Review on a kawasaki z900rs kindly loaned by bournemouth kawasaki uk Genuine kawasaki LOW seat available for this bike PLEASE LIKE ,SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE THANKS :)
I remember being in awe of the Z1 when it came out, not helped by the couple of lads I knew that rode them being borderline insane! I think it's a beautiful bike, and captures the features of the original bike so well. I'm not in the market for a naked bike, but I think this and the Royal Enfield Interceptor are the best looking retro bikes by a considerable margin. Thanks for the review. Your enthusiasm was loud and clear. If only I had a spare £12,000 or so, eh?
The last time I rode a bike was in 1981 , a Kawasaki z1000st I absolutely loved that bike . I was 21 then , I’m now 62 and can imagine how good the 900rs is , looks fantastic , would love to ride again .
I’m having to binge watch your reviews as your churning them out at a high rate , it’s no hardship though as they’re cracking and informative , this is a fantastic bike that The Missenden Flyer has stated would be a replacement for his Speed Triple which is praise indeed
Totally agree with you Mark. Easily the sexiest retro out there right now. And that has to be the most testosterone inducing sound coming from any stock exhaust. I'm a Yamaha man as a rule, but they've dropped their standards of late in my opinion. Even on their retros they didn't quite get it and failed to be fully faithful to 70s styling. Despite all the naff fashion of that era, Japanese motorbike manufacturers got the aesthetics spot on and made bikes to swoon over. One of those in green please, oh yeah.
I picked mine up today. Blue and gold. Your review and some others went aways to helping me firm up my choice. Only ridden 34k in damp conditions back from the dealer but love it already. Thanks for the effort you put in. 👍
Another nice review, thanks Mark. I love this bike it has really captured the modern meets retro spirit and it reminds me of all the happy years and miles I spent riding my old XJR1200. There is one thing though that I think spoils it and needs to be changed and that is the front brake resevoir. I'm not sure if it just looks worse on camera but I've seen a few reviews of this bike now and to me it just sticks out like some kind of huge carbuncle. Get rid of it Kawasaki!
haha yes re the carbuncle ! its a fab bike to ride ,i enjoyed it more than i thought, check out my video of the street scrambler ,should be live this eve all the best mark
Nice review. I’ve owed my black one for a year now. Best retro on the market in my opinion with proper clocks. A real head turner. Sounds Awsome and it’s quick!
Nice review Mark, I think this bike is awesome and definitely one on my radar for the future, took one for a test ride and loved it, best sounding 4 cylinder factory bike in my opinion. At 5'4 it was a bit of an issue, not very confidence inspiring on uneven surfaces but for those like me don't be put off as Kawasaki make a low seat which reduces the height by 25mm to 810mm.
Hi yes what a machine ,I just couldn't get over the sound ,and yes I too was a little surprised about it's height ,but as you say Kawasaki do a low seat for it all the best mark
Hi Mark, agree with almost everything you say. Bought one without riding it but was not disappointed at all - its a blast. Took me back to the Z1 days where all my mates had them. Put on a Akro headers but kept the standard can, loud but adds about 8hp and goes like stink. Put on the grab rail and heated grips but, best of all, bought it painted up in an original Z1 colour - one of a kind I believe. It is an awesome machine for round town and twisties, really like it. Cheers, good review - spot on (maybe the seat could be a bit softer and a bit less pitched forward but I am tall).
Nice Review. I bought mine from Chris Walkers last July. Fantastic Bike. Never get bored of looking at it. And Riding it. Only comes out in decent weather though. Get my Fazer for all year round 👍🏻
Lovely bike Mark, and a excellent video. You deserve more subs for your hard work. If I had space in my garage then it would be this or maybe a triumph speed twin.
I wanted one as soon as they came out and decided to go ahead in February 2018. Sadly the dealer couldn't get hold of one until July. I didn't want to wait that long and bought a Z1000SX instead which is a great bike but I still find myself lusting for a Z900RS.
I’m buying one come spring. Been riding an SC58 Blade but recently decided to turn that into a track/race bike and only play with it in it’s natural habitat from now on. The RS will be my everyday / commuter / Sunday blasts with my son bike. Can’t wait to add it to the garage.
Great review thanks! I had the original z900 in the 70s while in the forces. I used to travel from Aldershot most wk ends to staffs and it never missed a beat. Im seriously thinking of this bike now. So once again great review.
