Kawasaki Z900RS Review
From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. In this issue, we bring you the real voice of the owner about "Z900RS"!
To be honest, Z900RS is this kind of bike!
Kawasaki currently has three major series: the Ninja with a cowl, the Z without a cowl, and the adventure-looking Versys. The Z900RS, however, is a bit different from the other Z series models with edgy designs, and its most distinctive feature is that it is rounded and classically designed.
Kawasaki has two famous models from the 1970s, the Z1 and Z2, and each generation has introduced a model that pays homage to the atmosphere of the Z1 and Z2. The Z900RS is a modern version of the Z1 and Z2, following in the footsteps of the Zephyr series.
The Z900RS is a modern motorcycle with a nostalgic retro atmosphere. Recently, the latest motorcycles with this kind of retro atmosphere are called "neo-retro," and Kawasaki's Z900RS is a prime example of this.
In terms of performance, it is in a very neutral position among modern motorcycles, and is easy to use for touring and city riding, as well as sporting a reasonably high sport and riding two people. It is very easy to ride with its so-called all-around character.
The design of the chassis is also characterized by its ease of matching with everything from sporty fashion to casual wear for town use.
Another feature of the Z900RS is its tremendous popularity since its introduction in 2017. According to the Motorcycle Newspaper's sales ranking, it is worth remembering that it has marked the top position among small motorcycles (motorcycles in the class that require vehicle inspection) for three consecutive years since 2018.
How do Webike users feel about the Z900RS?
Click here for more information
Z900RS
Average price of new model: -Millions of yen
Average used motorcycle price: 173.60,000 yen
63 reviews as of June 7, 2022
Average owner satisfaction is 4.02 out of 5! (Rated by: 968 users)
It should be noted that looks and driving are of a high standard with a score of 4.5 or higher. Handling and maintainability are also above average at 4 or above. On the other hand, loading is in the 2-point range, and the character is easy to understand.
Let's see what webike users have to say.
After all, people overwhelmingly say they fell in love with the styling. Customization is also popular, with a wide range of aftermarket parts available. On the practical side, "easy to ride" and "easy to handle" are also highly rated, and the ability to maintain speed at low speeds seems to be supported.
On the other hand, one disadvantage cited is the volume of the OEM exhaust system, which some say is too loud. It is indeed a powerful 4-cylinder sound, but it may be difficult to warm up in residential areas.
Some userd also complain about the footpeg position, saying that it gets in the way when they get to their feet, and this may be an area that needs improvement.
In a unique review, he said the motorcycle has two motivational moments. One is the way the meter swings off when you turn the key, and the other is the deliberate shock when you put it in first gear. I don't feel like I'm riding a motorcycle anymore. Many of you may be nodding your head in agreement.
Despite the various opinions, we can clearly sense that everyone is enjoying the Z900RS life. Many users seem to have recreated the style of the Z1 and Zephyr, and the fun of not only riding but also tweaking the motorcycle is a big part of the appeal of this motorcycle.
A quick summary of the Z900RS
Advantage
Style similar to Z1 and Zephyr
It's cool regardless of the fad of the times.
Exhaust sound is as good as its reputation.
Style, power, handling. All of them are very good.
Customization is fun with a wide variety of aftermarket parts.
Smooth engine feeling is soothing
Disadvantage
Hard seat (some say they don't mind)
I am concerned about the position of the footpeg when I put my foot down.
Preferences vary on the position and width of the handlebar.
Low under-seat loading capacity
Z900RS Owner's Voice
Here are some of the most review voices among the many reviews.
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | In the first place, I liked KAWASAKI's inline-4. I had high expectations for this product even before it was announced, but when I saw it in person at the Tokyo Motor Show, I decided to purchase it and asked the motorcycle store to help me make an immediate decision. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory points | The exhaust sound is as good as its reputation. I have never heard such a good sound in normal.The sound alone is such that a custom muffler seems unnecessary. interpoint (interword separation)The suspension is supple and turns very pleasantly and smoothly. |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | I am concerned that the cooling fan spins frequently, even in the winter. Is that how it is? In winter, the rpm rises to about 2,000 rpm with auto choke. I cannot warm up the motorcycle because I am concerned about my neighbors. Also, when I start driving in that condition, the rpm does not drop below 2,000 rpm, so the embrace does not work. The feeling of shifting from 5th to 6th gear is a little hard. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | There have been recalls due to the color of the rear wheels, so I think it's safe to check with the store you're buying from just to be sure! https://imp.webike.net/diary/158712/ |
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I'm 53 now and think I'm just about ready for a long term loan, so although I have a Yamaha Bolt, I'm interested in a faster motorcycle and decided on this motorcycle overall. Since I have the Bolt, I don't plan on riding the Z900rs that much.I am happy just looking at it. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory points | I really like the way it looks. I haven't cranked the engine, but it seems to perform horribly. It doesn't perform too bad either. So far I see only advantages. Many commented on the "sore butt seat," and while the seat is indeed hard, I haven't found it particularly frustrating. |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | I don't really feel that there are many cons, but I am concerned about the space above the rear tires and the fact that it looks a bit pinched in the front/rear direction. Oh, I am a little concerned about the loud noise when starting the engine and the high idle. Then, maybe it's because the paint on the tank is new, but the scratches stand out a little bit. I think it would be better to have a tank pad. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | I don't regret buying this motorcycle. I bought a Yamaha Bolt when I was freshly licensed as a large motorcycle, focusing only on the suspension, but even if the suspension is a little worse, this motorcycle, which weighs less, actually handles much better and does not become unstable. |
