2022 Kawasaki Z900RS | (Almost) Perfect High Performance Retro
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- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- #kawasaki #motorcycle #z900rs #retrobike
We ride and review Kawasaki's high performance retro bike, the beautiful Z900RS. An intoxicating and pure motorcycling experience. Why buy this over the Yamaha XSR900, Triumph Speed Twin, or BMW R NineT?
00:00 Intro
02:17 Tour/Features
07:05 0-100 MPH / Sound
07:48 Riding Impression
16:44 Competitors
18:36 Final Thoughts
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In my opinion it’s one of the nicest looking bikes ever made! Iconic!
Agreed. Love the CB1100 also for similar reasons
I own the same bike and an XSR900.
I love the Kawasaki, it’s a very comfortable bike, and very powerful but I still prefer the XSR over the Z900RS 😅
@@YallaMiamiwhy is that ?
Ian, you have become one of the very best motorcycle reviewers in the english language world. Your well structured and informative reviews really make it a pleasure to listen and you avoid the cheap commercial arguments that some of your competitors unfortunately have a tendency to use. This independance is a great strength that gives credibility to every review that you do. I wish your business the very best and believe you will continue growing, if you stick to your approach.
Motobob had a 3 minute Manscaped ad read in one of his videos, I cringe when I see those ads, and it makes me hate the channels that have it.
I own a 2019 z900RS. The stock tune of the ecu makes riding smoothly very difficult. The snatchy throttle is due to the ecu turning the gas on and off just off idle. I had the ecu flashed and it's now smooth as silk. Love you reviews, very informative.
Joseph, which reflash did you get ? Thanks in advance
good info thanks
Can you flash any ecu on any bike??
I suspect you can given the right equipment. However, not all bikes have a flash available commercially. I am NOT an expert, but know just enough to be dangerous. If you search for a specific bike model you may find someone who does it commercially. What it does is remap the bike much like a power commander, but it also controls more parameters. Again, I am no expert, but if you search the internet and do enough reading you to can have just enough knowledge to be dangerous. 8).
Sorry I live in a cave my question might sound dumb ^^^
This brings back fond memories. My first new bike from a dealer was a 1976 Z900. $2500.00 out the door, Northern Calif. I'm 68 years young now and have had many different rides throughout the years. Still riding today. Thanks, Ian for your reviews.
Young? Oh man, that’s a cope🤣🤣🤣
It must have been a very special day picking up the fabulous Z900. I was just a boy then, but it was definitely my dream bike 🙂🇩🇰
I had a 1975 Z900, great bike, before the Z900 I had a 1972 H1500 Triple, my brother had the same bike we rode those 2 strokers to CA. From NY Back in 1973 without a problem. Greats time.
@@sidecar7714 this man has more experience in one testicle than your entire tainted bloodline. Respect this mans nuts or I'll put them on your face
My uncle had one also in '76. I was 13 and would ride on the back, and every time he hit the gas my feet would jump up from the pegs and I had to hold onto his jacket for dear life! In 1981 I bought a new KZ750e which was based on the Z900 but smaller. Very nice bike.
I have a black 2018 Z900RS. I've owned 3 sport bikes before this one. And this bike bodes more confidence while riding aggressively than anything I've ever riden. Super stable, super forgiving. I push this bike so hard in the twisties and it just chews up everything I throw at it. And when I decide to back off and relax, it suddenly becomes a comfortable cruiser. As far as street biased motorcycles go, I cant think of anything that is more all around capable.
This is what motorbikes looked like when I started biking in the 80s. Timeless. It's this or the Yamaha.
Ian, this is a fabulous review. What makes it fabulous, is that you identified an issue that might bother most of us, then provided an explanation of why it existed and finally, provided an inexpensive, real-world solution. Perfect.
These retro-nakeds are becoming well done and appealing. I have no more room in my garage either. But maybe…
Great review, as always. I love the classic looks of this bike.
Great review Ian. My 1st bike was a Kawa H2, but the then new Z1 was the killer machine. It’s nice to see this retro so beautifully executed; definitely makes me want one!
