KAWASAKI Z900RS (2017 - on) Review
Highlights
- Retro take on the Z900 formula
- Excellent build quality
- Brilliant detailing
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £210 |
| Power: | 109 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (474 lbs / 215 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesStarting with the brilliant Z900 as its base, its no surprise the 2017 Kawasaki Z900RS matches performance with looks. It oozes '70s Z1 charm, detailing and mixes it with modern technology, easy speed, light controls, superb build quality and fastidious attention to detail. There’s enough performance for experienced riders to enjoy and for new riders it’s a piece of cake to jump on and live, or relive, your '70s dreams.
- Related: 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS colours revealed
- Related: This bike appears in our Best Custom Motorcycles feature
It's a different model to the Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe, which as the name suggests is more geared towards cafe racer styling. There's an online forum for owners to join on Facebook: the Kawasaki Z900RS owners club.
In September 2019 Kawasaki introduced three striking new colours for the Z900RS for the 2020 model year. You can see one of the new liveries below, which echoes the style of the 1973 Z1A, which replaced the first-generation Z1. The bike will also be available in either a black or grey design - both new for this year.
Watch Kawasaki Z900RS video review on MCN
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineKawasaki have modified the Z900’s upper frame so they could fit the tank and seat horizontally, like the original ’72 bike. As well as its modified chassis, higher spec monoblocs trump the Z900’s brakes and a three-way switchable traction system and retro-styled Dunlop GPR-300 tyres are other new editions.
Light, accurate town handling continues when you hit the open road. Suspension springs are stiff, so the Z900RS is more composed the harder you ram it into corners and fully-adjustable forks and ZX-10R-style horizontal rear shock and linkage are lightly damped, so the big Zed feels floaty when you up the ante, but they’re set to give a smooth ride and easy, accessible low-speed handling.
Original equipment tyres lack grip and confidence when you push on, but are fine for normal riding and there’s no problem with ground clearance, braking feel and power. But we’d love to spend a day twiddling the suspension settings and fitting stickier tyres to see if it could match the composure of track-ready retros like Triumph’s Thruxton R and BMW R nineT.
All-day riding is relaxing and the back-friendly, upright bar position is natural. There’s plenty of seat-to-peg room for the tall and it’s low enough for the short (a 35mm lower accessory seat available to drop you down even further).
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThis is more than just a Z900 with flares, because there’s even more going on under the skin. Kawasaki have bolstered low to midrange power for everyday riding, which is at the expense of the standard bike’s top end clout, but the reality is you never miss it in the real world. First gear is shortened and the exhaust is tuned for bass-laden ear destruction, as well as grunt.
There’s no lack of speed in the Zed’s armoury and with the traction control turned off it will do the kind of Evel Knievel wheelies the Z1 could only dream of back in the 70s. The slip and assist clutch, gearbox and twistgrip are all beautifully light and easy to operate, but the power delivery is aggressive from a closed throttle, which makes tackling tight corners and slow riding tiresome.
A smooth inline four motor like the Zed’s will never have the same kind of earthy character as the Z900RS’s twin and three-cylinder rivals, but it makes up for it with apocalyptic exhaust raw on the throttle and a blood-spitting gurgle on the overrun. The Kawasaki Z900RS horsepower is 109bhp.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueA big Zed is as bulletproof as a tank and the attention to detail here borders on the obsessive. The Z900RS is more like a one-off special than a high volume production bike.
Kawasaki Z900RS owners' reviews on MCN
This is a very popular bike with owners - our Kawasaki Z900RS owners' reviews on the site show a gleaming five out of five score at time of publication in October 2020.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentKawasaki say they’re gunning for the similarly priced BMW R nineT Pure, but the Z900RS has to face a raft of retro rivals such as the Triumph Thruxton R and Yamaha XSR900.
With its impressive blend of performance and disco-cool Z1 style, it could easily beat the lot of them. Find out below how it fares against some of its most popular competition...
