Bike Review - Kawasaki Z900
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- Опубліковано 26 жов 2021
- A review of the Kawasaki Z900 and also a shout out to the Z900SE that we look forward to seeing later in the year. Having owned a Z900 for the past 8 months or so and having a name like Markz900, you might think I'm going to love everything about it. Well, actually no, it does have its issues and so tune in to find out everything that's good about this bike and those things that are bad.
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One of the best bikes on the market. I picked up a '22 Z900 last Friday. This thing moves! Kawasaki definitely put out a great machine. I waited 3 months for an SV 650 to come in. Still hasn't. I seen this baby and forgot about the SV! Little bit different than my VStrom. Looking forward to warm Spring days!
Mine is in for a service tomorrow and they are lending me a bike, which is usually an SV650. It's so dull after a Z900,.
Funny you say this because I traded in my SV for this today lol
I picked up a 2023 Z-900...wow what a machine. Engineered to the moon. Still in the break in period at 302 miles. Such a fun bike torode and I have not even unleashed the dragon yet of the full power 😎 Ride safe everyone. Much two wheel love from Northern Kentucky.
Oh man, you've got so much fun ahead of you. Great choice of bike 😀
@@bikerevz Yes Mark it is quite a machine. Addicting to ride it. Have not even unleashed the dragon yet as still in break in period. A higher power mode will feel different for sure.
Great review! Thanks for taking the time making it. Getting this bike :)
Nice and very useful review !!! Really appreciated. It's very detailed and done from a "normal biker" user perspective. It helps me to decide which bike to choose for next Spring biker season! For my needs I guess this Z900 is more than enough. Subscribed your channel, you deserve it. Cheers from Rome Italy.
Thank you, those comments are really appreciated.
Excellent, real world review! I'm considering buying one (new '23 or maybe a near-new used) and your review helped provide commuting and touring information. I think this may be the bike for me (MT09 is nice too, but Z900 looks and suits me better). Great video, thank you!
Thanks for the great review. Nobody talks about the panniers nor tail bag for touring. Also appreciate your perspective on having a pillion. That is one high position to be sitting in. Guess I'll have to leave the wife at home.
Great review mate, also thanks for letting me have a go on her! ;)
No problem 👍
Great review 👍🏻👍🏻 I think it’s the best owner’s review I’ve seen. If it is slightly biased, I can go along with it as I’ve got the exact same bike and also think it a great bike.
Well, you can't call yourself Markz900 and then not like the bike! Thanks for your comments.
Hey Mark. Thank you for your down to earth first person (on a budget) review. I’m looking at getting one of these or a Z1000 and you’ve done a good job in selling this bike to me. 👍🏾💯
Thank you, glad it's hitting the spot and good luck with whatever you end up buying. I'd love a Z1000 but they don't do them in the UK now and the used ones are mostly thrashed or messed about with. Ninja 1000 for me next, I think - need a sports tourer.
@@bikerevz 💯👍🏾
I enjoyed that review thank you Mark. Looking at these atm just pondering on it
Thanks for your kind comments. I love this bike for the looks as much as anything. As I've said in the review, any bike at this level will be quick enough, I guess it's all down to personal taste.
@@bikerevz great review mate. I'm going test ride the 2022 model next week, upto yet its a green light so if it rides well & it's steady on the back I'll go ahead n buy it 👍 I'm 6'2 do you think I'll be comfy on it? I have a back injury see so I've had to come away from sports bikes this will be my first naked bike 👍
Your videos are fantastic! I'm in the market at the moment for a Z900, it's finally time to get rid of my 22 year old ZR7s.
Thankyou for your kind comments. All I can say is that you won't regret getting a Zed.
Agree with everything you said, bought one over the summer as a 2nd bike next to my Dyna street bob!!!
Street Bob and a Z900 - great combo!
Very underrated motorcycle, so much bike for a good price.
Totally agree, but don't tell too many people, they will get to be a bit common ;-)
great review thanks, considering one of these in the red anniversary colours...... ride safe 🙂
Great humor in the outtakes. Greetings from belgium
Thank you! Always appreciate these comments, it makes it worth doing.
