Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL bike. Thanks for a great vid, very well made - just like your gorgeous Z900RS SE. Cheers from Sydney Australia. (incidentally FYI the SE model is around AUD$21,400 here).
You sir are a motorcycle expert. Great review of the Z900RS SE. I giggled when you said the Z900RS was your 9th fastest bike. 😊 You touched on all the salient points of the Z900RS from suspension to throttle snatchiness. When a man of your knowledge keeps one in your stable, its a worthy bike. Cheers from America.
Excellent video of the 900 my friend. I have almost bought one of these a time or two, always liked the 948cc Z with the twin clocks and those wheels. Hard to beat the sound of the inline four. Glad you are still making videos Michael and hope to see many more!
My decision to buy the '22 900 RS SE to my collection-- The same bike you reviewed here was solely based on the suspension, (at both ends) and brakes. And I am very satisfied with what it is and how rides in everyday use.The tires are better than I expected as well, plus just the right amount of electronic aids to be useful , after one season of riding my '22 Yellowball, I will not change a single thing in the future -. It is a great everyday bike for sensible riding, with more than enough grunt for a skilled rider to challenge anything you will bolt a license plate to. Another great review Michel. Thanks. Cheers from Canada.
They are great fun . Really pleased with mine too . I am not a particularly fast rider so find it difficult to imagine it keeping up with some of my more powerful bikes in the garage but agree . A great everyday bike for sensible riding .
Firstly , thank you ! I do like to keep my bikes clean and it was kind of you to comment . There is no magic solution . I am just careful with what chemicals I use , some of the miracle cleaners are pretty tough on finishes , but I am relentless and don’t let them get too dirty in the first place . Baked on road grime is a lot harder to get off than this week’s dirt . I am also lucky enough to have a ramp which means that I can quietly get on and clean the bikes , without lying on the floor to get at them 👍
Hello Michael. I enjoyed that 29:23 worth of well presented video. Your time is very well spent talking us round your RS se and like you I too would rather spend time up close and personal cleaning a motorcycle rather than weeding the borders. I’ve got a few of your videos to catch up with as I’ve slipped behind over the last few months. Stay well, stay safe.
Brilliant watch I have been away from bikes for more years than I care to remember my favourite bika looks wise was kawa z just thought they where stunning back in the day and nothing I have seen has turned my head like a old Z but your rs is quite honestly stunning to look at and the lines of the new compared to old are so similar also your commentary was great thanks I will watch some more of your take on bikes you have a good style old school which nowadays is refreshing.
As always another comprehensive, interesting review on a bike l also own. Very interesting regarding you having your suspension settings reset, think l'll look into that in the near future. My bike unfortunately does suffer a little with the snatchy throttle, something l intend to have fixed as well. As always, finding good reliable mechanics etc isn't easy. Take care Michael.
Thank you Stephen . I was impressed with Mark Hammond . A man of few words he was very clear with his base set up , that he would start from a different place to Kawasaki . Clearly if you are getting it specifically set up for you personally , you need to set ride height and sag and then work from there . I actually had him set up my track bike GSX-R 750 this week . Looking forward to my next trip to a circuit for a slow wobble round 😂
I am picking up my 2024 SE in a couple of days. I currently have the RS Cafe. I enjoy it but really love the look of the RS SE. I hope it is worth the switch. Great review.
Nice video Michael, I have had my eye on a Z900 RS for a while and this SE version might tempt me. Your review motivated me enough to call into Greenham earlier in the week and I had a good chat with the guys there. I discussed various modifications with Neil including ECU mods and he told me that if they carried them out the warranty would not be affected. As a fellow Oxfordshire resident I think the state of the roads warrants uprated suspension!
😂 roads aren’t great are they . That is good news about the engine being covered after mods . Not many would do that and Greenham is owned by Kawasaki so Neil would know exactly what he can and can’t claim for . He is a good guy . In fairness , I know of no engine issues created by mapping . Great bike . Hope you enjoy it . Just filmed a RS v ZRX video , this morning !