Group test: Kawasaki Z900RS vs Triumph Thruxton vs BMW R nineT Pure
First published 31 January 2018 by Jon Urry
Despite dominating the naked and sportsbike markets, there is one segment that the Japanese simply can’t crack – retro. No matter how hard they try, riders fail to warm to any oldschool styled Japanese bike while the Europeans sell like hot cakes. It’s not as if the Japanese have a lack of heritage with bikes such as the Kawasaki Z1, Honda CB750, Suzuki GS1000 or Yamaha XS750 from which to draw inspiration. But the issue is they are up against marques such as Triumph, BMW, Ducati and Moto Guzzi and in the retro world, the history behind the name on the tank is as important as the bike itself and how it rides.
It’s something I call ‘the David Beckham effect’. Ask yourself, would you ever see Beckham on a Japanese bike? The answer is simple – no. But this fashionsetter would happily be pictured on a Triumph, Harley-Davidson or Ducati because they are ‘cool’ brands due to their heritage. But could the Z900RS be the bike to change all that? By faithfully blending some of the classic lines of the Z1 in a machine that contains thoroughly modern technology, in the Z900RS Kawasaki may have eventually solved Japan’s retro puzzle. MCN were impressed by the RS at its world launch, but how will it fair against the leading European retros from Triumph and BMW?
Triumph have created a superb looking bike that packs modern comforts – which is exactly what Kawasaki have done with the RS. But where Triumph have erred more towards the old days and added trinkets such as fake carbs, Kawasaki have toned down the finer details in favour of performance. If you think about it, performance rather than style was at the heart of the Z1 back in the 1970s, so it’s a wise move.
Unlike the Kawasaki, the BMW doesn’t rely on retro paint to highlight its styling, instead preferring to let its waif-like look do the talking and covering what panels it has in muted grey. It’s not a pretty bike like the RS, it’s more mechanical and functional, which again will split opinions. So why do Kawasaki believe the R nineT Pure is their main competition? I guess it’s the fact that some riders will never consider entering a BMW dealership due to an ingrained dislike for the brand. Yet these same riders, who were probably brought up dreaming about the Z1, have been eagerly awaiting a Japanese equivalent – and now it’s arrived.
The Verdict
These three retros are very different machines that rely on styling, spirit and performance to a lesser and greater degree to define their character. In the same way you can blend three colours to create many different shades, this variation has led to three unique bikes. But what has changed for 2018 with the introduction of the Kawasaki Z900RS is that there is now a really cool Japanese retro in the mix. With beautiful styling, strong heritage and a wonderful relaxed nature, if the thought of 1970s Japanese inline fours floats your boat, you can now buy a retro that lives up to your rosetinted dreams.
Equipment
There’s a cacophony of Z1-inspired accessories, from the ducktail back end and oval rear light, to the machined engine fins, textured metal tank and side panel badges, replica cam covers and clocks, which use the same typeface and needle shape (resting at the same angle at zero) as the originals.
Step back and you’ll see how the new upper frame shape allows the seat and slim, pear drop-shaped fuel tank (which extends down, behind the side panels) to be placed horizontally, like the ’72 machine and from above the Z900RS has the same slinky ‘hour-glass’ shape. The metallic brown and orange livery isn’t just a faithful replica of the original’s carcinogenic paint, it has one of those flawless, glistening finishes that looks like it’s still wet with lacquer.
Kawasaki have cleverly made crisp rear LED lights glow like a '70s light bulb, the orange tank stripe wraps around the front of the tank and meets around the front in a Z-shaped bow and the Euro-spec speedo on our test bike goes up to 240km/h, just like the original.
Everything from the Z900RS’s chest puffing riding position, to the view down to the wide chrome bars and the unholy growl it makes with a fist full of throttle, can’t help but make you feel good.
Modern day niceties like the multifunction display between the analogue dials, the easy to use switchgear, traction control and skin-saving ABS all give the Z900RS a safe, practical edge and as you’d expect there’s a raft of Kawasaki goodies available, too, from crash protection, to a bikini fairing, grab rails and heated grips.
