Revving up to 600 miles: Running in my new Kawasaki Z900RS and Owners Lessons Learned
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- So I've had my brand new Kawasaki Z900 RS SE for two weeks now and am working my way towards the first service - in this video I talk about my approach to running in the bike and the lessons I've learned so far in my brief period of ownership.
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In years to come this will be a classic, without a doubt. Kawa has really nailed it with those gorgeous looks, and good performance does the rest. Stunning piece of machinery!
Yes, and the future talk will be whether the bike has scratches or not!
Is there 40yrs in Andy for him to own a "classic" ? 😂
its retro, its based on the original 1970s Z900
The Zephyr 750 was a nice looking retro bike. Doesn't exist anymore
I remember in 90's how much I loved that classic look of Kawasaki Zephyr and Honda CB750. This new Z900RS is just gorgeous!
The oil replacement at 1K km more likely is to flush metal particles out that have been polished off between moving parts in those first kms. Such particles can impact reliability by a lot. Decades ago, Ford USA produced a car licenced from Mazda (1 series IIRC) under their brand name. After some time, it turned out the original Mazdas (of Japanese manufacture) were more reliable and Ford bought one to take it apart and see what was different - as both got built from the same drawings. Turned out that things like gears had been polished and sharp edges had been made pretty (hence sharp edges now blunted). Consequently the Mazda mechanisms produced much less abraded metal particles for a much shorter time.
Another thing is that crankshaft and piston rods (generally of an alloy) "prefer" to be taken to max RPM gradually, so if this still applies to today's materials used, then I would want to be able to set a rev limit in the engine management computer and gradually raise that limit relative to RPM history. And potentially have a few oil changes more than only the first 1K km one. And inspect the oil filter for presence of metal shavings.
There's an aluminium alloy with a fraction of copper in it (may be aircraft grade or so). We have seen "metal fatigue" in the past. So the copper in the aluminium forms crystal chains compared to polymers or glass fibres in composites. If you bend (in order to shape it) such aluminium alloy sheet metal too quickly and/or cold, the copper chains break and, sooner or later, depending on load exerted there will be metal fatigue. The American F104 ("Starfighter" jet) had a history of falling out of the sky because of this.
My thoughts go back to an HD fanboy in the 1970s who told me how to make these bikes reliable: take the engine completely apart and polish everything, implement a couple upgrades (design flaws) and put back together again.
If I could afford multiple bikes, this one is a DEFINITE. I absolutely love the Z900RS.
same but i bought a street triple rs instead
@@vector409 can't wait to get one!
Beautiful bike and great video , not sure l like the clutch cable slung along the side of the engine , spoils the lines of the bike IMHO .😢
@@vector409I’m looking at the z900 or the street triple rs. What made you make up your mind?
@@adamschannel8685 it came down to equipment tbh, the triumph has full electronic suite tft dash, optional heated grips/cruise etc and decent suspension off the bat ..also fit and finish is great it's leagues ahead of the RS .. i may still get an 900RS but only to build a great bike out of a good one
Always follow manufacturers recommendations guys and not hearsay.
Beautiful bike Andy. Tossing up between the RS Cafe and the SE.Will be a 65th birthday pressy to myself as I reckon Iv'e earned it! Congrats again brother.
Riding normally seems the best advice so long as you're not thrashing it. Such a beautiful bike. I've got Road 6s on my MT10, excellent tyres for riding in the wet or dry.
Great to hear that you’re happy with your purchase. This is one of those bikes that just makes me happy when I see it. The design, the engine, the paint job, the duck tail, the massive tank… Lovely 👍
Road 6's are great in the rain! Just got back from a 10,000km trip up to the Yukon and Alaska and they were great in the wet stuff!
