Yamaha XSR900 vs Kawasaki Z900RS! Which Retro Naked Should You Buy?
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
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In this video, Kase and Alex compare the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 and 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS!
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#yamaha #kawasaki #streetfighter - Авто та транспорт
I've ridden both. If you're looking at it, Z900RS. If you're riding it, XSR900.
I agree you
If you are doing both. Bonne Speed Twin 1200
Former SV650 owner, current Z900RS Cafe owner...and I absolutely LOVE it. Will try to keep it forever.
after many years and many bikes still in love with my 2005 classic sv650. Thats a bike i am always willing to ride and its just absolutely perfect for my riding style and roads i use
@@farmoboy83 first two generations (1999-2007) sv are the best, super lightweight with aluminium frame. Very good bikes
Z900RS looks timeless, cannot be happier with it.
Ive put 65,000 km on my z900rs and I still love it like I just got it.
Finally escaped Area 51?
The Z900 reminds me of what bikes looked like when I first started noticing them, when I was a little kid. I honestly don’t remember bikes ever really looking like the XSR.
You weren’t paying attention in the 80s.
The XSR900 looks like an early 90's motorcycle that's been mildly crashed then rebuilt without fairings. I find it amazing that the 1st generation Honda CBR900RR weighs about 30 pounds more and makes less HP than the current XSR.
@@dixinc.5507it doesn’t really look like an 80’s bike tho. Or a 90s bike.
@@socalmotorx It looks like a Fazer without the fairings.
@@socalmotorx It looks like a Yamaha TZ500 without the fairings.
The Kawasaki is so gorgeous. Less tech rules. Just riding and the experience. I don't need to ride an iPhone around. Positive neutral also rules. Thanks for the video. Cheers 🥂
I agree, I don't want all that tech crap. That is why I also own a Toyota 4 Runner. The more tech the more prone to problems and repair bills.
@@michaels7499 Yeah. I own a Kawasaki W800. Minimal tech. I love it.
I absolutely 100% with you, iPhone on wheels, hahaha exactly!!!
Definitely not comparable to an iPhone. Doesn't even run Snake, like my old Nokia 3310 did.
Kawi fan boys are so funny with their copes
Went with the Z900RS Cafe. More forward leaning riding position than the base RS and the cowl keeps the wind off your chest extremely well. Dropped about 20 lbs off the bike with an aftermarket header and tail tidy, then sent the ECU out for a flash to close the power gap between the two. Absolutely love it.
So you bought the uglier bike with the more boring engine and wanted to tell the world about it? Strange
@@DB-sd3cw mad bro?
@NOMADEN VIEW buddy comments on a 2 week old reply asking if I'm mad. Nah little fella, but I'm sorry your feelings are hurt or something
@@DB-sd3cw first off, looks are highly subjective, so calling one uglier then the other is ridiculous. Some also don’t want a more high strung engine, they want the linear feel of a classic inline 4 with it’s more narrow cam profile. If you gave me the option, I would take the XSR900 over the Z900 RS. But if it was a base MT09 vs a base Z900, I’d take the Z900 as it’s running a different cam profile and tune then the RS, it revs harder in typical modern i4 fashion and is a bit faster then the MT09, specifically in a rolling start… also the standard Z900 is a bit more leaned forward, which I prefer over the more motard seating position of an MT09…
@Sleeper.Simulant neither I nor anyone with a clue cares about your novel you just typed. The z900rs is a sad bike.
I bought the Z'd purely because of the looks, it does ride great too but every time I go into my garage I smile just looking at it. When I'm out riding I've been surprised how many comments it gets from other riders...all positive BTW. I'm sure the Yamaha is excellent because the MT is a fantastic bike but I've not had a chance to ride the XSR yet. Great review, thanks for taking the time to test both.
Same for me. I loved the vintage KZ's as a young kid growing up in the early 70's. The Z900 is the best of both worlds, being vintage looking with modern performance. I like motorcycles that look like Real Motorcycles. I don't like the space age looking modern bikes. I know, if somebody has the cash and the desire, that this bike can be hopped up and modded quite a bit, to get some pretty impressive performance out of it. I currently own a 1985 Yamaha 2 stroke RZ 350 Kenny Roberts bike, restored from the frame up. It runs like an unmedicated bipolar raped ape, but I definitely want a cafe style looking Kawasaki Z 900 retro bike.
