Hi, Beautiful bike! I hope you don’t mind me asking a few questions. Did you have the chance to see the Z900 Special Edition? If so, what did you think of it? Thank you.
Hey! Thanks so much! For the RS Cafe? The only other edition of this model, that I know of, is the one with the Ohlins shock and the yellow/black paint scheme. That one doesn’t have a front cowell though and is a bit more of an upright riding position. I saw one in person a few weeks ago, for the first time and it’s a LOT nicer in person.
I'm barely 5ft 8 will it fit me? 😢 It's my dreambike...and yes, I heard Kawasaki offers a lower saddle, but there's rumours that this lower version isn't comfy at all
The ONLY thing I don’t like about my gen 1 Speedy is how quickly the redline comes when you give it full chat. It could do with an 8500 redline then it would be perfect. The Kwak doesn’t have that low down grunt of the ST, and having ridden many Jap fours over the years I like the ability to accelerate hard without too much gear changing. Undoubtedly though the Kwak is an excellent choice. 👍
Imagine, all People would love the same things, how terrible this would be. I love my Speedy, there`s no better bike for me for many reasons 😁. "I mean - the Power..."😉
Ive had a Thruxton R for almost seven years, a BMW R9T for two plus years before it was stolen and a 2024 Kawasaki Z900RS SE for a couple of months. I don’t think I'd agree with some of your conclusions. I’ve run the Thruxton R and R9T at the drag strip and the Thruxton R at Bonneville Salt Flats quite a few times and I'll take the Kawasaki to the drag strip this Spring but I think the horsepower to weight ratio is almost the same and I'll be surprised if isnt almost identical. Handling wise the Thruxton R is quicker on winding roads than the Kawasaki but the Kawasaki edges out the R9T. The OEM tires on the Kawasaki probably limit it bit. The Kawasaki has more vibrations coming through but are not unpleasant but the Triumph is smoother. The R9T will put your fingers to sleep above 80 mph. The Speed Twin is more comfortable than my Thruxton R but here I agree with you that the Kawasakis riders triangle is better than the BMW and very much better than the Triumphs. I think the Kawasaki styling is better than the Speed Twin and better than most of the R9T models. Even though I somewhat disagree with your rationalization I would choose the Kawasaki Z900RS over the R9T or Speed Twin if you could have only one bike, but since I have several bikes the Kawasaki will share a garage with my Thruxton R. 😄😄😄
What a livery to own! Ive been looking at all 3 of these bikes as they are all that takes my eye as thats what mainly attracts me to the a motorcycle but i settled for z900rs after the first test ride havnt ridden the other 2 but i am always thinking of an addition to the stable! From what you have said i think i made the right choice but think there will always be a wonderlust for the thruxton rs because there is something to behold in the grunt of a twin and coupled with the noise and sharper handling the smile per mile will posibly rival the 900rs but im happy with the kwak either way.
200 miles on a tank full with a fully stock bike is really difficult to achieve unless you are very light on the throttle, maybe highways that have no traffic. But even then it would mean you have to go completely dry
Those are the 2 bikes I'm looking at to replace my '72 Triumph. I just can't get past that radiator on the Kawasaki. That has to be the ugliest thing I've ever seen on a bike, except for maybe the external framework that some bikes sport. Triumph does such a good job hiding theirs. Anyway thanks for the review. It's not easy to find content that isn't influenced by the reviewer owing the brand a good review (press bike, loan, blind love Etc.).
I plan to purchase a new bike around Christmas/new year time, when it's cold and wet here in the UK! I was torn between the Z900RS and the Speed Twin 1200, but managed to have a good look at the Z900RS a couple of times, when getting my current bike serviced. What amazed me was how the bike felt, it felt just right for me, with more leg room. It was extremely comfortable, it felt light, it oozed quality, and I just loved those twin clocks! I'm 6' 2", so naked bikes always seem a bit small, my current bike is, but the Z900RS just felt different? To cut a long story short, both bikes are top quality, but I think the Speed Twin will be a bit too small. So, I've decided to spend the extra cash, and l'll be going for a brand-new Z900RS SE "Yellow Ball" (MY2024, UK). It looks stunning, and comes with a Öhlins S46 rear shock, retuned front suspension, and Brembo M4.32 radial-mount monobloc calipers. I'm sure you'll enjoy riding your new bike, cheers. 👍
Nice! The SE? Good choice. Thanks for bringing up the size. That was a big factor for me too. You don’t realize how small the Speed Twin is, until you see it side by side next to another bike. You know?