So this is a video where we think we're going to get some good solid information on suspension settings only to find out we've got to guess somewhere in-between the standard base settings and a ohlins specialist! Because weve all got time to endlessly change the settings, especially ehen the actual settings are at hand... that's genius 💥
Apologies Mark . With the benefit of hindsight I wouldn’t have covered this area in the way I did . As I am sure you know to set up a bike for a specific rider you need to set the sag height , based on their weight and then make the other adjustments from there . Kawasaki and indeed Ohlins will have base settings using a theoretical average weight . The point that I was trying to make , badly , was that Ohlins have a very different , mostly firmer , view of what these base setting should be . A number of people I know have asked Mark Hammond to set their Z900RS SE up and like me , have been impressed with the improvement in handling . I should have explained this in a much simpler , better way ….
Good to caveat the deliberately vague at times settings descriptions. According to another source the rear hydraulic adjuster range only goes so far and is not a substitute for the manual spring pre- load adjuster ring. Adjustment here requires removal of the shock.
👍 It's definitely a looker. Currently got a R1250R but this SE will be more than likely my next bike...I prefer nakeds but its hard to find one thats decent for 2 up anymore...this looks doable.
When you have a bike that beautiful I think you can enjoy the cleaning (you with a big "y"😂). I just finished bringing a ZZR back on the road, and in fairness, I washed it after less than 200 kliks... What I want to say is: what a job you did on the cleaning! Absolute showstate, marvelous! Get it flushed for the throttle, you're not in the EU anymore, are you? Safe ride!
😂 . Still seem to be complying with most EU regulations 🤔😂 Thank you for your compliment . I do like to keep my bikes clean but do ride most of them in all weathers so it keeps me busy ! Have fun with the ZZR . 👍
No Denis . You are not going mad. 😂. If you read the description box I explain . Error in the first one and you can’t edit once launched so I switched it off , we edited a new one and launched again …
Hi Kerry , it is a straight four so you get secondary vibrations . It is a comparatively low state of tune and quite quiet compared to other, more powerful straight fours . Personally I have never found it an issue nor have I heard it discussed often on forums ? Try one if you can . 👍
Hi Mike, thanks for explaining re the video, I had asked you what tyres did you choose when you replaced the originals on your previous RS? Am not so impressed with the OE tyres on my RS
Hi Mark , I put Road 5’s on my Jaffa and they were good . I have put Road 6 on other bikes and they are as well .. I have not ridden the SE in the wet / cold but have no plans to , on the OE tyres . 😉
@michaelmam haven't seen many on the streets but plenty at the dealerships,was quoted 14145 for the yellow retro out door the standards selling 12000 american dollars
Lovely bike Michael have seen a couple here on the roads in NZ When u say Ohlins the front forks aren’t Ohlins r they unless you’ve upgraded the internals however they seems more than capable luv the wheels on these and seems a lot manufactures r using a similar style I like your presentation style and upbeated ness as a matter of interest which bikes do u prefer to do long distance on ? 🍻
Hi Karl , yes ,although I initially thought the 3 different components in the front forks were Ohlins , they aren’t and I clarify that in the description box . Glad you enjoyed it . We tour on a R1250 GS and a Suzuki GSX-S 1000GT . Really like both bikes although they are different . Have made a couple of videos on both 👍
I am German, freshly retired, riding an old BMW GS 1100. This summer I had a testride with the regular Z 900 rs, thinking of it as an addition for the ride on the countryside. I liked the engine sound, it brakes well, handles well, the suspension imhop hits the sweet spot for road riding, not too comfy, not to stiff. Lets see..
Glad to hear you are going to do a video with this and the ZRX . The 2003 blue is the most beautiful bike I have ever seen , second to my 1979 kz650 ( blue w gold strips) . I have a thing foe Blue Kawasaki's you might say. I am now 63 and had many surgeries . Going in For my 7th back surgery in 2 weeks. I hope this to be my last and I am going to get a zrx or a 900 se and have the bodywork done in blue vinyl. The weight is what concerns me with the ZRX . I trust your opinion on these bikes, so I will be extremely interested is your video. Thanks for the videos, they keep me going. It seems like every time I think I have one health issue resolved, something else rears its ugly head. Your videos are one of the main reasons I stay addicted to motorcycles. I want to die RIDING something or someone 😂🤔 . You can imagine the response I get . Anyway thanks again for the videos.