Great review
I am thinking of getting one 🙏🙏😎
Thank you so much for your kind comments, really appreciated. Go for the Z900, you won't regret it.
Great review Mark, glad you like it, my mrs has got a Z900 and also loves it too. (I ride a ZZR14 And have been Kawasaki rider for over 35 yrs. )
Just a bit of constructive advice on your riding (also an instructor for 10yrs Cbt Das , advanced, ) and positioning. Watch the you tube videos by Mike Waite, Advanced police riding techniques, it's a great watch and you can learn a lot. Not having a dig but you never stop learning when riding bikes ! 👍😉
Thanks for the tips, really appreciated and I will definitely be watching those vids. I'm Looking into the advanced riding at the moment as I am keen to do this and get some improvement.
Hi Mark, great review and thought i recognised my home town of Cheltenham! What slip on do you you have have on your bike? Cheers Chris
It's from SP Engineering and is called a Moto GP. See www.spengineering.co.uk/kawasaki-z900-2020-2021-exhaust-round-moto-gp.html
I've also done a vid on selection and fitting the Exhaust.
Good review, i bought some soft luggage racks, they bolt on under the tail tidy mounts. You can then throw soft luggage bags over them. The biggest issue with touring for me, was that its a naked bike which gets tiring after a while.
Yes, I've done a few long trips and it can be tiring. Still not ready for a Dad bike though!
Great bike, I have a 2023 Z900. But I would not tell your viewers cars can see you because of your bright lights. It's never safe to ever assume anyone sees you. Even if you think someone looked at you, always assume they didn't. Drive like you are invisible at all times.
That's a fair point! Ride like you're invisible but make yourself as obvious as possible.
Thanks for the review probably looking to change my 19 plate cb650r for a z900. Bit of a shocker with the pillion comfort as my daughter comes along for my blaps up to the Highlands. Maybe the RS for a bit more pillion room and bit more torque ?
I'm ashamed to say that I still haven't ridden the RS yet, but looking forward to it. I'm not that into retros but if you are then the RS is definitely a great option and should be a bit more comfy on the back.
Fantastic review! As a 55 year old who's about to learn riding, I should be looking for a cruiser of some sort ( the missus will get one, it's the only type of bike short enough for her), but this is the bike I can picture myself on. I just wish it had cruise control like Yamaha's MT09 SP. Maybe for 2023?
I have never even thought about cruise control on this bike but if you really need it, I guess this isn't the bike for you. Not sure they will put it on what is essentially a street bike for occasional touring. Glad you liked the vid and the bike, I don't think you can go too wrong with it.
Why would you want cruise control on a naked middleweight bike?
Nice review Mark ,my z900 coming soon,☺️
My pleasure. Hope you enjoy the Z900.
you knock it down a point for flinging mud, even though you said yourself that you removed the piece that's supposed to block it. brilliant.
Lol, they're not real points and there are no prizes!
Hi Sir, thanks for the awesome video! What brand of mirrors and frame frame sliders are those ?
Thank you for your kind comments. The frame sliders are R&G because, in my opinion, you don't want to go cheap on them. The mirrors, however, are very cheap Amazon specials and I don't care if I scrape them or whatever. Easily replaced and looking good but not actually that useful!
I think that Shad makes hard pannier bags for the Z900. Have you looked into that?
I did, but didn't like the frames that you have to put on the bike. I've got these soft ones now and they will do just fine.
Currently on an Mt07 but I'm thinking on going for this Z900 over the Mt09.
Not much to choose between them. MT09 has better levels of tech, Z900 has a better display and good looks in my opinion. Then there's the choice between a feisty MT 09 with 3 cylinders or the smooth power of a Z900 with 4. You can't really go wrong either way!
Great revue ! Just about to collect my Z900 Performance, really impressed on test ride I had. luckily it'll fit in nicely with my Tiger1200 (touring) and R1 (playtime)bikes. Hardest bit making room in the garage for it !
Lucky you! Just the one bike for me but I'd like to have your collection.
Nice garage collection 👍👍
I have the same bike, love it. What bar end mirrors do you have?