@@jaredmotopnw I haven't had a chance to try the Speed Twin yet, because the dealer is miles away, so I'm just going off the reviews. It's also another reason why I'm going for the Z900RS, I got fed up travelling long distances with my previous bike, a Yamaha Ténéré 700. My local Kawasaki dealer is less than seven miles away, and once I sat on the Z900RS, I was blown away! The bike felt so right, and the Candy Tone Blue/Gold stripe version looked stunning. It's my favourite colour, I just wish it had gold wheels, a Öhlins S46 rear shock, and Brembo brakes! I also love inline four-cylinder bikes, and I can't understand why some people don't? I did all my training on a Honda CB659R, and thought it was a fantastic bike, composed around town, it felt very stable, and that four-cylinder howl when you open it up is glorious! After selling my Ténéré 700, I bought a Suzuki SV650, and it's a cracking bike, it brings a smile to my face every time I ride it. It's V-twin, or L-twin as Ducati would call it, sounds fantastic, especially with a slip-on. Strangely, it feels heavier than the Z900RS, I think it's the centre of gravity? But, it's time for a change. We have a registration plate change every March and September in the UK with a year and month identifier, so I'll talk to my dealer at the end of December. Hopefully, I can get one for the new registrations on March 1st 2024, I can't wait. Don't think they'll drop the price, though, as it seems to sell well, and the supply is limited. I love the Bonneville range, with the Speed Twin being my favourite, and I always promised myself I'd buy one. But, many reviewers have commented on its small size, which is a pity, but you never know. Anyway, enjoy your bike. 👍
There’s a ton of people out here with the Tenere! Haven’t been as interested in those, though, since I primarily do street riding. It’s my first in-line 4 and I love the way it sounds and performs! But think I’ll keep it stock for a bit (although my buddy got the headers replaced and got it tuned real nice)… and it takes off! But the he gets really low mpg on it with those mods. I wanted to check out the SV650 but once I was stuck on this, I just went for it! Hondas are great bikes too. Totally get why you would prefer a dealership that’s close to you. Easier on maintenance and if you need anything done.
@@jaredmotopnw I don't blame you, the Yamaha Ténéré 700 is so top-heavy they're positively dangerous on the road! They're not ideal on the street because of its size, its weight, the 21" front wheel, and go past about 15 degrees, and you're hitting the deck! It was good on bad roads and speed humps, though! The Ténéré was a certainly a handful, and I nearly dropped it once at the lights during rush hour. I was on a very bad road, that was 'W' shaped due to all the heavy traffic. I had to come to a stop on top of the 'W', but a small, unassuming pothole turned out to be just that little bit too deep and sent me sideways-I just about managed to save the bike! Even coming to a stop on a steep camber could catch you out. I liked some aspects of the bike, like the CP2 engine, and the commanding view, but you seemed to be constantly fighting the bike to keep it upright at low speeds. I sold it after a year and went back to a sport bike, and I'm much happier. My advice is, if you're going touring, then buy a sports tourer, and if you are going to go off-road then buy something lightweight, like the Honda CRF300L. If you do want an adventure bike, then buy the new BMW R 1300 GS which can lower its suspension, but it will cost you a pretty penny! If I do manage to buy a Z900RS, I wouldn't do much to it. I certainly wouldn't put a tail tidy on it, I've got fed up with getting cr*p up my back! Plus, it's got a duck-bill tail cowl, which pays homage to the original Z1. I'd keep the stock exhaust for a while, as the bike sounds excellent. I've got a slip-on exhaust on my SV650 which makes that beautiful V-Twin a bit louder, and I might use that to see if the Z900RS sounds any better, but I'm not a big fan of overly loud motorbikes. The Suzuki SV650 is an excellent bike, and I'd highly recommend it. But, the Kawasaki Z900RS is certainly a step-up in every department, and if I had to choose between the bikes, choose the Z900RS every time. 👍
I see reviews of this bike calling it “sedate” which is hard to wrap my head around as a Street Twin rider looking for something more powerful and agile, and I keep coming back to the Z900RS. I’m guessing this is better handling with the mono-shock, and much faster with the huge bump in HP. Anyway your bike is gorgeous. I’d not seen that color way before.
