First Ride Review 2021 Kawasaki Z900 RS, Classic Retro from the old 1974 Z1 Motorcycle. MotoUK
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- We head out on our first ride on the Kawasaki Z900 RS from Preston Motorcycles, many thanks 🙏 And head up into Lancashire countryside to test and review the bike.
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Out and about on the Kawasaki Z900 RS - been wanting to ride this bike for a while and had a blast, a classic following the original 1972 Z1 👍 very refine motorcycle
I really know what your saying
I had a 1000 ltd Kawasaki and
I ran it so hard year after year
And no matter what the moter,
Trans, and clutch and everything
Else stayed perfect and I had bought this bike used with alot
Of mi . I always used 90 weight
Gear oil on my chain it works
Perfect
Yes u can those bikes as hard
As u like and not worry about
Anything ever
From a person that's been driving
Bikes for over 50 years this is one
Of the best over all bikes u can buy.it will last u the rest of your
Life no matter how fast u drive👱⚡
Also the 900 goes 0 to 100 in 6.20
Seconds that's one second slower then the 14 which is the world's fastest street bike. And 0 to 60 in 3 seconds and the 14 0 to 60 in 2 and half seconds
I'm a Brit now living in the US. I purchased mine this year, and it's all I could wish for. It's the bike that tempted me back after about 30 years away from 2 wheels - my previous new bike purchase was a GPZ900R A2 in 86! A lot of the folks here are all into ECU flashing, different headers etc, but TBH I can't be arsed. For me, it's all but perfect. My only mods have been functional stuff such as a rad guard, grab rail, tail tidy, sliders and bobbins for my paddock stand. And it's the candy tone green ... which is gorgeous and draws lots of attention from old and young alike.
Nice, bet you wish you still had the GPZ or do you 👍
@@MOTOUK1 Yes, and no. It probably remains as my all time favourite bike of all time - and was of course a classic in the making. Beautiful to look at, wonderful to ride, and very fast for the day .. an indicated 155mph on the M23. I had matching red and silver riding gear and felt like the DB's. I still look at pics of them and think 'wow, I had one of those!' But, the build quality was 'questionable' - the tank appeared to have one coat of paint over the primer, the seat ripped, it suffered horribly from carb icing and the centre stand collapsed. 35 years on, I'm fully aware of the challenges they now bring to the table, and I neither have the skill, money or time that they generally require or deserve. Devotees prattle on about how they could still stick it to a modern sports bike, but they need to take those rose tinted glasses off. Nuff' said?
U will never find a better all around bike that's tough as
Titaumin
@@sjk8273
I can confirm that:
The GPZ 900R was an amazing bike back in the '80s, but this Z900 RS is just so much a better bike, except for the top speed.
@@kwakithailand Absolutely agree - the build quality of my GPZ was shocking in comparison. I saw an indicated 155mph on it, which is unthinkable for the RS
6:59 you can tell this guy has experience riding. You can tell by his throttle control. I have a 2021Z 900 RS café and it’s absolutely wonderful and I’m here in the United States. Again I have the café version and it’s the gray color but you have to see it in person it is absolutely stunning!!
I agree with a couple of the commenters here, every time you park it, it gets compliments and it really is just a great machine all the way around. It does everything you ask you to do, nothing more nothing less!!
One of the best retro looking bikes for sure, prefer this colour too over the new to come yellow ball. Kawasaki did a great job 👏
A bike u will love the rest of your life for this bike will wear u out
Before u ever wear it out🧝⚡
I bought this bike 1972 when I was in the Navy very fast and smooth bike loved it zsnake69 jake R
Gorgeous bike, sounds great and being a Kawasaki it will last for years without any problems.
A blacked out one would be cool, also be cool if Kawasaki came out with a bigger brother like a 1200cc but keeping the weight down as much possible and make it a real muscle bike with great bottom down grunt, would buy that instead of a hyper naked anytime.
Thanks for tuning in. I think the 900 is enough for the real road, sometimes 1200cc is not great in town or slow riding 👍
Don't forget put on heater grips,windshield,bar for back seat
Sliders all around,settlebags and u
Are ready to travel forever
Just love this bike #wishlist, great looks, sounds great & reliable.
Another enjoyable video 👍
Thanks Kevin, they will launch a Z650RS version too soon
Great review! I love the inline four engines.
They are sweet and smooth. Cheers for tuning in 👍
Can throughly recommend Preston Motorcycles. Might give Tom Machell a ring soon as I’m sorely tempted to upgrade my SV650 for one of these beauties.. prefer the black colour scheme with the black wheels though
I am in the exact position. Have the SV650 and would like to go for Z900rs. You can check my content. You may like it. :)
Hi, nice bike, you can get a rear fender new off ebay, that looks like the old Z1 rear chrome fender, also comes in black.
Thanks that good to know cheers 👍
See I am from the different opinion, I like to keep it exactly the way the manufacturer intended and I think Kawasaki did such a great job. I wouldn’t even consider changing anything until I’ve owned it for a couple of seasons and I currently have 2000 miles on mine
At my age struggle to get test rides only 24 but wish I could get a go on this beautiful machine
It’s a lovely bike for sure, where are you based?
