Kawasaki Z RS Modern Classic Range Review | First Bike World Ride-Out!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ส.ค. 2023
- We've spent the last couple of months with the Kawasaki Z900RS, Z900RS SE and Z650RS, so invited Bike World viewers to join us for a Z ride-out to help us review these modern classic bikes. We headed to Baffle Haus in Wales for a coffee, bacon roll and a chat about bikes, best day ever!
#kawasaki #bikeworld #bikeworldtv - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![[UNCUT] ฝันรักห้วงนิทรา | EP.9 (3/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ikd1tEhXbp8/mqdefault.jpg)
3rd..heheh..ive got mine z900rs for 3 years now..clocked 65,000km...love every bits
Z900RS owner, 52,000 miles so far, only thing I'll chime in: I would never make any changes to my Zed that made her at all louder than stock. Headers imnsho ruin so much of the natural appeal and cachet of the bike for questionable gain. A lil at the very top of the rev range. If I wanted a 150 hp bike I woulda got one. After a flash and some add on's I rate mine as 'exceptional'. Not 'perfect', of course, but I'm real happy. She does what I want and has the look, the vibe, the experience and performance envelope I want. Takes me back to my youth.
I recently got a Z900rs and I absolutely love it!
Love it. My first street bike was an H2 500. At the dealership my mom asked if it was too much bike and I pointed to the z1000… see that’s a 1000, this just a 500 😉
I’ve got an 18 Jaffa Z9RS…. Glorious bike with headturning looks. I’ve stripped the heavy stuff off it, removed the heavy bread box muffler, installed lower cafe bars, running Michelin cup 2 tyres, and it’s a weapon in the bends compared to standard. So yes they are very good standard, but very easy to take to another level.
Eddie Lawson owns a Z900RS Cafe, and I asked him how it compares to the big green #21 KZ-1000 superbike he raced and won on. Specifically, if your Cafe could be sent back in time to yourself in 1981-1982, what would it be capable of? Eddie said he could probably win with it, because the new bike's handling is much better. The old superbike did make more power, but the difference isn't as big as one might think, Lawson told me.
Straight from the '81-82 AMA Superbike champ, his interesting take on the new versus old.
I went into the Kawasaki dealer to buy a Z900 RS, and left with a Z H2? I didn't even need any arm-twisting by a salesman.
Both brilliant, just different. Congrats.
Thanks. I still love the Z900RS, I wish I could afford both. @@mrmark8603
😂😂 well played sir. For about 25% more you get nearly double the HP. I still would like to have an RS though.
Got to say that’s the only bike that that has me tempted to swap my zzr for
@@alanbenn9938 huge difference !!
I have a Z900 RS Cafe and love it. Also have a Triumph Speed Twin 1200. Both beautiful bikes that ride very differently. Triumph has lots of torque and a deep soundtrack. The Kawi has more of a sport bike feel and sound. Couldn't pick a favorite so bought both!
My kinda guy
This guy gets it
Hi, interesting video, I have got a 2019 Z900RS in Brown/Orange, it's done 25k miles, I fitted Bridgestone S22's a couple of thousand miles ago, I've done a few mods (Heated grips, crash bungs etc), the only other thing I've still yet to do is New Header pipes & a Re-map, it was my 1st big bike after passing my test, This bike's a keeper, it get's a lot of Looks wherever I go.
I would love a Kawasaki Z900RS SE!
Hi Chris. My Brother has 3 X 6 Cylinder Bikes. Honda CBX, Benelli 900 and Kawasaki KZ1300. I dont know if you are interested in doing a 6 Cylinder video. If yes, please let me know. Oh, venue would be Dublin/Ireland. The wicklow mountains that I am familiar with are just amazing! I have some shorts of the Bikes on my channel!
As an owner of a Z900RS CAFE I dream of a modernised GPZ900. PLease!!!!
owned a GPZ 900R from 1987 to 97, never let me down..