Thank you for a comprehensive review of this bike. I’ve seen a lot of reviews and tried to look for more but yours truly hit the spot. 👍👍
Your reviews are awesome. So much great unbiased information, and I was about to opt for another bike (maybe the XSR900) because of the throttle issue that you mentioned, but your extra research on the ECU flash put the bike back in the running for me. Thanks again for your comprehensive work!
Absolutely love the music soundtrack! I don't know if people comment on it, but I want you to know that the beautiful music and editing is always noticed, even if the people don't mention it in the comments, what a beautiful intro and ending with beautiful music.
That sparkle blue is amazing. I rode a 84' gpz 750 exclusively from 1987 to 2009 as my only motorcycle (never had one problem - just regular maintenance), and the upgraded green version of this 900 with the gpz-ish bikini fairing is like an arrow straight thru my moto-heart.....so glad Kawasaki is making these awesome retro rockets
Love your videos: English pronunctiation, honest review, entertaining, informed, structured and comprehensive. Thanks a lot! By the way, the bike is superb.
Great review! I usually watch your channel for the ADV content but enjoyed seeing this one as I own a Z900RS Cafe'. With the help of Brock's Performance parts, mine now runs sooo much better than before with near-perfect fueling and elimination of the snatchy on/off throttle issue that came with the motorcycle. The ECU tune also came with some added benefits such as being able to cycle the key and having the traction control mode remain where I left it last. With a few simple mods, this bike is one of the best I have ever owned for around town or bombing down twisty backroads!
Another Great review from Ian!
I love the retro style and the colors of this Kawasaki. The round gages are awesome looking too.
I own a ‘22 Z900RS Café and the reported jerkiness of the throttle was tuned out in the ‘21 refresh of the bikes.
Super smooth throttle. Easy to modulate, even at high RPM in low gears, a notoriously difficult area to be smooth at.
Love my bike so much. :)
Do the newer bikes also have ride by wire and rider modes? Love my mt09 but this seems like a nice next step i think
@@RideSafeNSmart they still use throttle cables, and do not have ride modes. They do have 3 steps of traction control though. 0, 1, & 2. I use 1.
@@rzracer69 thanks 👍🏻
good to know. Considering a new one.
Well designed machine! Kawasaki landed straight on the spot with this machine!
The blue color looks quite amazing
Excellent review, especially for non-native English speakers. Super fluent, clear, crystal review. High quality audio, honest expressions and authenticity on your opinions. Really a pleasure to watch and to listen. Great bike by the way, thank your for the video. Best, from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Great review! I bought a Z900 ABS in February. Wonderful machine. I went back today and bought an RS. Same wonderful blue. Now my brother can ride with me. Selling my '17 VStrom , which has been a loyal companion.I was surprised that the RS didn't have rider modes.Traction control is essential. These Kawasakis are really put together nicely. Thanks for the info.
hey Thanks a lot for a great review. I am a new rider, have a z400 as a learner bike and i love it. learning to ride takes me out of my comfort zones, a life challenge if you will. Retired after 42 years as an aircraft mechanic. When i get more miles under my belt i will certainly get the RS900. this video and so many others on the utube machine have taught me so much about riding. thanks again !
Ian, I just love your no nonsense style of reviews...much respect from a motorcycle lover from New Zealand. Keep doing what you do!
thanks!
I also appreciate the no-nonsense reviews as every other CZcamsr out there tries too hard to be funny. I'm not looking for comedy when I'm about to spend twelve thousand bucks on a bike
I could listen to the sound of that exhaust all day long!
Great video! I really like the way you overview and explain the bike. This bike seems to be overlooked as a retro option but man its pretty cool.
Great review.....I have my Z900RS since 2019 and the more I ride it, the more I fall in love with it. I own other bikes but this one tops the list.
Always happy to see your thoughts on non adventure motorcycles. Enjoyed your Hayabusa review.☺️✌️
Great review mate, really enjoyed it 🇬🇧
Great review! Thanks for posting. I loved that you inserted text with the names of the gear used. (i.e. HJC i170, etc.). Nice addition!
Great video and review!
