Kawasaki Z900RS Test Ride | Kawasaki's Retro Sport Weapon!
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- I took a test ride on Kawasaki's sporty new retro bike, the Z900RS. In this video i'll talk about first impressions, how it compares to the Z900, and what other bikes you might be interested in if you fancy a fast retro-styled machine!
Thanks to Sydney City Motorcycles Lane Cove for supplying the bike!
www.sydneycitym...
Kawasaki Z900 Test Ride:
• Kawasaki Z900 Test Rid...
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The gear and camera equipment i'm using:
Action Camera: goo.gl/hbyJ63
SLR Camera: goo.gl/Edw4PP
Bluetooth Headset: goo.gl/czW2VO
Bluetooth Audio Pack: goo.gl/DWyR59
Helmet: goo.gl/p7wN6L
Jacket: goo.gl/iv9Scl
Boots: goo.gl/2Uxjzq
Pants: goo.gl/T4i6hC
Gloves: goo.gl/Tmr2ye
The Z1 was the bike that made me want to ride all those decades ago - walked into the shop took one look and brought it...
I'm madly in love with this bike, I haven't had a crush like this with any vehicle since I was a child
same here. went to kawa dealer to look at vulcan s as my first bigger bike but this bike just grabbed me
Absolutely agree my words exactly !!!!
Well, I’ve had mine for nearly a month and I’ve done almost 3,000 kms so it’s run in. To think I didn’t know whether to buy it or not. I wasn’t overly rapt with a 20 minute test ride on the demo bike, but now I’ve got my own bike I’m loving it. I’d go so far as to say it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned Ducatis, HDs and Triumphs among others. The Z900RS just suits me down to the ground.
I like the smoothness, the torque, the power, the comfort and riding position, the sound it makes, and of course the looks.
Hey mate,
What didnt you like about the test ride?
Was the test bike not the best.
Or power a bit low.
What was your impression?
Old model was great new one hasbto be better
Sorry, missed your comment, the test ride was too short (half an hour). You need longer than that to form an opinion. The short test ride didn’t do much for me tbh. Now I’ve owned it, different story!
I would like to buy one . I need to know about the mileage, maintenance cost , mileage, tyre life . Can you help me for this . Thanks in advance
Absolutely agree I've put about 309 miles on my 2020 and it's just perfect
Good review and a lovely bike, so much better looking than those modern transformer style bikes.
Most things post 1990 look shit.
I respect your opinion but don’t forget that it’s subjective lol
Great looking bike and apparently equal performance. Such style, well done. A sub for my man in Sydney! Greetings from SoCal! ✊🏼
A very good review from a real world perspective thank you. The fuelling issue seems to be common with most modern bike due to the strict emission control they run weak and as such on small throttle openings they can be a little hesitant.
Sweet Ride for sure just picked up my Green 2020 and loving it
Do the new bikes have that snatchy throttle problem that my 2018 Jaffa has or have they fixed it?
@@gm16v149 I have the same problem on a Suzuki. I think I'm going to sell the bike because of it.
Thanks for the good review (and a shout out to Lane Cove where my sister and hubby lived). That is one beautiful machine. Even though it's expensive, I would be prepared to pay that because I think the relative simplicity of the bike will keep you going and smiling for a good many years.
All round good review with the right observations in all areas, except maybe the seat and riding position which, having owned it now for nearly three years, I note is very uncomfortable, hard and tilts you forward. Hence, I have had the seat remade to be flatter and have lowered the front pegs (which were creating a tortuous riding position). Its hard to see how Kawasaki could have got the riding position so wrong on this bike given their experience. Maybe its just me. However, the bike is also a prime opportunity in terms of performance improvement. A flash of the ECU with get rid of the throttle snap and improve the HP and torque, and an Akro pipe with a Scorpion can will also add HP and improve the sound out of sight. It now goes really really well. Have also geared it up as I found first gear to be basically silly its so short.
I'm a professional sound man and I'm blown away how quiet your mic is. So little outside noise. Plus great review to boot
thank you! I agree, the Sena system is fantastic. It's a trade off though - some people like a bit more bike noise, which my clips tend to lack a little...
Great vid mate. Lovely bike. It's a small point, but it's geat to hear an Aussie test this bike and hear "zed 900" instead of "zee 900". Drives me nuts hearing "zee-this, zee-that" haha! Good work, keep it up.
haha, thanks mate.