G'day Chris. Thanks for taking me back to a time when the Z1 really was the bike to own and rip around the roads on. Looks like I'm buying another Kwaka Z for my 65th this year, but I can't quite make up my mind on wether it will be the standard RS or the cafe version. We shall see. Again, thanks for taking me back down memory lane brother.
A great video Chris and team! It was an awesome ride out - fantastic group and many fantastic bikes. I've had a sale alerts on for ZRXs since talking with your Dad too! Look forward to seeing you again
Great day Chris, loved the ride, thanks for showing my Z11' is the bit with the chat on the main episode. I bought that 34yrs ago, its 39 this yr becoming a classic quite soon, it still gets ridden most weekends, I still love it. ... still think you should test a 1200 Bandit. I have a mint K6 , i think you'd love it..
Great video Chris. It’s always a pleasure to hear your honest and humble thoughts and advice. Thank you. 👍😎
I am a long-time Kawasaki owner. Kawasaki, by far, has the best intake sound ever. I don't know how they do it. BTW, the only bike that actually scared me so bad that I sold it was the previous generation Ninja 1000. It was nasty; the more throttle you gave it, the more it pinned you back and it would actually cause you to wack the throttle even more. It was nowhere near as fast as my ZX-14, but that damn thing was a handful.
Love that ZRX two bikes behind your Z900
Being from that era, this is the bike that actually made me feel the whole retro thingy…technical term. I’m a yamaha guy, but this bike is really cool. ✌🏿
I have a Yamaha and I kinda agree, but I am no Yamaha fun. Just love all brands, all bikes, all kinds... rode this one, can check it. Drop by, you may like my content mate.
Wasn't it Triumph Bonneville?
I hope one day I'm as cool as your old man on my zrx1200r... Zrx 4 life...
You do have a way with words! So good at describe how it feels, for whom this or that bike is for. Well done!
Wonderful video. Proud to be a part of it! thanks guys!
z900rs is the first big bike ive had from the 125 and im still in love with it. Ive put 20k miles into it and use it for commuting and social (60miles every day)
This video is pretty much spot on. Getting new tires are a 100% recommendation. Ive got road 5s and the difference on corner turning is so much better. I know people have got an ECU and better suspension but I dont really need it as Im quite happy with it as is. I would however love to get the 4 in 4 exhausts, back handrail, phone holder and luggage system.
I own a 05 ZRX1200R. Had it since new and to this day believe it has the finest most tractab!e engine I've ever experienced. I've never done anything to it other than recommended/required maintenance and it remains anvil-like reliable. I've left her bone stock down to the stickers. Loved your video. Wish I was there.
What a great Z day.
Thanks for sharing.
Wish I didn't live so far away or else I would be there, again a great review Chris and so happy I already own a Z900RS
No mention of the Z1300 or GPZ750/900 Turbo!. All cracking bikes in their day. I got the chance to ride a Z1300 very briefly and the power and feeling from the shaft drive was immense. Always fancied a GPZ 750 Turbo with the boost gauge on the tank. Mate of mine has a Z1000 from back in the day with a tuned motor, been an on-going project for about 20yrs!!
Loved the video, you have a great easy listening presenting style, thumbs up from me.
I have a z1a and a 650b1 and love them both, although these days I am mostly out on the Z1. Interesting comment that you made about having to put some effort in to get the results, ( most modern bikes serve this all up for you on a plate), fully agree and more so with the old Z1, I love this style of riding, I feel involved and am in charge of the machine, choosing how I want it to behave depending on my mood. I have never understood the negative comments regarding handling, tank slappers etc etc, find the Z1 although heavy by todays standards pretty faultless and rock solid on the road even when pushed hard, guess this may be down to tyres, twin discs, bearings, and Koni shocks. I was very interested in trying the new RS900, and did, booking a test ride, all good and impressive with the exception of the fueling, awful and a distinct lack of character, but guess thats me, an old analogue bloke in a digital world.
ZRX1200R Loads of FUN! Does everything!
This was awesome, more like this. Because THIS is what it's all about.