Hope the surgery goes well Marshall and you will be back on a bike soon . Obviously a blue Kawasaki .. The ZRX /SE comparison is in the next series which starts mid November . Something to watch as you recover from your op ! Take it easy .. 👍
Of course you do Chris . I have made a separate video talking about that and the link is in the description box . I make it very clear I am talking about a BASE setting and the difference between what Kawasaki and the Ohlins expert in the UK thinks . When Kawasaki send the bikes out they have no idea of the weight , nor riding style of the owners . They set a base and you work from there , including sag and preload .
I am planning to buy a bike, checking option of honda nx750 which I rode and 900rs kawazaki doesn't have a test ride bike. Looking for weekend rides mostly, I am 5ft 6 , which one you suggest , 53 year old with 3 years experience in riding. Need a suggestion?
Haven’t spent much time on a Honda nx750 so wouldn’t be fair to express an opinion . The Z900 RS is popular with shorter riders like us . Some go for low seats to give them more foot contact but they are easy bikes to ride and the power comes in gently . Take your time and find a bike YOU really like and fits you . Lots of good bikes out there including the RS , which is a popular retro !
Doing a mix of solo, two up, and luggage I regret not going for the SE since changing the rear preload on the standard 900rs is ridiculous to impossible. The manual even instructs you to only do it at an authorized service point.
I agree . For regular changes of preload and sag , the remote adjuster is so much easier . You could fit an aftermarket rear shock with remote ? A number of owners have done so and it has worked well for them . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .
Yep, that’s the plan. I was test riding an entire weekend but did not check the preload adjuster and I wish this expensive fix not being necessary for a simple thing as preload adjustment. I feel potential owners should know this caveat of an otherwise wonderful motorcycle.
I always wanted a Z1R. I reckon this is about the closest thing to one. How do you compare this to an older ZRX1200R? I always wanted one of those as well, and have found some "decent' deals on a few. I've had a Harley V-Rod since 2009 and like it a lot. Will probably never sell it. But I always liked the big Z Kawasaki's.
It looks stunning and I’d love one but I’m baffled why the seat height is like a tall adventure bike. It’s not like it’s got the suspension travel or 21” wheels. Not a fan of low seats as they muck up the rider triangle and on your bike really spoils the bike”s lines. Most other bikes in this category are 2” lower. Good for taller riders I guess?
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . I suspect , but don’t know for sure , that Ohlins set the ride height they suggested for their shock ? In my view the bike does handle and stop, better than the standard bike , I have had both. Aesthetics are of course very personal but I agree the balance of the look has been changed . One of my favourite bikes though , SE or standard 👍
Some tour on them and fit them with luggage but the majority don’t . I really like the bike but it is totally naked so long , straight line roads can generate a fair amount of buffeting? Personally if my main objective was touring , I would either buy something with some wind protection or, if it was the bike you really want , put some on it . Hope this helps ..
Thanks a lot for your response. I had a Ducati Scrambler icon yellow for 4 years. Had gone on it to watch Bharat MotoGp. Over 1600 kms one way. Traffic jams day after day hit me hard with engine heat resulting to 3rd degree burns. Never faced such situation. I don’t blame the Scrambler at all. It was repeated bad traffic jams. Clocked 24000 kms in 4 yrs.Now looking for a Tourer. I am short so the big ones don’t suit me. Am nearing 75 yrs. I also own a Royal Enfield 500 for l4 yrs. Did a lot of touring on it.
Thanks a ton for your opinion. Overheating of the engine due to traffic jams resulted into 3rd degree burns on my right inner thigh. Still recovering from it. The starter switch conked off. Sent the bike almost 80 kms by RSA to Delhi. About One month they said I may have to wait for the switch to come. At the Embassy of Italy dinner with Ducati team helped me fastrack the action by the Delhi dealer. Bad and poor management here. Only 2 pcs available in the country. It was flown in from another city.
I am not sure I am any more qualified to offer advice than anyone else but I have met quite a few very happy owners who are 6’ or more 👍 Best advice is , if you can , try one . If YOU like it , it is right ! Happy New Year 🎉
I have had one since May 2023 and I’m 6’4” I personally find it very comfortable, I traded in in a SX Ninja for the Z900 and this beats it hands down for comfort, I’ve covered around 2000 miles so far with a trip from Birmingham to Northumberland and another to France
Kawasaki engines last forever - restoring the fuel air mixture to something approaching a more stoichiometric ratio will not harm the engine. Running lean runs hot and if anything is more harmful to an engine . . . . ask anyone who has holed a piston in a two stroke engine!
