The MAM Journals- Is the Z900RS SE Special ? First Impressions..
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 бер 2023
- Having thoroughly enjoyed my 2018 Candy tone Brown and Orange Z900RS, otherwise known as a Jaffa, why have I changed to a "Yellow Ball"? How am I finding the new bike so far? How are the brakes? Does the Ohlins rear shock and revalved front forks make any difference?
What does Euro 4 and Euro 5 mean, and what does it do?
What are the key differences between a standard bike and the SE and how did I I get on riding, and running in , the new bike?
My first impressions....
Other MAM Journals can be found at :
My First Video on the Z900 RS .... • The MAM Journals- Kawa...
Comparing the Z900RS to a Triumph Thruxton ... • The MAM Journals-Trium...
All of the Kawasaki videos can be found at ; • The MAM Journals-Kawasaki
All of the MAM Journal videos can be found at ; • The MAM Journals
The follow up video to this .. 1000 miles , can be found at • The MAM Journals- Is t... - Авто та транспорт
Now I understand why most new bikes are parallel twins. Thanks everyday is a school day
I've just got a yellow ball new for 1st March. Got a reg K900 followed by initials for it also. Accessories for it - kawasaki stencilled radiator grill in silver, grab rail and tank protector. Looks a lot better for the accessories. Getting used to the snatchy throttle with learned muscle memory, more each ride. No need for suspension adjustment for me, feels fine with factory settings. The bike is getting a lot of attention, particularly from kids. I wanted a Z1 in the seventees but couldn't afford one being a teenager. My wife bought me this one for my 64th birthday. Good so far !
hey Steve just brought one where did you buy accessories
@@antzw just from the shop where I bought the bike, got a deal because I bought the bike there, they are oem parts.
Try the G2 throttle tamer tube, it does help compared to stock.
Get it flashed, smooths out the throttle.
I think the "faux-fins" really enhance the look of the bike's engine, rather than the somewhat sterile appearance of most modern water-cooled motorcycles. This is a real beauty, indeed. Thanks for showing it!
Now for 2024 there’s the green and yellow of the original you pictured !
Only thing that bothers me is the absence of a quick shifter, otherwise the best Retro I know of.
I'd pretty much decided I wanted an SE, however having now been into the dealer & seen the standard bike with green 'yellow ball' (which seems more true to the original paint) I think I've changed my mind. That metallic green is just gorgeous and, nice as they are, I can do without the Ohlins, Brembo & gold wheels. If I'm really honest with myself 😂
Enjoyed the vid thanks 👍🏻
Have fun on your RS . I think the colour you have chosen looks great 👍
Hi Michael. She who cracks the whip namely her indoors has gone to bed thus leaving me in peace to watch and digest your video at last. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience of your new yellow ball. Loved the part where you mentioned that you first came across a yellow ball in 1973 in Stamford I was only 12 years old back then but spent lots of time in Stamford staying with my Aunty so I have this wonderful vision of you looking at one of the original Z1 machines of the day. It’s great to see that Kawasaki are still in the market for doing their best for those of us who prefer the naked retro machines but for how much longer who knows for sure. Thanks again for your commentary and the fella filming the video. As you say drive safe and stay well. 😉🏍️👍
This colour combination (black and gold) is the best BY FAR
I really liked my jaffa but the yellow ball tempted me to change . Very pleased with it 👍
No. Jaffa ! 😁
@@davidevelyn530 😂
I love mine. I added a Brocks pipe and ECU tune and now she’s putting down over 100 hp to the rear wheel and that is plenty for me.
Best review on You Tube. Thanks Michael. Now if I wasn’t recovering from surgery, I’d be going for a ride.
Get well soon . Better weather on it’s way 👍
As a new rider it’s great to hear what the specs actually mean example changing the suspension and which way does what. Much appreciated. Thanks
Very nicely presented and good info on running-in. I just got my black and gold 2023 Café last week, and I am loving it to bits. Cheers from Brazil.
Well I freaking love my Z900RS non-SE …… so I can only imagine that the SE is “special” with its gold and shiny upgraded bits! ☮️⭐️
I've got to say, I'd never heard of your channel before I started researching this bike. Good content, and I just love how enthusiastic you are about this bike. There's nothing like the motorcycle that got us into the game to begin with.