Rode a new, original Z1 in 1976 when I was 17. My good friend's brother's bike, he had just gotten it. I had an RD350 and my friend had a CB500 that we both put Dunlop K85s on. I nearly killed myself on the Z1 the first time I gave the throttle a serious twist. The seat was flat as a board and very slippery, and the waffle grips sucked. That memory could've easily been quite a bit different. Still riding and love it all.
Love this channel great to see all your content on all bikes in general .. would love to see you give an ole ZX12R a test for its time . thanks for your content .
Another outstanding review Chris. You have to be one of the top bike journalists out there. Some great ideas to push, with the specialist rides, these new ridenout features, and the broad spread of bikes reviewed, always impartially, always knowledgeably, and never looks like the manufacturer pushed the narrative or sales pitch through you. Just honest and informed, from basic budget stuff, to electric harleys, to superbikes.
The genuine passion for bikes is clear to see too, and your childlike giggling whilst engaging with the viewers, is wonderful.
More of the same.
👏👏👏👏
Rememebers me an old zephyr. This motorbyke is beautifully
Zephyr definitely.
love this bike...hopefully one day i could own one, great review and thanks for it
I already bought a bike, but now I'm thinking THIS is the bike I want more.
Had a Z1 900 back in the day, loved it !!!
Got rid of my 99 ELR zrx1100 and now riding the 2023 z900 cafe and its very close to feel for me to the old zrx, i think I liked the smoothness and the carbs over the jerkiness of the FI but hopefully can do something to smooth it out. Just like the zrx it feels like the z900rs needs even 1 more gear on the highway but overall I absolutely love the bike and can't wait to see what they have when this one's ready to trade in if im still riding in my 70s
Kawis are epic bulletproof machines. Gotta love them
Your dads a hero , selling a bike so you can get a race bike now thats parenting at the next level
Wholesome content. Waiting for my '16 XSR900 to become a legit retro by 2041!
Great review 👏 z900rs pleasant to ride at all speeds !!
another great content... you never disappoint..
i'm really thinking if kawasaki would release a RS version of the ZH2
Absolutely agree, 100%!
Kawasaki nailed it👍
Great review this.
I bought a Z900rs four months ago. It took me a while to really get to love it, I do now though. However I recently sold my immaculate ZRX 1100 and really regret getting rid of it...
Great. The Z900RS you are gonna keep, It hope. :) Rode it. Drop by, you may like my content. Cheers.
I did exactly the same, bought my 99 ELR zrx new and only changed the can and rode it for yrs and got the 23 cafe and I love it even though it's not quite what these new super bikes are capable of
My first bike after owning Scooters was a zr550 uni trak. This was late 80's and it was the only one ive ever seen, either then or since. Made me fall in love with motorbikes but I do wonder whether i dreamt it. Can't even find pics of it anywhere on Google, even though i have photos of mine.
I've got an R Nine T Pure Sport but would love a Z900 RS as well.
Had a Z1000J in 1982, great bike. The new Z900 looks good from a distance, nice paint jobs, but are very messy close up.
I wanted the yellow-ball. But they weren't available for months and months because of supply chain issues so I tested the standard RS and it was shockingly uncomfortable, I had to turn around after 10 minutes and take it back to the dealer. I think the rear shocks were the culprit.
I'll take the blue and gold 900. Have one just like it. Wonderful bike.
Great bikes I'm on the second one , got an se now , fits me like a glove at 6 foot one , makes my W800 feel a bit small
Dream bike. I'm hoping to buy one next year. I can't justify the £3-4k extra on an SE but they do look fantastic with the gold forks.
I wish they'd produced the SE with the 1975 blue paintwork. I think the gold parts would be even prettier.
@@ThirtyYearstoolateAgreed. The yellow doesn’t really do the gold bits justice. Even a black one with gold body striping would look stunning.
Agreed. @@user-kl4sq7db9m
Could we squeeze in a zxr ride out? 10's, 9's, 750's, 6's, 4's and og 250's for the end of summer?
Great vid and concept with the ride out!! Now do one with ducati Monsters...do it!
