I'm 61 years old, just turned over 700 miles on my 2023 Z900RS. I personally didn't care for the cafe version so I got the standard RS. So far I love the bike as does my wife. I hadn't rode a bike for 30 plus years and found the Z900RS very easy to get back into riding. It's a very comfortable ride and plenty of giddi up.
I'm 62 and I have the cafe version. I absolutely love the bike but the form-fitting seat kind of hurts my butt after about an hour. I got a CC Rider bench seat with green stitching that matches the bike. It actually looks better than the stock seat and is more comfortable. I put some 1 inch bar risers on it because that's the most you can go without lengthening the cables. I also put foam grips on it because it was hurting my hands just a little bit. That combination made a big difference.
I've seen few guys do the handlebar risers and grip puppies but the CC rider seat is new to me. Seems to be great value for the $$. Thanks for the info!
@@bertsbike it was definitely a blast riding it the last two years. But I kind of outgrew it and just wish it had a better suspension. Definitely worth checking out, though.
A thoroughly modern (and gorgeous) motorbike that could easily pass for the original Z1. That thing will last for decades if you take care of it. However, I'd suggest you install a set of engine/drop guards to protect it from damage if/when it falls over. They're cheap insurance and easy to replace if they get damaged.
Loved the review man, I just clocked 600 mile burn in period on the same cafe. Love the ride, its everything I asked for in a bike. I just found the handle bar position a little concerning for daily commuting but then I added a bar riser and things are lot better now.
I’m so pumped to get on one. My first ‘fast’ bike was a 1978 KZ1000A2. Might have to re-think my loadout for longer moto-camping explorations, but I’m ok with that.
Nice. When are you pulling the trigger? Honestly there's some ample room stock for a bag or two with the passenger seat. Later on I plan on getting the SW Motech Street rack.
Just bought a used 2020 version from Kawasaki. Apparently, the newer model has a bigger radiator due to Euro 5. Got this from Kawasaki. The older one is Euro 4.
@@bertsbike I was pretty impressed with the change in attitude, you notice it right away, going into a corner faster and the line it holds, no more pushing. Q5 are worth every cent.
I added a Corbin on my Cafe. No more forward slide for me or passenger. I also got the 2024 SE. No seat slide at all. Both great rides but the SE is my favorite between the two.
Thanks for Watching. Which Corbin did you get? The SE is quite the bike with the upgraded suspension. Beautiful yellow scheme as well! Nice to have both flavors of Z900! 💪Congrats!
Hey Bert I’m 36 just picked up the same bike yesterday, going from a sportster 1200 (still own it, great bike) this bike is a new world, very fun. My question is, what is the best way to carry anything? Like a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread? I saw you tied stuff to the back seat? You use bungie chords? Saddle bags wouldn’t look right like my sportster has.
Hey there. Congrats! I use a pair of RokStraps (the thinner ones) hooked to the reflector brackets and the luggage spools. I cinch my bag in an X pattern. Hope this helps!
I watch your video hoping that you mention something about high speed. I got me the 2024 version just like yours but i am not really happy with it because after 70mph the bike does feel safe. I live here in California and most of my riding is freeway and i dont feel confortable taking the bike above 70. It feels like the front tire is not touching the ground and the wind moves the bike to the side. The bike is 250 miles old and at this point i am king of disapointed.
Hmm... I don't have that problem. I think you may need to set your suspension for your weight. Felt like that on my triumph and that really helped dial in the bike. Also the stock tires are not the best and feel very vague. Lots of guys say after the swap it transforms the ride.
Above 70 just about every bike front feel vague because of speed and wind moving is common.I had SV650 and front was real jittery above 70 as well but didn't feel unsafe.Been riding for 40 yrs sportbikes and cruisers.
Yes. I may do that in the future. For now I've gotten used to it and it doesn't really bother me... If I do the flash I would probably want the breadbox delete as well.
Actually yes. Lot's of other guys on the forum have put standard bars on there. There's some lateral play. Also guys put risers on the stock bars as well.
I purchased the same bike and it not as jumpy in the 2nd mode. (rain) I use it when doing the curves and it has helped. Also the factory tires are not the best. God bless! Trust Jesus he is coming soon!
First, the clunk between 1st and 2nd is so amatures can find neutral. Second, the engine braking seems harsh because you are down shifting too soon at too high of speed and letting the clutch out too fast. Relax and learn the bike. This is a high performance machine, not your 175.
