Kawasaki Z900RS | Watch Out Triumph!
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- čas přidán 10. 03. 2022
- Watch out Triumph, the modern retro Kawasaki Z900RS is in town!
A first ride and review of the Kawasaki Z900RS, Kawasaki's take on a modern retro motorcycle. In competition with the Triumph Speed Twin and BMW RNineT how will the Kawasaki do?
With its buttery smooth 4 cylinder motor and classic modern retro looks, this is a motorbike Triumph should keep an eye on. Based on the iconic original 1972 Kawasaki Z1, it is a motorcycle with history.
I go for a first ride and then go over the specifications in depth.
#Kawasaki #KawasakiZ900RS #RetroMotorcycle
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Once you ride a 4 cylinder everything else become a toy...I had a 750 four ..and now after 20 years I'm getting this beauty, I'll confess, I'm having trouble to sleep till the next weekend comes to take a ride...
Haha I can see where you are coming from after riding this! Congratulations on your purchase 👍 This is na beautiful bike. Enjoy!!
The Z900RS is everything a motorcycle should be, Kawasaki hit the nail on the head in 1972 and again in 2018
I pick my 2023 model up in mid October Black with Red and Silver stripe across the tank
My Brother has the 2022 Blue
👌 I haven't ridden the 1972 model, but can definitely say the 2018 model is fantastic! Looks and build quality are amazing, and rides even better. Congratulations on your new bike and enjoy your rides! Cheers
I'd have one of these over a Triumph any day.
👍 it is a peach!!
Why, if I may ask.
Just got the 2022 Z900RS (Cafe) and it's the second street bike I've ever purchased. LOVE it ! Never getting rid of it.
👌 Congratulations on your new bike! An absolutely beautiful motorcycle, especially in the (Cafe) model. Hope you enjoy it for a long time to come.
The Kawasaki 4 cylinder regardless of CCs is so smooth of a motor. I started with a 1973 Z1 and now own a 2007 Z1000 and a 2009 Concours. Love them all with plenty of power to ride wherever your heart takes you.
👌 Kawasaki certainly know what they are are doing when it comes to making a 4 cylinder engine!
Triumph can't build a reliable transmission, so they are disqualified.
The Kaw Z900RS is truly one of the great motorcycles of our time. Its roomy, lots of power, looks hot as hell and has a glorious in line 4 engine note. Its the GOAT in its class.
🙌 Cheers Luke, here here I agree with you that it is a brilliant bike. Wether it is better than all the Triumphs, I cannot say yet (sitting on the fence 😉). A beautiful and quality bike though!!
Welcome to the world of 4 cylinder bikes. By your reaction during the ride, I think you're hooked. :) Great review, all the way from Australia.
Many thanks, glad you liked the review 👍 haha yup I think I am converted haha! Cheers
Twist it! The redline is way over yonder.
I just got this bike selling my t120 bonneville. I found the t120 steered like a boat anchor while the z900rs is just so much more manouvarable in comparison and is simply just exhilarating to ride. Also found the dials so much clearer and indicators easier to see. Im glad a had the triumph for awhile but it made me appreciate the kawaski even more. Good review, cheers.
Thanks I appreciate it 👍. Yes I understand that, the Kawasaki a much more sporty ride and exhilarating engine as well. I was surprised by the build quality as well! I loved the analogue dials. Cheers
You are comparing wrong bikes. Speed twin which is it's rival is much sharper handling wise. But the Kawi is much roomier and comfortable. Both are brilliant bikes.
When you looked, did you compare it to the Speed Twin as well?
i see how it is more comparable to the speed twin in its capability but i dont see it as a retro bike like the kawasaki or even the t120 bonneville.
@@martinmatouch5347 I just dont see the speed twin as retro as the z900rs or the t120.
I have a '21 in candytone green and love it. It was the bike that got me back on 2 wheels after ~30 years away (The last new bike I purchased was a GPZ900 in '86!). It's comfortable, just the right amount of power for my needs and looks stunning. Build quality and attention to detail is also excellent. All-in-all a good review, but I'm not sure how it managed to fly under your radar for so long?
