Kawasaki Z900 Test Ride | Fast, Smooth, and Tonnes of Grunt!
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- I did a test ride of the new 2017 Kawasaki Z900 - and I love it! I'll talk a bit about how it performs and do a comparison to rivals such as the Yamaha MT-09 and Triumph Street Triple RS...
Thanks to Sydney City Motorcycles Lane Cove for supplying the bike!
www.sydneycitym...
Similar Bikes:
Yamaha MT09:
• Yamaha MT-09 FZ-09 | M...
Suzuki GSX-S1000;
• Suzuki GSX-S1000 Test ...
Triumph Street Triple RS:
• Triumph Street Triple ...
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Instagram: / weneedasaga
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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
Thanks for the review. I high-sided my 09 Street Triple three weeks ago and it was totaled by my insurance. Today I was finally cleared to drive (still recovering from cracked sternum, four cracked ribs, hairline tibia fracture, and T5 compression fracture), so I went by a dealership and sat on a FZ-09 and a Z900. I’m 5’6” and can touch the ground on the balls of both feet with tennis shoes on, and will probably be closer to almost flat foot with my riding boots on. I was on my left tip-toe on the FZ-09, and could not touch the other foot down, so it’s quite a bit taller, and does have that Supermoto feel to it. The Z900 you feel like your sitting in the bike, and locked in. It felt lighter, somehow, lifting it off the side stand, most likely a much lower center of gravity. I felt immediately at home on the Z900; it will likely replace my beloved Street Triple. US dealers are discounting left over 2017 models, so should find a good deal. My insurance paid me $7,000 US for my Triumph (high book value was only $5,300) which is great as Triumphs don’t have very good resale value here in the US, and abysmal trade in value. Thanks again for the video.
wow, sounds like a nasty accident. take care with the recovery dude and don't rush back into it :)
Its good to see an MT-09 owner being honest about what he feels about the Z900 and not going all biased towards the Yammie. MT-09 is an amazing bike and for its price what you get is amazing. (it costs more than the Street tripleS, Z900 in my country though that's why it doesn't sell much here).
Good one.. *Liked/Subscribed*
thanks for the kinds words mate.
and yeah even though i chose the MT09, i know it's not perfect and this Z900 is definitely better than the MT09 in a few areas!
Same here in my country . Z900 is really cheap . The ex showroom of z900 is cheaper than the ex showroom cbr650f here . So there isnt any competition here really . Z900 is the flagship for kawasaki and the reason for their soaring sales in my country .
I rode the z900 this week and i must say WOW!
common questions:
- no power modes?!
Alright, how much do you realy change between those? and if you change it all the time how can you have a good feel of what the bike is gonna do? so it is unnessesary to me and it should be to you. its not a great selling point.
- how's the suspencion?
well, its not fully adjustable, but it all that you need for the street and can give you some great trackday fun! its not a track bike but if you like to do a trackday or 2 each season then this is just fine.
- i dont like the dash!
Neither do i! But i'm willing too look past that. it just shows the basics. but its everything you need! why do i need to see how many km's i have left, or what my tire pressures are? we don't need all these electronics!
- Is there a lot of wind?
Yes, its a naked. but managable below 150kph (90mph)
- how does it sound?
Stock = like shit
slip on = a vacuum sucking shit.
full system akra (no db) = loud enough so cars hear you coming, but not so loud that you need earplugs. (perfect in my book)
SC project S1 with arrow headers (no cat no db) --> czcams.com/video/oqjueNXsZ3o/video.html (you're welcome)
- How are the mirrors?
Big, okay looking, and doing there job. i would leave them, but to each their own.
- Are the breakes good?
Yes! they are not brembo's by any means! but for stock they are very good. get some steel lines and you have great feel and great braking without a doubt!
- Seating position?
Upright, not that much room to move back to compared to a sportsbike, but it give's you a very well planted feel.
im 1m83 (6foot) and it felt great! not cramped up or anything. and i could flat foot this bike. the seat hight is low.
