Better than a Speed Twin? 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Review Revisited 4K
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Better than a Speed Twin? 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Review Revisited: I last rode the Z900RS some 4 years ago and at the time was mightily impressed with the bike. Since then I purchased a Triumph Speed Twin but in my mind I've always wondered whether the Z900RS would have been a better option, in this video I ponder that thought some more....
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It has been 4 years since I got my Z900RS...your video at the time helped me make that decision. It is my daily commuter, weekend tourer, and an occasional hooligan when the mood strikes me. I still smile every time I open my garage door.
Nice one Michael!
It's a bike that makes u feel good
Every time I get on it 🧝⚡🏴☠️🌴🌟🪶🧚
Hi Andy. Looks like, as of a couple of days ago, they're back in full production of the Z900RS SE version. They're taking pr-orders now, for delivery end of September in UK. Price has crept upto £13k though. It's not a green version, though that was the regular model, it's the metallic black and yellow "Yellowball" paint scheme from the old z1. Also, looks like you had the scooped out lowered seat option Mate.
I really hope September is realistic, however, I'm aware that many 2012 orders are yet to be delivered, so they will obviously prioritise those customers. My local Kawasaki dealer has advised (read...warned) me that it could be 2nd quarter 2023 before I get my hands on one.
@@nickthurston2299 yes I've been told pretty much that as well, bikes have come into stock for the 2022 pre-orders as of this week so it may well be 2023 but then again that would work for me as September/ October bikes get less ridden as head into autumn.
Yes, I was about to point out the low seat.
I lowered the front suspension hardened back sospensione thhe bike responds better. I would improve the gearbox
I wonder if the SE version is only available in black and yellow to steal a few sales away from Honda with their Hornet 750 model coming soon. I know that just because it's called "Hornet" doesn't mean it'll be available in black and yellow, but it would be a little odd not to offer this colour option.
One thing Kawasaki kept very retro pure is the air induction sound. This bike sounds just like my 1977 Z1000. I could tell whenever a Kawasaki drove by without ever looking, the sound. Kudos Kawasaki. Thanks for the blast from my past, would love to get my hands on one of these 900s.
Like you, I have a Speed Twin. Is the Z900RS different enough to have both in the garage?
Well that’s the issue….
@Rocketman Do It... 😎 😁
Andy, this review could not be timelier for me! I saw a green one in a dealer showroom two weeks ago, and I can't get it out of my mind! I'm seriously considering replacing my BMW R1200RT with the Z900. I love retro bikes and this one is clicking all the boxes for me!
Good morning England 🏴 👋👋👋 from Canada 🇨🇦
Good Morning Canada from a very tired England! 🍁❤️
Good morning! Are you on a late Friday night or very early Saturday morning?
Good evening Canada from New Zealand
@@FrankFurther good morning to you all in Canada 🍁 from a very hot south coast of England 🏴
Good morning Canada 🍁 from a vert hot south coast of England 🏴
What is point of a retro bike? For me it is bringing back memories of 'my' youth. Like the Raleigh Chopper I never got because my dad couldn't afford one, or the Kawasaki 900 Z1 other lads had, who were a bit older and had more money at the time, that 'I' lusted over in my youth. I am 64 and the Kawasaki 900 Z1 was part of my nostalgia of a time I can remember. Retro bikes like from Royal Enfield, Triumph, Norton etc. were all bikes that were before my time and I am getting on a bit, so to speak and are not in the realm of 'my' experience. That is why, this time, I have put a deposit down on a new Z900RSSE in yellow ball as my retro bike, to complement my Honda sports bike. It is getting the kawasaki rad silver grill cover and the grab bars as well to add to it's look. I have even managed to get a reg plate with K900 following with my initials for it, can't wait.
I have owned the green one for a year and a half. It looks great sounds great and the roll on power is available in almost every gear at every speed. Amazing torque and power. I have never ridden a speed twin but of the 12 bikes I have owned. This is the best one.
There were 2 green versions. A green with yellow/gold stripes and a later darker met green with silver stripes. Both look great.
I had a go on the cafe racer variant when my bike was in for a service (shout out to P&H motorcycles!) and really enjoyed the engine. The position was horrible on that variant of the bike, but the bike as whole...wow! I needed something with more faring for commuting, but for a fun bike I can't imagine it gets much better than this.
Your first review was a catalyst causing me to buy my Zrs over 3 years ago, since then I’ve put 62,000 km on it and still love it every time I ride it.