Hey, nice that sounds like a beauty 👍 Glad it got you back into biking after so long. It is one peach of a motorbike, exactly right I think it is the perfect amount of power to have fun on but not get yourself into trouble! The build quality is excellent.
I have always had my eye on it, just never got around to riding it. It has opened up a whole new world of 4 cylinders for me 😁
Thanks glad you liked the review
Good gas mileage too right?
@@jordanw1649 TBH, I couldn't put a figure on it. I just fill it up as needed
I also have a 21 candytone green. Your assessment is spot on
I've had mine for three and a half years. Lovely bike. A keeper.
100% I agree, a great motorbike 👍
I just booked mine and excited to pick it up. Hesitated at first because it's an "old" model launched 4 years ago. But all things considered I couldn't find myself getting another bike. Happy to see it still gets some content creator love in 2022.
Congratulations on your purchase 👍 No need to worry, it is a brilliant bike. Up there with the best in its category, I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Have a '22 blue Z900RS. Rode the bike with the Distinguished Gentleman's Club. There were Triumph twins everywhere. To tell you the truth the exhaust sound was annoying. Had many come to check out the Z. One had a Thruxton and was about to trade it in for a Z. This thing is beautifully put together. Handles, stops and looks excellent. Love torquey 4 bangers. Cheers.
An absolutely brilliant bike and one that is on my list!! Just love everything about it 👍 So nice to have an option other than the Triumphs! Cheers
Great video-esp your obvious joy at the 4 cylinder power delivery. I’ve ridden the z900rs demo from there (my local) & also loved it. 👍🏼
Thanks, I appreciate it. Glad you liked the video. Haha yes I really enjoyed the 4 cylinder!! Brilliant motorbike and what an engine 👍 Cheers
Great review. As a kid I had a 1976 KZ 900. It was a rocket in its day and was very smooth and very cool to drive. It had a bit of frame flex at certain speeds in corners which was disconcerting at times. But I loved that bike. Good memories and lots of”fast” bikes were quickly in my mirrors!
Thanks, I appreciate it and glad you liked the review 👍 A really special bike this one, just does everything so well. The build quality is exceptional as well. Frame flex in the corners haha! Now that makes for an interesting ride. I have a feeling I also may own one of these bikes one day. Cheers
Thanks so much for the response. Refreshing to watch an unpretentious young man,that appreciates the joy of riding a motorcycle.
Its my pleasure! Thanks 👌
Great video.
Just picked my blue one up in NZ.
Absolutely love it .
Sound is awesome stock , airboc sound is the clincher.
Radiator guard and slightly lower bars is my only planned upgrades.
This bike makes me smile every time I ride it.
Definitely a keeper.
Many thanks Neville I appreciate it , glad you liked the vid 👍. Congratulations on your new bike, a beautiful motorcycle. Great colour in blue as well. Enjoy
I know what you mean by that sound. I ride my z 900 rs gently most of the time, which the bike is great for. But it's so fun to twist it up a bit, and heard that intoxicating sound. My favorite rides are high speed blasts up long curvy mountain passes, where I can stay on the power for a while. Love to hear it working hard! Interstate 80 westbound over Donner Pass!
I laughed a few times over your reaction to the nature of the 4 cylinder and power delivery, this was a great video, thank you Sir!
Haha thanks so much I appreciate that 👍 Love the engine!
The Kawasaki looks damn cool
👍 yea it is a beauty!
Reminds me of 1977 when I bought a new KZ650 in Gun Metal Grey. I always was a Kawi fan and that hits the retro feel. Sweet ride😎
Nice, that has to be a compliment to the Kawasaki design team! I think they hit the nail on the head, it is such a great looking bike and rides even better. I am a new Kawasaki fan! 👍
They were out of my price range back then, but always hankered after the Z650. So now I have one of these big Zeds and absolutely love it.
@@markellott5620 I traded in my H2 500 triple for the KZ650. I have owned a couple 650’s. One had the Vetter fairing, when I lived in CA people thought I was CHP. Trying to be Ponch from CHIPS 🤣🤣 Congratulations on your very cool ride😎
I considered this bike but when i put it next to the T120 Gold Line it wasn not even close in the build quality. I came away with the T120 Gold Line and very glad i did. I love the parallel twin on the T120. The T120 is my coffee shop bike as my long distance tourer is my Triumph Trophy SE. But i live in Western Canada where the roads are long and very windy with big trucks!!!! Love the channel just subbed from Alberta Canada. I'm an ex Brit originally from Yorkshire but my whole family is in Devon now, which is lovely bike riding countryside!!!!