- the steering.
secure, it's not SUPER flickable but still better than any sportsbike. it brings confidence.
- ABS or non ABS? (for the non europeans)
Get the fucking ABS! its a safety feature! why not have it for street riding is beyond me!
negatives??
- right heel hits the stock exhaust, i have big feet but i believe even small feet would hit that. problem solved with different exhaust.
- the steering bar, it goes slightly up at the ends making the side of your hand higher up than your thumb, and after an hour of riding i felt the cramp in my hands. it's not super bad, but an inconvenience that i would remove.
More specific questions? ask freely!
RiddleRides good summary! You should make videos!
Is there any traction control?
How do fix the handle bar ? I feel a bit sure on my left elbow a bit..
Who is this cook? You worry too much. Any bike you end up with, you'll be bitchin'. I bought a '22 Z900 and it's superb. Never even test rode it.
As a current owner of a Z I have to agree with almost every word. It offers unbelievably smooth ride through the longer twisties due to the smoothness of the power delievery and the amounts of power that are enough for any turn. As said in the video, it doesn't feel as agile in small turns like a U turn despite being exetremely (!!) flickable and quick handling all the way above 40kph.
Only problem I personally have with this bike and still have a hard time getting used to is the throttle being far from linear. A massive amount of power is laid right down to the first 10% of the twist, and due to the same reason the engine breaking comes in very late when you twist back and at a very specific point which makes it a bit hard to find intuitively and often times i either find myself still accelerating when I was already prepared for engine breaking either going right past that point and getting way more engine breaking than i bargained for. That being said, once used to, it surprised me how effective this bike is in relaxed city riding despite the beasty amount of power it packs.
All and all this is an unbelievable price to value pack. The amount of power is just incredible while being accompanied with my SC project slip on 4-in-a-row symphony, and tho it definately doesn't pack the fun factor bikes like FZ09 or the dukes/monsters posses due to them being more explosive and a bit less predictable, it makes a beautiful daily commuter while providing a character that enables you to find no less fun on more technical well paved twisties. Furthermore, it is in the top of the category in terms of reliability. Definately a gem by team green and I'm delighted to own one.
You pretty much spoke, word for word what I spoke about it! I'm one of those blokes who loves a turn-key bike. That's why I bought my Fazer!
yeah I think i'm heading that way too. Unless you're on a superbike I think modes are a gimmick - you usually just pick one and never change it! I like just getting on and going.
Kawasaki has really nailed it with this! :)
I reckon it'd be right up your alley dude - put it on the list for next yr! :)
For sure man. Very keen to test ride one. :)
So ive had mine 9 months now.
Havent got a lot of kms on it due to a left shoulder that went tits up in january and took a couple months to heal.
But so far it rocks.
What a fantastic bike.
As a Z900 owner this is a bike for fast road driving with a lot off confidence. The MT09/FZ09 is for those who want a mix between a supermotard and a naked. The riding position and the feel on the bike is totally different.
Looks like a great value bike ..very refined, smooth with loads of power and good handling..who needs anything else?
As an owner of a 2017 Z900, watching your fuel light flash most of the video gave me anxiety haha. The Z900 is a fantastic everyday bike. Is it too much bike for everyday use? Absolutely, it's 950cc. But it's good at everything it is meant to be good at. And don't be put off by the lack of rider aids such as riding modes ect.. The ABS is all you need because the bike does it's job and does it superbly. Hope this helps anyone looking into one. Also a quick removal of that stock muffler on the exhaust really gives it a much better sound, in my opinion.
Michael E ha yep, I was pretty nervous about the fuel situation. Congrats on your purchase - awesome machine!
Thanks bud! Great video by the way. You did a good job of highlighting the strengths and also talking about the lack of rider aids and how that isn't really a downside to the bike itself and how it feels/handles. Consider yourself subscribed!
i have one too mate and i totally agree with what you have said i love it .