Nice review! I test rode this bike last May and agree with your findings that it is a fun bike with lots of tech and the good looks of a retro, naked bike. My bike at the time was the T100 Bonneville and I was looking to upgrade the safety tech that the Bonnie didn't have. However, I didn't go for the Z900RS in the end but went for the Z1000SX instead as it was a much more comfortable bike to ride in terms of protection from wind and rain, which suited my advanced years!! I wouldn't mind the Z900RS as my second bike though, if ever the opportunity came up.
@@dry509 From memory the Z900RS was certainly nimble on the bends but I have no complaints about the Z1000SX's handling, just a bit less "chuckable" but its something I've gotten used to now. Hope this helps.
Crikey Mark that was a fast response. I,m in Southern Alberta Canada so its 6 30 pm here. Must be around 1 30 am in UK?? Yeah really nice bike. I sat on one at my local dealer and it felt just about perfect unfortunately here right now its minus 25 deg C so riding motorcycles is a suicide mission!!. Ultimately my aim is to have an Adv/touring bike, a retro, a cheap light dirt bike and maybe a sport bike. The Kawasaki would definitely be on my list for the retro but I do like the look of the new Triumph 1200 scrambler. I,m originally from Liverpool so I love your accent, reminds me of time the wife and I spent in Devon many years ago. I like your videos you should have way more subs. Incidentally the first of my wish list bikes is a V Strom 1000 which I bought last year and I believe you did a good review of this bike. Stick with it friend and I,m sure you will do well.
Hi dave ,wow minus 25 ,and i consider me riding in plus 5 cold !,yes id like an adv/tourer too tiger 1200 would be lovely ,ive got a 1997 cbr 600 at mo but getting my new 2019 zx6r in three weeks !!! all the best mark
Hey Mark another in-depth video I agree lovely bike no need for a slip on exhaust by the looks and sound of it. #Its winner winner chicken dinner if you ask me
I'm trading in a 1977 kawasaki triple Kh 250 fully restored for one of these in 2 weeks had enough of the triple kh250 always in the shop time to get a decent bike
Old retro or new retro. This or Speed Triple R or BMW S1000R or super moto. Dilemma. It does look nice though. Maybe it should have had some riding modes - race full fat, road semi skimmed and rain skimmed/UHT.
I used to think that until Triumph released the Speed Twin. Triumph heritage and 270 degree twin with tons of power. But just my opinion as I'm a Triumph fan.
Very nice review. The best I have seen so far in fact. A colleague of mine has one. I saw it outside his office (we are in different offices). Wow, I did not even know tihs existed! What a bike! Had a Zed Thou back in the 80s when I had hair. So what do I do, get a nice restored Z1 for US$ 11k or one of those .... I think I am over tinkering and poor handling so I may just have to get one .... when a few more second hand ones show up. I'll take the lime green "cafe" one with the little fairing and the slightly lower steering bar. As a tall bloke I never fitted on the GPZ900Rs etc of the day. Current "GADA" bikes seem to look more like insects than like bikes. I prefer the older style "UJM" for ease of use.
K makes a good bike. I have a 2007 Vulcan 900 Classic that looks and runs like new. I would like to have this bike with a good fly screen to cut through wind. Maybe the green Cafe version. No since having a fast bike if you can't hold on at high speed.
The Moto Guzzi v7 is probably the best looking, most stylish motorcycle in existence. And it sounds superb. The only problem is that it's totally gutless. No power at all.
@@markpulling12 Indeed, it`s quite something. Then again, I guess I could live with one kidney, and lung... and my right leg. Edit: No dang it, I need that for the rear brake... nvm.
I had the first 900 Ninja that came out in 1984, it had a low seat. and was very stable at any speed, and the seating position wasn't as crazy as the sport bikes of today. so I am wondering how this bikes handling would compare to my 84 900 Ninja. or would I be better off with a z900 naked , if Kawasaki made a remake of my 84 900 Ninja I would buy it. I loved that bike, I don't like the new seats that have the passenger sitting up so high on a uncomfortable Little Rock of a seat, I like my girl right behind me holding on. this RS appeals to me but I wish it had some kind of wind screen.
@@markpulling12 I'd say it's mine too... My brother in law has the 2020 Z900 (a bit transformers-esque) which I've also ridden but the retro look of the RS is irresistible.