Hi Colin, many thanks really pleased you like the videos and welcome to the channel 👍 That T120 Gold Line is beautiful!! I love the Gold Line editions. I suppose it depends what style you are after, the Kawasaki is a much more sporty ride than the T120 I found. The T120 has that great classic British style to it, and the torque from the 1200 engine is so nice to cruise with.
I can imagine that you have some massive roads out there, compared to in the UK haha. Some pretty awesome scenery as well!!
Devon is beautiful, I recently did a weekend riding around north Devon 👌 I must do Yorkshire some time. Cheers and all the best from the UK
Great vid, enjoyed very much.
Thanks Jon I appreciate it 👍 Glad you liked the vid. Cheers
Great review! Harkens back to the days of my KZ650. Must investigate! Thank you!
Many thanks, really glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Highly recommend a ride
My neighbour has one of these, and he loves it. I love both twins & 4 cylinder bikes.. I have four other bikes that are 4 cylinder, but I also have a twin.. The 4 cylinder bikes are way easier to ride than a twin, which is a bit jerky at slow speed riding…but my Aprilia Factory RSV with carbon Akrapovic exhausts does sound the nuts!
I really enjoyed this bike 👍 The 4 cylinder has opened up a whole new world for me!! Beautiful engine, so smooth etc... Nice sounds like you have a good collection going, haha I bet it sounds epic!!
Cheers
Excellent review! This is Z900RS review I needed to see. Other reviewers coming from fast sport bikes made it seem like the Z900RS was slow, using terms like “subdued” and “laid back”. But I’m coming from a 64 HP Triumph Street Twin so none of that made any sense to me. Seeing your reaction coming from a 1200 twin is the context I needed to see, and has got this bike high on my list for my planned trade up this summer.
Thanks I really appreciate that. By no means is this a slow motorcycle!
Just bought this bike and loving it 🤘👍
Great choice man. :)
Congratulations and great to hear your loving it 👍 I did as well, such a nice motorbike. Enjoy!!
Stunner, gorgeous bike
What do you think of the Cafe version of this?
Congrats on cracking the 1000 subscribers!
Many thanks John! I finally got there!! A great moment and just the beginning of things to come. Thanks for your support 👍
Yeah, congrats. This is a great milestone. I think I am on my way there. :)
@@RRRRefuelRideRace Thank you very much, and good luck with your channel 👍
I have the 22 Candytone Blue. Akro Racing header and Muffler. This bike is quite tall. I lowered it 2 inches for my 30" inseam. Sweet bike. I adore it.
Nice, a lovely spec you have gone for 👍 A stunning bike, top quality as well.
Start out in second gear and run it through the gears and bring every shift up to redline. The thing is a monster
Haha I bet it is!! To be honest I think that would scare me a little!! TOO much fun in those higher revs 👍 Cheers
Most guys get a map re-flash. The stock throttle mapping was done to please the green powers that be worldwide of course causing the bike to have a lean condition. With a new flash the power comes on buttery smooth from bottom to top and is a beautiful thing.
I can imagine with a remap this bike sings!!! It is even great stock. Cheers
Do you happen to know which remap that is?
Just wait for the warranty to expire. I've been down the tuning road with cars and they'll void your warranty lest anything happen.
Speed twin was in my short list but I tried an 900 RS last week...like you it was my fist 4 cylinders run, I thinking i have to ride in the high zone of the revs...but not !
This thing come to live quickly and what a look and what a sound😀🤩
The Akra is perfect with the color of the tank👍
So, I have just buy one 2019 model Bronze/Orange 😉
Congratulations on your purchase 🥳 Yes it is a great engine and delivers mid range very nicely as well. A great choice, enjoy
Great review!
👍 Many thanks I appreciate it. Glad you liked the review
Good and easy review 👍
Many thanks I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 👍
Nice looking bike, Kawasaki makes pretty good bikes. I had the old school 95 Concours and it was a solid bike. Not wild about the grey of the test bike, my FJR was stone grey and I think a brighter color would've been more safe.
