
Thanks Paul, I am trying to get it broke in before the winter weather sets in .
That Z900RS SE is one fine bike! It's what brought me to your channel. I've had a few Kawasakis in my day and still have my 02- ZZR1200 and a 2018 KLR 650 in the garage with my Ultra Classic, KTM 890 Adventure S, and a Husqvarna FE501 S. I want to make some room and reduce the stable this year, the two Kawasakis are probably going to leave... well most might go if I can figure out a way to reduce to two bikes. That's a tough thought though, as you probably know with an amazing stable of bikes in your arsenal.
I'd been going to the dealers looking for this bike for over three years and hadn't come close to finding one.
I plan to try a few drag races this Spring. My last Kawasaki was Zx1400R that I ran at Bonneville but it was too much for me on the street.
You certainly had some great bikes.
@@flatcapcaferacer That’s the way the Yamaha T-7 was for me. Now they are in California dealerships but I’m kinda happy with the KTM 890 Adventure S. Yamaha’s reliability still tempts me though.
Yep the Yamaha is probably a tad more reliable.
I have to say that I was really surprised you purchased this bike. It is a beauty. Rides nice too. Does not have any fueling issues I can detect. Smooth, powerful. handles nicely, comfortable ... Oh and it sounds good too.
Thanks Mr. Bill
I have the same bike….she’s a beauty
Then Mr Mcdrew you should watch my next video and comment on what direction I should take on use and mods.
Well Jerry you've gone and got yourself a really nice bike there, it's one I've eyed up since it was launched but the early bikes had fuelling issues. I then enquired about the anniversary edition, they were sold out before any hit showroom floors. The RS SE is the same bike, now being reiterated each year and selling as fast as dealers can get them. It makes sense to go for a modern machine and avoid all the maintenance. I look forwards to seeing you enjoy many happy miles on it 👍😀
I've been waiting to see one in person for a couple of years. Even though winter is closing in I'm pretty sure I'd missed it if I waited to Spring.
@@flatcapcaferacer Dealers over here advertise when the next batch will hit British shores, I believe most are snapped up before they can put rubber on showroom floors.
I guess that is a good thing popularity wise but kinda sucks for people waiting. Waiting list for popular street model Japanese bikes usually is from 10 to 45 people deep. That doesn't sound too bad until they tell you they only get in two or three per year.
Gorgeous bike. I have been interested in the z900 for a while.
I've been on it a couple times so far but I'm pretty impressed. I'll have it around so you might want to try it.
What a beauty. I see the Saddlebags 73 connection now. His was black.
The Missenden Flyer has just bought one.
It will be super reliable being a Kawasaki.
I understand your reasoning for buying a new retro compared to an actual vintage bike. I had the same reasoning buying my XSR900 with the RD350LC body kit.
Carol gives it a big thumbs up. Enjoy
Yep I believe Saddlebags 73 Z900 was called Nikita. I was interested in the new XSR900 GP but we won't get it here .
Andy getting one first had me 2nd guessing myself 😂😂
My recovery has been slower than expected and I don't if I'll want to tinker an hour for every hour ridden or have something just break sitting for a week .
If I get feeling better I might change my mind if the right bike like that purple 750 H2 shows up.
Always liked the kawasaki 4 cylinder bikes. I had a z650 then a z750e, which I rode around the Isle of Man. Also had a zxr750h2 in the black red and silver colour scheme. Lovely bike, but a bit hard on the backside! A nice new shiny z900 would be lovely! Just a shame about the rain, mud and potholes here!
Did not know that Chris. Riding around the Isle of Mann would be a great accomplishment for me, I'm glad you did it.
I'm going in for another major service, '18; 63,000 miles...
Locked into the dream.
Though, the gold wheels are killer.
I shall Subscribe.
Thanks Mike, I'll be releasing another video very late tonight and I'd appreciate any recommendations you might have on any changes you would recommend. With yout years and mileage that you have accumulated you insights on riding this bike would very much appreciated.
Congratulations! Beautiful bike. And that thing has some punch...and it is the special edition with the Ohlins suspension, upgraded brakes, etc. Niceeeeee!!
I was looking at the W800 the other day...
Yes that is a great looking bike. New or used ones around here are almost impossible to find. George has a couple of W650s but they never up and running or not long anyway.
Beautiful bike just has that classic look
Thanks, some folks think it too much bling
What a stunner, enjoy.
Will do going out with some friends tomorrow. Thanks!
How did I not guess 🤦🏻♂️ Gorgeous bike especially with the yellow. I do miss Nikita my 18’ RS.