Thanks Patrick . It’s a great tribute bike but with brakes , a chassis and a lot more power than the bike it reflects 😂
Magnificent bike..I missed out on this bike last year, so hoping for a re release this year! Thanks for a great video..
Sadly i watched uour video and it cost me £13,149 and im having it tomorrow 😊 your doing some great videos keep up the excellent work .
😂 Is sorry any good ?
Have fun . Great bikes 👍
Was but one amazing Parallel twin in my life. How I loved my TX 500 in metallic grey and the gorgeous polished factory side covers and handling that actually handled!!!! LOL.
I put a marble with a piece of baling wire on either side in the air line that steals air from your air box when you let off the throttle. That is the emissions thing that makes the throttle so “snatchy”. It’s very easy to do and the bike rides like a dream now.
really good video, really well put together enjoyed it ... thanks
Excellent video , I’m 200 miles in on my SE too . Funnily enough I’m on my second rs too , I traded in my late 2019 candy tone green for this one . I like everything about them , the looks . Sound and they fit me well . Every time I get off my rs I say to myself I like that bike lol. Anyone who knocks them hasn’t owned one in my eyes
I like them . We are all different - which is good- but one of best all rounders in the market and a great retro ..IMO😂
Excelent review! Like you I want to relive nostalgia, in my case the candy blue one as I had a Z1000 in that colour back in the 1980s.
I think it adds to the fun if there is some sort of emotional link …
I bought a new Suzuki in February 2022. While I was at the dealers, I spent a lot of time looking at the Z900 RS, as it's a bike that I admire, greatly. The Candy Tone blue version, with the gold stripe, looked absolutely stunning. And, if ever there was a bike that felt right for me-the Z900 RS was it-it felt really comfortable, just right. The only thing that put me off was the price, when you consider all the other bikes you could buy for roughly the same money. I still love the bike, and maybe I'll get one in future, but it'll probably be a tidy low-mileage second-hand one, though.
I love my 2018 Jaffa.. great video for the se detail 😊
Stunning looks
Amazing bike and amazingly informative review 👍🙂
Thank you Kenneth 👍
Lovely looking machine Michael I am envious :)
Hi there great video, I had a similar experience in 1973 I saw the original one and was going to trade my 650 bonneville for it,but got married instead....Doh! So my now wife bought me the se yellow ball for my 70th birthday last year, and I think its brilliant, thank for a great video, keep up the good work, will subscribe, many thanks from SHAKIE.
It should be noted that with the Brembo calipers they also included braided steel lines and a radial master.
Beautiful bike. Rode a friend's base version RS a few years ago. Really nice. It's also a rare one that can take a main stand. Wish my Duc SS had that option.
Great review... beautiful bike... cheers from New Zealand..👍
Thank you . Promised update is launched on the 15th of September 👍
Great video. I have the same bike. It's truly great in many aspects. It would be helpful if you could produce a vid on suspension set, how to. I have not adjusted from stock but would like some direction in how to customise to riding style etc. Thanks
I have never test-ridded any bike I've bought. And I've never been disappointed. Beautiful bike, but I just about prefer the CB1000R. It's the chrome on the Kawasaki that I don't like, especially the handlebars. Your expanation of your running-in procedure is very clear and interesting.
Very thorough review as always Michael. I think you like this one! lol Old school looks with modern pizzazz fits us gentlemen of a certain age very well. Spring is on the way here so here's to the open road and gentile breezes friend!!!!!
Yes . I do like it . Fun to ride and good to look at . Heated grips were a god send ..😂
Very Well done review 😀👍
The build quality seems outstanding 👍 🇩🇰
They are not perfect - some of the electrical connectors are a bit exposed but the paintwork is very good . 👍
Looks great. Very handsome bike.
Thanks for the review. Ever since I saw one of these I’ve lusted after one. Finally had the chance to get one in Australia this year as they are finally brining some more in. Suspension setup is a very individual thing. Single most important variable is weight and that is where preload comes in (to set sag and ride height). Then there is riding style and the types of road ridden on. A black art for sure!
Great bikes .
Agree completely on suspension . I made a video in its own right which includes the important of ride height and sag . The setting discussed in this video are a base set up , which is very different from Kawasaki’s . Personal adjustments are critical , which is what you imply 👍
@@michaelmam thanks, will check it out. I really appreciate the detail you go into on your videos. Can’t wait to get my SE.
