I test road the new Z900 this past week. It has everything I thought the MT09 was missing. Better suspension, a decent traction control system, and a nice color TFT. Not to take away from the MT09 but this bike feels more refined.
I drove the MT09 and bought the 2020 z900 and I agree with you. Just the sound of the z900 is a bit too polite... Getting a full akra system now.. Should fix it. And I got the pirelli angel 2 tires.. The dunlops are good stock, but are a bit slow on warming up and traction is not the best
@@sushibar1 I know that they added it in the last few years, now if they only put some real front suspension on the bike. They improved it from the initial models, but it's still a weak point on an otherwise good bike.
I bought this bike 1.5 month ago, it's great! Everything I could wish for. You can ride really calm, but when twisting the throttle, it's becoming a monster! It's also amazing how much interaction you'll get when riding it.
When did manual shifting on a motorcycle become something you don't want? Meaning, I rather row through gears than use a quick shifter -- especially when not on track which 99.7 percent of the populace does.
I have 2020 black. 4 years later and i still love it. Commute everyday for 4 years. Apart from tyres and pads, swaped out oem chain and sprokets. About to change rotors both ends. Run Michelin road5. 52 mpg. I have thought about trading her in but there is nothing else i want and would regret it for the rest of my life. She is a keeper.
Thanks Mark. Can't wait to see Z H2. The wind may be a little too much on that one. Z 9 is amazing. Just under 1 litre so insurance co. are happier and you get more than enough power for *non track* days. All Z series are very nice.
Must admit, very tempted with this bike. I like the Ninja 1000 too but it's a bit too heavy for everyday use. This is a great size though. I think a good touring screen would be enough for wind protection on longer motorway trips, and then you have the perfect all purpose bike.
@Tony in Tasmania yes same issue as I do. I'm looking for this new Z900 but higher the seat might get me struggled to handle with it. The previous z900 is fine for me. I'm also 5'4.. about 164cm and I can easily handle with it by haft of my feet.
I am 5'5" with a 28" inseam and I use Sidi canyon boots. They have a thicker sole than typical road racing boots. I also had a shoe repair add an 8mm sole and heal to the boots to give more lift. I found no problem with shifting or rear braking. This works well for me. I'm not a fan of low seats in most cases. I'm not a fan of low suspension either. They come with disadvantages.
Thanks for the review, Mark. I have a soft spot for this bike, the previous version was purely a pleasure to ride. It looks like they have improved this bike (I like the display, the previous version had a very unaesthetic one).
Mark, I own this bike in the lovely Candy Blue Plasma (available in Canada for 2020) & and your review is spot on. The engine is so smooth and has lots of pull from around 2500 rpm. I have named her Electra!
I just bought the pre updated 2020 and saved quite a few pennies 😁 What a great bike 👍 I see it does come with the taller seat, not so in all markets... Cheers 🍻 BB
I got the 2017 performance, 35.000 km on it, so far. I love the bike, got full akra, powercommander and quicshifter fitting, as we speak. Cant wait to try that on the road. Good review !
Hi Mark, so it took me a year (see my previous comment)... But I finally bought one... I got a good deal on a new 2020 model in green... Put my deposit on it today after a test ride. I've been mulling over various bikes over the last 12 months, but the test ride did it for me. Thanks for your review, really appreciate your work. Cheers.
@@markpulling12 hi Mark, wheels in Peterborough, I'm in Northamptonshire so they are fairly close. They had a few of the 2020 stock left. Got it for £7995. Really happy with that, it rides and feels exactly as you describe it. Thanks.
Hi Mark great review as always. I have a soft spot for this bike as I tried one a couple of years ago. And as you say it feels really light and great value for money. I notice you always quote your height when your doing a review but really it is your inside leg length that really counts. I mention this because this years model has a 25mm higher seat for some reason and last year's model suited me better with a lower seat height. This really is a great bike but unfortunately only designed with a pilot in mind as the pillion seat like so many motorcycles today is rubbish and I need a proper pillion seat.
Thank you for the comment. It would never occur to me that different model years would have different seat heights - 31.3 vs 31.5 inches. Being a shorter rider, I will definitely look at the 2019.
Bro , I was thinking “the same” . , I’ve been on a 650/Vulcan S “like a hooligan” for the past 2 plus years , and have rode a few seasons back in high school , but wasn’t sure ❓ if I’m skilled or knowledgable enough to be able to not be attempted to really see what it can do ..❓I’m between the zh2 & the z9hundo 🤷🏼♂️ , the zh2 is super 🔥🔥🔥 fast and they say is more made for the streets or the freeways hear in the US , and that it’s not really built for the track (hence the limitations on the zh2), but the z900 is or was Kawasaki’s flagship along with the z1000 in the USA , but basically I just need it for the half hour commute each way , and I’m wondering if that z900 will be not enough for me , and if the zh2 will have more than enough for me and kill me 🤪🤨😜✌🏼
Great review mate. Just wished you could have also used the metric system. Maybe next review you can include it so it’s easier for us to understand. Good job. Keep it up.