@@markpulling12 Marvellous. At 6'1" it's a perfect flat foot on a tall bike. The engine note is gorgeous, and louder than I expected for a stock exhaust. Deposit paid. Will take delivery after the NI lockdown starting on Boxing Day for 6 weeks. Merry Christmas.
If you had to chose, would you pick this bike or Ninja 1000? I realize they are different bikes, but they're about the same money and both are basically liter bikes.
Id personally go for the ninja 1000 ,the fairing suits me more for my type of riding ,but the z900 is a fantastic bike if you want more of a retro look all the best mark
@@markpulling12 Well, thankfully the dealer did not have a Ninja 1000 in the gloss black, only the matte silver and black. That made my decision quite easy. I rode the Z900RS home yesterday. What a crazy fun bike!
Looks like a cracking machine. My head spins again. I find myself in great difficulty deciding on my next bike. I thought I was set on a Vulcan s, but now I'm not sure 🤔😆🤘
@@markpulling12 I could definitely see myself heading that way alrite, bit of a price difference however but worth working towards. Good review, thanks 👍
They should have not bothered with the traction control. And fitted a large alloy swingarm and high end twinshocks like the gsx1400 and the cb1300 They should offer a spoke wheel opinion. Chunky 50mm normal way up fork with a brace. like the low rider s Harley. And it could be another kawasaki classic. They d sell like toilet rolls in a pandemic. I’m going to buy one anyway. But it’s a-shame they didn’t make it epic. They could have done. They are £12.600 for the 2021 model I’m glad you don’t think that’s a lot of money. I’ve bought Porsche 911’s and Ferrari’s for less.
@@markpulling12 I agree Mark I own around 20 bikes. Including Diavel carbon. Fireblade. Lowrider s, cb1300. And a lot of twinshock 1970s bikes. I didn’t think a new bike would come a long I’d even consider buying. The z900rs has changed my mind. The only problem I have is the second hand market, it’s nuts. A two year old z900 is two grand cheeper. But firstly it’s two year old, so you’ve lost two years warranty. It will need tyres and new Calipers a shock Plus all the usual and servicing. Then it’s cost a lot more than a new one. So no one in there right mind will buy second hand. Well there’s always one or two. But they are just silly. So if you buy one you will be stuck with it. Because Kawasaki will upgrade it ever year or two. I think they upgraded the gpz900. 9 times. So it makes sense to get the newest version and hope it’s not worth 4K in a few year. My six year old Harley has gone up in price. If I sold it, I’ll make upto 5k. Who would have thought 💭 that. All the 70s bikes have doubled in price , over the last few years And for concourse examples 10 grand. It’s a shame most new bikes look Shit. And the only people passing there test are middle age people wanting cruisers and join bike clubs so they want cruisers they now only build super bike for racing TT, BSB and WSB. They aren’t very good on the pot holes U.K. roads any more. Eu rules will strangle all bikes within the next few years anyway. If or when I get a z900 I’ll remove that stupid cat 🐈 and get it flashed. It really should have a alloy swing arm for 13 grand. Hey what do you think Mark
Not at all www.ebay.co.uk/p/Kawasaki-Z900rs-cafe-2018-Zard-Exhaust-Slipon-Road-Legal-Silencer-Black/3023627258?iid=302879377015&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=302879377015&targetid=568476025084&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045717&poi=&campaignid=1669190390&mkgroupid=67214013040&rlsatarget=pla-568476025084&abcId=578896&merchantid=7231494&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrMHsBRCIARIsAFgSeI36qfZ25wRx8oUngPJU3M6wi62WCYLz-SXGr3wReionhpT0_SENI-UaAtZzEALw_wcB
Yes definitely ....go for something like an z650 cb500 f ,duke 390 etc for a couple of years , gain your skills then move up to something more powerful Best regards mark
Mar Vel totally agree...I was about to pull the trigger on this until I rode the Speed Twin 1200...bought the Triumph instead - and I reckon the exhaust of the ST is better!
I had a Thruxton 1200 before this and this blows the Thruxton away. Well made and punchy good handling performance with comfort. I'm usually a twin fan, but Kawasaki got the engine note just right on this one.