Cool!
Its not very often a stock bike looks great straight out of the crate, but the 900Rs really does! I always have to personalise my bikes, and tinker, but theres not much i would change on this. Sounds glorious too. 👌
Yes agreed all round!
i have one for a year now and the sound is perfect for me. the bike still grows on me, i like it more and more.
Have a Z900RS is my garage for two months now. Best bike ever owned! Great review!
Personally I think a coffin style brake reservoir would have looked much nicer, that thing they put on there looks really odd jutting out the front of the bike! and I wish they could have made the front radiator a bit smaller, you can see the cap from a seated position! bloody awesome bike though all the same 😁
Agreed!
It’s pai full on the eyes that break reservoir. I replaced it with one from Rizoma
Not that I'm in the market to buy a motorbike, but having owned a Z9 in the late 1970's, I find the front half of this new model excellent, until one gets to the seat. It's too high, sticks too far up in the air, obviously to appease the modern trend for bike-ugliness, and is simply too small, if you want a pillion passenger.
The original Kawasaki 900s had a big, comfortable seat, on the same level for rider and pillion, and it was also big enough to strap some luggage onto.
The Kawasaki 900 was a great all-rounder, easy around the city, effortless and comfortable if you had a passenger, and ideally suited for long-distance rides.
Mine also had a small fairing, which also made things more comfortable.
Bike constructors these days tend to forget about practicalities. The bikes are too specialized for a particular market, and lack the versatility they once had.
The best modern retro style bike i have ever had. Awesome 4 cylinder engine and a brilliant all rounder. I binned the Dunlops it came with (19 plate) after 700 miles and put Road Pilot 5's on, what a difference they made to the handling.
Always bin the dunlops, unless you never ride in the rain or like to spice up your wet weather riding.
Did the same & totally agree! Transforms the ride & handling! 👍
Any chance of one of your indepth reviews of a Yamaha XSR900 before you buy an Z900RS? The Z900 super naked has a metal front brake reservoir.
Unlikely - I’m not a fan of the looks of the xsr tbh
Yellowball all the way. Been watching these since they appeared. Great looks.
Owned a Z900RS for 18mths. Loved the hooligan nature of it, although the 1st gear was very short. Often set off in 2nd to get a less jerky, chilled start (however, not able to engage 2nd from neutral when stationary). Many forums suggest changing the front cog for one with an extra tooth.
Recently tried to buy another Z900, but they had gone up so much I bought a 2nd hand Thruxton instead - must say I prefer the more laid back delivery & twin torque (must be getting old).
I've had my candytone blue one for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it. I was comparing it with the speed twin before buying and this one just put a bigger grin on my face. It still does. Definitely a keeper. 👌🏼
Cool…
A wonderful machine. How long can you resist on the seat?
1200 twin vs 948 in-line 4...
How different is the experience in reality?
I'm genuinely torn between the 2 bikes. Something swaying me towards the twin is that TTS performance offer a supercharger kit for it. A bit expensive but not ridiculous. It's nice and neat too. Makes me wonder why Kawasaki opted for a steel trellis frame for their H2 models!? The supercharger kit for a Fireblade or Hayabusa don't require a new frame.
@@RRRRefuelRideRace the firm (but wide) seat is actually not that bad on long rides.
Did a few 500-700 km stints, my backside rather liked it better than a cozy GW sofa 😊
@@kwakithailand This is impressive if it is so. :) Thanks for sharing it. You can check my content if you feel so.
I have the 2021 and I absolutely love it. It does everything, I have toured on it, can scratch it on a Sunday with the lads on their Bandits and can commute year round. The fun zone is 6-8.5k revs where it will scream like any other il-4, you don't appear to want to explore that on your video or maybe you edit it in order to keep your licence. It's a keeper, so much so it has a private reg plate which is the first in over 30 years of road bikes.
He's a tad timid.
@@TK-cl1jm When the camera is off, the fun starts.
TMF is not exactly a sportive rider. Rarely goes past 5k RPM on his rides, which is unfortunate.
@@sv650nyc7 To be fair, if I was filming for YT and had 232,000 subscribers, I don't think I'd use all the performance until the incriminating camera was switched off. Andy's not daft!
I absolutely love the Z900RS one question I have is, you said the seat seems a little hard, to me it looks like it has the low seat option on it. Could be the camera but looks like it compared to others I've seen.