In Sept 1976 I had a brand new Yamaha FS1E-DX, my first taste of motorcycling as a 16 year old,imagine how tough it was running that in for about 600 miles when the top speed was only around 45mph..and I could only use up to half throttle for those 600 miles...happy days,the start of a 40 year biking adventure for me on 12 bikes of all classes,road,trail and sportsbikes up to eventually 1000cc...wish I could do it all again...to all you bikers out there enjoy your lifestyle,stay safe and have the best time 😊👍👍👍
Brilliant
I had an FS1E in 1980. Drop bars, single racing seat, self welded on side stand from a C90, and a Le Sport matt black expansion pipe. In black with gold yammy block pattern across tank and tail. Wish I still had it. 😊. But one of these beautiful Kwaks will have to suffice😉
I had the Japanese Dunlops on my new 1250 bandit, they got really tested in heavy rain when coming off the ferry at Heysham heading 145 miles home, 40 miles of M6, country B roads & A roads to home, flashes of lightening as we pulled into filling station, my 2 friends were on michalin tyred bikes, as I knew part of way back, I was the leader, the Dunlops were very sure at 80mph in driving hard rain, the few times it was possible the mph were upped, still in heavy rain. I wouldnt worry one bit with your Dunlops on your bike.
Fully agree with the engine running in, don’t forget you are also running in new tyres and brakes which need to bed in.
Indeed - although that’s fairly quick in comparison…
Had mine since Dec 2022. Ridden 2500 miles, commuting and some weekend fun.
The throttle was very choppy below 3K, basically shut the fuel off. The bike really takes off in the 6-8K zone , loves to be revved hard, behaves a bit like an old 2 stroke.
Just had a Woolwich dyno remap.
and the difference is amazing, smooth throttle all the way up and gains in torque and power.
The bike is now an absolute keeper.
It's amazing when a third party can improve on the OEM Kawasaki engineers. Unless of course, emission compliance factors are at play.
@raycollington4310 The fuel cutoff below 3K was my main problem. It made the throttle very snatchy, not ideal for the corners. Or commuting. My ECU was euro 4 , it sounds as if this problem as now been sorted by Kawasaki. If so they really should have
Recalled the earlier bikes and offered a remap.
I'm glad you're enjoying your new bike so much, ride on!
Great to hear you're enjoying your new bike. Very wise move on the radiator guard. Looks like you've fitted a tail tidy as well.
Hi Andy I love your new bike especially the retro clicks in chrome my personal favourite, and I couldn’t help noticing some lovely houses down those lanes 👍
Glad you’re enjoying your new bike. I agree about the paint scratching easily, I bought helicopter tape for my Z900RS which I bought in new March and put in on the tank at the obvious places and tailpiece. I also bought the protection kit for the clocks and LCD display which has been invaluable and only cost about £10 or so. I was going to buy the same radiator guard that you bought but in the end opted for the Kawasaki one which I’m perfectly happy with. I did the same as you regarding running it in and I’ve had no issues at all. Just need some sunshine now!
Hi, I have had my Z900RS for 4 years now, I fitted a front mudguard extension & a hugger extension, both of them made by Pyramid Plastics, I'm still thinking of having my bike Dyno'd & maybe mapped, the throttle is a little snatchy, but then I have lived with it for 4 years now, the only fault I have had with the bike is sometimes the horn switch plays up, I did enquire with Orwell motorcycles in Ipswich about getting a new switch, Annoyingly you can only buy the whole cluster @ £239!, the very helpful guy told me to use contact cleaner, which I did & it worked.
I do find the bike gets a lot of looks, and is a conversation starter.
Such a beautiful machine even the brackets that hold the front mudguard on looks awesome.
Beautiful bike and a great choice Andy. Colour scheme looks even better on the road. I fully agree with the Road 6 tyre option, once you get a few K miles under its belt....they really are totally confidence-inspiring. Also I agree with the fitting of a fender extender to keep the crud off those lovely header pipes. I must admit I winced a bit over the back roads on the video......no shortage of potholes and patch-repairs there😮! Enjoyed it all. Take care and keep the mico-fibre cloths handy!
After all the talk, I'm pleased you gave us your take on the "snatchy throttle"/reflashing thing. I had followed what you had to say about the speed twin. I'll be interested in what you decide about the prone to scratches issue.The look of the fender extensions. All good stuff Andy, thanks.
Happy for you Andy - yes the clocks and lcd dash can scratch easily - same on my Z650RS, but you can get protector films for that if so want. Love the way the yellow tank paint reflects on all the chrome!