What does the letter zee stand for?😁
Thanks for the video, very true.
I picked up one from first shipment in December 17, very happy with it. I used to ride Aprilia Tuono 2014, great bike if it goes and drank juice like my 4wd Prado . Only done 8k km and left stranded too many times.
Inherited issues from more than ten years but Aprilia never resolved it, in hot weather the cooling works flatout and the temperature still rising, draining the battery send you left stranded. So happy that I got rid of it.
well there you go, I've never heard of people having trouble with Aprilias. Glad you're happy with the new machine :)
WeNeedASaga expert sarcasm.
Mark Chang I
Great review. Glad I found another Australian review. Would love one but think they are priced too high so will wait a bit. I'm in that age group that are looking for the 'traditional styled' bike. Bonneville, Moto Guzzi V7, but prefer to stick with Japanese engineering. I will test ride on at some stage.
I had 900rs bike for 6 months, it is a good looking bike and the retro style is timeless, but now that I have my Honda CB1100ex I have to say performance wise is very similar, honda is smoother, very easy to drive, gorgeous and comfy, This old school bikes were meant to be driven in an easy way, believe me, you wont win any races with this kawa or cbHonda, but boy driving around the city is so pleasant and in long trips you can just drive and drive and enjoy the scenery. Hard to decide which one is better, but Honda is the best for me so far
When you accelerated going on to the highway, there was a red bike beside you that left you in the dust...I want that one.
nebulabob that’s a multistrada 1200 sport.. it has 50 horses more.. great bike too!
Cracker review on the Z900rs mate. Thanks for that n keep safe. 👍
Absolutely love it, next bike i think and my first non-sports bike, great vid fella..
Update: Done 18,500 kms on mine in 22 months. You’re right about the jerky throttle, mine was particularly bad, but I fitted a Booster Plug made in Denmark which fixed it 99%, but I’ll get a ECU reflash in March when it’s out of warranty, should be perfect then going by what they say on Z900RS forums.
Like you say I think the direct competition is the BMW 9RT, but since you did the video the Triumph Speed Twin 1200cc has come on the scene and that’s its most direct competitor if you ask me.
In summary I’ve got to say it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned, still loving it, even done the odd track day at Phillip Island!
I tried it today at the dealership - only sat on it couldn't ride it as weather in Sweden is about -15 celsius. Anyways, I bought a brand new Triumph Street Scrambler during the summer 2017, had it for less then a year but I'm changing to this one no questions asked. This is a much more old school solid bike than any Triumph. Kawasaki really did a good job. And for that nut case iAM Carnage - shut the f''' up.
Nice job Kawasaki. Really you can't beat it for the money. And Kawasaki has always been about bang for the buck.
Excellent review. Detailed, informative and not too long.
thanks for the kind words Iain!
Beautiful machine, though personally I think a 4 into 2 would look even better.
Needs some beautiful spoked rims, longer tail section, and get rid of that jacked up gap over the rear wheel.
its fucking gorgeous , i love it , i cant afford it , but i want it , if i had money id have this and a tracer 900 gt
Well narrated. Liked the points you made too ... heard the bike can be put on a dyno and the jerkiness in first gear can be tuned out. I am getting one ... can't wait.
dwk8081 awesome! Good for you. Maybe come back with a comment in a month or two? Would love to hear how you're getting on with it...
hey great job.... i had one back in the day... but toy fail to mention .... its water cooled big changed over looked mate
Great vid mate. Seriously considering purchasing a 2020 in dark green next week!
Just got a Cafe model, its pretty slow! I like everything else about it.. So I'll keep it a while.. Its a excellent old man bike, which I am
oh for February weather like you have!!!!!!!, jet wash the salt and grit off and Acf50 after every ride up here in Scotland
Great video mate....your production quality is improving with each video.
Keep uploading.....!
thanks mate! the feedback means a lot! I'll certainly keep working on the videos!
Great video, really enjoyed it. Well done!
thanks Julian :)
Great 'real world' review. I want one, but, the price is premium. I think Kawasaki is playing on sentiment with this bike rather than a 'fair' price. As has been noted, much of the 'bones' of the RS has come from the Z900, so why would this particular version be so much more expensive than its 'sibling'. I know it's not a dealer issue, but it's still a real point of contention for a potential buyer.