Hi mark, so envious of you on that bike. It's such an awesome looking machine especially in that colour scheme. This could possibly be my next bike in a couple of years and it sounds incredible. Shame the weather turned against you as you could have had some serious fun out there. All the best and ride safe sir.
I owned the very first Ninja ever made, the1984 Ninja 900, I can remember first looking at It thinking it was like a bat bike that Batman would ride, and everywhere I went on it for the first few months people were drooling over it. now all these years later I am thinking about getting another big bike, and I am considering this Z900. one thing I loved about my 1984 Ninja was the low seat, and that it felt so stable at any speed. I always felt confident on it. and I am assuming this new one must at least be as stable. I like the upright seating position, I am not a kid anymore. and I am not a knee dragger. but I still like to have a bike that can rip your head off for a second or two when it feels right. this Z900 looks really nice. one thing I don't like about all of these new bikes is how high the passenger has to sit. I wish they would make it on a similar hight as the drivers seat. so your girl can snuggle up against your back like in the old days. I also think the bike would handle allot better with a passenger on it with a lower center of gravity. like my old 1984 Ninja 900 seat, when you put weight on the back of a bike up high like that, it messes with the balance and handling.
Hello Mark , another great review ! You may not recall but I have commented before on your reviews. Last year your review of the 2019 Versys 650 said it all and I purchased one, and it is everything you said it would be. You give the best reviews, keep them coming. There is more room in my garage ! Curious as to what model and brand gloves you are wearing.
Got an R6 and a Z900, love the Z, but lose the cat it strangles the engine, and put different exhaust on you will free up the power. Also lose the dunlops and get some bridgestones or michelins on it. Oh and get a tail tidy lose that nasty number plate holder, got Evotech on mine not cheap but great product, really makes the back end complete.
Thanks for the nice review. I will be test riding it next Tuesday. I'm trying to decide between the Triumph Street Triple S (A2) and the Kawasaki Z900 (A2). Which one would you choose?
ive looked at the triumph ,very well priced ,660 cc engine ,but all things considered think id go for the kawasaki with its bigger ,gruntier 900 cc engine plus i love kawasakis :) all the best mark
i think its funny how 'Zee' and 'Zed' sounds better in some things then others. like the 'zed' 900 sounds better then the 'zee' 900 but the 350 zee sounds better then the 350 zed
Hi mark great vid mate, looking for second bike this summer. Initially looking at a second hand low mileage GSX S750 or even S1000, after seen this review and the money you pay serouisly considering a brand new one of these. Now they have a better electronics package ie tracking control and power modes. All round led's is a win win for me. Will be booking a test ride first thing... 👍👍😎
It'll really come down to this or the Triumph Striple RS. May not be a fair comparison seeing the type of kit the Triumph has. Still the savings can't be disregarded, the Kwacker seem like such a great bike .I think it's cheaper by close to 5,000 pounds in India too!
Hey Mark you mentioned about how great Kawasaki bikes lately, unfortunately I tested the 2020 Z650 it was rubbish, the vibration is a joke, I know parallel twins can be vibey but boy it was horrible far from refined. Not sure if you had noticed that as well? As usual lovely review, I'm interested in this bike now.
hi jeremy,yes i did find it a bit vibey,but it didnt bother me,i suppose everyone is different,i really enjoyed the 650 ,but yes good choice the 900 is very good ,also try the new 1000sx its awesome :)
Hey Mark, love your videos. I like how thorough you are with each video. But I do have a question, were you able to flat foot on this bike? I'm 5'7 and went to go look at one but all my dealers around are in shortage of stock on everything do to covid..
Just for the record the seat height is 5mm more than the z1000 which is still sold in Australia. To flat foot you have to fold up the annoying seat pegs .
Great review Mark. Got a soft spot for this bike I have to say. Great little package, although. 950cc and 125 hp isn't exactly little😄 Like the roll on tests from 30 and 70, shame you couldn't really open it up. Anyway top job👍🏻
This bike is oddly heavy. I was looking at the weights of naked bikes and this weighs more than the Honda CB1000R and Yamaha MT-10. But that extra weight may ave something to do with how planted and smooth reviews tend to say it is. I really need to get out and sit one one of these soon. It seems like a lot of bike for the money.
Hai Mark, one of the great review I ve watched till date on 2020 z900... I felt Every info about the bike was To the point... Good job👌👍👏 Regardless of cost Which one would you think or suggest for a buyer between z900 and ninja 1000sx..? Just a suggestion?
I did look at the Z900... looked great to me but I wanted the Z1000 coming from a 1200 HD, yeah yeah I know ..Love, Hate but I maybe should of give it a more detailed look over the Z1000SX I did go for in the end... maybe I'd go for this as a Second bike for more summer an fun rides.. Hmm got me thinking now.. Good review dude. .!!!