I disagree with you about the clunk design. They have the positive neutral feature for finding neutral. I didn't say I was uncomfortable with the bike, I was just saying compared to other bikes in the same league it has more than the usual engine breaking. Appreciate the insight tho.
First, the word is spelled amateur, Second, Kawasaki motorcycles have a "positive neutral finder" so going from first to neutral is automatic. Third, speed is not a determining factor regarding clutch engagement, engine speed relative to output shaft speed is what determines smooth engagement. (rev matching). And "high performance" is a relative term. And unless YOU are getting PAID to ride on the street, you too are an AMATEUR. Relax and learn your own damn bike, keyboard warrior.
@@samchisolm8713 You must be a Democrat to whine about my spelling. A mature person looks past spelling and looks at the meaning. Big deal! You call it rev matching. That is what I was talking about. Get back in the basement.
Im a 74 year.old rider. I believe the Z900 RS will be my next bike.
Nice! Congratulations! I bet you'll love it!
I'm 61 years old, just turned over 700 miles on my 2023 Z900RS. I personally didn't care for the cafe version so I got the standard RS. So far I love the bike as does my wife. I hadn't rode a bike for 30 plus years and found the Z900RS very easy to get back into riding. It's a very comfortable ride and plenty of giddi up.
This or the Triumph Bonneville T120?
@@ahsansaeed9103 This, In my book. But the T120 is a solid choice.
@@bertsbike yeah really hard to decide between the two
I'm 62 and I have the cafe version. I absolutely love the bike but the form-fitting seat kind of hurts my butt after about an hour. I got a CC Rider bench seat with green stitching that matches the bike. It actually looks better than the stock seat and is more comfortable. I put some 1 inch bar risers on it because that's the most you can go without lengthening the cables. I also put foam grips on it because it was hurting my hands just a little bit. That combination made a big difference.
I've seen few guys do the handlebar risers and grip puppies but the CC rider seat is new to me. Seems to be great value for the $$. Thanks for the info!
That's for that note! Bought a standard version and added the fairing/windscreen. I think might have given me best of both situations.
@@rtzzz9772 Totally. The cafe' stance is definitely a sacrifice. 😆
Just tried out my buddies yesterday. He road my Speed Twin 1200 and I road his Z900. Wow. Man, I was super impressed. It just screamed!
Yeah, That intake/exhaust is awesome! Haven’t been on a Speed Twin yet. Looks like a blast as well
@@bertsbike it was definitely a blast riding it the last two years. But I kind of outgrew it and just wish it had a better suspension. Definitely worth checking out, though.
A thoroughly modern (and gorgeous) motorbike that could easily pass for the original Z1. That thing will last for decades if you take care of it. However, I'd suggest you install a set of engine/drop guards to protect it from damage if/when it falls over. They're cheap insurance and easy to replace if they get damaged.
Hey there! Thanks for watching! I’m thinking about going with the SW Motech guards. They look good and seem well built.
Loved the review man, I just clocked 600 mile burn in period on the same cafe. Love the ride, its everything I asked for in a bike. I just found the handle bar position a little concerning for daily commuting but then I added a bar riser and things are lot better now.
Thanks for tuning in! Great tip! I see quite a few guys doing the bar risers on the cafe’.
good idea! can i ask which you bought?
I’m so pumped to get on one. My first ‘fast’ bike was a 1978 KZ1000A2. Might have to re-think my loadout for longer moto-camping explorations, but I’m ok with that.
Nice. When are you pulling the trigger? Honestly there's some ample room stock for a bag or two with the passenger seat. Later on I plan on getting the SW Motech Street rack.
Just bought a used 2020 version from Kawasaki. Apparently, the newer model has a bigger radiator due to Euro 5. Got this from Kawasaki. The older one is Euro 4.
Ah. That's what I thought. Thanks for confirming!
I couldn't agree with you more! Great motorcycle, great video.
Thanks for watching! It's a wonderful machine!
Dunlop Q5's are a must get! The tires are trash on it, you can overpower them cornering! Q5's stop that.
Yeah the more I ride the bike I can really feel how inadequate the stockers are.
@@bertsbike I was pretty impressed with the change in attitude, you notice it right away, going into a corner faster and the line it holds, no more pushing. Q5 are worth every cent.