Absolutely, beast of a bike and a great looker too.
man, I have been looking at this bike since I currently own a Z125. You think the Z650 would be a perfect daily driver?
I just love my z900 performance 2017, ABS. with a Acrapovic slip on. Miss quickshifter, so that is on my wish list.
Drove 37000 km on a er6n abs last year, love that bike as well. But Z 900 is really something.
Wooow brilliant video. Very well shot. I didn't know they existed without this videi
This review is one of the best. When are you going to do a review of the 2020 Z900?
Came here because of your RoyalJordanian feature and I don't regret it! Subscribed, I'm curious for your other videos :)
welcome, thanks for subscribing! I do test rides on a regular basis so stay tuned!
Im trying to decide between this and the GSX-S750 but its tough because i cant go to the dealership and try them each out
I just saw your your review. I'm thinking of ditching my HD Sportster for a 2020 Zed. This was awesome for me as I am a bus driver & know exactly where you rode. Thanks for the Aussie opinion mate.
love that dash!
Good on Kawasaki for trying something a bit different I say!
Ordered mine yesterday. Im short in the legs and of this, the GSXS750 and the MT09 the Z was the only bike I could put one foot down flat at rest. Getting off was the easiest for me too (baaad knees, part of the reason Im ditching my cruiser. Yeah, its harder to get off than a Z900). Wish the pillion seat was an inch or so lower though...
The MT09 frankly scared me it was so twitchy on the throttle. I like linear throttle response. And I felt cramped on it too which didnt help.
Each to their own. Theyre all fine machines. Made my xvs feel like a slow clunky evil braking foot baking monster.
The Z900 may weigh around 15 kgs more than the MT-09, but it it has a 100 cc larger displacement engine, and 10 hp more (125 hp vs 115 hp-MT-09). And the Z900 has a 17 liter fuel tank vs 14 liters for the MT-09. I'm sure some weight can be shaved with a full aftermarket exhaust (MT-09 as well). Both bikes are lovely.
The Z900 handles better than the MT09 and the fit and finish is far better.
Boz but is it as reliable???
@@lucyferina ofcourse :) its kawasaki
Great balanced review. Nice work mate!
Really complete review. Really like this bike too. Subbed.
The Z900 is a great bike!
Great video. I'm driving an sv650 now, and am planning to buy a z900 when my dealer gets the '18 models in. Thank you for the informative video~
you're welcome. thanks for watching!
i have had my Z900 performance for 2 years now & i'm well pleased with it they are great bikes, the only thing that i don't like about it is hear in the UK we can't buy the none ABS model & i'm not a fan of ABS
Just Fuse off
Thanks Shane! Loving this channel
Just bought an MT09. and i will surely be swapping it out for a Z900 when i can find one used that has alle the "extras fitted" :-) I also own a GSXR750 and an kawa ER-6N :-)
ha! I'm in a similar situation. I think if the Z900 had been around when I got my MT09 I might have been swayed to the green machine...
WeNeedASaga have you ridden the new KTM 790?
Great review! I demo the bike and love it! Thinking about trading in my BMW F800r for it. Can’t decide, think I’m downgrading? Z900 is more fun
Well done review!!
PistolPete63 thanks Pete
Thanks for the review
How is it on the highway and any vibes ? Greets Alexander
I really love my Z900 SE. I've seen a few reviews that criticise the turning circle but personally have had no issues. My only 2 minor criticisms are are a slight buzziness through the footrests which isn't noticeable wearing riding boots and the front suspension "bangs" into potholes and can be felt on the hands and wrists. That said it is set up great for fast and smooth roads. Love it. Great review and cheers👍👍👍🍻🍻🍻
Real Life, Rural Thailand that's good info for other riders - thanks for the comment!
my next bike 🤔
Damn.. I think I want this bike now.. last week I wanted a zx10rr
I was amazed how light the Z900 felt, I thought I was riding an SV650.