Yup I love the look of it, a subtle retro look. This is the first Kawasaki I have ever ridden and I loved it, really impressed 👍 The build quality and that 4 cylinder are brilliant. Thats a cool motorbike the 95 Concours, real classic sports touring style, with a nice big screen 👍
Same I would go for the Kawasaki green or the orange/red colour they do for the Z900RS. I am a big fan though, think I will be riding more Kawasaki's in the future.
That's lovely.
Yup its a really nice bike, great looking and such a lovely engine!
great video!
Many thanks I appreciate it, glad you liked it 👍
RS stands for retro sport. It has a sporty nature. Hi blacked out some bits on mine and added an LSL handlebar, tail tidy and bar end mirrors. That added to the sportiness of the bike
Beautiful bike, I think one of if not the best modern retro on sale today 👍
@@redangrevival just sold mine yesterday :( after 4 years. My life changed a bit so it was a decision to be made. Now with a gtr1400. Thr R/S is a great bike. Hope to have another one in the future
My dad loved Kawasakis. I'm considering the Vulcan S for my first proper bike.
Happy trails for next week if it's good to go 👍🏻
Strangely this was the first Kawasaki I have ever ridden! I loved it, really surprised by the build quality. Your dad had taste 👍 Nice love the looks of the Vulcan S, that would be a great first big bike.
P.S thanks, the weather is looking ok atm. Looking good so far 🤞
Any bike is a joy. :) Ride the one that you ride in your dreams. :) This is how simple it is.
Interesting! I was considering a Vulcan S (not as a first bike), but ended up with a z 900 rs. Vulcan S would be a great first bike.
@@elevationmoto6208 This is so true. Probably you are happy now with the Z900rs. Drop by buddy. You may like my content.
Have to get one
As an RS owner, I can say amen. I'll even tack on a Brother.
Haha Cheers brother 👍
Thats a good looking bike.
👍 yup it really is a stunner. Great build quality also
I would loved to take you on the back of my Kawasaki z1000st , now that was a fast bike , I know I owed one.
Too fast for me I think 😂 Haha another level of speed I should imagine!!
I still have a crush on this bike. My next bike will be a GS. But this just looks so good.
👍 Nice not a bad option going for a GS next!! Haha this Kawasaki sure is a beautiful bike, fantastic build quality and the perfect mixture of retro/modern styling.
@@redangrevival right! It has the perfect amount of retro and modern. Not too old looking and not too new looking. They nailed it.
Gr8 vid, mate. Most euro cafe riders I know don't believe in the jpn reliabilities. And pending personsal size, euro bikes fits better for 6ft tall ppl, whereas jpn fits better for under 6ft. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.
Hey thanks so much I appreciate it 👍. Really pleased you liked the vid. It felt like a really quality motorcycle to me, I was surprised by the build quality. Definitely one to rival the euro bikes. Cheers and same to you.
Lime green dream machine 2019 cafe ZED 900 A STREAK OF BRIGHT GREEN LIGHTENING 💚
Very well said 👌 Such a stunning bike
My dream bike , be safe an continued success!
Did the nc500 last year on mine, it was great (just one up though)
O wow I bet that was a beautiful trip 👍 Yup I can't imagine a pillion enjoying that too much haha!
@@redangrevival it was until I hit a rock in the middle of the road at Glencoe which punctured my oil filter and left me stranded
That is my next one i already have a Harley 1275 sportster, Enfield 500 Classic, and I just got a Ducati Night Shift, and next comes this z900 RS, after which a Ducati Panigale V4S and a Triumph Bobber
🤟 wow what a collection you already have!! Good for you, enjoying your best life 👍 Yup can highly recommend the Z900 RS for the collection, beautiful bike. Enjoy the summers riding and good luck with adding to the fleet 😁
Thanks for the grat content. I enjoy your videos and you very personal input. I think as audience feel more connected with this kind of attitude.
Have a quick question. I am looking to get a motorbike for touring across the country on vacation and quick trips on weekends with my partner and some luggage. I might get an adventure motorbike like BMW GS but im a big fan of the retro looks. Among the retro looks motorbikes, which once do you think are more suitable for this kind of riding?