Thanks so much! Yeah this 2022 model has this color scheme, which I love! The in-line 4 too is a whole different feel than a Twin. But man, I don’t know who thinks this bike is “sedate.” Once you get it past 6000rpm, it turns into a completely different machine! And I’m coming from the 1200 Speed Twin. I would say it’s a lot more like a Speed Triple. But I only test drove that.
Hi Jared just watched your 4 week review as well. Ive been watching a lot of reviews and im trying to decide between a T120 and z900rs. Although they are completely different bikes i like the retro style and the upright seating position on both. I see the T120 as a bike i can take my wife for a lazy ride but im afraid ill miss the performance. Ive enjoyed my SV650 and looking to find a better replacement. Ill be doing a demo day next week on the T120. Im in Florida and the roads are flat. I cant wait to try riding a Z900 RS as well. Trial rides are getting pretty tight here at dealerships. Have you rode a T120? What are your thoughts in comparison?
Thanks for watching and commenting! So a few thoughts… The T120 is a great cruiser bike! I feel like it’s perfect for two people. But the Z900 think of more like a muscle car… you can cruise with it, but it not the best on gas and likes to go fast. You know? ;) However, my buddy rides with his wife on the back of his Z900RS Cafe and loves it! But? He likes to go fast (no matter who’s on the back). 😂 Definitely try it out and let me know what you think!
I went from the sv to the z900rs and gotta say its definatly a different animal! Its a bike that although you'll be more than happy poodling around enjoying the ride as i do (and hoping to take the rather apprehensive wife on the back) It is a bike that when your on your own it does egg you on to pudh harder in a kinda well dressed hooligan way which i do love but if im stuck following slow traffic i dont care either as the noise is superb along with the handling!
@benchandler6217 Thanks for sharing your experience. I got a chance to ride the Z. Boy! It's a lot of fun. Hella smooth. I ended up purchasing a T120 black. I enjoy the torque and the character. I live in South Tampa and there's traffic all-round me and cops lol. I feel good about my choice especially for 80-90% of my riding. My wife really enjoys it too, so it will be a keeper. I'm keeping the SV too for now. Ps Thanks @Jared
Hello again, been watching some of your videos. I comment too much, but I love bikes. People say the radiator's too big. They enlarged it in '21. Your Speed Twin had it nestled between the exhaust so it's somewhat out of view. I never even pay attention to it. It does it's job. You might consider an Evotech radiator guard. Super quality and made in the UK. I have their parts all over my bikes. I also have a '22 naked Z900 and the plastic cowling pretty much hides the radiator.Yeah, the tires aren't the greatest and on the open road I got about 165 miles and didn't run out. New sub. Cheers.
Hey again! Thanks for sharing that. Yeah. That radiator guard doesn’t bother me at all, either. I was thinking about getting a radiator guard and love a lot of the Evotech stuff! But for some reason a lot of it has been hard to get and out of stock. Eventually, though. I just got the tail today and frame sliders (that should arrive next week)… so that’ll clean things up a bit.
@@jaredmotopnw My RS definitely looks meaner without that big duckbill out back. Try Motovation, MotoMachines, orAccessories International for Evotech parts if others are out of stock. Motovation in Texas is my favorite.
Excellent review. I agree completely. Have a '22 candytone blue RS and dig this bike. Have had it for almost 2 years, 12k miles and not one problem. My brother and I just came back from a 2500 mile trip to the Sierra mts. in California. Cruising at 85-90 mph on Interstate 80 it still got 48 mpg. Tons of passing power. These Kawi 4 bangers have gobs of torque. For fun I took off in 5th gear and it didn't even hiccup. There's a guy on YT that races a slightly modded RS in retro class and cleans up on R9T's Speed Twins,Ducati's, etc. He beat the heck out of it on the track and returned it to street use. Even he said it never failed. Anyways, enjoy the bike and the compliments.
Thanks so much! Man, a 2,500 miles trip?! That’s awesome. I’ve been wanting to do a bit of a longer trip, but just haven’t gotten around to it. I feel like it’s such an overlooked bike. Cruising at 85-90 the bike doesn’t even tire, compared to my Speed Twin. You know? Which color scheme do you have? My buddy has that Kawasaki green, but there’s no way I could pull that off.