Mark, I have one in that colour scheme for a year now, I could totally agree with all of your comments. I bought mine over the phone after it was featured in MCN with out a test ride, and boy I have not been disappointed in any way. I too am 5'7" and have fitted the lower seat option which works really well for me, both feet on the ground. The only other options I have fitted are the optional grab rail which really sets it off looks wise, and a radiator grill. Perfect fun bike, for summer leather jacket and jean ride outs. Build quality is exceptional, and personally, I think that they are extremely reasonably priced. Great review!
Had the original and many Kawasaki’s over the years Bought same recently and it is a fantastic tribute to the Z1, with a Modern twist. Ride exceptionally good. Great bike for UK roads and as an alternative to sports bike if your looking for an easier ride. Plenty of great options available from various top quality manufacturers that allow you to personalise this machine. Don’t think you have to as in it’s factory clothing it is superb. This is a good review and matches my experience. Buy one before they are gone. Possible future classic especially if you have a Z1 as well. For me the brown and orange or the candy green and yellow are the classic more desirable for future classics. However any colour is a personal choice.
Nice review, as someone who has owned this model for a year, it’s a peach of a bike. I’ve fitted the retro badging on the tank, it mirrors the white dimples on side covers, which in turn pay homage to the same badging on the Z1. I’ve also fitted a rear grab rail, which just places a more retro look on the tail. Just a couple of things, the air box induction roar is amplified again as you hit around 6500 in the range, it’s totally addictive. The stock tyres are utter crap, with bugger all feedback, “Squirrelly” comes to mind. My fix were Michelin RS’s, what a difference. Keep the bike up in the rev range, let it sing and let it dance on good rubber (of sorts).
I’ve owned mine for nearly a year now and covered nearly 11,000 kms on it, not a huge mileage but pressures of work... All I’ve done is put on the Kawasaki grab rail, centre stand and heated grips. I had problems with the fuelling (snatchy throttle) but I fitted the Booster Plug made in Denmark and that fixed it 100%. We’ve got lots of hills where I live in Victoria, and I’ve even taken it to a track day at Phillip Island, it’s a marvellous bike for fast, twisty roads. In fact it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned! It sounds like they might have fixed the fuelling problem on the 2019 bikes going by your review. I used to live in Cornwall so I know what the weather’s like in February over there! Too cold for me haha.
Lovely bike and great review. However, I prefer my Triumph Speedmaster with it’s perfect high torque engine. As with everything Mark, everyone will have a different opinion! Yours aye, Alan
I still owe $2300 on my 2015 Vulcan 900 classic LT ,I'm going to keep her to ride my wife around,but this is going to be my next bike. I'll probably get the black one though because it reminds me of the 79 LTD 440 I had in my younger days
Boy! does this bike take me back...lovely bike and I think Kwacker got it right,perfect balance of old school styling and modern tech,but not too much.great review Mark.👍👍
Hi Mark ..i currently have tracer 9gt but i find the seat uncomfortable and i slide into tank...the kawasaki z900 rs is my next bike as everyone says so comfortable and it is a stunner....
I've got the 2018 RS in black and absolutely love it; bought it last summer from Inglis Cycle in London, Ontario. It's winter here in Canada and I can't wait for the snow to melt and the temperature to warm up. It was -24c this morning and we have about 3' feet of snow on the ground and it's snowing right now. My bike gets a lot of attention from folks when I'm stopped at the lights. Have even had people run up to me and give me a thumbs up! Nice review, thanks for sharing......
This is the only reasonable standard being offered... I don't want a retro bike that throws out all the technology that has come in the last 35 year's but a Standard motorcycle that is not an uncomfortable race replica or a cruiser that is trying to be a better Harley..... I have A Harley because I like Harley's but this is the Japanese bike I want . ... Just wish Suzuki would make a standard like the GS 1100 of old but with liquid cooling and fuel injection. Looks like I'm going to go look at the local Kawasaki Dealership .
Do not marry, buy this bike! I saw a used one for sale yesterday, but I think it is just a bit too heavy for me. But high is good. It looks absolutely gorgeous to me. Should I splash out or not?
Great thanks Mark that's good to know ,it is a little tall as standard and I guess you now sit into the bike a bit more rather than perched on top all the best MP
@@markpulling12 The drop of 30mm does just that. It makes the whole bike feel more planted, so for the rider of average build, I would suggest the lower seat is probably the best option.
Hi Mark, I know this is an old review, but what's your view about putting a 'tall 450mm' windshield on this particular bike? A line or two would be much appreciated. Many thanks.