Such a pretty bike 😎. I’ve run in three new bikes in the past few years and I just ride them as normal once they’re warmed up. I don’t tend to put much more thought in to it than that, because I tend to change my bikes after 14 months or less.
I’ll keep my eyes peeled in the hope of spotting you riding through Norfolk 😄
The z900 looks and sounds amazing! Looking forward to more content. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺
The bike looks a stunner. Best colour in my opinion. Happy riding Andy.
Great vid again Andy ty and nice to see your so happy with your purchase, heres to many more miles and smiles :)
Amen to that!
There are are instructions to set the clock and running in on the manual. You must have done an overview reading of it. But best way is to download the PDF and have it on the phone so you can consult it on the move. A TO DO is to get the suspension set for your weight. Cheers
Bike looking awesome, already comparing to speed twin ! Looking forward to that full in depth comparison.
I had mine ceramic coated, it was polished before and this stopped all scratches. I loved mine and now considering get another se spec. 😊
I really like the look of the Z900RS as well. Proud owner of a '08 Z750 myself. Absolutely love it.
I recently had a project completed... A 1984 Kawasaki Z1300 (six cylinder). The dream bike from teenage years...and a welcome addition to the collection...
It’s a lovely looking bike, Andy. I hope the British weather improves soon and you get a chance to enjoy it some more.
This bike suits you Andy and you deserve years of happiness on it. I will never get another heavy bike again and I think you like this one because of its ease of getting around and freedom without parking issues, hill holds and the like. If a bike has deficits, you always find reasons not to ride them as in the Pannigale.
Glad you're enjoying the bike AND getting our Scottish weather down in Englandshire too! We've had rain pretty much every day since July 1st. Still out on the bike though! Cheers!
Hi Andy.
Delighted you’re enjoying your new acquisition, what a fabulous machine!
After watching both of your Z900RS reviews I finally took the plunge and bought a 2023 pre registered bike from Colchester Kawasaki back in April. (excellent buying experience from those guys)
I absolutely love it!!
Having now covered about 600 miles, fitted all the bolt on bits I fancied, usual stuff. I did feel the need to do two things;
I replaced the OEM Dunlop tyres which I have to say I didn’t like much with a set of Metzeler Sporttec M9RR’s seriously confidence inspiring tyre! Definitely seems to have improved ride quality and has amazing levels of grip even from cold.
I then went to MSS Performance also based in Colchester for a custom remap. (also couldn’t recommend these guys highly enough) fabulous job and they clearly really know there stuff.
Well worth every penny! Beautifully smooth and amazingly torque Laden power delivery,
If you’re ever in the Chelmsford direction you’d be most welcome to give it a try.
Love the content. Keep up the good work.
Kind Regards
David.
Great looking bike Andy it’s a classics in the making enjoy your new bike 👍
I just bought a 2020 z900rs and I need to say that you're not stranger to my decision. It's a fantastic bike in terms of look and engine. But also one of the last all-rounder roadster available. Comfortable for a pillon passenger, large tank with range and a very fine tune engine.
Tank you again for your review videos. You made a french follower of your channel happy.
Delighted to hear that!
Great bike! "Ride normally" could vary among people😉; however I think your method as a whole is spot-on.
One of the dealers I know here in Japan says don't be so concerned about RPM, vary the RPM, but try to avoid abrupt/hard decel and accel. That's pretty much what you said and how I see it as well.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your channel. It’s been a slow burn for me but I’m now at the point where I find myself looking forward to Wednesday and Saturday mornings. I think that old adage of ‘all things come to he (or she!) who waits’ is very appropriate in this instance. Thank you.
Wow - I’m delighted to hear that! Thank you!
@@TheMissendenFlyer if you want an eye opener.. drop the oil out now.. at 100km & look at it in a large glass jar.. in the sun light & see ALL the sparkles.. metal machining flakes all recirculating around as grinding grit.. then again at 1000km.. then the regular schedule.. you'll never follow OEM new run in change schedule again
You've got a real Beauty of a Bike there Andy. Pleasant Riding.