Z900RS, every day. It's a gorgeous bike, one that can be ridden all day and then stared at when parked. It's got perfect lines and shapes. Also has one of the best sounding stock exhausts on a modern bike. Have 2WDWs flash the ECU to eliminate the throttle cut, add a Kaoko throttle lock and go... It's the ultimate, modern UJM.
Wish i was rich
It is indeed a gorgeous bike, but my 2nd gen XSR900 is a do everything bike. All my friends are jealous of its quality. It feels like every nut and bolt was engineered to perfection. Meanwhile, my brother had to take his brand new Z900 back to the dealer to get its battery draining problem fixed (had to schedule an appointment).
too hot, too big for this area and traffice. when temps are 80 to 95 degF typically. The RS gets hot.
I bought a Z900RS SE this year. I loved its styling when I first saw it as it reminded me of the classic Z1 from the seventies. Yeah, I’m older and I’m not a squid and I prefer a more relaxed ride than a high performance ride. The Z900 suits me and I love it.
This bike seems awesome to me…
It’s like a mullet, a little bit of party, little bit of business
@@blakemcdowell4146 The only thing I didn't like about the bike is the saddle was very uncomfortable. I ended up getting a Corbin solo saddle to replace it, and have no complaints now.
Agree - but hey, it's not like the the z900rs, especially the SE!, totally loses on the performance front. It 'sports' quite well!
@@stratolestele7611 I agree there too. Although it's not a crotch rocket, 110 hp gets the job done and the fat range isn't at red line, but at 6-9k rpm. I never have to take it to redline.
I'm an 80s kid and I just can't get into that Yamaha styling. It's a very awkward "retro" look and if I didn't know the intent of the bike I might not even guess what it was going for.
The kawasaki, however, has clearly knocked it out of the park. Sit it next to an original z900 and its pretty clear how well kawasaki achieved what they were after. It's the type of bike in a sea of modern that just stands out in a showroom.
After 6 months waiting ive finally gotten my xsr900. Never really watched any of the z900 videos wasnt interested but even just the quick shots you guys did between bikes actually made me get it. Both of these bikes are incredible and i like that you can choose your era and have a great time either way.
The Z900RS’s flaws are also a weird attraction for many of the people Kawasaki are targeting with the bike. It is rife for modification, as were the original 70’s bikes it is modeled after, and there’s many aftermarket parts available for it. I don’t have a snatchy throttle but I do have about 120 HP, excellent brakes, amazing suspension and a bike that is the best looking retro bike you can buy today. I am well used to riding without aides and that alone makes the experience on the Z the winner anyway.
I have owned 3 cylinder and 4 cylinder UJM's throughout the late 70's and 80's. I would definitely lean towards the Kawasaki. I loved my '84 GPZ 550! My Suzuki GS 750 ES and GS 1000 were also in my garage and loved those bikes.
Yikes
These two bikes target different customer groups. If you want a bike that brings you back to the past, but has bells and whistles of a modern bike, a bike that has that timeless classic look and gives you the impression of UJMs, and if you do not care much about specs, then the Z RS is definitely the answer. In my opinion the XSR is for people who want for a good-looking performance bike, like me.
I own an RS. Suspension upgrades, new tires, an exhaust for 20 hp gain and 16 pound weight loss and an ecu flash and it’s one keeper of a machine that keeps you turning your head back as you’re walking away from it.
20% hp gain from a better exhaust? Put down the bong dude.
The XSR looks like an 80s superbike that someone crashed and ripped the fairing off and then just chucked a random round headlight on that was lying around the workshop
Like a 80s streetfighter then.😆
Honestly.... No bike can replace the fun of the CP3 in the XSR900 for me with a proper tune and full exhaust system. I regret trading mine in and hoping the R9 comes out or i'll just find a new gen 2nd hand.
Wait until the XSR 900 GP comes out. That's what iam waiting for.
@@boris2997 Yeah the only problem is we haven't seen any confirmation on these bikes for sure 😭. That's why I'm holding out for hopefully any news of a release date.
@@ganuvien The R9 is pretty much confirmed.
What do you think about the XSR GP now? Would you get it if possible?
if it was sold here in the U.S. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I've always wanted a sportier version.