As a current owner of a Z900 and previously an SV650, Ive got to say that as soon as i made the switch Ive been baffled by the fact the Z flicks much quicker despite being about 10kg heavier. The Z really does offer somewhat futuristic handeling in regards to the amount of power that bloody beast makes.
Thanks
I just sat on the 2019 and it felt good.. the pegs were a bit high and it gave me a sport bike feel. If the passenger seat waant so high it would have been a bike in my lost to buy. I bought a 19 mt09 and it's great. The mt09 is alot differnt feeling in my opinion.
Nice review 👍👍
thank you!
Nice review ! I have a 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT and a 2017 Kawasaki ZX10R, one for adventure and one for track, you should do a trackday on your MT-09 !
Thomas Evers whoa nice choice of bikes you've got! Yeah, I'm looking into a track day for the MT09!
I did eastern creek on mine, super fun. Not much feel from the front so have to trust it. Back tyre started slipping around pretty quick too but that was stock tyres.
Great review. Thank you. Subscribed.:)
thanks mate! great username! ;)
great review!
thank you! :)
Cracking Review " Honest as well 🤸🏍️
which do you prefer? mt09 or z900? make a comparsion!! thanks...
good idea! i might use the footage i have of both to make a comparison video. stay tuned...
Hi fella, really appreciate your straight forward review style. I was considering buying a 790 Duke as the 2019 model was heavily discounted here in the UK. I have an 13 year old z750 and am looking to upgrade to a new bike. I'm not a millionaire so price comes first. I rode the gsx s750 last year.. loved the gearbox, but it felt a little revvy like a 600 sports bike. I really like the z900 and will do a test ride once the covid thing has settled. Out of the z900 and gsx 750, which would you choose and why?
Please use stabilization in your main action camera
@2:55 The top of the line naked is now the Kawasaki Z H2 which is the top of the line naked bike of naked bikes atm.
Great review! Thanks a bunch 👍
divadrolyat no problem :)
Nice work bro, greetings from colombia
freddy andres romero bernal thank you!
Wonder if Kawasaki would ever make a Ninja 900 variant of this bike
That's the Ninja 1000 aka Z1000SX
Nice review. Don't forget about the fun loving gsxs1000. :)
Windy Run ah how could I forget! Yes the Suzuki is another very worthwhile choice in this style...
The fuel tank for the Z900 17 ltrs, which is a little more than the MT09 being 14 ltrs... would this make a difference when buying ? --- would this help for longer trips ???? I'm tossing up on the MT09, Z900 or Kwaka Versys 650 ???? which has a 21 ltr tank and so much a different bike -- but it has some punch !!! - thanks for the review.
Test rode this and i had sore arms and bum after an hour. Not good for long journeys. Its more like a track bike and suspension i found too firm feeling every little bump on the road. Great torque on the z900 and speed is super fast. How ever I would rather go for triumph speed triple for more comfort and build quality.
Bought one new in 17, kept it 3 weeks sold it and bought a R6. No comparison, it was a decent bike but it just felt off too me.
TY for this vid,it is appreciated
no problem. thanks for watching!
How did you find the low seat height? Really like this bike but the low seat puts me off being a tall rider.
I'm 6'-2" with a 35" inseam. Comfort is fine though I do have the accesory tall seat fitted. Hope this helps.
Own it. Doesn't need TC, power modes, blah blah blah. Engine is so tractable and predictable, has a very proportionate throttle response to wrist movement, feedback is great from the wheels. Agreed: instrument display is pretty dumb. Lots of wasted acreage where the tach numbers are in the top area, and small actual LCD space, also requires too much button pushing to get the info you want. The Z1000SX/Ninja 1000/Ninja 650 display is so much better with the analogue tach. They should have used that display across the model lineup.
Saga, what was the comfort level on this bike as far as the seat? Any pressure on wrists from the forward angle seating position?
Mine has tracksion control 2021
There's also the z750
Vs gsx-s1000z..which one is more fun?