Thanks :)
Hi Sam, many thanks I'm glad you like the content 👍
Great question, I think quite a few people struggle with getting this balance right. I am the same as well!! My personal bike is a Triumph Speedmaster, cruise style with brilliant classic/retro looks, but I can also tour long miles on it. You could consider looking into a cruiser bike, as you can do large touring miles in comfort but still have the retro looks.
Otherwise the Triumph Bonneville T120 could be worth considering, however could be a squeeze for 2 up touring! Or possibly the Triumph Scrambler 1200. Hope that helps some what. If I were you I would look at some cruisers 👍
I came here after your XSR900 review, i think I'll go for the Yamaha, i feel it just has a bit more in the bike for what I'm looking for, excellent review tho 👌🏾
Thanks so much I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the video 👍 You can't go wrong with either bike.
Maybe this is what you meant but it’s based on the Z900 of the same year, a normal modern naked bike, it’s design differences are inspired but the z1 & other older bikes but make no mistake this is a Z900 naked sports bike with very nice appearance mods. Which is fine, just saying it’s not a dedicated platform at all.
Yes very similar to the Z900, just dressed up somewhat prettier!
I just went shopping for either the Speed Twin 1200 or the z900rs (café). I chose the Kawi! Just bought it today!
A great choice in my opinion 👍 Both brilliant bikes but I think the Z900RS is just so special. Congrats on your new bike.
Congrats on the Z900RS Café purchase, mate 👍.
Which color did you pick?
Hi have this bike since 2019. Bought it new. Wonderful bike. Love it. Never had a problem. The engine is great and looks so good.
This is a bike I very much liked the look of but never got around to riding before I bought my Speed Triple RS. Agree a QS would probably make it even better. Sounds nice with the Akrapovic. Very surprised you've never ridden an in-line 4. This is why it's wider, an extra cylinder. You didn't mention price. I think they are about £10-11k? But might be wrong, but if they are, they are very good vfm. So different to a Speedmaster.
I know I have been missing out by not riding an in-line 4!! It was a complete game changer!! Loved it. Yes the sound with the Akrapovic exhaust is nice, but apparently the dealer was saying it is not that much different to the standard exhaust.
Apologies, it starts from £10,849 or £11,149 for the blue or green paint finish (I like the blue). Yes I think it is fairly priced, it is a really quality package, and that 4 cylinder is dreamy smooth. 😍 Completely different motorbike to the Speedmaster, I can't even compare the two!
The original exhaust sounds better, i don't understand why they put an expensive Akra on the bike that sounds not as good.
@@jandetaeye4748 yup I agree. The Akra didn't sound as good as I thought it could. The salesman said the standard exhaust is very good 👍
@@redangrevival the standard exhaust looks much better too 👍
I hope you get your hands on a W800 next. Cheers!
Cheers, yup that would be a great ride 👍
OMG sooooooooo JEALous the paint schemes u get over there. DAMit!. I would just write a check upon seeing this. on the spot not even SITTING on it first. serious.
Haha sorry!! Yup a beautiful motorbike, it really strikes a great balance between retro and modern. The build quality is top notch as well. Rides even better, take my word for it. Cheers
I've been loving my 2018 since my wife bought it for me that's right my wife woohoo
😂👍 It is a brilliant bike, top quality. Haha and lucky you for having such a good better half!
Acrapovic?? When you started it up and rev a little. It reminded me of an electric bike accelerating 😂😂😂
Haha, apparently the standard exhaust is better then the Acro!
been a (proud) owner a black 2018 one. Just my 2 cents:
- stock tyres are rubbish, the rear tyre went out under me 2 times
- seats is okay for short times but more than 2 hours and it might start irritating you
- responsive throttle so you need to get used to it
+ styling
+ engine
+ decent for two up, but not too long
+ sound (even with stock exhaust)
+ quality
as extra's I upgrade it with:
- grab rail in the back
- windshield (small one, in tinted black, looks brutal)
- engine protection
I do think about replacing it with another Kawasaki with a bit more touring capability/wind protection and comfort, something like a 1000SX. But do recommend the z900RS for an bad ass bike.
Sounds like you have added some nice mods 👍 I really struggle to fault this bike, such top quality!