Definitely the low seat
I think so too
Yep it's definitely the lower seat version. I bought the lower seat as I have short legs, but am back using the normal seat now as it's more comfortable to sit on and looks better.
Up until this morning, I was 100% set on the Triumph Speed Twin 1200, but the more I see the z900, especially the Café, the more I feel the Mad Max vibe that I've always craved. After 40 years of Harleys, I'm so done, it's not funny.
Yes I would live to have one in the garage. The original orange ish color so close to the Z1 original. I was in that generation. Several buds had one and we terrorized San Diego winding these things up on the southern Ca roads In 1976.
It does wonders for nostalgia. I had a 70s Z1 in the eighties.
They've done a great job on the looks . I just wish it had twin shocks to complete the package . But overall it's a great modern take on a classic .
Peace and love brother ✌️ 💚
I agree completely. I do love mine, but would vastly prefer dual shocks.
Kawasaki did a good job on this bike. By far the best looking of all the retros. Certainty much better than the horrible Katana offering from Suzuki
Very true!
Nice review Andy, looking at your collection, personally I'd trade the Triumph in for the Kawasaki in a heartbeat. After all, you've got a parallel twin in the Enfield.
Listening to your review, I think you've come to the same conclusion??😁😁
Hi Andy.
Great review as always. I truly believe that the this and the 650 version is easily in the top 3 best looking retro bikes and possible top 10 of any bikes. Stunning fit and finish
I'm also surprised they didn't put the famous 1043cc in this and call it a z1. Would of been some machine.
Yep, the new Z1000 engine would be a good fit, indeed, mate 👍
However, wasn't the original Z1 a 900something engine, though ?
My first road bike was the Z1R. Such a great engine and gearbox. Toured all over on it; commuted on it, the thing pulled like a train, massively reliable and handled surprisingly well with decent tyres on it. A straight-4 would be a good variation to your garage……there’s too many twins in it! Have a good weekend Andy!
straights are getting rare this days...its rainbows fault!
Spot on Steve. Just added another comment along the same line....
Talking of real world speeds, would be nice if you test it doing 20mph as we will be riding at that speed lots sortly with the new lowered limits.
It’s my favourite motorcycle that pushed me to go and get my motorcycle licence done. I will start my riding with CRF300L Rally and learn to ride but later on I have to have the Z900RS. It’s just perfect. Never ridden it but been to the shop and sat on it at least 10 times 😂
Excellent review , I had a test ride a on a Z900RS a couple of months ago and loved it ,you hit the nail on the head with your comments, its looks and sounds awesome , it isn't loaded with crazy electronics and rides beautifully , I decided I wanted a 22 model year SE version however as you pointed out they are all sold out which was a shame, I did read recently that a new SE version is on the cards in 2023 , if that is indeed true then I will getting my wallet out next spring.
Looking at the seat I think yours is the low seat which is 30mm lower than standard. The std seat is less cut out
I remember your review from 2018, I’d already bought my “Jaffa” and I made a comment. Still got the bike and still love it. It looks like the 2022 model has got rid of the bad throttle snatch on the earlier bikes as you don’t mention it. An ECU flash totally fixed mine. As you say, the candy tone colours are better even though they cost more. If you buy one, I’d get the Kawasaki genuine heated grips, centre stand, radiator guard and rear grab rail to make it the perfect bike.
Thanks for the tips!
Lovely looking bike, my one concern would be some kid pinching the radiator cap.
Kawasaki have done a tremendous job on the RS and RS-SE ,they've really captured the essence of the Z1 and made it more powerful and lighter than the original.
I have my 2020 model repainted in the original red/tan scheme and have put on 4into4 delkevic exhausts (needed a custom remap after) and the original style indicators. Everywhere I stop it gets attraction particularity from those who remember the original. It certainly has fooled a few.
Interesting to see that Kawasaki might have tweaked the mapping (12:20) on the bike for this year. Almost every review I've watched of the bike in the past say it's a great bike, but criticised the fuelling, saying the throttle was a bit snatchy, and a bit on/off. Most reviewers put it down to Euro 5, but, it looks like Kawasaki might have fixed that issue. Chopsy, said it was the only thing he didn't like about the bike back in September 2021, ua-cam.com/video/-Q9ZscF_52c/v-deo.html.