@@neilsmith5883 I thought it would void the warranty but talking to the dealer principle at Greenham Kawasaki he said that if he had it done , by someone he trusted , he wouldn’t void the warranty so I guess it depends on the dealer 🤷🏼♂️ Bike MOT doesn’t test for emissions???
Making these videos and reading the comments has made me realise how different the dealer networks are in other parts of the world . Funnily enough, some in the UK complain about dealers but over here , you can get a test ride on most bikes .
Dancing with the seven vails,, that machine is a looker, if it were a lady one might say marry me. 😊 I might put a pre muffler can eliminator joiner pipe section for a svelte stance.
Did like your video, and would probably have enjoyed it even more if I could have heard what the bike sounded like in something higher than third gear, and with less than 6000 RPM being displayed along the nice country roads that you was riding, which is where I'd like to be riding this bike, the likes of which I'm in the market for. Sorry for the negative slant, but please change gear more often and ease my stress and frustration
😂.. I was in the final stages of running in and like to keep the bike under load , hence the consistently high revs . If you look again other gears are selected . Even now I do not tend to use 6th much on the country runs . It is an overdrive and not very engaging to ride in . OK on dual carriageways but for me , not very dynamic . I have a ZRX 1200 as well . The torque and gearing on that suits quick shifting up the box in the way that you seem to describe . You ride it mostly , on torque , not power. The Z900RS is a buzz ball and wants revs . Try one , but I think other bikes , or different gearing than standard, might suit you better ..
Just crossed 60,000 miles on my '18. Really fantastic for me!
Well done ! What have you replaced in the 60 K ?
I had a 1973 Z1900 years ago. Loved it..!!
Now at age 74 I have a 2023 Z900 RS. Really love it..!!Best Retro available.
Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL bike. Thanks for a great vid, very well made - just like your gorgeous Z900RS SE. Cheers from Sydney Australia. (incidentally FYI the SE model is around AUD$21,400 here).
Thank you Brian . Appreciate you watching and your kind comment 👍
Great summary comparing two iterations of the Z900RS. What a bike !!
Great, insightful video. Thank you!
I loved this review. Thanks.
Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it ..
You sir are a motorcycle expert. Great review of the Z900RS SE. I giggled when you said the Z900RS was your 9th fastest bike. 😊
You touched on all the salient points of the Z900RS from suspension to throttle snatchiness. When a man of your knowledge keeps one in your stable, its a worthy bike.
Cheers from America.
Thank you Luke . That comment nearly didn’t make the cut but left it in , to keep it real . 😂
Happy New Year . All the best for 2024 🎉
Thank you - great content.
Excellent video of the 900 my friend. I have almost bought one of these a time or two, always liked the 948cc Z with the twin clocks and those wheels. Hard to beat the sound of the inline four. Glad you are still making videos Michael and hope to see many more!
Always good to hear from you ! Hope you managed to get some miles on the bikes this summer and are keeping well ?
My decision to buy the '22 900 RS SE to my collection-- The same bike you reviewed here was solely based on the suspension, (at both ends) and brakes. And I am very satisfied with what it is and how rides in everyday use.The tires are better than I expected as well, plus just the right amount of electronic aids to be useful , after one season of riding my '22 Yellowball, I will not change a single thing in the future -. It is a great everyday bike for sensible riding, with more than enough grunt for a skilled rider to challenge anything you will bolt a license plate to. Another great review Michel. Thanks. Cheers from Canada.
They are great fun . Really pleased with mine too .
I am not a particularly fast rider so find it difficult to imagine it keeping up with some of my more powerful bikes in the garage but agree . A great everyday bike for sensible riding .
It would be great to have you teach us a little about how do you keep your Bikes clean. It's mind blowing to see how beautiful and well kept they are.
Firstly , thank you ! I do like to keep my bikes clean and it was kind of you to comment .
There is no magic solution . I am just careful with what chemicals I use , some of the miracle cleaners are pretty tough on finishes , but I am relentless and don’t let them get too dirty in the first place . Baked on road grime is a lot harder to get off than this week’s dirt . I am also lucky enough to have a ramp which means that I can quietly get on and clean the bikes , without lying on the floor to get at them 👍
@@michaelmam Thank you for your reply Michael .
Love your channel, Mate!