Well, you can wait on hype to go down or buy a low mileage used for a discount.
Needs some aftermarket pipes. It’s way too quiet. I owned a KZ900 new in 1976 with a 4 into 1 kerker. What a sound it had.
Really great and informative revue, I'm considering buying one of these bikes later this Year to replace my Bandit, yet to take the test ride on one so this excellent revue and virtual ride is a good preliminary taster, thanks.
Anthony Cole thanks so much for the kind words mate. This is exactly why I make the vids. Glad to hear it helped out a bit.
Love the bike. Can't beat that Japanese engineering. May be a bit much for me. Love the retro look but i'm tending towards the yamaha xsr700.
The direct competitor's for this bike are the Triumph Bonneville T120 & Honda CB1100.
I definitely want to ride one of these, however, my local dealer cannot keep them in Stock long enough; these bikes are typically sold before they arrive at the dealer. #CentralTX
Nice review , one minor criticism, the angle of your camera could be a little higher , or possibly you were tilting your head down when accelerating, I found myself wanting to see the road ahead more clearly.
Still, great to have a good Aussie reviewer .
Oh and I have a 650 Vulcan s which weighs the same as the z900rs , I reckon that'll b my next bike . Cheers
What a beautiful machine! And very nice review too 👍
thank you! and I agree, an amazing looking machine.
Great looking bike, looks almost as good as a ZRX1200R.
Nice review mate. A work colleague test rode one of these on Monday and a gave a very similar viewpoint as you; of the bikes I’ve mentioned to you already, I have to say that this one is definitely drawing me in... Again, excellent video and review.😎👍🏻👍🏻
thank you!
I bought one a month ago and love the bike
Very Awesome! I have the original version 1973 900 Z1 same color and all:) ps. RJ sent me and I subbed:)
You say "ZED" rather than " ZEE " ..... subbed !
of course! ;)
WeNeedASaga g
I always enjoy your videos. Thanks.
thanks for the kind words Roger and thanks for tuning in!
It's mind blowing how good the Japanese are at making stuff..
Leaning towards this bike.
lean further! ;)
Give it shaft drive and it would be just about perfect.
nice ride
Gday mate great review ,anyone who was around when these things first hit the market back then will know how much cudos they had ,it was the bike that slapped honda right in the face ,back then i was a stick with eyes and could not hold one of these up and if it fell over i was stuffed . I think this will evoke a lot of old guys memories of the jaffa may sell well just on that alone although it is modernized so much compared to the old one . Abetter bike in safety, suspension and liquid cooled i think it wil be a winner we see triumph bringing out their retro bikes so why not a classic japanese super bike one of the originals .
thanks for the comment mate. Yeah I see Triumph and Ducati doing pretty well out of these style of bikes so I hope this one does well for Kawasaki...
I’m just about ready to buy one but can’t quite make up my mind. I’ve got a 1200 Sporty I’ve owned for 26 years but I wouldn’t mind a change. Had a sit on the new Kwaka at Peter Stevens down here in Melbourne and I’ve got to say I really like it. Persuade me haha. I don’t think I’d get rid of the HD because I wouldn’t get enough for it, but that would mean two lots of rego. Decisions!
Classic/limited rego for the Sporty and just keep full rego for the Z900RS? (I'm trying to persuade you haha)
Too funny - I got rid of a 18 year old Italian V Twin I said I would never sell - I did and got bugger all for it, but so what.
I was playing around with the idea of getting the Thruxton R - anyway I'm going to take a Z900 for a test ride and might use that as the city bike.
WeNeedASaga Picking my new one up tomorrow!
gm16v149 you won’t regret it - mine goes in for its 1000kms service Saturday - buying the hand made Zard Labs end can for it - mad
I've owned 2 sportsters over the years and 1 wide glide... I had to sell a bike and sold the HDWG and kept the 1999 Kaw ZRX1100.. Great decision.
Hello from England Great test well done young man
alan morley cheers Alan! Thanks for the kind words.
Great piece of work
cheers Andrew
Great review. Do comparison to the z900 and z1000, that would be interesting.
Thankx for fast review of this bike 👍
you're welcome! thanks for watching.
love that bike did own a old z1e900 jaffa and hd fittness program apparently ha ha ha.