There's a choice of three colour schemes on offer: metallic green, black, and grey.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 948cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 16v, inline four |
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 835mm |
| Bike weight | 215kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm forks fully-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Single rear shocks adjustable fir preload and rebound damping |
| Front brake | 2 x 300mm discs with four-piston monobloc radial caliper. ABS |
| Rear brake | 250mm single disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £101 |
| Annual service cost | £210 |
| New price | £10,399 |
| Used price | £7,900 - £10,300 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | two years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 109 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 73 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 140 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Other versions
Other Kawasaki Z model reviews
- Kawasaki Z650RS review
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2014-on)
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2010-2013)
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2007-2009)
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2004-2006)
- Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2017-on)
- Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2014-on)
- Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2010-2013)
- Kawasaki Z125 review (2019-on)
- Kawasaki Z250SL review (2015-on)
- Kawasaki Z300 review (2015-on)
- Kawasaki Z400 review (2019-on)
- Kawasaki Z650 review (2017-on)
- Kawasaki Z750 review (2007-2012)
- Kawasaki Z750 review (2003-2006)
- Kawasaki Z750R review (2011-2012)
- Kawasaki Z800 review (2013-on)
- Kawasaki Z900 review (2017-on)
- Kawasaki Z900 review (2020-on)
- Kawasaki Z900RS Café review (2018-on)
MCN Long term test reports
MCN Fleet: It’s first service time for the Kawasaki Z900RS
Well, I have reached my first thousand miles on this stunning looking Kawasaki Z900RS. I am still in that honeymoon period where everything is a joy, and I look forward to every ride. Last week I had my longest day in the saddle when I had to take the Z1 back down to Kawasaki head quarters for its f…
Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI Z900RS (2017 - on)
17 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI Z900RS (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI Z900RS (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £210 |
Version: RS with the root beer and orange paint-SHASTA
Year: 2018
The overall score is so much higher than any other one dynamic. The original KZ903was my first bike crush when I was ten. Was ready to buy before I saw it in the flesh, and had goose pimples when I saw it for the first time. This is my fifth summer with it and still looks perfect when the garage door swings open. This bike is classically beautiful and incorporates the modern necessities seamlessly.
Five out of five because of how it executes its purpose. Brakes could use a better feel and feedback but are strong enough for spirited riding up to 7/10. Would prefer upgrades if I were to take it on a track but that isn’t an intended purpose-Kawasaki makes numerous bikes better suited to that purpose. The handling is excellent and tip-in is predictable. The tires will limit you before the chassis or ground clearance will. 90% of the time you will keep up with 90% of the bikes in the twisties.
Throttle complaints are warranted but not necessarily annoying. The snatchiness has gotten better after 1k miles, definitely. Even when coming off another bike it is easy to pull off from a stop without drama. Like a carb’ ed bike a slight blip of the throttle before releasing the clutch is enough to smooth it out. Great, linear power delivery with a great soundtrack but the top end is not very strong, which is how Kawasaki tuned it. Lovely midrange. Excellent power 90% of the time. More power would not be keeping with its character and intent.
That paint. Perfect sound from the classy standard can. Maybe the best thing about it is unlike its rivals it never tries too hard. Other than perhaps a Bonneville and some Moto Guzzi’s there aren’t bikes pulling out the classic aesthetic, although many try. 100% reliability, oil tight. Kawasaki is to be commended for the overall execution of this remake.
Regularly returns 48-50 mpg tank after tank. Insurance company considers it a sports bike, not a retro or standard and the rate reflects that. OE tires are adequate but will be looking for a replacement with a better feel when on the sidewall.
It has abs and a nice standard headlight, seat is more comfortable than it looks but realistically you are going to want to stop every two hours. Classic and well engineered riding triangle. At the price point I can live without an IMU which more and more bikes are offering as standard. This bike is not trying to make any claims of leading-edge technology so the 3 out of 5 rating is still fine by me.
Buying experience: I was glad to get it for sticker when first introduced, I hope to keep it forever but it looks like the residual value is strong. A T120 will cost another $3000 but it is a different beast. Look at something like Hondas effort with the CB1100 or the XSR 900 and not only does Kawasaki kick butt in the looks department but has more power. The Katana has 40 more horsepower but put the two side by side and the Katana looks outdated more than classic.
Version: Rs
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £140
Lovely looking bike,built quality good not to many electrics.
Throttle on and off very bad,euro 5 problem
Remap,throttle response I think is dangerous all down to euro 5 emissions.
Buying experience: Brought from dealer, got a good deal in January.