Oh I remember riding nights. The night ride emphasizes rider perspectives and vehicle perspectives on a course with transitions from well lit through fares into a charming main street cruise at local towns.
Z900 is definitely my next bike! LOVE IT!
Man, I just can’t get onboard with the look of the new XSR, the previous generation looked so good too. & as much as I loved the CP3 in my 2016 FZ, I think I would rather have the Z900RS in this case.
Gorgeous bikes. My pick is the Kawi, but one cannot go wrong here!
🙏LOVE THESE TYPE OF VIDEOS .. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THEM OUT AND ABOUT WHEN THE WEATHER GOT GOOD ENOUGH 🙏.. LOVE THE ENTERTAINMENT, ALEX,KASE 🙏 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY EVERYONE ✌️
I love both but i think Z900RS would be my choice, based on styling, comfort and riding position.
I love the classic dual analog gauges and the big round headlight.
It also sound very nice stock although inline triples also sound amazing with an aftermarket exhaust.
I love my 23’ XSR900 perfect blend of retro sport heritage with modern styling and a tight tech package. One month in and people stare and start conversation every time I’m out. XSR styling is the retro future z900 all retro throwback to the 80’s for sure.
Style wise, the XSR900 looks awesome, until you park it beside the Z900RS.
I very much like the styling of the xsr. I like having modern features as well.
I hands down prefer the looks and sound of the Kawasaki.
The tameness you're feeling in second gear is actually an emissions restriction. I have this bike. Put it in D mode 1 and crack the throttle wide open at 4,000 RPM in second gear and then try it again in 3rd gear. You will notice that 3rd gear pulls way harder.
Even with that second gear weirdness I have loved my 6 months with the xsr900. First gear pulls are so fun. The beginning of the video the pull you did was definitely half throttle. If You Leave It Wide Open that front end lifts up pretty hard in the cold.
That power cut is also to keep the front wheel on the ground, I suspect it's not there with TCS turned off ... but if you actually tried that the bike is likely to loop
@@mrvwbug4423 I do think there is a bit of a flat spot initially also due to Euro 5
ECU tune will take care of that
Im waiting for Kawasaki to do a 900 Ninja/GPZ style retro. That would be awesome.
Agreed. I purchased a GPZ900R(A2) in 86' and now own a Z900RS, which I love. It's practically perfect for my lifestyle and what is now a way more relaxed riding style. BUT, if they bought out a retro-styled GPZ I suspect I'd swop it out in a heartbeat.
Top Gun Theme
I've got the Z900RS, but wouldn't mind trying the XSR. I will say the RS is a fantastic bike....
Love both bikes but i got the 22' XSR900 in blue and im loving this lil rocket 🚀💙 recently installed the Mivv x-m5 full exhaust and its sounds lovely.
In the looks department, it’s not even close! The cow is faaar and away a better looking motorcycle! The Yamaha looks kinda weird. I’m sure it runs and rides great, but I don’t think I could ever pick it over the Kawasaki just based on looks. Comfort is also a much bigger deal to me than 50lbs and a few hp. I like that torque down low too.
Thanks for the review! I’m buying a second bike sometime this year and the Kawasaki is high on the list after watching this!
It's just so funny how untrue your entire goofy paragraph is
Kawasaki any time, any day
@@DB-sd3cwhuh? The Yamaha is ugly asf
@kentucky_brew3678 kawi looks like a fugly retro headlight attacked to a giant cockroach abdomen but you're entitled to your wrong and low IQ opinion
Like the looks of the Kawa better. Still there so much negative coments out there about the snatchy throttle respons on the Kawa. You didnt mentioned that at all
Probably because the xsr also has a snatchy throttle.
That triple torque curve sells itself.
I've not noticed a snatchy throttle on the one I just bought. I bought the RS Cafe and engine tune is slightly different than the RS.
Snatchy throtle before 1k kms PMS but after that throttle is smooth like butter
Thank you, Kase, and nice seeing Alex in front of the camera. Good review, but I'll stick with my Triumph Bonneville T120, has been a great bike.
Big selling point of the Yamaha for me is the cruise control. CC is a game changer if you do longer trips.
The XSR is also less effort to ride fast, it already puts you in basically a sport touring riding position, and the QS and better electronics are two less things to think about. It would be a pretty effortless bike to ride in the canyons
@@mrvwbug4423 I have a MT09 SP "22 and the smooth quick shifter for me was game changing. Makes changing up or down super quick and effortless.