I've got a 650cc bike with an L-twin; I absolutely love the thing, and have no plans to sell it. But, in the future, I want to purchase either a new Kawasaki Z900RS, or a Speed Twin 1200. From when I was very young, I always lusted after and promised myself that one day I'd buy a Triumph Bonneville. But, then, I came across the Kawasaki Z900RS, and to quote John Lennon, it threw a 'Spaniard in the works'! When I was at my local dealer, I had a good look at the Kawasaki Z900RS, and thought it was so classy. The Candy Tone Blue with the gold stripe colourway was stunning, I just wish it came with gold wheels! The Metallic Dark Green was very nice, as well. I couldn't get a demo, but I've got to go back for a service, so I'll try again.
Some people criticise some inline-four motorbikes as being a bit bland at lower revs, but I don't think you could say that about the Kawasaki Z900RS, it sounds fantastic. I did all my training and passed my test on a Honda CB650R, and loved the bike. I love twins, but I wouldn't say no to a nice inline-four. Open one up, and you get that lovely four-cylinder howl! I also found the engine to be very refined, with less vibration. They also have a reputation as being very reliable, and if I was to go touring, I would definitely choose an inline-four, rather than a twin.
These RS’s are a lovely all round retro bike. I absolutely love mine. So much you can do to personalise to your own taste. Just go get one. You’ll definitely not regret it. All the things you say in your review are spot on. Well worth the money. Oh! The yellowball SE version that came into the country last year is coming back again this year, a shame really because those that bought one bought one for there exclusively. Kawasaki knows they will sell like hot cakes.
Gorgeous bike for sure! I had a Z1000 years ago and I still miss it. The only thing about this bike is the radiator. It seems Kawasaki could have streamlined it and painted it black or something to make it look better. Best!
The se version has the rad all blacked out and it looks better. You do not notice it as much.
Yes, yes and yes. You know you want one ;>) I'm totally biased here of course, my candytone blue one is a keeper for sure. It carries it's weight evenly, making it very likeable on the street. It just goes where you point it without fuss, or tantrum. And go it does, a quick blip is all that's required to exercise your excitement gland, but in a good way. And speaking of blips, rolling up to the lights, oh mama, just blipping down a couple of gears puts this incredible involuntary smile on your face. I looked at the SE variant too, and had the option to get one at the time I ordered mine, but as much as I would like to brag about having Ohlins and Brembo's, I think they do little to expand that raw feeling you get from riding one of these, especially on the street, around town, back roads etc, plus you can't get it in that oh so beautiful blue, so that was a deal breaker for me right there. Like any bike, if you want to push it hard, you will need better suspension and brakes designed for such purposes, but this is not the world this bike lives in. Lastly, as tempting as it is, and I have seen many folks succumb, trying to compare this to other bikes in some meaningful way, yields little, this bike is so emotive. This bike is such a one off in the pack, it's built almost like a factory custom and I highly doubt there will be another like it. I would say if it speaks to you, get one and enjoy the hell out of it :>)
Absolute winner in my book.Thanks.
Another great review. One question, is Kawaski making the out of solid lead? How on earth is this 25kg more than the XSR900?
XSR-900 over this, all day long
@@chirag4 well yes. And it costs about £1500 less with a better engine, less weight and more tech.
Did anyone read the small print ?😂
I’m not a fan of Triumph motorcycles. Here in Argentina it’s a luxury brand with no matching official service quality. On the other hand, retro is the type of motorcycle I like the most and Kawasaki Z900RS it’s definitely my favourite. But… it’s unaffordable: 31000 us dollars + registration+insurance, totally a no go. But if I had the money, no doubt, I would go for it.
Hi Andy.
Just to let you know that the bike you are riding has the lowered seat option, rear grab rail and centre stand. I know this as it’s my demo from the Leicester branch of Wheels Motorcycles.
You are welcome and thanks for the great review. Darren.
Cheers Darren!
Recently saw one parked next to the original Z900 which I thought looked much better. Its the frame and mono shock that spoil it for me. I'd rather have the Speed Twin.
I have an SE model on order and have found a manufacturer here in the UK that does a 4 into 4 retro exhaust. I think it will be the first thing I do when I get mine.
Cool Nick!
Nice looking bike. Looking for a commuter and this looks like an option. Would appreciate a screen of some sorts as I live in Melbourne Australia, where England sends all its bad weather.