Sorry for late reply They are very cheap Amazon mirrors! I've done a separate vid all about bar ends, it's a bit tricky on a Z900.
It's fuel injection. It goes into a high idle automatically. Just like a car. what your doing is counter productive. It's meant to warm up the engine.
I am an old kawasaki fan - the first new street bike I ever bought was a KZ 750 1984 ( I was about 27 then ) . It was a light metal flake blue one with a dark blue pinstripe. I searched for hours and only found one or two of that color . 20 years ago I got a used 1984 KZ 550 LTD . Then in 2019 I got a red Z900 ( only has ABS ) . I liked it so much that I then got a blue 2020 . I have 1500 miles on it and about 6500 miles on the red one .
I love them both - I am also 6 1 and about 200 lbs .
I don't do tricks or anything but on the red 2019 bike - after the 600 mile break in, I always accelerated hard . Even so, I got 5000 on the rear tire before replacement . I almost never use the rear brake ...
The fastest I have been is 145 MPH on both bikes . What about you ?
Hi, great to hear about all those bikes, you definitely are a Kwaker fan! As for speed, I'm well overdue a track day so just 125MPH for me. It wanted to do more, but I ran out of (private) road.
@@bikerevz
I tried using a camera one time but gave it up ...
ua-cam.com/video/YR_YcTVItbc/v-deo.html
Just Catching up with all your
Videos..seems like over the last few
Years The RS 900. Has been getting
All the Attention .& the Z900 has
Been Getting Overlooked
But I Love the Sugomi Style
( I have the Z650 as I wanted a lighter Bike)
Yeah, I was torn between the Z900 and Z900RS but at the end of the day it came down to styling and the sugomi does it for me. Best looking bike in its class, I reckon.
😂 think you may end up with an MT09!! Even I’m tempted …. Great 👍🏽 review btw!!
The new MT09 sure is a great bike, although I don't think I'd jump across from a Z900 but I might go up to an MT10 or more likely end up with a big sports tourer next. We'll see.
Yeah, this was a better review of the Z than Yammie Noob's.
Ha ha, thanks mate, saw your comment on his channel too!
great review I have the 2017 model it dose not have the electronic modes the 2020 has but it is still a great bike and the look of the bike turns heads my only real complaints are the seat is shit way to hard I had mine reupholstered for longer trips suspension is soft great for commute shit for track but easily fixed and the gear box is sloppy so easy to go in between gears.and I have to say its the most reliable bike I have ever owned over 600km a week for nearly 2 years didn't miss a beet and still going strong
Thanks Justin, that kind of ties in with what others have said about the bike feeling a bit soft. The gears and ride is definitely there for the street/commute and not for hardcore track days.
How many kms you got on it?
The Shad 3P luggage racks fit and allow a tail tidy.
Good to hear, I'm going to check that one out.
@@bikerevz it's why I bought the Z over the Ninja 1000. The Ninja has to use either the smallish factory bags or the ugly Givi racks.
Hey Markz, looking forward to watch this later, I have a question meanwhile though.
I`m gonna get my 1st bike this year and was thinking about a z900 BUT running it in the low-power mode, which would be around the same as a z650 for at least 2 seasons.
I`m 32, 110kg, whats your opinion on that ? I`m not looking to change bikes often, and I feel like using the strategy above would be the sweet-spot for me, but I also have safety in mind.
I`ve had a fast car before, and although I am fully aware its not the same thing, respecting the power is pretty much a state of mind I believe.
That's a really good question, I think you should be fine, although it depends on the person more than the bike. Provided that you take it steady, the bike will only go as fast as you want it to. I don't buy this idea that you need to start small and gradually work your way up, any bike is quick enough to kill you! Get what suits you and just be sensible. The fact that you are thinking this way suggests that you are and a Z900 is one of the easier 'big bikes' to handle as you may see from some of the other comments.
@@bikerevz Thanks a lot for taking the time to give your thoughts !
A Z650 would be way more appropriate.