Nice Rolex!! 🤩 great bike review thank you!
Great video as always Michael. Obviously interested to hear your opinion once the suspenders have had a chance to bed in properly. Catch up soon... cheers
Thank you Chris . Great to hear from you .
Interesting views on running in, on a recent tour of the triumph factory our guide told us engines require no running in.... BUT everything else does brakes, tyres and suspension.
Great video great bike.
Yes , there are lots of differing views on running in …. 👍
Great intro, Michael - looking forward to your follow-ups on it.
I'm tempted to install the upgraded fork cartridges into my 2020, and possibly the springs also. According to the parts diagrams those are the only internal differences. Fork oil viscosity and height, I'm not sure.
Glad you enjoyed it Ricky .Part 2 comes out on the 15th of September 👍
Beautiful bike.
Love my 2018 RS though I wish it had cruise control. Partly because it's so comfy to cruise on!
Hi, great video, I have the standard Z900RS in the Jaffa livery, I bought it new 4 years ago, I haven't made any changes to the Suspension, it's still set up as it left the dealer, I am thinking of changing the Header pipes & having it mapped, it's now 25k miles, this one's a keeper.
Just finished recording my follow up video to this .. “1000 miles” and it will be the first in the next series, starting the middle of September . Great bikes . Header , plus cat, and mapping would certainly let the bike breath and if you are bothered by a snatchy throttle , smooth that out . Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
I have a 2021. Your bike is beautiful. I have the Root Beer. ❤from the Great State of Texas
Marvellous bike & video! Am looking forward to the 1,000 mile update for suspension tips etc. Question:- What on earth is that gizmo dealy type thing you have mounted mid handlebar (has 4 buttons / tiny screen)??
That is my remote control for the Go-Pro .. Glad you like enjoyed the video . Thanks for watching and commenting ..
Great video thank you
Super review
Thank you Peter . Glad you enjoyed it..
It’s a pretty bike. The first bike I fell in love with for looks and sound was a Ducati Darmah (unfortunately not mine) and this has somewhat similar styling. I guess it’s of that era and Kawasaki have certainly nailed the looks on this.
This is one bike I'd buy for sure!
It is a nice bike . Easy to ride and goes well ..👍
Lovely motorcycle, congratulations!
Glad you like it!
As a motorbike and watch lover I couldn’t help noticing your nice sub👍
😂 I like nicely engineered things .. bikes , watches , pens , tools ..
How can a motorbike wear a watch?
I have one, stunning to see. I also did not test ride before purchase, I have owned many Kawasaki motorcycles and always have been pleased. I have installed heated grips, do not waste your money on stock heated grips they suck and are expensive. I have also had ECU by Ivan and Im upside down about this. Hard stating after riding, dose not seem to fuel up right. I have to send back as throttle was still very jumpy hard to ride two up. The only complaints are no self canceling turn singles and maybe cruise control. TIRES SUCK, I have 1200 miles on mine.purchased in November. Absolutely love the motor, sound and suspension a real peach of a bike.
That was very nicely presented. Straight to the point & factual, with none of the usual BS, as seen elsewhere. Thank you.
Love that Yellow Ball. Couldn't quite afford one & none available when I bought my standard RS. Enjoy your summer on that beauty...
Thank you Steve . Glad you enjoyed it . Looking forward to putting some miles on it soon 👍
The only thing I don’t like with the SE are the gold sleeves on the forks! Just put Ohlins on and do it properly!
Z900rs cafe. 2018 Greeny. And this Yellow Ball! Nice.!
Great Vid, thank you sir.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you !
Hello, your video of the RS SE is different from the others, and very interesting, thank you, and have a good trip.
Bonjour, votre vidéo de la RS SE est différente des autres, et très intéressante, merci, et bonne route.
Glad you enjoyed it . Thank you for commenting ! 👍
Nice bike. Agree that really the ICE as we know it is on its last ‘hurrah’. If you like a bike and it’s available now get it before it’s too late.
Great display of your lucky strike!! I was not so lucky here in the states. I did ,however snag a 50th Fireball in my search. Awww.
My question is the front fork actually a Japanese fork anodized gold or a real Ohlins?. I ask because I'm only 150 lbs and the rear shock is brutally stiff for cruising. I want to up grade to the Ohlins rear and want the valving and springs of the Yellow Ball spec. I hope to hear from you . Cheers old boy!