The one with the bikini fairing is the shit! That's my pick!
Really nice model...I just saw it...
OMG! Do they make one in 650? Rode KZ 650s for years. This threw me back in time.
First thing to do is paint those silver things on the sides of the radiator black.
Great review, beautiful bike! The price is high but there will be some good deals towards the end of the year so wait a bit if you can.
agree - I think there will be some good deals in the months ahead...
Have you had yours for long? Do you like it a lot? I had a new Yamaha XS1 650 when they first came out, also a new Ducati 750S, the yellow one which would be worth heaps now. Everyone I know bought the Kawasaki Z1 when they first came out except one guy who bought a green frame Ducati Desmo 750SS which again would be worth a fortune now. I wouldn't mind something that has over 100 HP, is comfortable and looks really good.
I do like the Jaffa but why limit the units available. They would sell all they could bring in if $2k lower in price. I'd like to see one in the Teal / Green colour. I had a poster of one of these on my bedroom wall as a youngster.
As it so happens, I'll pick it up in a couple of weeks, I've had to wait for some accessories - the rear grab rail which echoes the Z1, braided lines as the brakes didn't have the feel I wanted.
Opted for the retro Kawasaki badging for the tank and I've taken those god awful Dunlop's off.
Loved this bike on the test ride, it did everything I wanted it to do and it's just gorgeous in the Jaffa colour. I might change the exhaust, but there will need to be an absolutely rippa aftermarket unit.
I'm 6'5" and a fit 108 kegs, so I might put an "Adjust on the Fly" Ohlins unit on the rear - who knows
$10,900 for the black, 11,900 for the brown is expensive? Compare what you get to another retro bike... Hinkley Triumph T100, half the power, heavier, sounds like shit.. US $10,400-11,800. Norton Commando 961 80hp, 414lbs dry... just under $20,000!!! Ducati Monster 821 205.5kg (453lbs) 112hp, $10,750-12k and all those are much smaller bikes physically.
kawasaki z900RS or Yamaha XSR900? I love them both😍
Love that bike man!
gudaday.love the vid,love accents.really friendly .
1:53 once you throw a leg over Queens of Stone starts playing millionaire
Hi, i m waitig for the vlog about the RS900 café racer :)
That guy next to you at 3:50 ahah gloves and helmet but then t-shirt jeans and trainers great!lol
that seems to be quite common here. Not sure what they think is going to happen in a crash! ;)
@@WeNeedASaga skin grafts and scars?
Kawa knocked it out of the park with this one. Only gripe is the large radiator but that's just me being fussy.
great review mine is on its way
congrats! enjoy mate.
Thanks for another great video!
Don’t forget the new Honda CB1000... 😏
thanks for watching! I hope I get a chance to ride the Honda this year...
I'm waiting for a review of the Honda as well. What a beautiful bike.
I was planing to buy cb1100ex till Kawa released Z900RS Cafe in Green! Now i'm in trouble :(
Looks awesome!
Thanks4 making this retro bike. Why did Kawi let us down by not finishing with a "correct" four-in2- four exhaust? Small detail missed?
Bru Schmidt weight
Handling
They have one in the aftermarket parts bin waiting for it to be bought. Not a big fan of the more recent weird OEM exhaust on bikes. I am glad they are making them smaller for a change.
I WANT THAT BIKE !!!!
Let The Good Times Roll!
Great looking bike but I went with the XSR900. While on paper the z900rs has more torque at 72 ft lbs compared to the XSR's 65 ft lbs, it's quite a bit heavier at 471lbs (214kg) compared to the lighter weight XSR being 430 lbs (195kg).
Also the z900rs doesn't have as much power as the XSR900, the XSR makes 115hp compared to z900rs making 110.
So when you said you get more grunt with the z900rs (12:15), I'd have to disagree there, but I still really like the bike. I think the z900rs looks better than the XSR but they are both great looking bikes to me. I think the z900rs is a little too expensive though.
go Z club!
got some on my channel too
I wish Kawasaki would remake the 1984 Ninja, do not change the look of it at all, same dimensions, seat and seat hight. same everything, just update the performance to 2020 technology.