@@paulconnell1309 The engine in the 650 sounds like absolute garbage, thats the only thing keeping me away from it
@@Rolilasx I thought that too, felt a bit tinny around the fairing when riding, the cockpit is a bit tight and suspension simple. If you buy the Z900 ride it rain mode for a while lol
Hi, whats the after market mirrors on the bike? Looks great i have 2020 z900
Very cheap Amazon specials with an adapter for the domed bar end. See my vid at ua-cam.com/video/aXZMH_cmffQ/v-deo.html
The middleweight naked class is ~ 650cc. This thing is a shot glass short of a liter bike.
great vid mark! dont forget about the rs cafe!
ill never like the yamaha, idk if its the engine or the gearbox but it sounds like a lathe or grinding something in a machine shop
Oh yeah, can't wait to get my hands on an RS and go for a spin, either the plain one or a Cafe.
@@bikerevz ive been vlogging on my channel, feel free to watch a few and comment, especially on any differences you might notice on sound and feel (if poss)
@@bikerevz id love to hear your take on crash protection (just in case i fall off) already have both axles, the top front posts, case savers on both sides and a pipe saver post, the part i cant think of and i think is a legitimately vulnerable area is the rear center middle or at least the footpegs and shift linkage (i know too much kawasakis am i right?) but thats the spot im worried about, any thoughts?
Its a great bike, I have one from 2021. It is strange to me that you did not mention rider seat, I do get butt hurt after few hours of sitting on it.
Good point, I do think the seat is as comfortable as any motorbike seat that I've sat on. To be honest I ache after a few hours of sitting still on anything! Maybe an age thing :-(
Did you ever stall it on first gear. Mine does it a lot. Not on other bikes ,people on my bike also stalling on first.Wonder if yours does it too
That has never been a problem! The only time I stall it is when the side-stand is still down or I forget its in gear and let go of the clutch :-(
I heard the power will reduce to 60% if you put on rain mode. Is it true? My uncle had ZH2 he always put on rain mode when we ride. I think Z900 will be the same.
Yeah, Rain Mode is 55% power and max traction control.
I heard the tire spines easy on damp or wet roads
If I had a z900 I would put on tires with Lots of groves that will grab the road better in the rain and check tire pressure can drop a few pounds if u think your going to hit some rain in FLa tires grab good in the rain been in meny rain storms coming down in buckets but out in Las Vegas the roads are very slepery when it rains once a year😐
The RS version of this bike would remedy almost all the negative points listed except for the track or if one’s not a fan of the Z1 styling.
Yes, you make a very good point. I still haven't tried an RS and hopefully I won't regret buying mine when I do !
I am so envious of you being able to skip the traffic queues.....we are still living in the stone age in Canada where that is highly illegal, and, even if it wasn't, there would be some raging cagers looking to take you down if you tried it.
Oh dear, one of the main joys of motorcycling! That said, you do have to be careful!
Nice bike idol... That's my dream bike🥰
It's a good dream to have!
i feel i must now link to the app for a top speed run (ive seen 163 mph)
Great idea, let's see what you get to. Can't say I've ever got near to 163!
aweome bike
Thank you, I'm very happy with it.
hows the wind on highways at normal speeds? i see you have a "small" wind visor. i rode the CB650R naked bike for a few days and jezus christ. the wind was anoying.
I think it would be bad if you're used to a big screen like you get on a touring bike. The little screen on the Z900 doesn't really do much at all! I had the same issue on a CB500 and swapped it for a bigger one but it made very little difference so I haven't bothered this time. On the positive, it does keep me legal, I can't imagine the speeds if I had a big old screen at the front.
The throttle movement you showed is not recommendable; it can result in damaging the engine, according to my Kawasaki mechanic.
That's odd, they told me it was a feature! Will check with my local dealer next time I'm in.
Gr8 review, I agreed with most of your points. I ride a 2019 z900, abs, no t/c nor power modes. It is the best street sports bike, dollar for dollar. However, a terrible track bike: suspension too soft, not enough bite on the brakes, engine needs to row forward to lower CG, too much rider up right, needs to lower bars and move forward if use on track. Terrible for riding 2up. I have swmotech legends side saddles, and tst blended tail lights. Love the oem pipes, very quite. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.