I loved the Triumph variable rev limit on my TS660, changes the rev limit based on mileage as you go through the run in process. Also the tyres on the TS, the Michelins as standard, I’ve never ridden a motorbike with a tyre that gives me more confidence in the wet, and I’ve had plenty of opportunity to test that this summer! So if you are going to change tyres I can highly recommend the Michelins.
Good to see you enjoying your new bike Andy! Looks great. I think riding a new bike normally is fine for running in.
I think this bike looks great, coincidentally it is high on my list of next bike. IMO you're right not to remap a brand new machine. Enjoy this lovely addition to the fleet. Thanks TMF, great job.
I’ve got a 2022 Candytone Blue and fitted mine with radiator guard, frame sliders, chrome rear passenger bar, and front color matched wind screen fairing … every time I ride this bike it pleasantly surprises me when I twist the throttle … enjoy it’s a beautiful bike and joy to ride .
You made a good choice, That engine and stock exhaust sound is so sweet, I think if someone made an hour long video riding the bike in the low rpms like in this video. but without any talking. I could lie in bed and play that video every night before going to sleep. its so soothing and pleasing to listen to. what you said about it being prone to scratching is a bummer. I try so hard to take care of and protect my bikes and car. but it seems like no matter how hard I try. I end up getting little things on them that make me crazy.
Awesome machine - I have the 2021 model in the Candytone Blue paint. After riding dozens of different bikes over the years, the 900RS is my absolute favourite, and yours is the best colour combination. Best wishes from Australia and enjoy the ride. Cheers. 😀
Thank you Darren - appreciate that - all the best!
This bike is a perfect balance of everything. Past and present. Classic/modern beautiful bike. Its in a class of its own.
I tend to agree - hence why I bought it!
Beautiful bike Andy and wouldn't worry too overly on the break-in. Nathanthepostman not long ago rode 2000 miles on a brand-new Voge 300 rally thrashing it most of the way & all ended well.
On a very different note, I'm almost shocked at the sight of that plastic jam pot for the front brake ?. Such a gorgeous bike with so much attention to detail & then they cheaped out on something so obvious and quite literally in your face ?.
Congratulations with your new purchase. It is my kind of bike too. 🙂
Yes having to do this soon when the classic is ready. Think you covered no labouring high revs and varied speeds. I was told by a guru regards the RE to allow to warm up for a few minutes before riding and after riding for around 40 mins stop and allow to cool down a bit before carrying on. Which kind of makes sense allowing for expansion contraction to help seat bores. Only 300 miles on that for first service. The Z does feel a lot lighter than it’s stated weight. Enjoy!
You really got a beauty there. Looking at it reminds me of the Kawasaki Zephyr I used to own in the 90’s. Kawasaki is really good in churning out these timeless beauties
Always loved the z900 rs went to see one but i was just to short for it 😢 and i had those dunlop tyres on one of my bikes and it felt absolutely planted on them . Your bike is stunning btw colour scheme is perfect
Nano graphene coating, my friend. Puts a lovely silky, glassy layer on your painted surfaces. Prevents scratches and dirt from sticking on your bike and dear gods, the shine 😍😍😍 Hit up your local detailer
Sounds good to me!
Very nice! I recently went for the Z900RS (Black & Red) and came from a Street Triple 675R. I really like it!
Nice vid TMF. Bike's looking good. As for running it in, I think you covered all the important things I've ever been told such as when possible using all the gears & revs up to the specified break in limit. Also very importantly, not to load the engine by doing top gear roll-ons, or constant revs as it can glaze surfaces & don't overstress it by bouncing it off the red limiter in the first 600 miles. After that you can pretty much do what you want & it seemingly doesn't make any difference apparently.
Superb stuff, as ever. Great to see how much you love the new bike. And the scenery through which you ride is stunning and, it has to be said, well-captured! Having tried to make a few vids in the past, and now starting again, I’m realising the amount of thought and effort which goes into the productions. Genuinely appreciate the quality of your work, sir!
Many thanks!