What happened to the series on the Triumph Speed Twin? That would’ve been a worthwhile addition to this comparison.
I have a z900rs a great bike . Best purchase ever. I question why in the test drive the z900rs was with the KTC at 2 ( I use it when rains ) and not at 1 that it is the standard
The looks on the Kawi already makes it a classic, but I own one to🤣
Please more details on throttle response and transmission shift quality.
I have a Yamaha XS 1.1 but would hop brands to the Kawasaki.
Rode both, plus a speed twin.....then bought an RS. Nuff said 😊
What’s the purpose of turning off the quick shifter if leaving it on won’t prevent the user from shifting normally?
A little over a year ago, I had the choice of where to spend my cash (in hand) and I chose the z900rs café and I haven't regretted my decision for even a split second.
I agree that the XSR is a fun ride, but that's it. It looks cobbled together to me. I respect it, but if I wanted more performance - and for less $$, I would have gotten the z900. I especially love seeing those chrome headers coming out and down - just as they did on the Z-1 back in the day. Plus it looks hot-rodded 4-1 pipe as many did back in the day.
Anyway, I fully expected to get the Speed Twin, but it just looked bland to me. I LOVE the Thruxton (a lot!), but at my age, I can't do the clip-ons. Man, I sure liked looking at it though.
Anyway, I have touched my z900rs (other than the basics - frame sliders, tail tidy, and neatly powered phone mount ). But, while I might get around to it one of these days, I have done the intake pipes, and tune. It just doesn't scream for it for me. I spent 25 years riding Harleys, so this Kawi is still feeling like a rocket for me anyway.
I've never gotten more random comments than I do on the z900rs café. I like the regular model as much as the café - almost. The café is a slight compromise with the slightly lower black bars and more aggressive seat and overall looks; a little sportier. Great, great bike!
$2k & 50# difference is huge. Again Yamaha is king barring the exhaust 😮
Thanks Y'all, enjoyed.
Thanks for this video. I had a XS850 3 cyl back in 1980 so was leaning towards the XSR900, but after your review I think the Z900RS may suit my riding style and needs much better but wish the Kawa was a little lighter. Again thanks for this comparison.
Changing the exhaust will save 16 pounds and pick up almost 20 hp whilst removing the snatchy throttle with a remapped ecu.
Sorry both, thanks for the excellent vid. I really like your choice in (both) bikes.
Love the CP3 but the Kawi looks stellar in the old-school dept. The Yamaha looks like a weird kind of hybrid mix. I would still get the MT-09 SP if you threw that one into the mix here, despite its slightly unfinished look.
I have the z900rs myself. Love that bike.
Z900RS for me. 😉 Perfect review. Could tell me what I needed to know that a spec sheet won't.
is that an add on tft cover ? Angled handlebar frame keeps you from adding Risers !!
I was debating between the two and I ultimately went for the Z900RS. Hopefully pick mine up tomorrow!
The XSR is cheaper, has more kit, and will be more fun to ride, but the Z900RS looks so much better, has a MUCH better stock exhaust, was more comfortable to sit on (I only rode the Z900RS, not the XSR), and ultimately was more my style.
The Yamaha is a beaut in the blue and gold but the frame is hideous and the exhaust is fugly. I'm sure I'd love either bike but the Zed just drew me in so much more.
Good choice. Originally wanted the xsr but the plastics on it is ugly as hell. Doesn’t really look retro to me and the seat is atrocious. Went with the z900rs.
Yeah that Sonauto blue scheme is awesome, and very iconic, but what were Yamaha thinking with that seat? maybe it will grow on me.
Exhaust is fugly
You can be in any gear on the XSR and get roll on power esp with an ecu flash. I can pull 6th from the high 20s and I'm 260lbs.
Yeah. My cp3 has power all the way through from low to high rpms.
I dont like the dead spot in the in the rpm range on the Yamaha. I don’t like the way the trans shifts on the Kawasaki. So what else is 6here that does not have these issues? What about the Gsx-s1000? Help.
Nice video fellas. Question, wouldn’t the Z900RS SE be more of a comparison since the XSR seems to be outfitted a little better? Anyone rode the SE and the standard RS? Noticeable difference?