Thanks, you make some very interesting points about the shortfalls of this bike in regards to track usage. Will take a look at those side saddles.
A few mods and it's a great track bike.
@@TrustyZ900 for the cost of those few mods, I'm better off spending that on a more suited track bike. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.
Your bike beats the MT 09 hands down in terms of the need to refuel, as the MT 09 only has a 14 litre tank whereas your bike has an 17 litre tank capacity. This acts as a bit of a limitation for the MT 09, particularly if you want to go long distance touring.
My mate has an MT09 and he does need to refuel more often but there's not much in it as the MT09 does more MPG. He definitely spends less on fuel, but maybe it's the way I ride 🤔
Hi mark, what tyres you got one there?
Those are Metzler Roadtec 01. No complaints with them and way better than the stock Dunlop Roadsport 2.
@@bikerevz thanks mate. Will have a look!
Is this exhaust is custom or stock?
Hi, the front pipes and Cat are stock. I have just fitted a slip-on from SP Engineering - www.spengineering.co.uk/ They come highly recommended by many in the Kawasaki forums.
Lol loved the end.
You're welcome, still makes me laugh now!
What tyres are on the bike?
Had the stock Roadsport 2 but they were out quickly and I replaced with Metzler Roadtec 01 SE. Very happy with those so far.
A little unfair to complain about water flicking up on your back when you fitted a tail tidy. I had same thing on my bike and re-fitted the proper mudguard. Tempted at the Z900 though.
That's a very fair point, thank you.
That is the same Delkevic muffler that I have on both my Z900's - 2019 red and 2020 blue .
I notice you haven't taken out the baffle ...
Is there a municipal code banning that practice ? Will you get a citation for it if get caught ?
It isn't that much louder at low RPM . At higher RPM it is about 30 to 40 percent louder .
In the usa - there used to be enforcement of the loud noises of vehicle exhaust, but now you can hear dozens of cars and bikes 2 miles away almost constantly ...
Hi, thanks for your comments. It's actually a slip-on from SP Engineering. I have tried it without the baffles and it does sound much better but too loud for my taste. I'll maybe try again now you've said about it.
@@bikerevz
wow - in the video it looks exactly like mine with the oval logo at the end . I will look up SP Engineering and check it out .
@@bikerevz
I thought I saw an oval shaped name logo on your muffler in the video - but not sure .
That's what had me strongly considering it was a Delkavic .
I had no idea that another company made one that looks almost exactly the same .
Well the z900 is a better bike than than the mto9
It's a close call. In the end, I think it comes down to looks and I prefer the more aggressive look of the Z900 but many others would go MT09.
@@bikerevz i cant stand the look of a 1 piece seat unless its a motard/dirtbike. Reminds me of the old katanas from suzuki. I had my mind set on a 2012+ z1000 till i seen the 2022 z900. instant love
I think the bike would look better if the brakes is a radially mounted brake.. If it's not a calipers..
Definitely true but it's really a budget bike. I'd like stainless hoses too so maybe time for an upgrade to the SE version.
ha, 3 times a day
🔝 Bike 🇮🇹
Thank you!
Page 3 Girl!!!😂🤣😂🤣😂😂
🤣 it had to be said! Glad you watched the whole vid.
Yamaha, my 🇱🇷🐉🇱🇷 roads are way better, let me use the MT-09.
Wow, just looked at your channel. Those roads are awesome, I think I need to move.
You talk so much man…
Ha Ha, clever voice editing! It would be boring without it.
Thought about buying one BUT how is my girlfriend going to get on the back it's so hi and dangerious if you have a passenger and hit the brakes the person on the back may end up on your shoulders and a person that had one at 10,000 mi . Said his kept getting stuck on rain mode and he had to keep taking it back to the service department so I'm going for the 900 rs kaw. Because of the retro look and feal pluse you can put on heater grips ,oxford ,radator guard ,sliders, windshield, besides a person that had one said he had 40,000 mi. And never had any problems only oil change and tires and the 900 rs has 110 hp. 0 to 60 3 sec . 🧝⚡🌴