@@TheMissendenFlyer
Hello again, Andy. Scotty from San Diego here. 2 subtle, but very nice (exclusive?) features and conveniences the z900rs offers is the positive neutral and the key popping out automatically when you press down on the gas cap, preventing you from bending the key 😊 I am also able to comfortably squeeze my knees on the plastic panels directly below the gas tank, whereas my knees were hitting engine parts on the Speed Twin. I still love the parallel twin engine, so instead, I bought a used 2017 Triumph Bobber as my 2nd “run around town” bike. I love these modern retros! Having way too much fun than any 65 year old should be having 😎🏍️
@@scottashdown3686 Yes good feature that positive neutral isn't it - why don't more manufacturers do that I wonder?
Evotech radiator guard is brilliant.
Delete the rear mudguard - it makes the tail look awesome!
Get a 16 tooth front sprocket, to replace the 15.
What a gorgeous bike. Kawasaki have absolutely nailed it with the RS. Imo it is by far the best retro currently on the market and will become a classic in its own right in years to come. Love the metal-flake finish especially in Powerball Yellow but this SE is not too shabby either.
Lovely bike, agree with the running in advice. 2 months into my KTM Super Adventure S ownership and I kept below 6.5k RPM for the first 600.
It sounds so delicious. Thank you for taking the time.
Cycle and Cycle World guru Kevin Cameron wrote a great article some years back about this topic. He said the breake in heat cycles helps the metallurgy hardening process to continue, etc.
Love the new ride it reminds me of my 2000 Kawasaki ZR-7S.
My favorite motorcycle you own, and it’s a close run thing because your other ones are to die for, too- Gold Wing, Triumph, Royal Enfield… wow. But this one just has it. Good choice.
Superb start to the day, she looks fantastic! Ps apparently better weather is on the way! 👍👏😀🏍
Thanks!
When I saw your reveal video, I knew exactly which bike from the thumbnail. Because I got one too, the 50th Anniversary model, red over metalflake root beer, with the gold wheels. I went to the dealer to buy a battery for my old bike, and ended up with a new bike! Same mods, heated grips and radiator guard, from Kawasaki. And a fly screen from MRA in Germany, which helps above 80 mph, and cuts down on the fly splats. For saddlebags, I had a set of Eclipse soft bags, that I actually used in the 1970s, hanging on my garage wall. They fit perfectly...
That is lovely - got my new Triumph Scrambler XE yesterday - love me a modern classic
I am happy with throttle response on my 22 z900rs as standard. I put fender extenders on and a headlight protector as they are extremely expensive to replace !! I put a chrome grabrail and put zip tie with dog collar type clip to hold helmet temporarily at servo etc
I test rode one of these last year. The dark blue one with gold striping. I liked it so much I nearly traded my Multistrada 1260 on it. I didn't end up doing the deal, but this Kawi is so smooth and fun to ride, it is on my short list for future bikes. Enjoy!
I'm glad to see you are having a blast with the Zed, I absolutely adore my Bluebell, so I know how giddy you're feeling on it. The first thing I done to my girl was an oil and filter change. Kawasaki recommended their own brand, obviously, not just for the sake of the warranty but because it's decent. I was a little surprised to see that it was fully synthetic and not conventional oil, even during break-in. I only changed it because of the long shipping time to me. I figured that if it had been on a boat, for at least half of that time, there was a chance of some water build up in the factory oil. Grubby dealerships being what they are, are definitely not to be trusted to do this for you before handing over the keys. Like you, I just bimbled about, mainly on the back roads, varying the revs, knocking up and down the box etc. I wasn't going mad with it, nor super cautious, just rode as I normally do. I do all my own servicing and at 1000km, beyond a little dirt in the oil and it being a shade darker than normal, I seen nothing of concern, no large flakes, nothing on the magnetic sump plug etc. The engine is really squared away now and I have no doubt that changing oil and filters when required, plus other general maintenance, will keep my girl running well past my own sell by date. The paint on mine is soft too, it chips real easy if you get pinged by a stone on the road. I have a tiny chip on my tank already from one such event. Genuine paint is not available, so until I find a better solution, I have touched it in with a droplet of clear nail polish. I'm not super precious about it, although that chip does irk me, I bought the bike to ride and along with that comes the character building and the battle scars. To me, this is one of those forever bikes, I'll be keeping mine, foibles and all 😁
Great show thank you.