Had mine for 10 months now and agree with everything you say on this bike.great bike and great review 👍
As always, great, honest, informative reviews 👍
Ian, what a great review, as always... I can perfectly understand your feelings, and that is why I added last year a Ducati Scrambler 800 to my adventure, dual sports and sport tourer, set of bikes... 🙃
I was thinking of this exact bike or the Triumph T120 or Triumph Speed Twin. I put them side by side and left with the Triumph T120 gold line. The fit and finish between the two wasn’t even close, but you have to put them next to each other to see the massive difference. The in line 4 is a great motor but no soul like the 1200 parallel twin on the Triumph. Plus the aftermarket parts for the T120 is massive. Each to their own though !!!! Everyone ride safe 👍👍👍😁😁
Well done. This motorcycle just looks stunning. It has a wonderful sound. I hear that they studied the sound for quite a long time to get the right tone. :) Keep going. You got my like.
thanks!
@@BigRockMoto Following you for quite a time now. :) No problem man.
Loved the video. Thanks for sharing 🏍️
Two days ago, I got the sudden urge to have my next bike be something I could do anything with, so I looked up a T7 review and listened to yours while I drove for work. Since then, I’ve watched your Death Valley trip, your Africa Twin review, and your GSA review. It’s helped cement this plan and given great insight about the weight of an ADV bike and how things change accordingly. You’ve got a great thing going on here, and you seem to buy the bikes you review for long term and thorough testing. Thank you, and keep going.
thanks!
Thanks a lot Ian for share your experience, what a tremendous review!!! Greetings from Colombia
Just got this bike. I had the Akro Headers and Muffler put on just because I have a strange compulsion to modify the exhaust on every bike I own. The stock Exhaust is actually really cool.
Got it flashed by Ivan (no more snatchy throttle and a bit more high end ) and did a couple of airbox things. It's as fast as I want a bike to be. Could not be happier with it. Great review....
Best motorcycle review yet, excellent job sir!!!
Ian! Wow what a sweet looking bike Kawasaki nailed it. Just like a early 1980s 750 or 1000cc I knew you were going to say you'd get one, sounds great and love the color. Looking forward to the 300L video!
I own a black model of 2018. best motorcycle i have owned. I have done ECU flash which changed the bike completely. it is so much more comfortable to drive. I have also put on heating handles and made a tail tidy. tires dunlop sportmax may have had more to wish for than oem tires but now I have just put on Michelin road 5. best tires on the market in my opinion. the motorcycle is fantastic and will never be replaced. Its a solid keeper. thanks for a good review and keep up the good Work. Regards from soutern sweden
Nice, down to Earth and basically exhaustive review!
Maybe the best review I've ever encountered.
Great review. I owned and loved my z900rs but sold it to make room for my Norden 901😊. I got completely comfortable with the throttle and was pretty smooth with it but always warned anyone riding it for the first time.
Great review Ian, This is one of my Favorite bikes and its great to get such an in depth look at how she rides. Thanks very Much.
thanks!
Love you man🌸 amazing content
“Reminds me of my youth”.
That’s worth spending a bit of money on right there.
Ian, another great review. I’m a bit jealous of those twisties at your front door. Safe riding.
Indeed a very nice bike. :) Overall so classy. Drop by buddy, you my find it interesting.
Ivan’s tune solves that throttle issue.
I love this bike. It’s a real head turner at the streets.
I have the Acrapovic exhaust on it which makes the sound more rough.
Thank you for your Review.
I really like your videos.
Great review. I love this machine. Personally, the best looking retro out there. That exhaust sounds amazing. Not to mention they dual lined in order to keep both the headers and pipes from blueing.
Couldn't agree more!
I would put the Honda CB1100 retro model about on a par with this one
I test rode one and instantly fell in love... It felt like everything i ever wanted in a bike, I was amazed at how much torque it had in 6th gear, how smooth the motor ran, how good the brakes were, how sooooo sweet the exhaust sounded, how responsive the handling was... Just an all around amazing bike! I was stupid not to buy it! but now that the SE is coming out.... I'm gonna have to get one!
dealer'll lov that. se's like 14.5 +++
I have now purchased a 50th anniversary z900. WOW. ITS CANDY. SWEET,STICKY , GOOEY, DRIPPY CANDY.
It beat my brothers Fireblade 30 to 70 uphill in 6th gear roll on. In never v
Been bored with any Kawi I've ever owned. Unreal is the word. Tbe bike is SMOOTH to the touch. The paint,chrome,, seat and the grad rail is a must. This bike is remarkably like a Touno 1100 . If you were blindfolded you couldn't tell.