@@MOTOUK1 Midlands
I remember being 24 feel the pain on test rides. In the USA there wouldn’t be issues. Is it just 1 dealer or all ?
@@MOTOUK1 it's most if not all and if they do let you they basically want to see that your going to buy the back for sure meaning some form of deposit or they give some super long story about insurance stuck looking or sitting on the thing in store.
That’s a shame. Insurance companies don’t help with being so expensive to new and younger riders. I have mates in the USA and so different there. Most bikes are cheaper too.
Great video, I thought everyone had forgotten about this bike. I love mine and although I want to do more videos on my xjr1300, I keep pulling my z900rs out of the garage because it's so easy to ride and the fuel economy is excellent. I plan on some subtle mods on mine. These bikes draw a crowd and lots of nice comments wherever you park it. Sounds great and does everything you ask it to do. Have a look at my jaffa/fireball 900 on my channel. Great video.
Agree it was a lovely first ride, really lovely bike. Will check out yours on your channel. 👍
You cant beat the real thing a 70s z1
Wish I had one 👍
@@MOTOUK1 i do , a 12/73 z1 and building a toecutters 77 z1000a madmax bike with the fairing
Jealous 😂👍
Have you ridden this new iteration? I disagree. As much as I love the original, this one actually handles and stops as well as goes fast :-) I have 2000 miles on mine and I’m looking forward to many more!!!!
The tires would be the first thing I would change.
Agree 👍
Actually I disagree. I have 2000 miles on my 2021 café version and I think the tires are fine. Once they’re worn out I may consider an upgrade but for now I have no complaints. What are your issues with the tires?
Just I always use sport touring tyres 👍
That's great if you are happy with them. For me riding the French Alpes, Battlax, Metzler, or Pereli are so much better for the feeling of the bike. It's all about what fits you.
I want one, bad !!
Very nice! Hopefully can get something similar in a few yrs. But long road ahead!!!
I'd definitely take this over a Harley
Crazy.. I always said I'm going to keep my Z900RS forever but, I also want a Harley Street Guide lol.
Get the Moriwaki pipe on it...for the real sound!
Great video thanks for posting
Your welcome 🙏 👍
A fantastic video you talk a lot of sense cheers 👌👍
Welcome Frank 🙏 thanks for tuning in 👍
I absolutely luv it and would say this incarnation is more compact than the original even the to the tail piece which I think is a bit shorter .But all the same it's great I had the Z650 back in the day and it was one of my best bikes . Back then I think that the z900 was around £5,000 ( look what they fetch now ) and I could not afford it , so got the Z650 used not brand new but close ha .I just have to get along to Preston Motorcycles and have a look around great review well done . : )
Thanks Malcolm 🙏 loved the 650 👍 good guys down at Preston, have a nice stock of second hand bikes too
@@MOTOUK1 Cheers Jake : )
Who’s Jake?
@@MOTOUK1 Ooop’s I just knew I got that wrong sorry for that : ) it’s a pet hate of mine getting names wrong too ha : D
Haha I’m Nick 👍
Try Lincoln for motorcycle dealers down too just 2 dealers Webbs Triumph/Yamaha and B&B Suzuki and independent Ducati.
Would love one of these as a stable mate to the awesome MT10, cheers Moto UK.
It’s a great modern classic retro bike for sure. Loved riding it 👍
@@MOTOUK1 Would love to test ride and also try the Triumph Speed twin to compare, cheers
Yes both beautiful bikes, I know my winner 🤫
Debenham Dave, sounds like a character from only fools and horses 😂
@@MOTOUK1 used to be a cockney before I departed for sleepy Suffolk, so the only fools character fits and my mates Dagenham Dave lol
From INDIA
My 2020 model was made in Akashi Japan.
Very nice machine!
Thanks Larry and for the sub 👍
I hope like hell they do a 650 version of this bike with the 650 twin engine.
Good call, that would make perfect sense i agree, open up too to the A2 licence market 👍
Yes 0 to 60 in 3 seconds is fast
Enough for me I'm buying a 900 SE because their made out of titanium 🧝⚡💤
Great review 👍
Thanks 🙏
Lovely bike, however I'll be sticking with my Triumph Bonneville T120.
I would too Mark, love the T120, will have the T100 in a couple weeks for 10 days and so looking forward to riding that. A special triumph comes Tuesday, stay tuned
Great review. I want one!
Worth a test ride 👍😉
What was your thought on build quality over the T120? What made you choose the T120 over the Z900RS? Cheers.
Build quality on the Kawasaki was great tbh, it’s only the oversized radiator sticking out each side I didn’t like. So I think this and a t120 are 2 very different bikes. The T120 really is a classic bike where as the Kawasaki is more retro looking and a more thrash it bike where the T120 is more cruising along imo
It will run the 1/4 mi. In the 9 s and the bike itself likes to drive fast . Just beep your horn often when your in the mountains or country to spook any deer ahead of time knew a person that hit one and survie when it jump across the road🧝⚡💤
You are correct on the bike itself likes to drive fast. I always tell people about that on mine.