It’s got more ponies than my old 1995 zx6r
Why does the RS model cost so much more than the z900 naked sport model? I would definitely think the z900 would cost more to build than the z900rs. I'm not seeing the $2500 value added here.
Adjustable suspension alone is worth that.
nice review. got a new subscriber here.
thanks man, welcome!
If it only had the crome bar on the back seat like the old days I would
Buy it in a min👱⚡
stuart 63 , all i have to do now is sell my k16oogtl a beautiful whale of a bike. then its one of these for me. (at least if it falls over i will be able to pick it up)
Dammm that looks amazing
it's a great looking bike hey! they've absolutely nailed it IMO
WeNeedASaga Oh yeh classic look with the power most people want 👌
Very nice
what happened to the knight of the road helping a fellow biker in distress or does that not apply to big fat harley guys.
Do you feel you are sitting within the bike or on top of the bike? Thank you.
kyotosal
On.
375 Kilo Harley vs a 200 Kilo Z900RS. RS does not need to be pushed.
Sorry can't rap myself around this new style 900.. As a owner of 1--75 Z1 900--and 2 KZ1000. these new retro only come half way close to what they could have done . Honda did a better job with the cb 1100 for 2018 ....even with a engine that looks right out of a 900 kawi
It’s a nod to the past - not a carbon copy of it. Thats why its a retro and not modern classic.
Bonneville t120 = modern classic
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone = modern classic
BMW R9T = retro
XSR 900 = retro
Kawasaki Z900RS = retro
This could be really nice but one thing ruins it all for me.Thebrake fluid reservoir is made of plastik.That is just a no go for me
Who cares??????????
@@brentbradley6711 I do. Plastic on a classic? No way
@@MrNickelbrille OCD much?
@@brentbradley6711 Yuck fou
225kg listed.. not very heavy at all. That's 496lbs.. And yes it doesn't feel that heavy. I took one off the side stand and about threw it on the ground the other way. Even compared to my dad's 1965 Triumph T120C which weighs about 348lbs, it felt light. I'm sure it has to do with even distribution of weight whereas the T120C has iron cylinders. I will say though, I didn't try pushing that bike through the showroom or anything.. The dealer I was at won't start the bikes or anything.. I was lucky to even be allowed to sit on it.. They want to "give it to the new owner as fresh as possible" I'm like "quality assurance, you need to start that bitch up and take it on a 50 mile ride and make sure everything functions!" Amazing how comfortable that thing is, even at 6'10ish tall and with barely a 30 inch leg inseam on my good leg.. (my left hip is bent down and makes that leg shorter)
J.A.Ratt85
214kg, full of fuel and all fluids.
I wonder if you would have caught him up.. he really left you behind 4:07
Exactly what I was thinking, saying great acceleration yet the other guy was disappearing up ahead
Ah it was a big Ducati, that explains it
Give me this bike with zero ergo changes, put the Z900 engine/tune into it (no changes from the Z900 power and throttle), and make it 430 overall pounds.
How does this compare to the mt09? I know theyre different but im cross shopping them.
JustinZ125Alive well the MT09 is way cheaper than this bike so if you're cross shopping you're probably better comparing to the Z900. In terms of Z900 v MT09, Z900 has better stock suspension and a bit more sporty riding position. MT09 is a bit more comfy and a bit better day to day. They're both great and I think the biggest decision is whether you prefer the triple or the 4 cyl engine
WeNeedASaga Thanks for the reply in the us theyre only $2k apart and i dont like the regular z900 visually thats why im cross shopping them
Does this bike have an adventure bike feel due to the high seating position?
not really. It feels very much sports+naked to me.
Thanks for the info. I quess I have to try it. I don't like adventure bikes.
Damn I'm torn between this bike and the Yamaha mt09.... I just can't make a decision.
Me also..
What did you decide
Yamaha are ugly and made from left over musical instruments
Nice looking bike....needs a better (louder) exhaust....lol
Put a Brock full system on mine. Sounds great and well over 100 rwhp. Awesome
i think they should have made it air cooled
Z1B forever
too expensive.
for Japan no need to have:
speed limit over here (grin).
37k miles[✓]
Why didn’t you help the guy walking the Harley ???,Riders have to watch out for each other. 🤨👎, Nice Kawi Nevertheless.
Throughout the whole video I did not see one full size pickup truck sucks to live there