What year is the test bike?
It was a 2021 model. The models for 2022 have different colour options.
The akro silencer without the akro header makes no sense because the original silencer is essentially a straight thru race pipe and the stock silencer looks better. The quieting of exhaust note takes place almost in total in the breadbox where the cat lives. Lets not even talk about the increases in power and torque from a remap with the akro header ( plus a loss of about 10.5 pounds of weight from the stock dual wall header. Ive had my 2018 Z900RS Cafe for almost 5000 miles now and love it. Ditch the horrible stock tires and put some road 5's on it to transform the bike, you will be yelling yippee all the way down the road even louder than you found yourself doing in the video. Welcome to in-line 4 fun!
👍 Very well said! Thanks I appreciate it. Sounds like some great advice, if only I owned one! A brilliant motorbike and thanks for the welcome to the in-line 4 world 😁. A whole new dimension!
Bye it it's the best bike u can buy
And I Ben driving bikes for over
50 years👱⚡
👌 Thanks Vincent that is good to hear. Great to hear it get such high praise, and be appreciated for such a great bike.
Scott here, so how did this bike feel compared to the Honda 1000R? It’s pricy but I know it’s a great bike.
Think the Honda felt slightly faster and more refined engine. However for the over all package I would have the Kawasaki every time 👍
I had a brand new KZ 900 I bought in 1976. cost $2,600 us when new. the Z900 RS is much more refined
Wouldn't it be nice if the new Z900 RS cost $2,600! I would have one in a heart beat 👍
Planning on buying one of these as a first bike
A stunning bike, and straight into the deep end! Ride safe
@@redangrevival as a 6ft3 male choosing a first bike is difficult as everything feels tiny.
Tried a speedmaster but just to low.
What I'd really like to buy is a triumph rocket 3 - but I thought I'd buy something a bit more restrained for a few years while I get fully comfortable 😀
@@samarnett5007 Haha yup would say the Rocket is a bit much for a first bike! I am actually test riding one tomorrow 😁 Have you tried any adventure bikes?
@@redangrevival yeah I have and I quite like the tiger, but the bike just isn't very me so I can't purchase it when it just doesn't feel right. But they fit me so well 😅
@@samarnett5007 Completely understand, have to go with your heart and what feels right! Perhaps something like a Triumph T100 or T120!
the exhaust isnt standard then?
No its an Akro slip on 😁
Well, my 2022 Triumph T120 has fly by wire throttle which means add heated grips from Triumph you just plug in, and electronic cruise control the Kawasaki does not. But if when I purchased my Triumph, I could have found a Z900RS with 1000 miles of me in stock, which I looked for. I would have purchased it. Kawasaki I could had gotten serviced anywhere, not so with Triumph. It has been over a month that I purchased my T120 and I still can't find a Z900RS anywhere to even test ride, not sure what is going on with supply chain???
I am not too sure to be honest! All I can say is that they are very popular and perhaps maybe a long list of people wanting one, hence the shortage
Had a z900rs , great bike
I now have a zh2
Try that ,fantastic bike
Cheers, I will try and schedule a ride in 👍
A-krap -a-vich..no O 👍
Speed Twin or Z900RS SE ?
A great question!! I have not ridden the Speed Twin yet so cannot say!! However I have ridden a lot of the Bonneville 1200 engined bikes and I can say they are very different to the Kawasaki.
I am going to say Kawasaki 😬
@@redangrevival - I'm torn between them. My wife likes touring machines like the Gold Wing but I wouldn't want one as a daily too big and heavy
The Z900rs was at the top of my list for a new day out bike this year, but for 2022 the paint schemes are just so dull compared with all the ones that came before that looked so stunning. Such a shame I had to pass as all the older ones I loved.
Hi Mark, that is a shame, it is such a great bike. I do agree though, I definitely prefer the previous colour combos. I don't mind the 2022 blue colour too much. I suppose you could consider buying second hand with the right paint colour?
@@redangrevival already pulled the trigger on a 1200xe scrambler which should be with me the start of may. But will admit I had my heart set on an RS.
@@markmundy3435 fair enough, congratulations on the Scrambler 👍 Its a great bike as well. I hope you enjoy it.