Version: Cafe
Year: 2019
A good bike overall. Ride quality and the noise experience while riding is great. A beautiful bike to look at and admire. Good blend of torque and creamy power delivery once you're past the initial abrupt throttle opening. Some minor head shake under hard acceleration to freeway speed. The riding position on the cafe puts some weight on the wrists at lower speeds but it comes off as wind blast increases over 80ks. The fairing on the cafe is surprisingly good. Keeps airflow smooth and buffet free. I found the clutch light to use but very difficult to achieve a nice gear change. Something about it just isn't right. The gear ratios are all wrong. The bike pulls away easily from standstill in second so what is the point of first, and fourth is too close to third. The throttle is abrupt from closed to slow speeds. I put a G2 throttle tube on it, which made some improvement, but also got used to focusing on delicate throttle inputs and clutch control. Some fuel mapping changes probably resolve this but I wasn't going to risk warranty. The seat is very comfy. I put 6000ks on mine and that was enough. Tried a Tiger 850 Sport and the Z900 RS was gone the following week.
Nice ride quality. Full adjustability on the forks and rebound clicker on the rear gives enough room to set it the way you like.
Would be 5 stars if the throttle was better.
Exceptional build quality.
I didn't have the bike long enough to get a good idea of running costs.
Has everything you need for the type of bike it is.
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £158
Brilliant retro motorcycle Stylish and really good performance Quality is excellent
Could do with Brembos front and rear
Buying experience: Superb service from my local Kawasaki dealer
Version: Performance
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £180
I always wanted the original Z1 but I was too young
An absolute dream
Just the necessary basics
Buying experience: I absolutely love the handling and ease of use.An peach of a motorcycle
Version: Green
Year: 2020
This is a great bike I bought it for the looks but its very nice to ride. When I first started riding it I thought the jump from 5th to top gear was too much 1200rpm different, I'm getting used to it now. the engine is very tractable no flat spots etc plenty of power and great handling.
Very good ABS brakes
Too bigger jump from 5th to top gear
Buying experience: i got a great deal on mine at Berts Mega Mall
Year: 2018
Standard brakes and suspension could be better
Brakes poor but day long comfortable. Good alrouder. Not too bad with a pillion.
A peach. Grunty in-line four, reminds me of a Bandit 1200
No issues apart from wear and tear. As said, brakes a bit lacking so have replaced the rubber brake hoses with HEL braided lines and given it a good bleed with DOT 4. Rear shock not at all good for my 80kg with all my riding gear so this is being replaced for a Nitron unit. Front shock TBA
Standard tyres are quite hard and offer poor feedback. One tooth larger front sprocket sorts the gearing.
Buying experience: Dealer used. Got a good deal.
Year: 2020
This is a great bike if you want some cool retro styling with sporty performance and a lovely exhaust note. The upright seating position gives good visibility and the bike is very comfortable. It is quite tall (835mm seat height) so difficult for riders with shorter legs to flat-foot when stationary but an aftermarket lower seat option takes care of the problem.
The ride quality is very good and the brakes are excellent - responsive and smooth. The only issue is the stock Dunlop tyres that come with the bike, they can feel a little slippery on tighter bends and in the wet.
The engine is superb, very responsive with excellent acceleration. It’s equally at home at slow speeds and in traffic as it is on motorways and dual carriageways. The stock exhaust note is lovely and loud enough without causing a nuisance. The throttle takes a bit of getting used to and can seem a bit snatchy at first.
The bike is well built with a good paint finish. The engine casing and wheels are all black and look good when rubbed over with ACF50 (or just an oily rag!). I’ve seen nothing wrong with the fit or finish of the bike. I’ve only done 1k miles and noticed greatly improved performance after it was run in and had its first service. I’ve had no issues at all.
The first service at 600 miles was done by my local Kawasaki dealer and seemed a reasonable price. I don’t do high mileage, so don’t expect to service the bike more than once a year. The cost may fluctuate depending on the level of service. Fuel consumption isn’t bad and costs me about a tenner to fill up the tank.
All the instrumentation you need on a bike is there with a good mix of old style dials and digital information. Everything is simple and easy to operate including the switches and buttons. My only gripe is that the bike comes with only a side stand, making oiling and cleaning the chain that bit harder.
Buying experience: Bought new from a dealer for £8995.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £150
Feels very light when moving and so easy to ride.
Only thing to fault is the tyres, they can feel a bit vague on damp or wet roads.
Smooth, crisp and sporty enough for me.