I've been to the BMW factory here in Berlin some years ago and as a visitor you can watch all stages of assembly.
When everything is done at the assembly lines all bikes go to the quality checkout test stand and every bike is revved up to the rev limiter through all gears up and down shifting. I believe every manufacturer does it that way so I think "braking in" must not be taken that seriously. But if it comes to me I do it nevertheless, exactly by the book. 😂😂
Motor tight early on , gets happier with mileage . Raised idle to1400 , took most low speed surging away . Softened compression front and rear , softened preload at rear . Brembos need bedding in , then superb . been a year now with this masterpiece !
Cool bike, the yellow ball looks the business, with the added benefit of Brembo and Ohlins.
If you suffer from a snatchy throttle, first call is to check the resistance on TPS and adjust it if it’s not within the perameters.
First time I rode one it reminded me of the best GS ever made.
Lovely RS Andy , I'm going through the same running in frustration, picked up a Tenere 700 rally Tues, only managed 120 miles so far , out tomorrow to the Cotswolds so may add another 100+. Yes just ride as you normally would seems the way to run in👍
Such a nice-looking bike. As a pre-teen in the early 1970's, motorcycles like the original Kawasaki Z1 were the bikes I fell in love with. This style will always scream "MOTORCYCLE!" to me. I'm so happy for you, Andy! 👍
Yes me too…
I remember your review of the z900rs as I suggested to you to try the SE and that you would love it. You are very lucky to own one of these limited edition. I definitely want to get one if any second hand pops out on the market
Hi Andy, lovely bike, in my eyes the best looking retro bike on the market at the moment, your running in strategy is exactly how I approach it. But it's a shame about the soft paint work, it might be worth considering getting the whole of the bike ceramic coated, had the wife's new Boxster done very little crud sticks, and it washes off very easily. My bikes I try not to actually touch the paintwork with clothes, I snow foam up rinse and then use a blow drier, and only then will I use a microfibre cloth as not to scratch with dust and debris.
Andy, great to see you've already bought all of the essential upgrades to your bike. Just about perfect now, apart from the "specimen bottle". 😁👍
This is the bike i thought you had purchased when you unveiled the speed twin. You have always loved this bike. This one is a keeper.
Blimey - that was a while ago!
Congratulations! You are now an honorary member of 'The School of Kool". I currently own a Zed 900RS 2018, Root Beer Brown and Candy Orange of course. We have excellent taste in bikes my friend. I live in the NW coast of the US and we are blessed with an abundance of tasty, twisty roads. The big Zed is a great all rounder, a ride to the cafe, doing a weekender, or strafing the B roads.
Loved riding in the Pacific Northwest last year - great bike to do it on too!
Congrats. Beautiful bike.
Sold my green 22 rs did 2500 miles in just over a year. Fuelling at low speeds was crap to begin with but after first service and a few more miles seemed to get better.first 4 gears are way to short and the gap from 5th to 6th to long but i got used to it.handled really well and goes really well.
I put pyramid plastics fender extenders frount and back on mine made a huge difference. Plastic polished the scratches off the dash and put on screen protecters (pyramid) again. Found the same problem with the paintwork black seems to show the scratches worse than other colours. I did a full machine polish /paint correction job on it and now dont touch the paint with any cloths. I also fitted a center stand which makes chain cleaning dead easy and multiple bike in a small gararge storage a lot easier. From your last video you were looking for luggage i found nice ones from sw motech. I also had the suspension professionally set up which made it handle and feel even better than it allready did if that is even possible.
Good luck
Great Review Sir...thanks😊
I fitted a fender extender to my 07 fz1s yamaha when new, and my header pipes are still nice, I like the z900rs, great bike.
I'm 59, and every time I watch one of these video's, want to run out to my local Kawasaki dealer and order this bike. Absolutely beautiful. Well done, Kawasaki.
What's stopping you, go for it
I'm also 59 and thinking of getting a Speed Twin 😊
I'm also 59, and have absolutely, through vids like this and others, decided 100% that I'm getting the 2024 version of this. It's one of the loveliest bikes I've seen in a long while. Kawasaki have captured the essence of my youth perfectly!