Just done 800 mile round trip on mine from Cumbria _ Buckingham and back a bit ❤touring around
That lovely area , love the bike but the seat 🙈, and suspension on the back rock hard and the fueling
Need a lot looked at (any suggestions) cheers mark 🇬🇧🍺👍🏻
I'd much prefer the RS model over the base Z900, except I prefer the base Z900 horsepower, transmission ratios, easier to read displays (font is tiny on the RS). Why Kawasaki decided to nip 10 horsepower off the top, add a crazy tall 6th gear, and a tiny I.D. double-wall header pipes on this RS is beyond me.
Owned an '08 Z1000. Owned a '17 Z900. Always kind of liked the Z range of bikes over the years. Can't say I like them as much as MT Yamaha's but for one of the best all-around inline-4 engines on the market, the Z900 is that. Maybe the K5 based GSX-S1000 engine is a close second. Which is interesting honestly, because the Z 948cc engine is harvested from the bigger 1043cc engine from the 1000SX, itself designed in 2011. The 999cc Suzuki engine itself released in 2005. One engine 12 years and another engine 18 years and they feel completely modern, meaty, and capable among today's screamer peaky vibration prone inline-4 engines.
The reason Kawasaki made the changes you refer to (Z900 vs Z900RS) is because of the intended target market. If you overlay the HP/TQ graphs from the 2 bikes you will easily see why they did what they did. Their design criteria was ease of riding and usable power idle to 7k. That's why 6th is such an overdrive. Ease of riding. Double wall exhaust was to prevent tarnishing. All for the 'ownership experience'. Same with the tuned sound. K spent a lot of time getting the stock sound to be what it is. I have 52,000 miles on my Z900RS and still absolutely love it. One side note - I had my Z900RS flashed when she was ~ 12 days old. Peak HP on the dyno didn't change (100 WHP) but area under the curve improved markedly and the stock governor on fourth, fifth n sixth was removed. I did it for the drivability improvement, stock Zeds are known for twitchy poor throttle response. I could have lived with it but why, my local dyno shop is a renowned ECU flash/tuner shop so it was a no brainer for me. The difference was night and day, literally, a whole other bike. Changed the riding experience dramatically for the better. Definitely lowered the 0-100 mph time noticeably. Vroom Vrooom.
@@archibaldcunningham2569 Yeah I understand the target market. I just don't believe the RS would have suffered with the same identical power, torque, transmission ratios as the Z. The Z bikes have always been sort of a hot rod motorcycle from the earliest old school through today. Back in time, they never considered a round headlight or classic styling to be a sedate definition like it is today, where only the alien insect looking versions get the full zoot. Yes I understand the RS model runs a big fatter torque under the Z900 peak torque, yet I don't know it's significant enough as compared to the fat mid range of the Z900.
Brock's performance has exhaust and tuning for the RS model that nets about 115 wheel hp, and removes all the regulation ECU nannies holding back the throttle. I also understand about the exhaust headers, which is meaningful, if the I.D. wasn't so small to restrict flow. Brock's has a header with a significantly larger ID and also higher grade stainless thin-wall. It's expensive though, as any small shop R&D is. He also offers BST CF wheels for it.
While I prefer the spaciousness of the RS model (seat, bars, pegs) and the styling, I would go with the Z900 and modify the ergonomics to be more comfortable, running 125+ wheel HP.
As a side-bar, the new GSX-S1000 is a beautiful machine, just went on a demo a few weeks back. It has also been plagued with ridiculous transmission ratios since 2015 release. Same ratios as the K5 GSX-R. Really limits its potential. 1st gear is ridiculously tall. 6th gear runs about 4500 rpm at just over 60 mph. With a big long-stroke 1L engine like that, it makes zero sense. Z900 ratios seem to me to be just about perfect from 1st through 6th (not the RS version).
How cool is it to do a bike spot with your dad? Nice indeed.
Why don’t they make the RS Cafe anymore? Maybe also with a Cruise Control and Quickshifter option, best of modern and classic!