Just wish this bike had a twin silencer setup....
Same 👌
This or the speed twin?
This every time! Just love this bike, Kawasaki really nailed it with this 👍
My 2020 z900rs cafe is NOT for sale.
👌 Stunning bike
I don't remember that color... is it an original? weird maybe some local paint scheme
Hi, yes it is an original. I believe they have updated the colour options for 2022 👍
Its a great bike. If you get one, do yourself a favor and get the new SE model with Ohlins and Brembo. The stock Z900RS shock is crap, the OEM tires are crap... Easy fixes, but the SE comes out of the box ready for anything from commuting to track days...
I had a 2020 Z900RS and have a current Speed Twin 1200. The Triumph is more agile, has better brakes... The Z900RS has more punch in the motor, but not by too much.
Hey, thanks for that. Good to know, seems like the SE is worth the extra 👍
Will be riding the new Speed Twin soon, looking forward to it. Cheers
@@redangrevival Yeah, as much as I love my 2022 Speed Twin, when you consider that its basically the same price as the new Z900RS SE model, then the Kawi is the better buy. I had to upgrade my Speed Twin shocks to Ohlins, and I am having the forks built up with K-Tech internals next weekend... All in that's 2 grand, just to get it to where the new Kawi SE model comes out of the box...
I am not getting rid of my Speed Twin any time soon, but if I was in the market for a new retro sportbike today and had to choose between the two, it would be the Kawi.
@@redangrevival And with the Speed Twin, it is severely restricted from the factory. Even when you put it in Sport mode, the ECU never gives more than 90% throttle plate opening no matter how much you twist the throttle. And at 6000rpm, the throttle plates shut down to like 83%. They also pulled anywhere from 6-12 degrees of ignition timing to limit the power and response. I couldn't believe how much they held this bike back when I dug into the map tables...
Luckily, that can all be undone in less than 20 minutes with TuneECU and an Android phone or tablet... The difference between the stock bike in Sport mode, and mine, is like the difference between Rain and Sport modes on a stock Speed Twin. It's that dramatic. On the stock bike, the engine output is never equal to the throttle input. You might twist it to 100%, but it never gives that. When you twist to 60% and it only delivers 37%, etc....
If you get one, flash the ECU and get all the power back and it's an entirely different beast.
@@SquireSCA Good reasoning and great to know from your personally experience.
Best of both worlds, keep em both!!
@@SquireSCA Wow! So annoying how much they restrict bikes these days.
I would definitely get a re-tune, well worth it!
Triumph has no worries
Lots of unsold ones on the dealership floor yesterday and today (two locations). Only one z900rs Café, no other z900rs' other than a few used ones (though same thing with Triumphs).
I felt very lucky to have found my black and gold Café. I snapped it up quickly.
it doesnt show mpg btw
O my bad, did I say it did!
Nice review. I like it. Just have to say... that the seat height is 835mm. :) I subscribed. :) Drop by buddy. You may find it interesting.
Cheers I appreciate it, glad you liked it 👍. Apologies your right about the seat height!! 🥴 I find 835mm nearly the perfect seat height for me. I will take a look cheers, all the best.
Yeah they’re around 2500 miles you gotta get the valves adjusted neck cost about $500 and you don’t get anything for trade in value on it so that’s a that’s a sucks everything’s overpriced on them
On what bike?
ZRX 1100 -.2000 yr
Screen,I was enjoying your ride till you mentioned screen yuk
Ah sorry about that!! I retract the comment 😉 Brilliant motorbike 👍
Maybe I'm old, but that is a modern bike. Not sure what about it is 'retro' hehe.
Excellent bike, I'm sure, if you want a pretty-much-modern sports bike ;^)
Yes, I'm biased. I've never wanted to pretend the roads are a race track, so most of the point of any sports bike is wasted on me.
If I *did* want a Japanese Sporty bike, I would certainly look at something like this, but I don't, so I won't!
Haha fair enough! Yup it is definitely not the most classic of the modern retro's. I suppose the analogue dials and slightly "retro" lines to the bike are a nod towards being a "modern retro". I do agree though it is not as classic styled as the Triumphs.
Haha I respect your honesty 👍 Cheers
It's very retro looking. Have you seen 'modern' bikes lately?