By all accounts it is a fine bike. I wonder how it will compare with the Z900RS. 🏍
Martybartfast i hope the Z900RS performs well - in my opinion it looks sensational!
I can’t decide..this or mt-09. Which would you recommend? For occasional track day.
either will be heaps of fun! just try them both and choose the one that speaks to you! you can't go wrong either way :)
Test out the new 2019 new hot color bikes blue and orange.
How does the low end torque compares to the MT-09?
Motto they both have heaps! Seriously though, it's hard to feel a massive difference; they both have great torque all the way through the revs
Great video. On paper the z900 has more power and torque produced lower in the Rev range compared to the MT-09. How does this feel in the real world?
.
interesting! I still think the MT09 feels more urgent than the Z900 below about 5000 rpm. Very small difference between them I would say!
I haven't ridden either. Going to be 50 in few months and is looking to gift myself a 100+bhp bike for my 50th. Been riding for 30+ years and had V- twins (too many to list), inline four(CBR 600), parallel twin (2014 Bonnie SE) but never a triple. Ruled out MT-09 cause it's pricing in my country (India) is only slightly cheaper than stripple RS. Ruled out both Stripple S and RS cause power comes up in higher rpm and don't want bikes that I need to really work at. Ruled out MT-09 though I like the way that engine is torquey but we here only get the standard and not SP version and that too at price close to Stripple RS. If course I would test ride the competition but on paper choosing Z900 is a slight compromise over what i want. And pricing is bloody fantastic.
Can u do a full review comparison between fz09 n z900
I've been getting that question a few times so i'm gonna do a video comparing the Z900, MT-09, Street Triple and Suzuki GSXS750. Stay tuned!
I'm interested in both the Z900 and the GSX-S1000. Which bike did you have more fun riding? They're both similarly weighted but the S1000 has 20-odd horsepower more. Is one noticeably better in an area (e.g. cornering, braking) than the other? If you were buying simply on ability and riding satisfaction (ignoring price), which would you buy? Thank you.
gee that's a hard one, I was a big fan of both bikes! I think the GSXS1000 has a slight edge on fun factor because of that extra 20hp you mention. Some people have said that the Suzuki's throttle is a bit snappy (where the Z900's is peachy) but I didn't have any problem with the Suzuki. I honestly think they're 2 of the best bang for your buck bikes on the market. Can't really go wrong :)
Ok, thanks, WeNeedASaga.
Here in the UK the GSX-S1000 is around 1200 pounds more than the Z900, so quite a bit more expensive.
Hi, which bike is better for tall driver: Suzuki GSX-S 1000 or Kawasaki Z900? I drive every day 90km in city traffic with my DL650 and I'm tired of it... I need change.
Just came back to this video after 12 months or more and saw your post. Did you ever find a new bike to replace the 650? Both the GSX-S and the Z900 are excellent commuter and fun bike choices. The Suzuki would be slightly better for a tall rider in my opinion.
The z1000 is still in production
BREN AU85 Not in all markets.
Any chance you can compare the z900 to the gsxs 750?
Supernova12034 you're in luck! My next video will be the GSX-S750. I was thinking maybe a follow up video where I compare the two plus the MT09 also...
that would be *AWESOME* Subscribed!
Good video mate. If it wasn't so similar to my own bike then I'd seriously consider buying one for the price it sells at in the UK.
thanks mate.
what are you riding at the moment?
WeNeedASaga A 2015 CB1000R. The specs and power between both bikes are almost identical. Possibly buying something new in the new year but there's so many options I can't settle on an obvious one. 🤔
too many good options! nice problem to have :)
What do you think this will work with a pillion? (By the way, keep up the good job!)
thanks for the kind words mate :)
I think a pillion will be fairly cramped. it's a pretty small seat and the footpegs are quite high. probably only good for 30mins or so at a time...