Great review, had mine 18 months now. Had it decated using the stock silencer & a re flash. Amazing difference, gets rid of that annoying snatch which is the bike completely shutting off fuel on a closed throttle. A must do for any owner
same things I did and approaching 9k miles it gets better very day. Truly a daily commuter, longer distance tourer and hooligans' bike all in one!!!!
Just to satisfy my curiosity can I ask a question? When you pick up a long term test bike from somewhere do you travel there on one of your own bikes and leave it at the dealership for the duration or does Mrs Flyer give you a lift? If you take your own bike is it always the same one or one you know that you aren't going to want to use for a while? Sorry to be nosey but just wondered.
Usually the bikes are delivered to me….
Nearly bought one just before I got my Interceptor 650. Lovely bike. Thankfully my garage is full or otherwise....
Have a '22 Z900 and '22 Z900RS.candytone blue. Both excellent machines. Tons of torque, Go into a 15 mph corner and motor out in 4th. Both different, yet both have wonderful similarities. Definitely wouldn't trade the RS for a Speed Twin. They say 4 bangers don't have character. Come on. The guy saying it may not. But these beauties surely do.
Lovely bike but the edges on the radiator would look better if they were black. The silver edges highlight it’s presence. Not a deal breaker, I still want one.
Hi Andy, I have owned one for two years now and absolutely love it and would recommend one to anyone. Go on treat yourself.
To me it looks like another poor copy of an iconic machine.
Oh dear
Greetings, on the subject of Revisited how about a review of the Mt09 SP generation 3 ?? Just a thought.
Enjoy the summer all the best.
The RS SE would fit in retro wise in my garage with my Thruxton R and BMW R9T. Slightly different riding positions and riding experience while maintaining the styling I prefer.
Hi I have a new z900rs and changed the tyres straight away for Michelin road 6 makes it even better also I have the low seat aswell which is what you had on your review I put the standard seat on for long journeys its more comfortable mine is Candytone blue
Andy they are such a great looking bike for a retro i have always fancied one myself . i remember the original ones when i was growing up kawasaki have done a great job with the 900 RS but i think they have dropped a bollock with the 650RSthat should have been a four pot engine not a twin liked your review .you never know one day i might have one 57 now but never too old to enjoy biking 👍
I recently bought the 50th anniversary version of the Z900 RS and I absolutely love it. A bit like you I have quite a few bikes including a beloved GS, but I have to say the RS is the most fun bike I’ve had in long time. I can’t believe it’s over 200KG it certainly doesn’t feel like it.
Agreed - actually feels like a light bike….
In the same position as you. Have a speed twin. Had to originally choose between the twin and the z900. Chose the twin. Had the speed twin for 2 years now and have been thinking to trade in for a z900. Took a z900 out for a test ride and surprised myself in that I didn’t like it. The triumph has far more character. It’s much more fun to ride. So I walked away from the deal. Keeping the triumph. But still love the style on the z900.
Holy cow Jack. I made a very similar comment between the two rides back in 2019. Drove the two back to back one day, and to me, the Speed Twin just felt wayyyy better to ride as a whole. I enjoyed the looks of the Z900RS but the Speed Twin won me over. I still have it as well.
@@shaglioni Yeah I can see why you chose the twin. I had lusted after the z900rs since it came out, and was surprised by my reaction to it. I fully expected to love it. That's why we test ride though. lol
Love the bike but radiator is a but gaudy looking, too visible..I like my Triumph t120 radiator placement, tucked in and tidy..but still would like the Z900RS!
When I see this bike I remember my gpz900r ninja that i bought in 1991 ...my first "big bike" it was a wonderful machine...
Do they still insist in 2022 not offering (even as an option) a bi-directional quickshifter on a $12K motorcycle (before stealership fees and market price adjustment) ?
CHEAP BASTARDS. 😒👎💩
Thinking right now in the Spring to sell my HD Street Bob and go with this (had a KZ750 LTD for years) or ironically a Speed Twin 1200. I think I need to ride both. Thank you! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous if only it had the same exhaust as the Z1.
Delkevic do a four into four stainless steel exhaust system for the Z900RS! Looks like the original Z1 version & sounds great if you have £1,700 to spare? UA-cam video from Delkevic is interesting!
The Z900rs is an eye-catcher from the day it came out. Wonderful bike. Keep up.
Regarding needing more garage space….. I used to subscribe to “Hoovie’s Garage,” and he rented space for his cars from someone who had space to rent in and airplane hangar…….just a thought…..