Hi Bert . I think the front forks are standard forks that have been anodised with different valving to match the rear Ohlins unit . Have fun 👍
Hi, great video and very informative. I have one on order and thinking of what bits to add. E.g. Rad guard, grab rail, paddock stand bobbins. Any thoughts? Cheers Russ.
Glad you enjoyed it Russell . Accessories are very personal and are influenced by how you plan to use the bike . Personally , so far I have gone for radiator guard , battery charge lead and heated grips . I need to get small paddock stand bobbins - but some prefer a main stand . I rarely carry a pillion , on the rs , so grab rails are not for me . Other popular accessories include front mudguard extender and rear wheel huggers ..
Enjoyed the video, I’m running in my SE and loving the bike. Gets a lot of attention at petrol stations. I will do an ECU remap after the first service, it lurches noticeably at higher revs, however smooth you try to be coming off throttle. That’s the only thing I’m not happy with. How long do you let the suspension settle in before making any adjustments?
Thanks for commenting Ben . Glad you enjoyed it .
Personally I plan to leave the suspension to about 800 - 1000 miles . Hopefully it will get a bit warmer by then and I will start to ask a bit more of it . If it feels quite a long way off now I would adjust it when YOU see fit ? Mine is close enough for me as standard to live with as a base set up ?
@@michaelmam thanks, it feels fine as standard to be honest but will adjust the sag at some point for my 90kg. It’s a great bike for taller/bigger people, look forward to more content 👍
I wish I had those gold wheels on my green 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R.
I have done a light hearted comparison between my RS and ZRX . It comes out on the 17th of the month…
Enjoy!
Good vids Sir Mam ..I Have a 22 rs .. thinking of changing the shock, did you say you have Nitrons on your 18 rs ?
This might help ? … ua-cam.com/video/_alW2UUvPZY/v-deo.html 👍
Great video and very much enjoy your presentation style. Could you do a comparison video between the ZRX1200 and the Z900RS SE as they are Kawasaki’s pinnacle neo retro bikes of their respective eras?
Interesting idea ! Thank you ..
@@michaelmam My money is on the ZRX1200.
Very similar performance but quite different strengths . I like both . Video might be a good idea as it will force me to think it through objectively 😂
I want the zrx1200 daeg to come over here already!
I bought my Z900RS in 2021. Candytone Green was the colour that did it for me. Like you I just can't resist the look back over the shoulder when leaving the bike. On the mattter of running in. I remember one particular video of the many I trawled .through and watched in that frustrating period between leaving the deposit and picking up the bike where a new owner said that his intention was to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the running in period and 'then ride it like I stole it'. Not the best advice perhaps but certainly the most memorable! Just one point. I'm curious as to what that small device mounted on the handle bars just below the clocks is? Great video as usual. Thanks.
Good to hear from you ! Yes , the ride it like I stole it approach is more common than some realise but unusual to be combined with the more conservative factory approach 😂. Personally I like to build up to it ..
The little box is the remote control for my Go Pro camera . 👍
@@michaelmam Ah! Thanks for that. I had feared I might be missing out on something.😂
@@rochmel1409 😂.. you are . Just not that..
@@michaelmam 😂😂
I have a naked bike and a sportbike, and have just enough garage room for a third, a modern retro, which I think forms the perfect trifecta. Going back and forth between the Z900RS and a Speed Twin. I worry that the RS is more naked than retro (compared to the Triumph), but I hear the RS fits taller riders better…at 6’1”, that’s important. I have both dealers near me, I’m not too concerned about the twin vs 4-cyl…so fit may turn out to be the deciding factor. But I am a Triumph fan and already have a Kawasaki, so… Ultimately, there’s no bad choice, I suppose.
Good to hear from you!👍👍 There is a link to my comparison with a triumph Thruxton in the description above . It will give you a view? As you suggest . What a nice problem to have!
I'm in the same predicament. Just sold my Fireblade and want something more classic now (I still have another sports/track bike). I was all over the Thruxton, but not sure I want to spend that, so now its split between a Z900RS (maybe SE if I can get one) and a Speed Twin. At 5' 8" I think the RS may be on the limit and the extra height of the SE may be a bridge too far. @pbofan what did you go for in the end?