Paint on the tank is deep and lustrous, jaffa version. Clocks look great, a mix of retro and modern. Srand could be a lot better, the bike stands too vertical on most surfaces.
Dealer service first rate.
Needs a fender extender, as all new bike seem to.
Version: Rootbeer and orange.
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £300
It's fun at reasonable speeds. It's fast enough for the street. It's lovely to look at and will cruise or get a wiggle on. This bike reignites your passion for street riding. Since I sold my 2014 Ninja 1000 I've been through several bikes looking for that fun and excitment. I was beginning to think it was time to quit after 50 years. Triumph Bonneville T120, FZ09, Africa Twin before the Zed. They just didn't do it for me. The Zed saved me.
So superior to the FZ09/MT09 I has in 2016. The suspension is above average ride and handling and the brakes are a perfect compliment to the performance.
Fuels very good for fuel injection, makes great power, is very smooth and sounds terrific. A Scorpion slip on was all it needed.
Trouble free and not a chip in the paint. Very easy to service too.
That's US dollars.
Scorpion slip-on and Bridgestone T31. R&G radiator guard, Bags Connection tank bag and Yoshimura swingarm paddock stand spools. OEM tires were ok Dunlops but were toast at 3850 miles.
Buying experience: Dealer. The shop owner's ride with 300 miles, unregistered. MSRP was $11,900, I paid $8399.
Version: Jaffa
Year: 2018
A retro bike that really hits the spot! Not only good to look at, but good to ride. You can trace the Z900rs dna back to the original z1. The throttle can be a bit snatchy due to the co sensor to meet emissions but this can be ironed out with a remap.
This bike is for those who are riding to enjoy the ride.. It isn’t a balls out speed machine, but has good point and squirt abilities.. Easy to travel 150 miles between top ups.. With a pillion stops may need to be more frequent..
The engine is typical Kawasaki, strong and bullet proof.. The gearbox can be a bit clunky until the first oil change..
Good build quality.
Shop around different dealers, to get the best deal.
Has Kawasaki riding modes, which work really well.
Buying experience: Some bargains to be had if you shop about especially cafe’ models
Version: Brown/Orange
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £500
It's a fantastic bike as is and won't disappoint. Clutch is very light for those who don't work out or are getting arthritic. For me i'd love it even more, if that's possible, if it had 30HP more but with same gearing characteristics - cross between it and Z1000SX (which I also have). I can see where Kawasaki came from with Z H2 but I prefer straight forward in line 4's and no supercharger. It's definitely a keeper. It's reminiscent of the best bits from the bikes of the 70's but wholehartedly improved in every way to produce the same big smiles in the best possible way.
Front brakes are good but like most other bikes back brake is made of wood.
I love it as is. Mid range is fantastic and the intake and exhaust noise make me sile every time. Although I am greedy and would still like 30BHP more. (as above comments).
Reliability - Had it 2 years now - finish is still good. Performance still good. done 3800 miles. Only a couple of events of false neutrals but may have been down to me being a little club footed, changing down at higher revs. Quality is outstanding but don't buy Kawasaki crash bungs - they are plastic, flimsy rubbish and won't protect anything!
Don't believe £120-£140. That's for the 600 mile service! Servicing is always reasonable at first service but gets more expensive at each service so estimate £250-300 for say a 2 year service and although I love the original tyres - it handles just great & they've handled everything I've thrown at them with no probs they only last about 2500 miles so £250 per 2500 miles just for tyres too. so for medium complexity service and set of tyres per year that's realistically about £500-£600 and more when valve clearances get checked but it's worth it.
Only use traction control on gritty and / or wet roads. Love the analogue clocks. LCD / TFT Displays aren't for me. I love old school needles wizzing round and they're easier to see with peripheral vision so you keep eyes on road and they are sexier..
Buying experience: Test rode one from Preston Motorcycles and loved the confidence inspired handling round bends and roundabouts as well as the looks / sound. Made me smile so much I bought one and have not regretted it.Was going to order one for my birthday in January with quoted 20 wk lead time at that time however they had a cancelled order in the right colours so got it in two weeks (October). I would buy a second one new if I could afford it to keep for only sunny dry days.