I have to disagree with you as far as retro goes..I own a 2017 honda cb1100ex and I believe it more closely resembles it's former counterpart than does this bike which I think is a bit too much on the modern side,however, with that being said, it is most likely a better performing machine than the honda!..a naked, modern sport bike it is,retro not so much..anyway, love your videos so keep em coming!
Had one of the green 2018 models and while most of the time it was great it had a real on /off throttle which got a little frightening when wet and on roundabouts. Also the dials used to condensate up. Hope the fueling is better now.
I found that on my test in 2019. Hence the popularity of Ivan's control unit flash.
@@Nick_R_ while I get we can fix it with Ivans flash or a re-tune at various places I don't get why we should fork out £300 to fix it, I've a 21 z1000sx, and fueling is perfect out of the box, if they can do with one why not the other when we pay top £££ for these bikes these days we should NOT be expected to fix a fueling issue that most blame eruo restriction on, some bikes works while others DONT... tested the Suzuki gt1000 last week and again perfect fueling.
That piss pot reservoir really spoils it for me, it stands out like the proverbial sore thumb, the Z650 the reservoir is moulded into lever assembly? Out on a stalk it looks like an afterthought. I think I'll leave it until Alan Milyard builds a V8 version.
I have the 2021 café version. I like the RS but I really like the RS café.
Have a pearl blue z900rs which I really love the finish off. Frame and swing arm are clear coated. 👌 . Superb paint work. Attracts a lot of attention when parked .
Lovely bike but I don't see why they fit these stupid short front mudguards these days and why is the rear hugger so small? how expensive is plastic?
I rode one earlier in the year, and although looks wise it’s gorgeous, I found the fuelling a bit on off and the suspension like a pogo stick on bumpy roads. These things would be easily sorted, but for me I prefer the twin cylinder of the Speed.
Fair enough!
You should tell someone to have that bike looked over by a mechanic. Mine handles better than my Honda CB750F and the fueling is perfect.
I’ve had the little brother (I say brother as the kids have named him Kevin) the Z650RS for a month now and it’s a cracking bike for a mid size twin. So much fun and the dials etc are the same. The 900RS may be on the list to upgrade in a few years time. Thanks for the review.
Get your order in for the 2023 in black and gold your favourite colour scheme if I do recall Andy! 👍
Low seat available. Yeah, you were riding on it. The 835mm is with the standard seat.
You are so right, the RS is sooooo Cool. But that radiator cap, looks like its a piece of Tin from China. Maybe of they painted the radiator all black and put a black cap on it you wouldn’t notice it as much.
Your bike appears to have the lower “scooped”seat height option. The seat that comes standard in the U.S. is taller, and is all-day comfortable. And yes, this bike has a different engine tune vs the Z900: The Z900 has about 122 horsepower, and this Z900 RS has 111, making the low-end and mid-range stronger on the RS. Your Z900 RS paint scheme is the same one Jonathan Rea chose for his Z900RS, his first road bike (there is a UA-cam video available from JR about the bike).
I’ve got 9 bikes in the garage, including a Ducati Streetfighter V4S, and a Yamaha MT10. Yet this bike is my favorite…the sound, the looks, the power, the all-day comfort. The admiring glances and questions at gas stations. You can’t go wrong TMF adding this bike to your collection. Maybe move the tread mill out of the garage, and you’ve got room!!
I second the low seat observation. There’s no way the standard seat would be considered hard.
Love the look of the z900rs but when I tried one out it felt like the gearing was too low. I was I top gear before I knew it and was always looking for more gears. Probably more used to big twins than revvy il 4s these days….
I remember looking at one in the dealer when they first came out, and I couldn’t take my eyes off radiator and cap! But not in a good way unfortunately, more a “look at the size of that arse” sort of way…oh well.
It looks 10,000,000 times better than the alien looking standard, but not quite as good as the original!