@@jaredmotopnwYeah, the green is too wild for me. I have the metallic blue with the lower gold band. Originally this exact color was on the Kawasaki 900 Z1B- 1975.. Then it was on the '77 KZ1000, but at the time it was called diamond sky blue. It's an excellent color.Even at 90 the wind wasn't too bad and tiring. BTW, since you're from Portland, sometime ride to Baker and follow highway 86 to Halfway.- nice, inexpensive motel there.What a road! Twisty city and new pavement with no traffic. I've been on a lot of good roads, but this was one of my favorites. Talked to the service manger and warranty manager at local dealer and said these RS's are bulletproof. Good to hear. Ride safe.
Totally agree as someone who sold StreetTwin riding 2200mile a few days ago and recruited a z900rs cafe. However, StreetTwin's comfortable position, twin muffler and classic is memorable. The cafe model has a low position. now i am very satisfied with my lovely z900rs cafe!
I have a 2020 that I bought with 3000 miles on it, and now have 1350. I agree with you except the mileage. I get 50-55 mpg depending on how I ride, which gives me almost 190-200 miles to the tank. I have ridden many times to the170 mark, although the gauge will make me nervous beyond that, as it is conservative. I was very lucky to get this 2020 as it had BC exhaust, decated, ohlins on the rear and front end professionally upgraded to nitron fully adjustable. With Road 6 Michelins as well, it handles great. I would add that it can get hot ( like any 1200). Also can feel cramped after a few hundred miles in the saddle. I have ridden it 600 miles in a day, and it’s pretty comfy, especially with a sheepskin seat cover.
Thanks for sharing that John! That’s so weird. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten past 140 miles on a tank. I wonder if it’s because I ride it pretty hard and mix back country roads with city riding? The Road 6 tires are great! Recently put those Power 5 tires cause I don’t ride as much in the rain, and they’re my faves so far!
Re the disk lock, i use one on the rear wheel of my bike. Its harder to move . A couple of guys can lift the front wheel and walk it away.... a bit. imo. Sweet deal getting it with 800 miles and the exhaust work. 👍
Come on, chain maintence isnt difficult. There's no way i'd leave oil in for 10K, thats 2-3 years for a lot of users. Even if I only run 2 K miles ,a season, i'll change it
@@jaredmotopnw X ring chain as opposed to a standard O ring chain. Essentially there is more sealing surface with the x rings than there is with a standard o ring so it keeps the lubricant sealed better. DID makes a great x ring chain
Still running my 23' ST1200 in, but I agree with everything you've said about yours. As to the rear shocks, take a look at the YSS shocks, they are perfect for the ST. OH, and hi from down under 🇦🇺 14:51
I bought the 2020 model brand new, and I still love it. Recently test rode a z900rs thinking of a trade in. And it just did not have the character of the Triumph's twin motor. So handed back the keys after the test ride and kept the speedy. Its just so much fun, every time I get on it. Only complaint is its light for those windy days. So if I have to ride any highway riding it gets blown around a fair bit. Which becomes a chore on those windy days. But really thats it, and thats not even that big of a deal. Mods - Front brake pads, reverse cone mufflers, fly screen, adjustable brake levers, rear piggy back shocks, high performance air filter, LED light bulb, headlight bezel, blacked out injector covers.
Thanks for sharing all of that! How do you like the fly screen? Did you get the shorter or taller one? I have the Quad Lock case and it moves around a bit from the wind. Wonder if that would help to block it? Oh and what kind of rear shocks did you get? That’s next on my list (think I’m going to d9 the ones from Fox) along with the DNA high performance air filter.
@@jaredmotopnw Got the short one. Not super short, but just enough to help redirect the wind and keep the bugs off the instrument cluster. I found the airflow over the top of the bike to be pretty clean anyway. Tec bike parts rear shock. I'm not into attacking corners so it was all I thought I needed. And so far so good.
Hey, nice vid and great points. I got the 2022 version in black and all i did mod wise was a tail tidy, cnc break fluid tank, cnc tire caps, air guard all oem. But except for the break fluid tank not mandatory i think. Also i got a neat looking brushed tank strap from lf garage, located in italy. I love it ❤
Thanks so much! How do you like the upside down forks? I hear it makes a big difference. A brushed tank strap? Im curious what that looks like. I don’t think I’ve seen that yet in a Speed Twin.
@@jaredmotopnw I like the forks with the way I drive the speedy. They could definitively be upgraded to have more fun. But you can also break later into the corner if you want to, but it's nothing you can compare to a street triple rs