Kondrianofu
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I had always admired Zephyr and wanted to ride a large Kawasaki someday, so I took the plunge. I had ridden a previous MT-09 matte gray (2014) and really liked the looks and handling, but the engine feeling was too agile for me to handle, so I decided to buy it out of a desire to ride a machine with a milder ride quality. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory points | It's so easy to handle at low-mid speeds, easy to ride & fun! On my previous MT-09, the gas pedal response was too sharp and the RPMs rose too quickly, so I had to be very careful with the gas pedal work to maintain around 60km/h. I think it was partly because the gears were too crossy. I think it was partly because the gears were a bit cross. However, with the Z900RS, the rpms reach about 60 km/h at 3000 rpm in 5th gear, and it is very easy to maintain this speed. The gas pedal response is slow, in a good way. It is really comfortable to drive while maintaining the speed limit on public roads. Analog twin-lens meters are good in appearance and visibility. I also like the coloring and the glamorous style of the teardrop tank. The exhaust system sound also has a thick sound that is hard to believe it is stock. The dry sound from over 3,000 rpm is the best, as well as at idling. |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | I am the type of person who thinks it is nonsense to ask for load carrying capacity on a naked motorcycle, but I wonder about the lack of expandability, which is severely limited in terms of space, even if you want to add a driver's recorder. Also, it may be a matter of concentration of the center of gravity, but the handling has become so heavy that it is hard to believe it is an increase of about +20kg compared to the MT-09. Fuel economy is good when driving in the suburbs, but since it is a 4-cylinder with about a liter of fuel, it deteriorates quickly when stuck in traffic. I would say that the fuel consumption is about 16-22km/L. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | People often say "the price is too high" or "it has the same engine as the Z900, just a different exterior", but it is totally different. The engine is based on the Z900 and has the same bore stroke, but the cylinder head, crankshaft, cam profiles, valve clamp angle, transmission, and compression ratio have all been redesigned specifically for the Z900. The frame is also based on the Z900, but the length to the head pipe and the angle of the seat rail have been changed, and the rigidity and strength have been recalculated from scratch. The exhaust system and exhaust pipes are sound tuned not only in shape but also in exhaust sound. I think the price is reasonable for a 1.4 million ride out after being built so well.(It was hard to get funding, though.) The price is the only thing holding me back, but if you really want it, you won't regret it! I especially recommend it to those who are tired of replica SS and the recently popular street fighters. |
HIRO.T
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I had been riding my favorite CB400 before this, but as I had many opportunities for tandem touring with my wife, I was concerned about the lack of power in the 400 class, and when I was considering replacing it, I decided on this motorcycle, which has the same two-lens analog meter as CBs, which are rarely seen nowadays. Of course, I also liked the style of the motorcycle. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory points | It's been on the market for some time now.There are also a number of custom parts available, and a carrier to which a top case can be attached has been commercialized to solve the problem of load capacity, which is indispensable for my touring style of biking. Anyway, it is a motorcycle that is easy to drive. It has enough torque at low speeds to make it easy to ride, and I like the way it looks because it feels like the motorcycle I used to dream about when I was young. |
| Cons/Dissatisfactions | I don't know if this is a disadvantage, but the seat is a little harder than on other motorcycles I have ridden, and the distance at which my buttocks start to hurt seems a little shorter, but not so much that I can't stand it. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | For a return rider like me, I like the fact that, stylistically, it feels somewhat secure among naked motorcycles, unlike a full-cowl motorcycle. As for the ride, the motorcycle is satisfactory enough with modern equipment in place. I think this is one of the best motorcycles, especially for those who are thinking about getting a bigger motorcycle. |
Check out Z900RS's competitors
The Z900RS is clad in a retro atmosphere, but the perception of its rivals is a bit more multifaceted when it comes to comparative purchase consideration.
First of all, in Kawasaki's lineup, although they are out of print, the Zephyr 750 and Zephyr 1100 are rivals for purchase comparison as vehicles that follow the image of the Z1 and Z2 series, and in terms of current models, the Z650RS is also a candidate. The Z650RS is also a candidate, although its displacement is different from the Z1 and Z2.
It is difficult to name rivals for the Z series because it is a brand established as a "solitary entity," but since Z is associated with Katana, we will introduce Katana as a reference.
If you're curious about what our rivals have to say, check here!
*Owner average satisfaction and number of reviews are as of June 7, 2022.
Suzuki KATANA
Average price of new model: Approx. 11,110 USD
Average used model price: Approx. 10665 USD
Average owner satisfaction: 3.56 (Rated by: 236 persons)
39 reviews
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Z900RS