Thank you Lars . Appreciate the feedback .
Great video. Good info on a lovely bike.
Thank you Iain . Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Hello Michael. I enjoyed that 29:23 worth of well presented video. Your time is very well spent talking us round your RS se and like you I too would rather spend time up close and personal cleaning a motorcycle rather than weeding the borders. I’ve got a few of your videos to catch up with as I’ve slipped behind over the last few months. Stay well, stay safe.
Thanks Gary . I know you enjoy your Jaffa . Shame that both the group meets were wash outs this year . Hopefully better weather next summer .
Another great review 👍👏
Thank you 🤗
Brilliant watch I have been away from bikes for more years than I care to remember my favourite bika looks wise was kawa z just thought they where stunning back in the day and nothing I have seen has turned my head like a old Z but your rs is quite honestly stunning to look at and the lines of the new compared to old are so similar also your commentary was great thanks I will watch some more of your take on bikes you have a good style old school which nowadays is refreshing.
Never quite sure what old school style is but glad you enjoyed it ! Thank you for taking the time to comment .
Awesome bike , feels a very strong build
They are great bikes . Not perfect but a good build quality overall . In my opinion , better than most 👍
As always another comprehensive, interesting review on a bike l also own. Very interesting regarding you having your suspension settings reset, think l'll look into that in the near future. My bike unfortunately does suffer a little with the snatchy throttle, something l intend to have fixed as well. As always, finding good reliable mechanics etc isn't easy. Take care Michael.
Thank you Stephen . I was impressed with Mark Hammond . A man of few words he was very clear with his base set up , that he would start from a different place to Kawasaki . Clearly if you are getting it specifically set up for you personally , you need to set ride height and sag and then work from there . I actually had him set up my track bike GSX-R 750 this week . Looking forward to my next trip to a circuit for a slow wobble round 😂
Love this bike, not got one, yet, but its definitely on my wish list.
Great bikes .
I am picking up my 2024 SE in a couple of days. I currently have the RS Cafe. I enjoy it but really love the look of the RS SE. I hope it is worth the switch. Great review.
Have fun . It is a nice update on my previous Jaffa . I hope you enjoy yours 👍
Nice video Michael, I have had my eye on a Z900 RS for a while and this SE version might tempt me. Your review motivated me enough to call into Greenham earlier in the week and I had a good chat with the guys there. I discussed various modifications with Neil including ECU mods and he told me that if they carried them out the warranty would not be affected. As a fellow Oxfordshire resident I think the state of the roads warrants uprated suspension!
😂 roads aren’t great are they . That is good news about the engine being covered after mods . Not many would do that and Greenham is owned by Kawasaki so Neil would know exactly what he can and can’t claim for . He is a good guy .
In fairness , I know of no engine issues created by mapping . Great bike . Hope you enjoy it . Just filmed a RS v ZRX video , this morning !
terrific video mate! i coulndt get this bike out of my head now i think its welded to it :)
😂 they are great bikes 👍
Wow! I'd love that with the 4 into 4 pipes;) My next bike;)
Ah get it now, the suspension bit was taken from the first impressions 😊
I too have a collection of motorcycles and am considering adding either Z900 RS or Speed Twin to my collection , Very good video by the way!
Both good bikes . Speed twin has good torque , Z900 is old school straight 4 revs and is more agile . I like both 👍
I'm the owner of a GoldStar but would i like one of these to keep it company in my garage, you bet i would. Great review again Michael.
Thank you Ian 👍
That was hilarious, “20 min weeding and I’ve lost the will to live”
Sadly , it is also true 😂
So this is a video where we think we're going to get some good solid information on suspension settings only to find out we've got to guess somewhere in-between the standard base settings and a ohlins specialist! Because weve all got time to endlessly change the settings, especially ehen the actual settings are at hand... that's genius 💥
Apologies Mark . With the benefit of hindsight I wouldn’t have covered this area in the way I did . As I am sure you know to set up a bike for a specific rider you need to set the sag height , based on their weight and then make the other adjustments from there . Kawasaki and indeed Ohlins will have base settings using a theoretical average weight . The point that I was trying to make , badly , was that Ohlins have a very different , mostly firmer , view of what these base setting should be . A number of people I know have asked Mark Hammond to set their Z900RS SE up and like me , have been impressed with the improvement in handling . I should have explained this in a much simpler , better way ….