Congratulations, Flat Cap. Wishing you many safe and happy miles together. Careful though, the induction howl is addictive but you’ll soon be in 3 figures 😂
I know Nikita brought the bad boy out in you, but I think I am too old to be bad anymore 😁
Erm, I'm not so sure 🤣 @@flatcapcaferacer
Bread box out
Iridium spark plugs
K&N air & oil filters
Akrapovic muffler
ÉCU flashed
SAI disabled
Dyno results =
106 bhp at 8.8 rpm
94.1 torque at 6.7 rpm ….
Lot of funny power !!!!
I'm just about finished with the first 600 miles and I'm still contemplating how I will be primarily using the bike. I like your suggestions especially if I go down the drag racing or land speed racing route.
The other piece of the puzzle still open is how long I'll keep the bike. I'm at the age that I want to try some other bikes so I'll be selling my five bikes once they get about two years old.
Some bikes might stay longer depending on how I'm using the bike.
Maybe the direction I'll take the bike would be a good video and for suggestions like yours.
Is this the only model you can get with this paint job, the yellow on the tank make this stand out
I believe the yellow ball is only available on the RS SE model but the other models have some great colors too. Perhaps in the future or in different countries they may offer it on the RS model.
That’s a big difference in price if I wanted gold wheels and that yellow on the gas tank
There is a bit more than the gas tank and wheels. Front brembo brakes and braided lines, a rear Ohlins to. Actually a good time to buy new bikes as dealerships are starting to deal on price.....if you can find one. I waited a couple of years before they had one.
Like I said the RS models come in some tasty colors if you don't want the other stuff.
I want it all and found a few all across the country which I don’t mind driving to pick one up I just need to sell my Indian FTR because I can’t get a good trade in price
I wish you the best luck on obtaining what your lookung for. There is a lot of used bikes for sale with the weather turning cold and inflation knocking at the door.
New bike inventory is high right now and some dealers are also discounting new bikes and offering lower interest rates which makes the hew bikes a little more appealing than used bikes.
Nice bikes, wish I had one. would look much better with a wider rear tyre/ wheel though. Also they could have put a ignition key hole cover on it as seen on some cheaper mopeds.
Uk 🇬🇧
Never thought about those two things. Thanks for the comments and I hope you get your wish.
For me, this is The Motorcycle. I don't have a license yet even and will start with something else but man...🥰
😁 I went to buy my first motorcycle in 1970 and the dealer refused to sell it to me.
I was 16 and wanted the Kawasaki 500 triple. It was a good thing he didn't sell me that bike or I would have been dead in a week.
Now I'm over 70 so I'm planning to hold to any of my bikes for a couple of years. So if you want a great deal on this bike in 2026 it will be available..
@@flatcapcaferacer Yup, bikes and young guys are quite the combination! Luckily I'm a late bloomer for this stuff and more on the sensible side, plus aware of starting from scratch. Although you never know what the machine might start whispering...
I might be tempted to take a reservation spot if I were on the same continent. I'm sure this beauty will find a nice home when the time comes. But before that, there must be lots of rejoicing 😃
I hardly ever know where people are from, some are from Australia and some as close as a few miles.
I almost always get transferrable extended warranties so the next owner has a year or two left for piece of mind..
Good luck on your choice .
@@flatcapcaferacer Thanks!
Is that Idaho?
How’s the stock tires?
Beautiful ride.😊
Yes, in and around Boise, Idaho. They are okay but I'll be replacing them with Michelin Road 6s after a few thousand miles.
@@flatcapcaferacer simply awesome 😎
Thanks Bill
Nice ride. I've been eyeballing one of those for about a year. How is the fueling? Snatchy throttle at all?
I haven't seen what your talking about, I'll cover that after during one of the next videos, but certainly not in my first ride.
Dang that's tasty!
She has a nice growl taking off. Still early days but I think she is a looker.
Blasphemy! That bike is not manufactured in England, how dare you?😅😅😊❤
Yes my first Japanese bike in about nine years. I still got more Triumphs in the shop than anything else. The only Triumphs I haven't had in last 28 years is a Rocket 3 and a Street Triple.
The last Rocket 3 ride didn't turn out so good but the Street Triple of Tiger 660 is a possibility..
@@flatcapcaferacerwhy not a SpeedTwin 1200? Too much like the Thrusty? Gotta say I like the Thrusty more than the Z…
I think you nailed it because of the similarity of the engines with the Speed Twin and Thruxton.
The accident at Bonneville drove home I needed to get started on trying some new bikes.
I like the modern classic styling but in order for me to keep riding ergonomics and weight figure in my choices .