I'm around 60 and the z900rs' totally scream retro to me, and apparently thousands upon thousands of buyers.
Triumph will never be threatened by a few random releases like the 900 Kawi, and certainly nothing having 2 or 3 cylinders. If you prefer your power higher up the rev range, theres literally hundreds of 4 cylinder bikes out there that are superior. Kawasaki makes good bikes with bulletproof gearboxes and suit some people well. When it comes to broad, flat, power curves, its awfully hard to beat the 1200 Twin. Triumph has had many years to refine this platform and the top of the line models like the Speed Twin and Thruxton are pretty serious machines that perform extremely well when modified properly. My '22 Speed Twin rolls at 100mph at just under 5000rpm in 6th. gear. Try that with your retro rockets.
Yup Triumph do seem to have that side of the market wrapped up! I do like this Kawasaki though, very different to the parallel twins. A great experience to ride it, I was surprised by the build quality as well.
Yes I can imagine a genuine sports bike 4 cylinder would be lovely and smooth!
I would like to give the Thruxton ago at some point. Feel the different tune to the engine 👍
@@redangrevival The new Speed Twin has the same exact engine and tune now. The Thruxton is 4k. more expensive for fully adjustable suspension. Not worth it to me.
Rode my z900rs to a Triumph dealer to have a look. Speed Twin is a beautiful, premium machine. So it turns 5000 rpm at 100 mph, while z900rs turns 5000rpm at 80 mph. But it is smooth, barely a tingle.. Maybe I'll ride a Speed Twin some day. I'm sure I'd love it.
@@elevationmoto6208 I actually went up to a 17 tooth countershaft sprocket on mine. I'm usually running at 80-85mph or better out here in Montana, so it helps keep the rpms down on the highway. Low speed stop and go traffic in town is pretty hairy with all the sand still on the roads from winter. It's a trade off.
@@elevationmoto6208 Both great bikes in their own rights. Just different flavours 👍Cheers
Triumph looks are better. Nice bike though.
I agree I think the Triumphs edge it in the looks department. It is a sweet bike the Kawasaki, such a nice smooth engine 👍
Apart from scungy header pipes on triumph twins
I owned a Speedmaster and they're OK for open roads, highway, etc. but in the city they are pigs - two large a u-turn, too heavy, stupid forward controls, lousy pillion. I sold it to a neighbor.
Yup fair enough city riding is definitely not what they where designed for! Much nicer out on some good riding roads, just cruising around. Hence the forward controls.
Agreed the pillion seat is not good at all, luckily it is just reserved for my extra luggage.
I hope you are enjoying what you ride now. 👍
@@redangrevival You got it. I ride a 25 year old Triumph Adventurer, which has died. I'm trying to find an 'all around' bike that does everything, and that has become rare. I'm looking at this Kawa since it might even have some accessories, as the Triumph Street Twin seems to have almost none.
i must disagree.. the rear brake leaves much to be desired.
Fair enough good sir! Although I must say it seems to have the same stopping power as 90% of rear brakes on road motorcycles. Rear brakes generally leave a little to be desired!
Screen ya wus
Why are you putting yourself through this at our expense. You'll no longer want to ride your speedmaster.
Haha no worries, there's no danger of me not liking the Speedmaster! She is still my number 1 👍. I appreciate your concern though! Cheers
Another hand waver
Haha apologies about that!! I am trying to minimise the hand waving!!
It's not a zed, it's a ZEEE!!!
Not in civilised countries .... 🤣
Watchout Triumph?..this bike cornholes anything Triumph has ever built.
Heres a challenge for you.... Make a video where you don't say "nice" once! That will be refreshing for viewers....
Haha I will give it a go but can’t make any promises!! I will try to pick out more bad points where I can
"Not being sexist" go review a scooter.
All good 👍 I plan on scheduling one in!
It’s Kawasaki,not Kawazaki.
listening to Brits pronounce Kawasaki has become a side hobby of mine. It's silly.
😂
I really think you should consider using the word "really" not quite so often. Really, after a while it gets really annoying because it's the lazy option you really keep reaching for really often.
Once you put the chrome bar on the back it be comes. Superstar 🧝🌴⚡
TEXAS USA