The SE's rear Öhlins suspension was not very impressive compared to the standard one. It's because the standard's suspension is so good. The front Brembo brakes are clearly superior.
I like the technology on Yamaha but you can't beat the looks and comfortability of z900rs. Love my 2018, wish it had quick shifter and cruise control though!
First bike I've never wanted to put a slip on. Sounds amazing.
I was thinking the same thing, the z900 is the only bike i wouldn't change a thing on. Looks amazing, sounds amazing, rides amazing.
Yes quickshifter cruise control. I think the entire rebel lineup needs cruise control as an option. From the 300 to the 1100. Gotta get with the times bro. The grom needs a bigger engine option
I really like the Kawi , would like to see Honda update my 919 to compete with these.
I love the looks of the Kwak Z900RS 😍 Beautiful bike.
The Z900RS is the most beautiful bike on the market, able to revive the legendary Z1 from 1972. Kawasaki mailed it 50 years ago, and still today. The Zephyr 750 was also great... I own a Versys 1000 for touring and a SV1000S for track days, no room for a Z900RS, although a café version makes me chill. After watching the video, my opinion about the Yamaha is they missed the subject. Riding a retro bike is not just about the look, it's about a group of a lot of things: the look, the round speedo, the position, the feelings, the pace... Yamaha just put a somewhat retro design on a bike very close to a very modern MT, while Kawasaki went into the details to deliver the most retro package: the look from the Z1 including the dashboard, the comfy suspensions like in old times, the torquey engine to roll gently ... Seriously, who wants to rev up an engine on a motorbike without a fender?
What about the T120 Bonneville? Can that be comparable to these? Love the look of that bike
This gen XSR 900 looks a bit like a cobbled together 80s race bike, its a bit crude, a little Mad Max, and right up my alley.
Both great bikes. I maybe like the yamaha a little more, however, I'd have to go with the kawasaki just from a comfort standpoint.
So, the 4-stroke 900cc Yamaha, is a retro 250 cc 2-stroke LC?
The Z900 rs IS a Z1 replica.
Hello from Wales. Styling issues aside, would you choose the new MT-09 over the XSR for its even lower weight and shorter wheelbase, or do you prefer an XSR for its greater stability ?
If you like driving like a maniac get the mt09. If you're old, low testosterone, or just a boring person in general get the xsr
I came from a 2009 R1...I'm looking for something that's not gonna wear my back out so I don't want to be in a constant lean but I want to ability to take curves
The Z1 was the answer to the Honda 750 4 which dominated in line 4's in the 70's. The classic tail fin was the kawi's look and style.
Really wanted the XSR 900, was impossible to find one last year...saw a new Z900RS Cafe with huge discount and went with that instead. Surprisingly surprised by how well it handlea, sounds, and looks true retro. The Café has a slightly sporty stance over the well-behaved characteristics of the bike.
I do wish Kawasaki added cruise control. They've claimed more tech will take from the retro flair, it's profit paddiny by Kawasaki; I don't think CC takes away from it's retro motif like maybe a quickshifter would.
Totally agree, I also miss the cruise control. But it doesn't have the CC simply because the Z900 platform at that time didn't have "ride by wire", not because it takes something from the retro feel.
Plus it actually looks great unlike the Yamaha
@@Ringer1982 yes you're right about the throttle cables, don't think that platform has added cruise control yet...just marketing spin by Kawasaki... In 2023, an inexcusable omission for the price point and seeing that generally older riders buy this bike (I'm mid-30s)
@@pookiewookie7679 not gonna lie, was set on the XSR900 (great tech + blue color scheme matched my car exactly). But gave up trying after 2-3 months and jumped on the solid deal for the 22' Z900RS Cafe...no regrets!
Might still get the XSR when the used market opens up.