@@Smeeheeee A lot of shorter riders manage the Z easily . The low seat option really helps .
@@michaelmam I was wondering about that, but I'm wondering if it will substantially impact the comfort. Anyway, my local dealer is going to call Kawasaki to see if they have any SE's available, so I'll probably test ride the standard one and see what happens. Cheers.
BTW I am not 'shorter', but the other folks are 'taller' 😁
Good info on this machine , nice , been thinking about the Candy Green / Yellow to match as close as possible to My Z1A. cheers Gary
The green / yellow looks great . 👍
Great video! Would you say it would work as a first bike? I'm decent in size (about 15 stones/100kg) so I don't think it to be too heavy, more thinking of the power. However as I've understood these bikes aren't as crazy as lets say a MT-09 Yamaha os similar..? Also, since these are expensive, very so as a matter of fact, here in Sweden the few there are for sale is 11,500 pounds. Thanks for a nice video!
Glad you enjoyed it . Personally I came up through the UK system and , at that time , we all had to pass our test on 250 cc bikes . Annoying as it was , it probably saved some .
I do think it possible to learn on much bigger bikes ( some in the states learn on Hayabusa😅) but it depends on your road experience and character ? 109 bhp is quite a lot of power to learn on , unless you take it very steady initially ? It is an easy bike to ride and for most people easy to manoeuvre at low speeds … have fun . Be careful !
@@michaelmam In Australia my first road bike on Learner plates was a Honda K3 750 aged 18 in 1977. Three years later I bought a Kawasaki Z1000 after 2 1/2 years on full licence "unlimited class". Now aged 64 years young I purchased a Yamaha MT-10 2 months ago and am loving it! Good channel. Subscribed from down under.
@@michaelmam Thanks! In sweden you can go up to the bigger bikes at age 24 or two years of driving (bike).
I've always loved the retro-styled bikes in favor of the mor futuristic naked bikes and it was the Bonneville that made it for me. Which might be a more sutable first bike, like the T120 but they are also not cheap, just not as expensive as this one, but I'm glad you're enjoying it!
@@michaelmam I’m a Fizzie kid, currently riding a 1250GS. It went 16 - Fizzie, 17 - KH250 and then 18 - GS750. I flung them all up the road or got knocked off them in those last of my teenage years. In the end I capitulated and got a Ford MkII Cortina and an SP370. Far safer.
To answer your reader’s thoughts on too powerful. The right wrist is controlled by the brain and the throttle goes both ways. However it took me until early 20’s to realise that girls weren’t impressed by wheelies or handbrake turns.
Oh to have that KH250:back again, the right blend of power, noise, smell and handling.
Great review and love the bike
@@PhilbyFavourites great to hear about your bikes ! SP370 .. always liked the look of those . Don’t see them around now ..
I like the yellow ball version. Is the shock different as well? I cant afford one so maybe an older 2017 standard 900 for me.
Yes different shock , front fork internals and brakes ..
The catalytic pervertor on the SE is twice the length of the 2018 Jaffa. (I own a 2018)
How is the stability, fueling and gear box? I had a 1981 CB900F and it had a death wobble approaching 120 mph. If you nerved your way through it would do 140 mph.
I had a CB900F2 .. The Z is stable throughout its range...Fueling and gearbox covered in the video?👍👍
he brought 2 of these bikes? Thats code for hes happy with them
I thought they fixed the snatchy throttle? My ‘24 SE feels fine, I don’t have much riding experience though.
Also on residual value I would suggest you get about 200-300% back as far as I can tell.
Some people have no concerns about the throttle . Others do . The bikes themselves may also vary a little . If you are happy with your bike , that is all that matters ?
No sure what you mean about the % ? 👍
I owned a 1978 Kawasaki 900. Felt like a 650cc compared to my 1983 V65 Magna.
Yes . Only 82 /3 bhp and heavy . Bikes progressed quickly in the early 80’s . I have had two 1977 Z1000s’ . I get criticised for saying so but they both handled like shopping trolleys ..
@@michaelmam On public roads and with stock suspension etc they were basically point and shoot for us back then and we more or less accepted this. I was allowed to ride a mate's TZ750A in 1979 and at 157kg dry and "tweaked" to produce a tad over 100bhp it really blew my mind! I only got maybe a couple dozen laps in but it really showed what power to weight ratio meant in the real world. Cheers!