Super Presentation erledigt !!!..
A supercharged retrolook Kawasaki ZH2RS-SE with round headlight would be a dreambike
really cool
Kawasaki heaven
Just completed a 2-week European tour of the Alps, riding a rented BMW R1250R (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy). I really like the new Z900rs. Can someone comment on how the new Z900RS might compare to that bike in handling, ride, performance, etc. when riding in the mountains and highly technical roads?
If your up this way, Matlock for chips. That would be a good place for a meet.
grew up on kz/gpz's , almost turned in my speed trip for one ... couldn't do it tho
hi chris love the videos but i have to disergree with what you said about the kawasaki iinline four being the best everyone knows that suzuki are the kings of the inline four keep up the good work how about a older tuono v4 test
🤩🤩🤩
I'd love to get me a z900rs but can't get myself to let go of my Buell XB12. I love the retro look and the sound of the z900rs and i get one at some point for sure!
Been on a demo ride with the RS? In a world of motorcycle engines, the RS will be an entirely different experience over a 45° air-cooled Vtwin.
@@exothermal.sprocket tried a variety of different bikes, 1 cylinder supermoto (been riding one for 2-3 years), 170hp V-Twin of the KTM Superduke, 3 cylinder of Triumph (one of my absolute favorites), inline four 600 and 1000cc and the boxer of BMW. The 1203cc V-Twin combined with the short wheel base and the engine sound of the Buell are just a different experience. Top speed is lacking (the fastest i did once was 220kmh) but that's not the purpose of it. It's a blast to ride through the alps
@@dusty111 Glad you sample a lot of different things. I too like triples, currently own one but want to updated it. MT-09 of the last gen.
@@exothermal.sprocket i haven't tested the MT09 yet but i'm sure it's a great bike considering it's the bigger version of the MT07. Except for the engine, the inline 2 of the MT07 is fun too but a little low on HP. My current take is at least 100hp with bikes in the ~200kg category. Supermotos are an exception, these things would kill you with that amount of power.
@@dusty111 I've also ridden the MT-07. I assure you the MT-09 is a different animal altogether. I've not been on a Triumph triple. I've heard some journalists say the Triumph triple produces more vibration than the CP3 Yamaha engine. Cannot confirm.
More Kawasakis please :)
When’s the next ride out Chris? I’m in wales
They're cool bikes because they have all the modern stuff, without the drawbacks of the original z900.
You won't get a tankie on the 900 like you did on the H2 Chris 🤣🤣🤣
Suzuki gsx 750 inazuma (AE) love to hear what you think of this bike 🏍️
Must admit, I had a new z900rs for the day as a courtesy bike a while ago and was not impressed. Nice looking thing, but just so bland to ride (in my opinion). Happy with my R NineT, personally find it to be the best modern retro offering
That's why everybody has one
The look of the 900 is awesome but why do they fit a cable clutch rather than hydraulic..? Looks great with a tail tidy to lose that awful number plate set up......great video. Currently ride a Suzuki GSX 1400 with Yoshi cams and full flow exhaust set up on the dyno...love the old skool look and feel of bikes,hopefully a Bike World review of GSX's mabye one day..?
The clutch is a highlight on this bike. It’s very light, and I have problems in my hands, so it works great for me.
"why do they fit a cable clutch rather than hydraulic..?". What does that even mean? The clutch action is excellent. If you're going to criticize something, the lack of a QS would be valid. As slipper clutches go, this one is very smooth, light and takes a licking with no complaints.
Great video, the Z900RS SE is a superb homage to the old Z1 but handles and performs like a modern bike, as for the Z650 RS, I was loaned one for 3 weeks by my dealership whilst my Street triple RS was being replaced and I found it the most boring bike I've ridden in years, IMO you'd never know there's "family heritage" between it and the Z900RS.
If only kawi would put a tiny amount of effort and money into putting a 270 crank into the 650. It would turn the whole franchise around.
@@lovelessissimoyes because a little bit of sound difference is going to make up for a lack of power.