It would cost them very little to add the IMU and cruise control from the Ninja 1000, it's the same engine save for 100cc of displacement. The bike is already stupidly overpriced compared to the XSR
The weight difference is an absolute deal killer for the Z900 I mean I am looking at the XSR as a second bike to play on in the canyons because my Tracer 9 is pretty heavy. I am also spoiled on the Tracer's tech which mostly the XSR has so as pretty as the Z900 is? you can keep it! and btw the REAL retro feeling this Yamaha provides for me is more Yamaha's old 2 stroke RD and RZ 350cc motorcycles that were light and peppy and just a blast to shoot around on. I personally DID own a Z1 and it was nice to ride but big and heavy nowhere near as fun as my little RD but I will say the Z1 felt a lot more like it would last a long time not as disposable as the RDs which frankly cost a lot less too
Weight is always a strong consideration for me as well. As much as I appreciate the asthenic of some of the bikes the priority is on fun factor. More than a few comments suggest you wouldn't know that one was heavier than the other while riding though
can add risers to keep your arms bent, on the xsr ? kaw mirrors need to be out further; or on the handlebar ends. riding position; bars, pegs sounds better on the Kaw. The Kaw passenger seat; needs to be more flat, bigger, wider -IMO
The XSR has that retro futuristic look that I just love. I guess it’s all about taste. Many people don’t like it but I think it has it all in a package that the z900 lacks. Just a different person opinion.
I'm a 66 year old rider, and I always liked the Z1's. I'll be buying a z900 rs se soon. I'm sure the yamaha is a nice bike(one of my bikes is a 1977 RD 400), but I just don't like the angular styling on the Yamaha.
Z900RS Needed new tires to bring it alive, changed oil to synthetic and now I love it. Wife and I got Vulcan 900 Classic LT's for the highway.
I️ had a Vulcan 900 classic and I️ put touring accessories on it and hated it on the highway it has no power. I’m getting a z900rs cafe for better commuting ect
what digital display data is over 1" tall , to see& read?
I'd kill to get a 1993 fzr600 fairing on that xsr.
That XSR is just amazing. the seat is just shaped like an 90s fairing... but more comfy for the passenger.
Search for ... Xsr900gp by
velocity Motos.
Full rd500 / rz500 replica body kit.
I would buy an xSR900 but I can’t find one for sale anywhere in the southeast. Also, disappointing they only released the one color this year while the Raven/Black 2022 looked much better. Plenty of MT’s in stock at every dealership but I just can’t get past the looks.
I owned a Yamaha two stroke for many, many years, rode the wheels of that thing. I also owned and rode a KZ900 back in the day for many years. Today though, I just can't throw a leg over that new Yami. It's just plain ugly with that headlight, holes in the brackets, funky seat, and color. Trying to be retro, but with a modern slant doesn't make it for me. I've got my eye on that new Z900RS.
The colour is awesome, very iconic 80s/90s Yamaha colour scheme.
I would take the Kawasaki all day long, the Yamaha is Fugly !
Only drawback to the Japanese high winders is high frequency buzz due to the high rpms. The engines are hard mounted, so you're going to get plenty of "Engine feel".
the next review should includ the triumph tiger GT. 900. details to include 2 up riding comfort.
I wonder if an ecu and pipe would really open up the power band on the XSR900, especially at the lower rpm. Back in the 80s many people would make 70s bikes to look and ride like the XSR900. Would you consider a part 2 with canyon carving and in town traffic review of the two bikes?
Taking the bike out of rain mode would help the most
@birddogz545 yeah I wish they did a mode 1 evaluation.
ECU, pipe and modifying the air filter box with a bigger air filter opens up the MT09 so would also on the XSR
Sport mode Xsr more fast and raw then the blend z900🔥✊✊
Modern bikes are hampered by noise and emission regs, so it REALLY pays to have them set up on a dyno, not just with peak power, but all through the curve and part throttle openings.
What are the trans shifting on the Kaw?
I want the XSR badly but they're so hard to come by and when you do find one, they smacking 5k over..
A great comparison.
But I have to disagree that a $2000 price difference IS an influential decider in my book.
It all comes down to preference though in the end.
I own a 2021 black and gold XSR 900 and am very happy with it.
The XSR900 is a great bike, with a fantastic motor, but it doesn't look like a retro. It doesn't really have anything in common with any models from the past.
The Z900, however, is a proper retro, and looks fantastic.
Apart from the paint job.
The Zed has more torque in more places than the z900.
Yami likely feels faster because the power comes on so suddenly. I'm not sure that it's significantly faster, if at all (haven't seen the data), but coming out of a corner, I want a smooth and predictable power curve.