@@berttompkins9096 wow congratulations! Funny I was just looking at the 50th last night on Kawasaki site! I'm still waiting on the SE to hit the showrooms...
There's nothing better on the street than a Kawasaki 4 cylinder. I've owned 2 600cc Kawasaki's, right now a ZZR-600, 2005, with around 103 horsepower at the crank, and it's only 377 pounds dry. It's an amazing bike to ride, the roar of an inline 4 and the smooth turbine-like torque is something that you can't get enough of, it's heavenly, and the sound of the gearbox on a 4 cylinder, you can hear the gears, because they aren't overshadowed by loud power pulses from the engine, it just sounds like some supra ultra high tech machine that is traveling to outer space. The 2005 ZZR-600 and 1990's and 2000's era Ninja's, had straight cut gears, so the transmission itself sounds like the most insanely beautiful supercharger or turbine, just this beautiful, race car like gear whine, that blends with the sound of the motor, it's pure heaven!! If you're only looking at the bike, and not riding it, you won't understand that sound and the feeling of the 4 cylinder engine and the straight cut gears in the transmission, it's a type of sound that you can never forget.
@@Ritalie guess I need to go find a zzr600 to ride... sounds interesting
Thank you Ian for a great review its a truly beautiful motorcycle i definately want it in my garage as well.
I always enjoy your bike reviews thanks so much for your vast knowledge and your great presentation.
I am 64 and have been riding motorcycles for 50+ years. I was thinking about getting a cruiser style bike but after seeing the Kawasaki 900 and review, I am going to explore this option. This bike is the way I remember bikes growing up. The nostalgic style look with the analog speedometer and tac but with the modern amenities has really caught my eye. This will probably be the last bike I purchase in my lifetime and I think this retro look is going to be my choice. I guess it is as close as I can get to re-living my motorcycle past. Thank you for a very nice review.
I'm 69 and been riding since the age of 14. I currently have a Victory Hammer S and a Yamaha Fz-09. Both great bikes. At our age, ergonomics become more and more important. If my back is giving me an issue, then my Hammer (cruiser) can be difficult if the ride is over 40 minutes or so. My Yamaha is much more upright, with my feet under my torso, but the harsh suspension can become tiring. And even with a Sargent seat on my FZ I still get some butt burn. This Kawasaki looks like a good bike. Really concentrate on the ergo's that you need.
@@spacecoastz4026 Thank you for the comment Space. My last bike was a 2017 Harley Dyna Lowrider weighing in at 666lbs. The bike was great but I am getting some arthritis and felt the need for something lighter. The new 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS as I mentioned brought up memories from my past and in addition it weighs almost 200 lbs less than the Dyna which is a plus. I would like to buy American, but with my physical limitations I am looking for the lightest most reasonably performing bike out there to allow me to continue riding while I can. This Kawasaki seems to meet my needs. Stay safe out there my friend!
Good choice in going with the 900 ,I traded in a zrx1100 for a vulcan 900 cruiser a few years ago and just traded it back in for z900 rs cafe, back to a fun bike at 59yrs old
thanks for the great review! I recently got a 2000 Kawasaki ZR-7 as my first bike, and I absolutely love it. I wasn't much of a kawasaki fan before, so I wasn't aware of the Z900RS, but as soon as I saw one on a local dealer lot, I knew I needed one. In a couple years, once I've grown into my current bike, I'll be getting one, and this review helped solidify that goal.
I still have my ZR-7S…❤❤😂
I bought a brand new 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 at the dealer when I was 17 (with my mom co-signing) on a 36 month loan. She said if I missed a payment she would take the bike and never loan me money again. I made two payments per month and paid it off in a year and a half. I road that bike more than any I've had since. So cool to see it come back.
As usual a great informative video thanks
Hi Ian, great review... For the throttle issue I found that there was a lot of play in the cable between the handlebar grip and the throttle body, you can see this on the left side of the bike where the throttle pulley is when moving the hand grip back and forth. All I did was adjust the front hand grip cable in the handlebars to take out 99% of the free play and found it much much better. I think it was the slack in the cable that gives you the snatch on the throttle....