@@michaelmam You made the points very well. Your commenter must be a Gen Z'er. Very needy.
@@flyingjeff1956 Thank you ..
Good to caveat the deliberately vague at times settings descriptions. According to another source the rear hydraulic adjuster range only goes so far and is not a substitute for the manual spring pre- load adjuster ring. Adjustment here requires removal of the shock.
👍 It's definitely a looker. Currently got a R1250R but this SE will be more than likely my next bike...I prefer nakeds but its hard to find one thats decent for 2 up anymore...this looks doable.
Very capable , straight 4 retro . Nicely finished👍
When you have a bike that beautiful I think you can enjoy the cleaning (you with a big "y"😂). I just finished bringing a ZZR back on the road, and in fairness, I washed it after less than 200 kliks...
What I want to say is: what a job you did on the cleaning! Absolute showstate, marvelous!
Get it flushed for the throttle, you're not in the EU anymore, are you?
Safe ride!
😂 . Still seem to be complying with most EU regulations 🤔😂
Thank you for your compliment . I do like to keep my bikes clean but do ride most of them in all weathers so it keeps me busy !
Have fun with the ZZR . 👍
Hi Michael
I could swear I have already watched this previously? Am I mistaken?
No Denis . You are not going mad. 😂. If you read the description box I explain . Error in the first one and you can’t edit once launched so I switched it off , we edited a new one and launched again …
I got 8 thousand miles on mine 2022 . Love that bike, absolutely not even one issue
Very good retro bike . 👍
Glad to hear !!! I got the same year, RS Cafe.. About 4000 miles. Weather is perfect now in Cali, gonna ride all summer.
Great video and a stunning looking bike. I've heard vibrations can be an issue, especially through the handlebars. Any thoughts or comments on that?
Hi Kerry , it is a straight four so you get secondary vibrations . It is a comparatively low state of tune and quite quiet compared to other, more powerful straight fours . Personally I have never found it an issue nor have I heard it discussed often on forums ? Try one if you can . 👍
A lovely trip though the English countryside and a very impressive stable of faithful steeds.
“ on a steel horse I ride “ 🏍️
Jon Bon Jovi 1986
Hi Mike, thanks for explaining re the video, I had asked you what tyres did you choose when you replaced the originals on your previous RS? Am not so impressed with the OE tyres on my RS
Hi Mark , I put Road 5’s on my Jaffa and they were good . I have put Road 6 on other bikes and they are as well ..
I have not ridden the SE in the wet / cold but have no plans to , on the OE tyres . 😉
Its not a Honda but im going to try and get one of these gold kows here in Oklahoma in a few weeks,hope i get one its really beautiful
Very popular bike in the UK now . Stateside too ?
@michaelmam haven't seen many on the streets but plenty at the dealerships,was quoted 14145 for the yellow retro out door the standards selling 12000 american dollars
@@tonyrollman3991 That is quite a bit less expensive than they are over here ..👍
Lovely bike Michael have seen a couple here on the roads in NZ When u say Ohlins the front forks aren’t Ohlins r they unless you’ve upgraded the internals however they seems more than capable luv the wheels on these and seems a lot manufactures r using a similar style I like your presentation style and upbeated ness as a matter of interest which bikes do u prefer to do long distance on ? 🍻
Hi Karl , yes ,although I initially thought the 3 different components in the front forks were Ohlins , they aren’t and I clarify that in the description box . Glad you enjoyed it .
We tour on a R1250 GS and a Suzuki GSX-S 1000GT . Really like both bikes although they are different . Have made a couple of videos on both 👍
Great content, well done, beautiful language, e.g. " vertically compromised" 😂
I am German, freshly retired, riding an old BMW GS 1100. This summer I had a testride with the regular Z 900 rs, thinking of it as an addition for the ride on the countryside. I liked the engine sound, it brakes well, handles well, the suspension imhop hits the sweet spot for road riding, not too comfy, not to stiff. Lets see..
Great review.
Can you flat foot? And what is your inseam and height?
With the low seat , the height is fine . I have an inside leg measurement of 29.5 inches . The standard seat felt too tall for me .
These settings of 13 or 22 or whatever where are they taken from? Fully in or out?