I am positive that I would love riding the Yamaha. That blue tank? I love it! However, when I pan back, I just can't find a way to like it. Somehow, it reminds me of a mantis. I see no cohesion in the styling. But yeah, I think that little powerhouse of an engine is beastly and engaging. I know I would love it.
I've got the z900rs café and I don't want to get off it. When it's parked, I can't stop looking at it. I often walk into the garage and just stare at it. The paint is flawless. I specifically wanted the black and gold, and was lucky enough to find a new one locally.
Now that I'm riding again, I'll be adding another retro style ride to the Zed. Maybe a Triumph. Whatever it is, it has to be totally different.
I've owned all the Japanese bikes, but Suzuki, but the vast majority of my riding has been on Harley big twins.
That blue scheme on the Yamaha is based on the Sonauto Yamahas of the 80s, Sonauto was France's Yamaha importers and along with Gauloises there colour scheme was on many Yamaha road race and Paris Dakar race bikes in the 80s and 90s, its as iconic in Europe as the Black Yellow Yamaha colours are in the U.S. I'm looking at a Z900RS Cafe at the moment, in Green and white, i rode both these bikes and the Kawasaki suits me better, plus it looks awesome. Its a shame the U.S didn't get the Yamaha MT 01, thats one of my other bikes and its a blast, I'm sure it would have sold well there.
Nothing sounds better than a triple. I am either going to get this or the triumph triple.
Last year I rented several bikes for a day as I was looking for something new to buy and wanted to use the oppurtunity to make extended test rides on different bikes. From all the retro style bikes available the Z900RS is the most appealing to me in terms of looks. I really enjoyed riding it, great sound for a stock exhaust and more than enough power for me. However my previous and only bike was also a 4 cylinder and I just wanted a change. I tried about 10 different bikes and as I was trying to decide between the T100 and XSR700 I decided to give the XSR900 a go as I had heard good things about the CP3 engine. Within the first few minutes I knew this was the bike for me. Still don't think it's as pretty as the Kawasaki, especially the dash is ugly in comparison. But the seating position and 3 cylinder engine are the main reasons I chose the Yamaha. That said the Z900RS is gorgeous and I do hope to own one some day
The XSR rides more like a lightweight sport tourer than a twitchy AF hooligan bike like the MT-09. I suspect the Z900RS is more work to ride fast due to the bolt upright riding position, you'll need to deliberately weight the front end more.
To me, it looks like the XSR is a bike that was in an accident, and they took off the fairing. It just looks incomplete with an ugly front end, though it handles well.
I love the kawa a lot, i like the xsr 900 in its GP form, the xsr is the honda civic of the 2,i has cafe, gp , the Rd500 kit & more it is a good project platform, the Z900rs se is my dream bike
The Kawa is so much more beautiful in every aspect.
nothing beats analog gauges
tc 1, slide 2, lif 1, d-mode 1, abs 1 or 2.
Like the way the Z900 pulls from 2500 rpm on up.
That is more preferable for an older rider.
I love the engine on the XSR as it's a triple and the sound they make is amazing, the rest of the bike I could care less about. I have an XS 750 and a ZRX 1100 and have always owned both brands, but I started on Kawasaki's and I had a Z1.There isn't anything on the Z900RS that I don't like. Big plus is the analog gauges and the styling which the Yamaha totally misses.
For me, it is the Kawa. A motorbike for me has to have a round headlight and a traditional gauge cluster.
the Kawasaki 4 cylinder is butter smooth and fun to ride. the cp3 from Yamaha is a hooligan machine which will rip your arms of... both owned a z900 as well as an mt09. Loved the torque from the mt09 and at the same time was annoyed by the cp3 sound at lower revs.
Nothing about the Yamaha strikes me as retro. The Kawasaki wins in the looks dept. I do like the inline 4, the chrome and even though its a bit more porky and not as much peak HP as the Yamaha, I think its a better cruiser, especially if you take anyone for a ride. Great review.
*In the Yamaha, I see only a current style standard (naked) bike with an optional hipster seat. What part of the Yamaha has a classic design?*
It has a round head light. That’s about it.
I own an Old School 76 KZ900 and another Kawasaki. Im really thinking about getting the Z900 not the RS model for my next Bike.
retro style with a tft ? which is better for 2 up ridin. ? xsr is same as the TR09 engine.
Kawi is better for two-up.
That kawi is unmatched man beautiful bike