This is a good looking bike in the market for me
I added a Corbin on my Cafe. No more forward slide for me or passenger. I also got the 2024 SE. No seat slide at all. Both great rides but the SE is my favorite between the two.
Thanks for Watching. Which Corbin did you get?
The SE is quite the bike with the upgraded suspension. Beautiful yellow scheme as well!
Nice to have both flavors of Z900! 💪Congrats!
I got the Corbin Gunfighter and Lady. So much better. Good thing is it fits both bikes if I want to trade out.
Hey Bert I’m 36 just picked up the same bike yesterday, going from a sportster 1200 (still own it, great bike) this bike is a new world, very fun. My question is, what is the best way to carry anything? Like a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread? I saw you tied stuff to the back seat? You use bungie chords? Saddle bags wouldn’t look right like my sportster has.
Hey there. Congrats! I use a pair of RokStraps (the thinner ones) hooked to the reflector brackets and the luggage spools. I cinch my bag in an X pattern. Hope this helps!
Great review as always 😎
Thanks Brotha!
I watch your video hoping that you mention something about high speed. I got me the 2024 version just like yours but i am not really happy with it because after 70mph the bike does feel safe. I live here in California and most of my riding is freeway and i dont feel confortable taking the bike above 70. It feels like the front tire is not touching the ground and the wind moves the bike to the side. The bike is 250 miles old and at this point i am king of disapointed.
Hmm... I don't have that problem. I think you may need to set your suspension for your weight. Felt like that on my triumph and that really helped dial in the bike. Also the stock tires are not the best and feel very vague. Lots of guys say after the swap it transforms the ride.
Above 70 just about every bike front feel vague because of speed and wind moving is common.I had SV650 and front was real jittery above 70 as well but didn't feel unsafe.Been riding for 40 yrs sportbikes and cruisers.
Im between this and the w800 cafe,, i dont need the extra power , but im a sucker for cafe bike. which would you recommend?
Sweet review
Thanks BBT!
Good vid bert!
Thanks Jean! Appreciate ya watching!
I would try the dunlops brother. I put them on my cbr...no regrets
Thanks for letting me know. Seems like the mutants are the ticket!
Cool cool.
Be careful going to fast in remote places I knew a rider that hit a deer and survive I often beep my horn often in remote back roads 😐
Clunk adds character 😀
I’ve come to terms with it. 🤨
At least it's not a grind like my Africa Twin had.@@bertsbike
@@tsdmoto Crazy. All the Honda’s I’ve had had a smooth but a little notchy feel. But the absolute best gear box was my W800… 😩.
Ivan ECU flash fix that throttle. $350.00
Yes. I may do that in the future. For now I've gotten used to it and it doesn't really bother me... If I do the flash I would probably want the breadbox delete as well.
can you change the handlebars to something a little higher upright seating and still keep the windshield
Actually yes. Lot's of other guys on the forum have put standard bars on there. There's some lateral play. Also guys put risers on the stock bars as well.
I purchased the same bike and it not as jumpy in the 2nd mode. (rain) I use it when doing the curves and it has helped. Also the factory tires are not the best. God bless! Trust Jesus he is coming soon!
Thanks! Good to know! Appreciate the watch and comment!
Soon? Soon? It's been 2,024 years already.
First, the clunk between 1st and 2nd is so amatures can find neutral. Second, the engine braking seems harsh because you are down shifting too soon at too high of speed and letting the clutch out too fast. Relax and learn the bike. This is a high performance machine, not your 175.
I disagree with you about the clunk design. They have the positive neutral feature for finding neutral. I didn't say I was uncomfortable with the bike, I was just saying compared to other bikes in the same league it has more than the usual engine breaking. Appreciate the insight tho.
First, the word is spelled amateur, Second, Kawasaki motorcycles have a "positive neutral finder" so going from first to neutral is automatic. Third, speed is not a determining factor regarding clutch engagement, engine speed relative to output shaft speed is what determines smooth engagement. (rev matching). And "high performance" is a relative term. And unless YOU are getting PAID to ride on the street, you too are an AMATEUR. Relax and learn your own damn bike, keyboard warrior.
@@samchisolm8713 You must be a Democrat to whine about my spelling. A mature person looks past spelling and looks at the meaning. Big deal! You call it rev matching. That is what I was talking about. Get back in the basement.