Thanks for this video, what a beautiful bike. I bought a used 1978 KZ 750 which was a 2 cylinder :( in 1979 and loved riding that bike during my last year in high school. I always wanted the KZ900 but just couldn't afford it back then. I'm still riding today (09-street glide), I never understood Harley guys you couldn't like anything other than Harley. I will say riding back in the 80's was a lot safer than riding today, drivers were sooooo much more courteous to bikers.
Love the video! Love the retro rippers! 👍
Funny thing for me is when I got into street riding in 80s (been a So Cal daily rider since late 80s) I always digged the sportbikes and not into the prominent UJM's Cafe style. Relative to the time, into the late 80s and into 90s when the sportbikes really came into their own, all I owned and cared for was ZX's, GSXR's, FZR's, CBR's, etc. I stayed a "sportbike only" guy over the following years until recently when I began to also let HDs and ADVs in my garage around 2015. Funny nowadays I prefer these retro bikes vs sportbikes.
I always felt Kawi has had awesome intake growls. I had a few ZX's back in the 90's with their Ram Air setups (90 ZX6 & 93 ZX7) and their growls were always fantastic!
I love my 19’ cafe. Akrapovic headers, stock muffler, ecu flash. The bike growls better, and rides better. Great review! Your audio was great even in the wind 👍
Right on!
A comprehensive, well-considered review. Extremely well done. Thank you (UK).
tremendous video, that despite the strong wind, you don't shout, you narrate everything calmly,, I hope to be able to buy that machine,👍
I have a 2018 version and I love it. Have taken two weeklong trips, one following the Dutch border, 1600 km in 6 days, and one crossing Belgium and into Luxemburg, which almost ended in a crash. Almost, because I stood up, nothing broken, we fixing the steering handle, repaired a small cooling liquid leak and drove home the next day. Now it’s waiting for the repairs to get it beautiful again 😊
I love your reviews! I'm surprised to see you reviewing my bike! I bought the 2019 cafe z900rs when it came out. I've since upgraded to K-tech suspension, Akrpovic headers, and Ivan Flash with airbox mod. I just love the bike it was great stock but I wanted an "R" version!
Saw one of these for the first time a couple weeks ago ( while shopping for my adventure bike), it was a beautiful metallic green. At first I thought it was an older bike , the closer I got to it the more impressed I was. I think it would be a great candidate for a custom build, with a Muzzy exhaust of course.
Thank you for review, very informative and useful.
Great review.
I recently bought one in the same gorgeous blue paint scheme.
Added after market radiator guard and a pyramid front mudguard extension .
Induction and exhaust noise is intoxicating.
I am absolutely in love with this bike.
Only done 1000km on mine and while I acknowledge the throttling at around 3000rpm issue , I have zero problem with
Funnily enough for me it adds a touch of character.
Mind you , I did own an H2 in my youth so that may colour my opinion.
thanks
Great review! Bought a root beer brown/orange used 2018 a day or so before your review
Still have not been able to wipe the smile off my face-It really is a Blast to drive.
The z900RS just gets so much "right". Will be watching for the new Norden 901 and T7 update videos. Your first drive of the Norden 901 was a Hoot!
Very much enjoy your informative reviews! I have been eyeing this bike since it came out, and this last summer, finally got my hands on an ‘18 model in the orange and root beer color, “the one” for me. Your review is dead on. All day comfort, fast enough (mostly, lol), easy great handling, the sound, and those looks… just needs a flash to fix that snatchy throttle. Well done sir!
Great to see you branching out in your reviews. The Z900RS an excellent bike, I really enjoy my 2019! Kawasaki did a bang up job on this bike and it's really really good right out of the box. On the fueling, some bikes are better than others, not sure why. My 2019 seems much better than the 2018 I test rode and my friend's 2018. That issue from off to on throttle is still there above say 4k rpm, but you learn to ride around it pretty quickly. I will probably get mine reflashed but it doesn't bug me that much and the fueling is excellent everywhere else so not crazy motivated. I replaced the rear shock on mine with a HyperPro 461 remote reservoir fully adjustable model. Also, it's an excellent 2 up bike, the passenger ergos are very good, something missing in many modern street bikes.