Nicely presented! A couple of follow on questions: What is the distance from seat to foot peg? What is the distance from foot peg to ground? Is the oil filter easy to remove and change the oil? Is cruise control , heated hand grips and center stand standard or optional? I noticed it didn't have a 90 degree valve stem, that is a shame.
How easy is to remove the seat and getting to the battery? Road 6s are great tires on almost any motorcycle. One more question what are the sprocket sizes?
Apologies for the delayed response. We were away touring . I will have a go at the questions for you ..
1. The top of the seat t o the top of the peg is c550 mm and with a total height of 845 mm my logic suggests that the top of the peg to the ground must be 295. My friend has the low seat option on his and the numbers are maybe 30mm lower ?
2. Cruise, heated grips and main stand are all options. I went for heated grips but prefer a paddock stand to a main stand.
3.Oil filter very easy to change - as long as the dealer hasn't over tightened it initially .
4. Seat is easy to remove - a twist of a key , and the battery easily accessible .
5. 15 front , 42 rear.
Hope this is useful...
What is Your Impression of the seat ?
Thank You for the evaluation and impression of the Z !!!
Cheers 🎉 Mate
Hi Brian . Both the standard and low seat are quite firm and take a little while to get used to /break in . Some buy custom seats like core, to improve immediate comfort . It also depends how much riding you do and how “bike fit” you are . In short , I wouldn’t let a seat put you off . I would be surprised if you couldn’t sort it with either time or a bit of money ?
Thank You Michael !! I began My riding career in 1970 and Loved the Original Z900 !!!
I So Appreciate the sincere insight into the seat as it is, and I will now begin the process of Finding a New Z …….. I look forward to Your update video content, on Your SE !!!!!
Tally Ho 🎉
Brian
Beautiful bike, i hope to get one myself in the next month or two. I did hear someone comment that the yellow ball came with braided brake lines so this may explain the different feel over the standard one. Are you still in love with it? 🙂
I really the like the Z900 rs as a bike . Loved the jaffa , love fhe yellow ball . Brembo brakes / different pads (?) and braided hoses do improve the brakes but I found the standard ok for what I did . I appear to be braking harder now though ..
@@michaelmam Great to hear, im sold 🙂. Not sure about different pads but the braided lines make a big difference, used to have them on my race car.
@@steveearnshaw720 I am not sure about the different pads either .. hence the question mark . Either way - really nice bike . Have fun 👍
Here in the States the chance to test ride a bike is limited to large manufacturers events with a demo truck. I have been very disappointed. I won’t go into details but terrible handling was the culprit. I sold it before break in mileage was complete. I swear this Triumph had a bent frame. Then found out they had an offset motor and wheels that caused this pull to one side.
Truimph?
@@michaelmam aka bent frame 900 Scrambler. I had purchased it due to its looks of my on Bonni I had.
Does yours not have Brembo stamped ob the front discs? I could have sworn I saw it on the 22 SE front discs.
Thanks for watching and commenting . My front discs are stamped Fujico but have a small red Brembo emblem too. Not absolutely sure who makes them but they are different to the standard bikes , hence my comment. As you probably know you can't mix and match the standard brakes and these👍👍
@@michaelmam that's interesting. 👌
I would like to see a smaller size radiator that's deeper to makeup for shrinking it.
The best way to overcome the low rev snatchiness on Euro 5 bikes is to fit a BoosterPlug for £100. The warranty of bike will not be affected.
Do they actually do anything? I just sent one back for refund that did nothing at all to reduce my Suzuki's light throttle jerkiness... they tested it and said it checked out fine.
@@HaggisPower That's interesting. All the independent reviews I've seen were very positive. Maybe some models are less susceptible to richening the mixture under open throttle.
Wrong, best way is to get it flashed!
@@absolute.freedom Although bye bye to the guarantee on a new bike. ☹
@@richardsutton01 why would that be? Are you going to tell the dealer, you think they'd somehow know? All it does it fixed the fuel mapping. Don't be scared.
I'm still torn over mine. I still don't know if it's just too lairy or not, and I think the RS's in general are overpriced (though no more so for the SE over the standard). Add to that all the usual expenditure, I'm not so much having buyer's remorse as buyers guilt :-).. Some good tips on running in bikes.