I really do love the looks of that bike, I just wish they could have made the radiator a bit smaller in width. I think what spoils it is that it sticks out too far. I'd still like one though! 👍
I painted those silver colored radiator side plates black, and installed R & G Racing adventure bars. Looks much better now!
big decision made... decided to trade my 21 plate ninja 1000sx for a Z900RS. tried it 3 times and prefer its more nimble handling, prefer tha fact i dont get focused turbulence continously on my head, wind blast yes but its clean and allows my GTair2 to be areo effiecnt without the buffeting. Love the look of the ninja 1000sx but she rattles way to much for my liking, she fells like she wants to fold on me in slow speed manovres and not the best for normal speeds either where as the z900rs is so well balanced front to back its just think turn and does it not have to counter steer to make the corner all the time. Didnt go for the SE model, its a little to yellow and gold, lucky the dealer had a sold unit to see and although brembos and upgraded rear shock would be nice, standard were perfectly adequate. metalic dark green was my choice. Thanks for re affirming ive made the right choice
Yes you did 👍
What countries get which colors? It seems like it depends on where you live to get certain color ways. Odd lol
Love the bike, but your video is hard to watch because you keep riding on the wrong side of the road. 🤣🤣
It’s a lovely looking bike with some really nice touches. Same motor (more or less) as the Z900, Z1000, Z1000SX, Versys etc but it was a great motor originally found in the ZX9R
If I was in the market for another bike the Kawasaki z900 would be it. But can’t really justify yet another bike to the wife lol apparently I have enough. Clearly she doesn’t understand lol
just like if it was possible to have enough bikes!!!!!!
good review, whats the tank range like ? and MPG.?
That appears to be the "low" seat. The standard seat may be much more comfortable. That is actually the least padded of the 3 seats that will fit this bike. The Cafe seat is a bit taller and the standard seat is taller and more padded yet.
So good am on my second one (due to a car running the back of my first one). A few minutes with rattle can blacking out the rad trims works wonders. As for the weight that's only 2kgs more than the new bsa 650.
Good point!
Great looking bike, but again, a manufacturer that makes a front mudgaurd that's about as useful as a fart in the wind.
can you do a review of the Z650RS please!
I love my 2018! My problem is, and I am sure you can relate, I love all of my bikes. Each bike has its characteristics that make them endearing. My 2021 Guzzi V7 Special E5 is awesome, even though it is totally different than the Z900RS. My 2008 Sportster 105th Anniversary Edition is also a wonderful bike, much better than I had expected. And my Vespa Clone, Genuine Scooter Stella rounds out the pack. I believe they were sold as the LML Star in the rest of the world. If I had a bigger garage I would add to the diversity. I am sure you could find room for a Z900RS in your garage! Just think of it as adult Tetris trying to fit them in there. Also exercise moving them around to get the one you want to ride out! It would be a Win Win. :o)
Not with my shoulders it isn’t!
Err all Kawasaki’s should be green. It’s the law!!
The seat is hard when new, but at least the one on my 2019 has gotten as comfortable as can be.
I can flat foot it with a 32” inside leg. That’s the key not your height
Z900RS SE is about the same price as your RE & it's a much better bike but for me, the KTM 890R would fit nicely where the Running Machine is.
Could ride it on the running machine!
Got to ride one fantastic machine but the seat hight at 33 inches was not good for a 29 inch inseam that needs lowering
Thanks Mr Flyer, I love the look of this bike and it does take me back to my early biking days when the cool/older riders all whizzed around on the Z900, while I chugged about on my Honda 125. I expect the new version rides, stops and handles better then the original, and in another life maybe it'd be my ride of choice, alas it's not just garage space that prevents that. I hope you get the chance to buy your own and look forward to your report in due course. :>)🏍
I just got the SE in Canada about a month ago. the SE, has electronic throttle valves which make rolling onto the throttle from 0 much smoother (similar to what Yamaha has, dealer said). At least that's what the dealer told me when I asked why the SE had different throttle valves. The base and anniversary versions have standard dual throttle valves. Seems like a pretty important difference that is often missed on top of the brembos and ohlins. The jerky throttle when coming from off throttle is the biggest complaint for the z900rs online. Though I suspect that issue is also maybe people putting in the wrong fuel? Mine requires 90+ from factory.
Great video! Surprised I own one of these every time I go for a ride, one of my favourite bikes for sure.
Many reviews complain about the snatchy throttle on the Z900RS. Odd how TMF makes no comment other than it’s fine?
@@wakajawaka44 The original release of the Z900RS had a snatchy throttle. In 2019+ I believe they changed the fueling which fixed most of the snatchyness that a lot of reviewers felt on the earlier models.
@@ZroDemise would love if more reviewers highlighted this as this complaint is still present in some popular reviews from a few months ago. Love that they fixed it!
@@wakajawaka44 he also has a speed twin. He may be used to jerky bikes. I tested a speed twin and found it jerkier than my mt09.
@@ZroDemise no they haven't I've got a 2022 it's still there