I like it, but I find I’m leaned over a bit too far forward.Some bar risers up and back should correct that.
Yes that’s help
Yup. I put 1-inch risers on mine.
Nice bike but i think the thruxton better option
Love the thruxton RS too 👍
would have been nice to put the original twin exhaust on the yellow ball, it would have looked stunning and sold like hot cakes, is Tom Matchell still at Preston Bikes ?
Yes agree David, keep it as close to the original as possible 👍 not met Tom so not sure 🤔
Tom was there about two years ago when he sorted me an SV650 on a 3 year pcp.. very tempted to get one of these when the three years is up. If your reading this Tom give me a bell and we’ll talk about an early exit deal 😜👍🏻
Rumor has it the ‘22 version will be significantly refined and the ‘21 significantly discounted? Like to get some facts and opinions . . . .
Not heard anything but will ask, I also see a z650rs coming
I am also interesting in the future 2022 version, if introduced. :)
The z900 is the best all around bike but I don't like the brown color waiting for a defferent colar
Nice bike agree and to the brown colour 😂👍
@@MOTOUK1 their are menny things u can add on like the sliders,crome bar on the back seat,heater grips, windshield for freeway cross country is nice, plug for oil with special Allen to take it out that keeps people from putting anything in your oil.sattle bags,
I drove Harley s and in the rain the tires want to spin on the back wen
I slowly take off it's like their out of balance or something I have had girls want a ride on them but I really don't like them because they seem to have alot of engine problems except for the 1200 Sportster I have one of those with 150,000 mi on it
I recently rode one of these at the MCN Festival. I liked it, however I found the throttle quite snatchy/on/off when riding at all speeds - it didn't matter how gentle I was. Loved the engine and noise...just that pesky throttle let it down a bit
Yes I found the throttle too, a mate has had an ecu flash on his and bike runs lean due to emissions and now throttle is great.
That is my worry about what is a beautiful bike. Apparently easily fixed so why don’t Kawasaki sort it?
@@MOTOUK1 yeah an ecu flash is the best thing to do for this bike, I’ve put 55,000 km on mind and absolutely love it
So long as the throttle and clutch are set up correctly, and you ride the bike in the correct gear, it's not an issue. If you ride it like a twin, in too high gear then you'll get snatch no matter how smooth you try ride the throttle.
@@samsara3694 Yeah I'm aware of that, however I have rode multiple bikes with multiple engine configurations (including inline 4's) and none of them did what the Z900 RS did. However thats not to say I wouldn't have one though :)
What a beautiful bike, it needs more horsepower, and an Akropovic header.
Nice sound from original also so with a Akra would be great yes 👍
@@MOTOUK1 I rather have high amp horsepowers, than low end torque.
I wouldn't use this bike for pulling a camper. It could use an 80 model Kaw LTD seat. Corbin makes some nice seats for most bikes. I had a 2001 ZRX-1100 with an Akropovic full exhaust, Wist I still had it.
I am considering buying this exact bike but I'm concerned about the fueling. Did you find the throttle to be snatchy?
Throttle is smooth
@@MOTOUK1 that's good to know. I appreciate it!
Maybe on the 19's but... 2021 - current, no snatchy throttle at all.
Better handling than the Triumph Scramble ?
Hard to tell really as I only had the Z900RS for the day where as I had the Scrambler for 3 weeks, also Z was in summer dry roads against winter ❄️ cold and wet. But saying that the handling on both bikes is good but the Z900RS is a more road focussed bike on road tyres where the scrambler is on 60% road 30% off tyres
@@MOTOUK1 is there a big difference comfort vise ?
I am about 189cm tall.
I’m 6,2 tall too and on the Z900RS found the seat not comfy in 1 hour, where as the Scrambler was more comfy. Engine on the triumph has more character too. Btw which scrambler are you comparing too? Street Scrambler 900 or Scrambler 1200 XC or XC?
The seat height on the street scrambler is 790mm and on the Z900RS is 835mm so 45mm higher on the Z900RS which may suit you being taller.
For me I would buy the Scrambler 1200 XC or XE as was such a great bike, vids on our channel
@@MOTOUK1 the 1200xe, watched your review, looked like an impressive bike, but of course the Kawasaki looks more road sporty, while the Triumph more a lazy drive.
Both are great looking bikes and one hear that the Triumph build quality is getting better and better.
Ok I though you wanted comp on Street Scrambler sorry. Ok so the Scrambler 1200 XE is one of the best handling bikes out there the suspension Ohlins and it’s as good as my electronic Ohlins I have on my MT10SP. Hands down the XE is better on brakes, suspension, build quality and road riding also ,for your height the best option. If I were to buy another bike today it would be the XE for sure. A way more equipt and cooler looking
How would it compare to an MT09? Chalk and cheese?
Yes very different bikes but prefer over the 9, only my preference though as if you want a classic look 👀
👏👏👏👏👊👊👊🇧🇷🇨🇦
they are not like the original! that comment is often used on these reviews.
But it’s true 😂😂
It would definitely NOT suit the bike to put a tail tidy on it! Nor bar end mirrors.