Glad to hear you are going to do a video with this and the ZRX . The 2003 blue is the most beautiful bike I have ever seen , second to my 1979 kz650 ( blue w gold strips) . I have a thing foe Blue Kawasaki's you might say. I am now 63 and had many surgeries . Going in For my 7th back surgery in 2 weeks. I hope this to be my last and I am going to get a zrx or a 900 se and have the bodywork done in blue vinyl.
The weight is what concerns me with the ZRX . I trust your opinion on these bikes, so I will be extremely interested is your video. Thanks for the videos, they keep me going. It seems like every time I think I have one health issue resolved, something else rears its ugly head. Your videos are one of the main reasons I stay addicted to motorcycles.
I want to die RIDING something or someone 😂🤔 . You can imagine the response I get . Anyway thanks again for the videos.
Hope the surgery goes well Marshall and you will be back on a bike soon . Obviously a blue Kawasaki ..
The ZRX /SE comparison is in the next series which starts mid November . Something to watch as you recover from your op ! Take it easy .. 👍
Thing is you need to set sag first for preload! Then work back and work on damping.
Of course you do Chris . I have made a separate video talking about that and the link is in the description box . I make it very clear I am talking about a BASE setting and the difference between what Kawasaki and the Ohlins expert in the UK thinks . When Kawasaki send the bikes out they have no idea of the weight , nor riding style of the owners . They set a base and you work from there , including sag and preload .
I am planning to buy a bike, checking option of honda nx750 which I rode and 900rs kawazaki doesn't have a test ride bike. Looking for weekend rides mostly, I am 5ft 6 , which one you suggest , 53 year old with 3 years experience in riding. Need a suggestion?
Haven’t spent much time on a Honda nx750 so wouldn’t be fair to express an opinion .
The Z900 RS is popular with shorter riders like us . Some go for low seats to give them more foot contact but they are easy bikes to ride and the power comes in gently . Take your time and find a bike YOU really like and fits you . Lots of good bikes out there including the RS , which is a popular retro !
Doubtless a great bike, but of this type of bike, I'd prefer the MT-09 as it's a triple. Nick J
Lots of good bikes to choose from . We are fortunate 👍
Doing a mix of solo, two up, and luggage I regret not going for the SE since changing the rear preload on the standard 900rs is ridiculous to impossible. The manual even instructs you to only do it at an authorized service point.
I agree . For regular changes of preload and sag , the remote adjuster is so much easier . You could fit an aftermarket rear shock with remote ? A number of owners have done so and it has worked well for them . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .
Yep, that’s the plan. I was test riding an entire weekend but did not check the preload adjuster and I wish this expensive fix not being necessary for a simple thing as preload adjustment. I feel potential owners should know this caveat of an otherwise wonderful motorcycle.
@@Cibotx 👍 . A lot of bikes still come with pretty old fashioned and basic rear shocks . It is a good point .
I always wanted a Z1R. I reckon this is about the closest thing to one. How do you compare this to an older ZRX1200R? I always wanted one of those as well, and have found some "decent' deals on a few. I've had a Harley V-Rod since 2009 and like it a lot. Will probably never sell it. But I always liked the big Z Kawasaki's.
@@jimgolden9666 by the miracle of technology …czcams.com/video/AkQynl2UcNg/video.htmlsi=idJDpjNjVQEKocpH
@@michaelmam Great comparison video! I like your idea and think I need one of each 👍
It looks stunning and I’d love one but I’m baffled why the seat height is like a tall adventure bike. It’s not like it’s got the suspension travel or 21” wheels. Not a fan of low seats as they muck up the rider triangle and on your bike really spoils the bike”s lines. Most other bikes in this category are 2” lower. Good for taller riders I guess?
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . I suspect , but don’t know for sure , that Ohlins set the ride height they suggested for their shock ? In my view the bike does handle and stop, better than the standard bike , I have had both. Aesthetics are of course very personal but I agree the balance of the look has been changed . One of my favourite bikes though , SE or standard 👍
It is a stunning bike and I’m a sucker for an IL4. Decisions decisions :)
How good is it for long distance touring? I am from India.
Some tour on them and fit them with luggage but the majority don’t . I really like the bike but it is totally naked so long , straight line roads can generate a fair amount of buffeting? Personally if my main objective was touring , I would either buy something with some wind protection or, if it was the bike you really want , put some on it . Hope this helps ..