Version: Camouflage green
Year: 2018
Bike looks and sounds amazing. So much torque. Pulls in any gear. Even 6th. Glad it has a gear position indicator I always think it's in a lower gear !!!!
Had a little fiddle with suspension. A little bit softer. Brakes are extremely good.
Paint and finish are fantastic. Bike is only 2 years old but no problems as yet
Insurance is cheap as I'm a old fart ! Average fuel consumption around 50mpg ! For a almost 1000cc bike :)
Traction control and abs work great. Fuel gauge not the most accurate. But you do figure it out !
Buying experience: Got it from via moto kawasaki in clay cross Chesterfield. Great guys to deal with :)
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £110
Absolutely love my Zed in fact I will probably trade up again to the same model but a different colour. I no boy racer so understand it might be a bike for everyone but I recommend going for a test ride to see how good it is... I haven,t changed any of the standard settings or tyres as it is fine for me, plenty of power to play with with a great exhaust note. It’s fair to say my bike has only seen bright sunlight and never experienced the wet but as a man in his late fifties is there a better hobby.....
Service costs seem reasonable and in line with current costs
Analogue clocks with digital centre display that includes gear position.
Buying experience: Can’t fault my local Kawasaki dealership,
Year: 2018
Annual servicing cost: £140
Love this bike as it rides as good as it looks and it’s even better then i ever thought it would be. Definitely a keeper.
Can ride this bike all day.
Very responsive in every gear.
Kawasaki quality at its best. Great sound and the quality of the paint work is something else.
The clocks with the digital read out between the 2 looks brill. And for OEM tyres they top quality.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer and bought New.
Version: Z900RS
Year: 2018
The worst thing about the bike is the standard tyres as the MCN review states. Great Facebook owners group, with lots of upgrading info for this bike is Z900RS UK. Easy to ride bike, great suspension, brilliant radial mounted brakes and looks to die for! 140mph top end and hits over 130 very quickly indeed, just as happy to cruise along at legal speeds though. Best looking motorcycle for sale in 2018 by far.
Soaks up our potholes roads with relative ease!
Mid range stomp of a Rhino, for a 4 cylinder multi.
Year: 2018
Really easy bike to just get on and ride, certainly fast enough for me, but not intimidating. Throttle initially feels a bit ‘snatchy’ but you quickly get used to it. First thing you notice about the RS is obviously the way it looks - I bought mine without seeing one ‘in the flesh’, the early on-line shots of it were enough to convince me, and I wasn’t disappointed. Brakes are pretty good, though not as sharp as I expected, suspension feels spot on, sharp and fully adjustable if you’re that way inclined. I previously owned Harley-Davidsons (and an early model Buell) before this, so let’s face it, the RS, to me at least, is a massive leap forward in performance and handling. The only negatives so far are having to put up with nonsense from blokes that owned Z1’s back in the day - no, it wouldn’t look better with twin shocks, a four into four and skinny spoked wheels. A small price to pay though, for owning what I consider to be a very accomplished and pretty motorcycle.
Brakes are good, though not as sharp as I expected. Think I’ve only felt the ABS kick in a couple of times so far. Ride quality felt great straight out of the showroom and I haven’t felt the need to tinker with it so far.
Generally easy going, torquey with an even spread of power, get to about 6,000rpm and it goes like a stabbed rat!
I’ve only owned the bike for four months, and so far, no problems. At the end of the day, it’s a big Kawasaki four, and I think they’ve kind of got the hang of manufacturing them by now!
Ten and a half grand on the road was about as much as I wanted to pay - I was initially thinking of getting the new Speed Triple, but thought it was just a bit more than I could afford. Yes, it’s more expensive than the other Japanese nakeds, but come on, just look at it!
It’s a naked bike, what do you need? Perfect for street riding, OEM tyres are a bit average.
Buying experience: Bought it from my local dealer (Autorama, Batley), paid about eleven grand (got the Kawasaki lower seat and a tail tidy fitted).
Riding the Kawasaki Z900RS on the road
Kawasaki Z900RS vs Triumph Thruxton 1200 vs BMW R nineT Pure
Kawasaki Z900RS studio static side profile shot
Kawasaki Z900RS overhead view in studio
Michael Neeves riding Kawasaki Z900RS from overhead cornering
2020 Kawasaki Z900RS colours