Don't know why everyone seems so obsessed with the 270 crank... I have two bikes, one with a 270 crank and the other with a 180. The 270 has better traction but with almost all bikes these days getting traction controI, it gets a bit irrelevant... and in terms of sound, I prefer the 180 sound. 🙄
Now if Kawasaki makes the Z400RS with the new inline 4 from the ZX-4RR... that will be a completly different story and more inline with the "family heritage". 😁
@@TheAsheybabe89 Correct.
@@MacAlex007 Do you have a kawasaki parallel twin with a 180 crank?
I MISS MY Z-1300-6-EFI-6CYL
- BEST BIKE EVER !!
I do miss my ZX7RR and ZX12R
the lates z900rs is easiest one of the best looking bikes
The old 900 engine is still the best looking engine of all time!
There was a new one at Box Hill last weekend, it was gorgeous. I recall racing and old Z900 about 20 years ago on my Yamaha 20valve Thunderace. Flat out towards Blackfriars Bridge heading south. I crept past him but failed miserably to stop for the red light ahead. The Z900 stopped, bit embarrassing
Cafe version is the best
Not true 70s & 80s kawas and especially the suzi gs 1000 you could get on them and ride them all i ever did was adjust the chain once in a blue moon i am 65 and rode em so i know the gs1000 handled the best thousands of miles of hard riding no electronic aids just your right hand and calculated risk and treating other road users as potential killers!
For small Asian like me, hope they do Z400RS
that would be great for us asians. what's your height?
164cm @@ak-47821
Great event. It is nice to see all those machine in one place. The Z900RS is just a wonderful machine. It was even more in the 70s. Rode the 2022 model. Those interested can check it on my channel. Got my like here. :)
The modern Z900RS is nice but it’s got not a lot in common with the original. Clocks, paint and erm…..
I've had both. The new kicks butt on the old.
You want a single disk front brake, perhaps 😁
Ha, no. But seriously we need to take the rose tinted glasses off here, the modern bike has nothing in common with the 70’s original.
@@jfro5867 That’s what makes it great, just the simple styling cues and colours. Plus it rides very well and has fantastic build quality.
It’s a good looking bike, of that there’s no doubt 👍
no zephyrs ?
Older bikes are cool but prefer my rs with better tyres, brakes minimal maintenance etc
Wet in August in Britain, it must be that Global boiling 😮😮😮
Calm down, 32°C in September. Same variety of weather we've always had.
All's good on planet Earth.
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
After 30 years of riding was chucking in the towel and now I cant. Kwaka you cheeky monkey's.
I do like these but its not for me.
Ive tried modern bikes. Try and fix a modern bike yourself if a sensor fails.
A bike that needs plugging in for fault finding your talking £120 an hour.
Yeah but they rarely go wrong, especially the Kwackas. I’ve had four of them now over 100,000 km’s combined ( some not new with km’s already logged ) and not had 1 single electrical or mechanical issue. The biggest job for most will be eventually changing the spark plugs, valves rarely get out of clearance as well if you follow the forums.
8)
*I consider the Z900RS a continuation of, NOT tribute to, the original Z.*
I like your reviews Chris, but you always caveat every bike with 'it's not as sharp as a modern supersport bike'. These are not supersport bikes, so why compare?
In India- z900rs price same as Suzuki Hayabusa 😂😂
Ok Chris
The manufacturer says that if you don’t start calling it kawaSaki then your not allowed to ride em anymore. Sorry mate .
SSSSSSaki
SSSSSSaki
Say it 100 times for practice
I highly recommend doing this th-cam.com/video/3ho9cj65NMM/w-d-xo.html to your z650rs
Kwakas best, f☆%k the rest .
😂😂😂 yup ! 👍😉
If it is a Z900 retro why does it have Z1 style clocks ? And why does it not have twin shocks and 4 exhaust pipes ? It is a mystery. What happened to the mudguards too ?
What a lovely journalist except for the "status quo" hair... .. .... ?