Thanks a lot for your response. I had a Ducati Scrambler icon yellow for 4 years. Had gone on it to watch Bharat MotoGp. Over 1600 kms one way. Traffic jams day after day hit me hard with engine heat resulting to 3rd degree burns. Never faced such situation. I don’t blame the Scrambler at all. It was repeated bad traffic jams.
Clocked 24000 kms in 4 yrs.Now looking for a Tourer. I am short so the big ones don’t suit me. Am nearing 75 yrs.
I also own a Royal Enfield 500 for l4 yrs. Did a lot of touring on it.
@@sohanroy2813 If you were happy touring on the scrambler ( other than the traffic heat ! ) you will find the rs very easy 👍
Thanks a ton for your opinion. Overheating of the engine due to traffic jams resulted into 3rd degree burns on my right inner thigh. Still recovering from it.
The starter switch conked off. Sent the bike almost 80 kms by RSA to Delhi. About One month they said I may have to wait for the switch to come.
At the Embassy of Italy dinner with Ducati team helped me fastrack the action by the Delhi dealer.
Bad and poor management here. Only 2 pcs available in the country. It was flown in from another city.
@@sohanroy2813 hope you recover soon .👍
Miss my East Anglia roads on my TL1000R, roads here in Florida are straight and boring.
Benefits to both I am sure ..temperature in Florida might have the edge …. Thanks for watching and commenting ..
@michaelmam believe it or not it gets too hot to ride ....
Would you advise this bike knowing that I am 6'!" ... ?
I am not sure I am any more qualified to offer advice than anyone else but I have met quite a few very happy owners who are 6’ or more 👍 Best advice is , if you can , try one . If YOU like it , it is right ! Happy New Year 🎉
I have had one since May 2023 and I’m 6’4” I personally find it very comfortable, I traded in in a SX Ninja for the Z900 and this beats it hands down for comfort, I’ve covered around 2000 miles so far with a trip from Birmingham to Northumberland and another to France
@@Mabbz910 nice 👍
Kawasaki engines last forever - restoring the fuel air mixture to something approaching a more stoichiometric ratio will not harm the engine. Running lean runs hot and if anything is more harmful to an engine . . . . ask anyone who has holed a piston in a two stroke engine!
It’s euro 5 unfortunately meaning snatchy throttle and overheating engines.
Remap it .. issues resolved ?
@@michaelmam won’t that void the warranty and potentially interfere with MOT emission testing?
@@neilsmith5883 I thought it would void the warranty but talking to the dealer principle at Greenham Kawasaki he said that if he had it done , by someone he trusted , he wouldn’t void the warranty so I guess it depends on the dealer 🤷🏼♂️
Bike MOT doesn’t test for emissions???
The more I watch European/UK bike videos, the more I realize how badly USA bike dealers SUCK.
Making these videos and reading the comments has made me realise how different the dealer networks are in other parts of the world . Funnily enough, some in the UK complain about dealers but over here , you can get a test ride on most bikes .
Dancing with the seven vails,, that machine is a looker, if it were a lady one might say marry me. 😊 I might put a pre muffler can eliminator joiner pipe section for a svelte stance.
😂…
Have a great 2024 !
@@michaelmam Thanks my fellow rider and you as well.
The ultimate freedom machine is a motorcycle 🏍️ and open road.
5 minutes intro, too long. I am off, good luck.
Thanks for giving it a try . 👍
take your fast paced life somewhere else, no one cares
Did like your video, and would probably have enjoyed it even more if I could have heard what the bike sounded like in something higher than third gear, and with less than 6000 RPM being displayed along the nice country roads that you was riding, which is where I'd like to be riding this bike, the likes of which I'm in the market for. Sorry for the negative slant, but please change gear more often and ease my stress and frustration
😂.. I was in the final stages of running in and like to keep the bike under load , hence the consistently high revs . If you look again other gears are selected . Even now I do not tend to use 6th much on the country runs . It is an overdrive and not very engaging to ride in . OK on dual carriageways but for me , not very dynamic . I have a ZRX 1200 as well . The torque and gearing on that suits quick shifting up the box in the way that you seem to describe . You ride it mostly , on torque , not power. The Z900RS is a buzz ball and wants revs . Try one , but I think other bikes , or different gearing than standard, might suit you better ..