I take the view that I plan to ride and enjoy the bikes whilst I can . Time flies and we are not here long . It is Lairy 😂
@@michaelmam True Michael, true!
Is this particular model Z900RS SE available in USA?
I think so ! Definitely available in Canada ..
Why do you call the 900 rs a jaffer? I’m in the US and a trying to learn terminology from other parts of the world .
Love the channel
In the seventies, a popular biscuit in the Uk was a dark chocolate and orange jam filled mini cake . They were called Jaffa cakes. 👍
Can't remember my wife's birthday but I will remember this fact forever.
@@colingulbrandsen6359 😂
I'll add my two cents...
Jaffa cakes were, as mentioned, orange flavoured, after the Jaffa orange. This variaty of orange happens to be seedless which lead to the slang term "Jaffa"
(a light-hearted derogatory term) for a man who "was firing blanks" or let's say, had defective semen.
Happy days. Anyway, a terrific bike and hope to get an s.e. version soon.
Cheers.
Needed to know how may feet would center up on the bike. It's like riding a horse,not a ninja. Thanks.
It's a handsome bike, for sure. I wonder if you'll get it rolling roaded and maybe fit a freeflowing air filter and pipe, post warranty ? I did that to my Suzuki V twin together with a Power Commander and a TRE. It was done when the weather was cold but the new map was found to be too lean off idle when summer arrived, causing the bike to lunge more vehemently than an illegal immigrant towards a four star hotel. Had to be richened up for up to one fifth throttle and has been fine thereafter, with none of the awful fluffiness it had when it left the factory, and the fuel economy actually improved a fair bit.
so after a while would you think the se is worth the money? is it as comfortable as a standard or stiffer?
I like the SE specification and colour scheme so it definitely works for me 👍. I don’t find it too firm but its is a long time since I have written a standard one .
@@michaelmam It's my main concert tbh, have a bad back so definitely don't want a too stiff bike. Love the colours though and the up-spec. I am lucky to have either an SE or 50th anniv at the dealer to choose from
@@lapinobel both good bikes . The SE is not “racetrack” hard and many wouldn’t feel much difference ? The SE has significantly more adjustment so easy to set to “plush” if that is how you like your bikes ? The 50th is a much scarcer bike and some enjoy that . Not many about . The forums joke that the SE is , as they say in the UK , “as common as muck” .. I prefer “popular” 😂
I would love one of these bikes but I’m afraid it’s just too tall for my 29” inseam. I need to put my feet solidly on the ground when I stop.
I am 29.5 and bought a low seat . It works well for me . Took a couple of hundred miles to soften up but comfortable now ..
@@michaelmam maybe I could make that work. I other thing I would need is a windscreen. I would love a quick attach / detach model like I had on my Yamaha Roadliner. Best of both worlds for the type of riding you are doing that day.
@@lancelemay6971A windscreen wouldn’t be for me but we are all different . If it works for you , that is all that matters 👍
When is the next update coming?
I plan to cover it in a Z900 v ZRX comparison later this summer 👍
It's a lovely bike, I went onto Kawasaki's web site and I saw the price then clicked off, that would take me 14 years to be able to buy one, prices of bikes are ridiculous.
Where in the world are you Stephen ? Here in the UK they are just over 30 % of an average annual salary ..
C02 is plant food and is needed for trees, grass and all that is green to grow. All the earth's deserts are getting smaller because of good C02 levels!
Truth!
😂 and we have a winner in the "Oversimplification of Impacts", "Bumper-Sticker Level Logic" category.
@@rogerdittus2952
Says a pseudo-intellectual who has no valid counterpoint; and so, resorts to insults.
I think you are projecting.
@@toddmichaels42 ok, apologies for my snark. But papers I've seen about CO2 fertilization conclude that soil moisture declines, alpine health declines, loss of crop calories are also happening along with dessert greening. Not a smart trade especially with the host of other negatives coming our way. NASA, for one, has good information on this topic.
Ride safe.
@@rogerdittus2952
Thank you for the apology. I may have been a bit snarky, as well. So, my apologies.
I actually read the study that was touted as showing CO2 drives temperatures, just after it was published. The one all the scientists supposedly agreed on. Spoiler alert: Maybe half?