Looks even better in the day light
That initial breaking in period was BRUTAL !!! LOL. I forgot what RPM's I had to keep it under but, the bike was so FAST and so READY to fly off, it was so tempting and hard to keep it under the guidelines. I think the first benchmark was 400 miles / 4000RPM's and then 600 miles / 6000RPM's.. After I got that first oil service, I never looked back lol. Well actually, first 1000 miles I kept it kinda tame.. Tough to remember what I did but, I'm at 3000 miles now and love it. Bike is running amazing. I'll never get rid of it.
Good to hear….
Looks Great 👍, yes with the running in , I tend to agree with you ( as ride it normally) don’t labour and don’t flog it ☝️ . I have just turned over 5000kms on my V85tt and ran it in that way , and riding in all road types and revs . The same with my Honda CRF 300 Rally . Until first services .
I'm totally with you of having a physical manual in your hand. I love that!
I can’t be doing with manuals you have to download - I get why manufacturers do it but it’s still a nuisance!
Tis odd, my new Kawasaki W800 Cafe bought in March had a proper manual tucked under the saddle, even the dealer didn’t know this (Blade, no longer a Kawasaki dealer)🫢
After the initial coat of good wax, I’ve found Pledge spray furniture wax is great for scratch free “touch ups” and dust removal 😉. (It’s also great for helmet face shields to prevent scratches, makes the rain drops just fly off, and make for easy bug removal 🤪👍.)
Really loved this vlog a really looking nice bike
I have the 2018 matte green version and I LUVVIT! Enjoy your fab four pot 😊
Saw that exact model at a biker cafe in Hampshire today.Caught my eye as it Rode in..Got to say its the dogs! You've chosen a beauty....
Thank you!
Great to hear that you're not finding it 'snatchy'. That's one of the few bad things people have to day about this bike. It's gorgeous and is in my top 3 of realistic next bikes.
I've not experienced the snatchyness on mine, either.
Love it ! , a local older rider has one and we run into each other every now and then when I am out and about on my RE 650 Interceptor in Orange Crush so we kinda gravitate , and his Kawasaki Z900RS is such a beautiful bike .
Sweet review and thanks .
Oh yes the Orange Kawasaki chose here is stunning !
Great to hear that you're enjoying the Z900RS SE Andy & I would definitely recommend PYRAMID for the front fender Extender + they do an awesome colour coded rear hugger go check that out unless you have already done that?? 🤔👌🏻👍🏻😁
Just a stunning motorbike so pretty. Interesting on your running in progress and your thoughts on owning the z.
Stunning machine. A beautiful update of a timeless classic. I wish manufacturers (and this is not unique to Kawasaki) would make their paint finishes more scratch resistant. The only thing that would really niggle me though is the side stand. I want a side stand to be over-engineered. I started riding in the seventies, and it was common for side-stands to bend or completely fail under the weight of a bike, so maybe I still get a bit paranoid over that. I was seriously considering a Z900RS as my next bike but my heart has been won over by the new Guzzi V100. Oh for the garage space and spare cash to have both!
You can now Vinyl Wrap motorcycles for a reasonable cost.
Hi Andy yes the tail section can mark a bit easy, I bought some scratch X from Amazon rubbed that in got the marks out really easy then gave it a really good coat of polish and it’s been fine since . Might see you at one of these z900RS meet-ups or just at a cafe 👍
Enjoy your new bike! It is a real beauty! The horizontal radiator is the only thing that bothers me. Keep on with the honest and clear reviews. Cheers!
Cheers and will do!
Yeah I know what you mean about the rad, the only other design aspect I’m not so enamoured with is the space between the top of the rear wheel and the mudguard, why are so many bike like this. The Zs of the 70s look so much better imo but nevertheless this is still a stunning looking machine with lovely details and the usual Kawasaki quality. If I ever feel I need more than my W800 Cafe this would be top of my list.
Love the new bike, always loved the z900RS. Your remark at 6.20 made me laugh 😂