Another great review!
Thanks for the review. I’ve had my 2020 cafe a couple of years now and still love it. Lots of power and very fun to ride. I can relate to that snatchy throttle. I put a Power Commander on mine and seemed to take care of it. I will flash the ECU when my warranty runs out however. Keep em coming and ride safe. 😁👍
Love that you’re doing more street bike reviews.
Great video and just love your riding areas. I used to ride all the Big Kawasakis back in the 70-80s. I loved the way Kawasakis had that whine turbine sound from the way the gears were cut.
That stuff you dislike about that 900, it is what I recognize as that pure mechanical sound and feeling of a great bike but w/o the perfection of the hydraulic clutch, ride by wire throttle and all those other modern electronic goodies. I have 2013 R1200GSA and I love it but I did get a thrill watching you drive that new/old-school Z900 through that great country side. I would love to be out there in the Mojave area instead of boring place I live now. (TX) I used to live at George AFB - Victorville Ca. and loved the access to mountains and deserts.
Ian, great review, as usual.
I have watched a few of your reviews this weekend and I think your my preffered reviewer.
Hi Ian, I couldn’t consent more to your verdict owning a GS and this beauty - it is a privilege to ride both types of bikes and I am very thankful to my better half for tolerating 😂; btw, I’m puzzled as well by the throttle mapping and thank you for your advise on how to fix it - ride safely and have fun
Great review! Thank you!
👍
I used to ride an old GS 650 Kat. Toured around Europe on the thing in all weathers. However I eventually moved on to a bike with a decent protective fairing. Much more pleasant riding experience.
Hi Ian well that had taking me back to my first bike at 17 years old Kawasaki KZ750. Again great Review. John from Gold Coast Australia.👌
The stock exhaust maybe best ever on a motorcycle and I read its double walled and sturdy.Sound is spectacular so no need to spend more money on aftermarket one.Love it saving for one! Currently ride CB750 like last 20yrs
Great review ian 👍🏻👍🏻
Great review. I drive it each day with lot of pleasure. Thanks from France
I also own a z900rs and love it. I fitted a booster plug which sorted out the snatchy throttle, so now the pick up is perfect.
Purchasing a 2019 cafe , cant wait for summer.OH the sound of an inline 4 strikes fear in all the beast of the jungle 😮 thanks for video an review ⛄🎄🎁🧑🎄
To me this is the best looking new motorcycle available today. I have no need for a bike like this, and find myself wanting one anyway. Nice review.
Really great review and beautiful motorbike ❤
In the late eighties i had a 550z for a while great little bikes. 4 pot bikes always great and smooth albeit addictive. GREAT Review Ian, thanks again.
Audio in helmet worked out just fine..good job!
Good to hear!
This WILL be the bike I buy when I pay off my mortgage at the end of the year. Thanks for reviewing it 👍
And I totally agree with you about the analogue display
Thanks, another great review. I think the quality and detail of these along with the decision to make this engine usable rather than win top trumps all really appeals. 🙌👍🏻👌
Good review. I own the ‘19 Cafe ( Retro Lime Green) & two “must dos”are 1) Professional ECU remap 2) Replace tires with a set of top spec. Consider these a part of the bike’s cost. Boom - you’re done. Now it runs like a proper Kawasaki & boy, a fun machine it is!
I bought a Z1 900 in 1974. I sure would like to take this one for a lap or two. Sweet, great review, thanks.
great review thank you !!!
Almost getting to the point where a Gen One or Two Hyabusa will become a classic too. I rode my Gen 2 the other day and people were looking at like it was something out of a movie. I haven't seen another one on the road for a while either. Thanks for the post.
Great review as always Ian! Would love to see your thoughts on an XSR900 as well because its so similar to this Z900rs
Love the review💯
You got it right about this bikes purpose. I own the cafe and love it. I did have the ecu flash and what a difference. Makes it that much more enjoyable riding.
I am gonna have to get one of these. Every review pushes me more and more towards it… 😊
That old school look . I had no clue that Kawasaki went retro like this . Very cool
I am new to your channel, but I do like your say it as it is review. You don't forget to make mention of the not so favourable with the highlights of the bikes I have seen you review.
Keep up the great entertaining and informative work.
Thanks