Armando Isaac Campos Bensaya If you need a better seat for the pillion and also want the Z900, please wait for Z900RS..Its looks gorgeous and has a proper retro-ish banana seat.. Cheers!
How tall are you? I am 6'5 and want to buy the z900.
Do you think its comfortable enough for me?
kollehschmock it's hard for me to say mate - best for you to go sit on one, ride it a bit and see what you think. Good luck!
Ive been thinking about buying one but i am use to super sport power do you think i would be disappointed?
if you're coming from a 600, no I don't think you'll be disappointed :) If you're coming from a superbike then yeh, this will feel a bit slow. But everything does compared to a superbike ;)
I am coming from a 2005 zx10r im looking for something a little more comfortable and still enough power to have some serious fun i was thinking since my bike is so old maybe it would compare in some ways.
ah ok, yeah, sounds like the Z900 might be worth a look!
does that have the old zx 9 motor?
Dude said let's take a look at the z100 🤣
I Really want a Purple Mattress
As in 2204.623 lbs of fun!
Ask if you can test the gsxs1000
I tried it earlier in the year! Video here if you're interested:
czcams.com/video/Bh0dFn2MrEI/video.html
Hi ... how is the pillion comfort on this bike ?
it will be pretty uncomfortable for a pillion. the seat is very small, nothing to hold on to, and the pegs are high. It would be for short trips only...
WeNeedASaga Thank you !
Oh and the z900 has 125hp not 120
thanks
How did you do all this with 0 gas in the tank lol
How tall are you ?? .__.
You say tons of grunt, but it can't have as much as your MT-09. Or has it? If I was in the market for an inline four litre bike, it would be the GSX-S1000.
1990 I'd be interested to see a dyno of the MT09 and a Z900 overlayed. The Z900 has more ccs and more peak power, but the MT09 is lighter and develops great torque straight away, which gives it great shove. I think they're pretty close. And yeah, I definitely should have mentioned the Suzuki - it's a great bike and the Z900 is probably closer to the Suzuki than the Triumph to be honest!
1990 It produces more torque and power than the MT09. It's not a litre bike either. If you're comparing against the GSXS1000 then it should be the Z1000
The Z900 makes more torque than the Yammie.
Zet900
Whats the saga? Its songs for the deaf
+100 points for you getting the reference!! 🤘
@@WeNeedASaga Haha just started up the album! Awesome video M8!!
As far as not wanting to tinker with the suspension, as you put it. Surely that depends on how heavy the rider is? A 150 pound guy isn't going to want the suspension set up the same as a 230 pound rider with his girlfriend on the back.
The 2020 version is a lot better.
I'm in Omaha Nebraska and I have a 2017 Z900 with 240 miles on it for sale so hit me up interested. It's in perfect condition...
Francis Motta why are you selling it?
cdwjustin I can say nothing bad about this bike. It's great. It's strong, quick, nibble, very responsive and seems extremely capable. It just doesn't "move" me like I expected. Like my 748 moves me. Like my ZX10 moved me. It's just a matter of emotion I guess. Know what I mean?
I'm in Kansas City, what's your asking price
heard there will be a retro version, which is nice, but heard that they will neuter the performance too, dammit Kawasaki
annoying! why do they always do that?! just give us all the powah!
i know right ? all these "shave the power up top to give more low end power" bullshit. I really wanted a good looking, retro-styled, fast, z900 4 cylinder based bike :/ it seems like they wanted us to pay more just for the aesthetics, but got lower performance. Anyways, lets just wait for the October tokyo motoshow.
iodineclip Not too much neutering actually, only 10-15 bhp less, but retains the same torque. Also they've made power/torque available much lower in the rev range too is what I heard from insiders.
Wow, you are so tall 😂 how tall are you in centimeters? i think z900 is made for asian people?
z900 seems just so boring compared to mt09
LS2? I'm sorry, but I cannot take seriously anyone sporting McDonalds caliber helmet...
czierwo i replaced it recently with a Bell, am I worthy now? ;)