The study actually showed the opposite of that claim. As temperature drove CO2 levels... and even more damning to the narrative is Temps lagged approximately 800 years behind.
I would ask that you read the actual study, for yourself. That is my advise. That same question keeping you from reading it for yourself will he the same question you ask yourself after you read it... "Why would they lie about this? And so blatantly?"
You still trust NASA? Good luck with that. I heard the opposite... with higher crop yields. Also, "desert greening" is plants growing in, largely sand, is it not. Until decomposition, etc... brings more nutrients, won't the calories, et al be diminished? Food for thought, I guess... sorry for the pun :-)
Hope you have a great riding season. Peace.
A nice, powerful UJM?
Maybe a bit more than that ? The Retro styling gives it more of a distinct character .
My 2 cents worth if I may? One positive is that these are 100% Made in Japan hence the premium price. And that's totally fair IMHO. Have Kawasaki "nailed" it with these as a 70's Z1? Almost. They simply had to have put four pipes on it and old world looking but high tech spoked wheels and I reckon I would have bought one. These do look nice and I love that they kept down the state of tune but even the missus said they don't look genuine enough to part with the dollars. This is just our take on it. No offence but that said they absolutely trump the Royal Enfields and Triumphs and BSA's.....
Always good to hear different views . The modern Z900RS is a very capable bike that goes , stops and handles far better than the bike it is a tribute to. Personally I think the Z 1 was a better looking bike with its sweeping lines and long wheelbase .
@@michaelmam Oh I agree with your comments entirely. I'll back peddle a bit here by admitting that yes the Z900rs is a stunner.
Ride 1.
@@johndallas9333 I could but I just bought a 2023 MT-10. Cheers.
In my opinion, with the water cooling they will never look genuine. To that end I appreciate that the design embraces the retro modern theme. Retro styling on modern running gear. This bike just would not be the same with twin rear shocks and an air cooled engine.
Kawasaki makes the W800, granted it's based on a 60s esthetic. Still, having the Z900RS designed like that would end up somewhat redundant in their lineup.
I don't care for how high the rear fender is over the rear tire.
A lot of owners fit the short ones ( tail tidies) but you do get more spray up your back if you ride in the rain. Personally I like it standard as is replicates the style of the original bike but looks are very subjective 👍
@@michaelmam I think he means the actual painted fender and not the mud guard. I believe a tail tidy would make it look higher yet if he doesn’t like the look of it stock.
I installed a tail tidy on my Z650 but think they did an excellent job on the the Z900RS and feel no need for one on my 50th Anniversary edition.
Nice bike....great effort from Kawasaki....but put in next to the real thing and it looks a bit odd to my eyes.....Great Channel.
The original is to my mind , the iconic , stylish “looker” . The modern bike is aesthetically a little “stubby and squashed “ but not surprisingly a far better bike to ride than either my 77 Z 1000 A1 ever were ..
@@michaelmam I have ridden 2 versions and much prefer the original...that big heavy crank makes for a nicer road engine in my opinion....too buzzy for me lol.
I have noticed that too but between them there are 50 years of evolution. Probably a lot has to do with ergonomics and safety. We should not forget that many parts of this bike comes from a contemporary bike designed close to the end of last decade.
@@42much1 Engine , frame , suspension , brake and tyre technology has come a long way in 50 years . I love the looks of the original but definitely prefer riding the modern bike. I completely respect that others may have a different view.👍
that looks the dogs
😂😂
To use an old retro phrase... What a buck snorter that is!!!!?
It always looks cold, grey, and dank in that miserable country.
Not conducive for motorcycling, that's for sure.
I also have been told they throw 'salt' all over the roads in that God forsaken place.
That's certainly not good for any motorcycle.
Just overall, miserable.
No wonder the UK people have a reputation of being whingers.
Nice bike, by the way. 🙂
😂.. the rain is warmer in the summer 👍
The only one whinging here is you.
Chill!
You sound like you would fit right in over there.
You’re overqualified.
The gold wheels are the epitome of tat in my opinion. I would be embarrassed to be seen on this being fest of a bike. Pity really 😕
😂 not to everyone’s taste ..
Jealousy is a cruel mistress.
@@stevezodiac491 I bow to your superior knowledge.
@@paulupton5557 very wise.
@@stevezodiac491 I relish any opportunity to be sarcastic. Thank you for this opportunity.