Thanks mark for this osm review..as you have ridden both Honda cbr650r and z900 extensively, as both come in same price range here in india...which one you liked the best????
These strike me as a great package decent bhp and well priced too, I'm going to test ride one hopefully next week whilst z1000sx is being serviced, cheers Mark.
Hey Mark, I`m gonna watch this later, but I would have a question now. I`m 32, 110 kg whats your opinion in getting this as my 1st bike and running it in rain mode untill I get confident enough to use it at its normal capacity ? I`ve owned a fast car in the past, I know how to respect the power, and I`m not into that "get a small bike and work yourself up" thing, as I think it can get expensive and I don`t have any problems with spending more time with a z900 for example and learning everything there is to learn in rain mode and than open it up. The proccess of getting better at riding might be slower this way, but I`m not in a hurry, as I see riding as a lifelong thing once I`ll get my 1st bike in 2022. Btw, thanks for all the great videos !
Hi I'd normally always advise what you said you don't want to do ie small bike first but as your 32 and respect power etc this would be ok ...in rain mode ..it's not just the power to get used to it's the general bike handling skills weight etc that can catch new riders out ..and drop bikes but as long as you go very carefully for the first few weeks you should be fine . The z900 isn't a huge bike like a bmw r1250 GS physically all the best mark
@@markpulling12 I mean, I don`t plan leaving a parking lot the first few weeks/months tbh. I plan on taking it as slow as possible, thats part of the fun if you ask me :D. Thanks a lot for taking the time to give me your thoughts, happy new year !
I understand that these bikes have considerably different price points but would you pick a Z900 or a Street Triple R??? I love both but can't decide which one to get (eventually when I get on my open license)
Hi Mark, as you recently tested the Ninja 1000 SX... what are your impressions regarding the different weight of both? Is the Z900 significant more nimble than the 1000 SX?
Hi andreas,yes it feels quite a small bike ,like the z650,and flicks from side to side easier,but the ninja1000 is still my favourite ,i just loved riding that ,it suits my riding style :)
Just had the black one delivered yesterday 🤗🤸 did a px on my 19 plate CB 650r 😀 with MCO Wigan , gave me the best deal out of like 6 Kawasaki dealers 😀 TOP SHOP 🏍️ !!!!
I'm really like what what I see in regards to this bike looks great and well priced. I use to ride 125cc geared bike over 10 year's ago for over 3 year's before I bought my car. Have now decided to get my full bike licence. would you say this bike is a good idea to purchase or maybe go with something a little less powerful?
Hi jay id say go for something a little less powerful to begin with like a z650 or ninja 650 ,these have 65hp and will still more than impress you with their acceleration !! good luck mark
Get yourself up to Came Down... Dorchester Bypass, down the A354 towards Weymouth but first left for Winterborne Herringstone (Keep an eye out).,Then up past the golf course. There are some bends there that will give you something to think about but nice roads with little traffic. Beautiful views from on top of the down before either heading down towards Weymouth or back to Broadmayne.
Nice review ! Can you elaborate on the sitting posture on Z900 , is it more upright then the Ninja 1000 SX ? Also is the width of the seat same in both ?
The Z900 is the bike I always wanted to get. I have DAS course booked in Middle of March and possibly have my test In beginning of April. Hopefully I can upgrade Z900 when I pass my test 🙂
Hi Mike from memory it's average seat height so you'd be ok on it ...the z900 RS is taller I was on the rip toes on that also the mighty tuono v4 was quite tall on me as well ...I'm only 5 ft 7 all the best mark
Can't find an answer online, so my question to anyone that owns one etc is the 2020 with TFT, can you use any kind of sat nav ie google maps from phone to TFT screen or is there something similar through the Rideology app? Thanks
Rideology will let your phone record your trip in pretty significant detail but I've not seen any way to pipe mapping data from my phone back into the TFT. It will show who is calling but that's about it. There's always a chance I missed something in the manual but I'm pretty sure this isn't possible.
I rode one and the gears seemed really close together? Did you notice that? And the transmission shifting seemed a little soft or vague? Did you notice that?
I have a 2017 one and I am seriously thinking to buy the new one or the new Z1000 ninja sport tourer (I have an old bum you see). No complains about the my current one and it is the same power but the dash and LED lighting are a really nice touch. Don't care much about the riding modes, but that's progress i guess. Thanks Mark.
Hi ,the ninja 636,is a revvy ,track focused weapon with a racey position,which likes to be ridden hard to get the best from it ,ok when your in the mood ,but not so good if you just want to potter along,whereas the z900 has more power and torque and a nice upright ish position and better for day to day use all the best mark
Great review i showed my father inlaw your triumph 2.5 litre rocket he said is his name mark i said ye he said he does some great reviews he is already a subscriber haha I said take it out for a trial he said i can't because i will be coming home with a hole in my wallet
Hi Mark great review really enjoyed would it be possible to do a comparison ride up against BMW F900 R as I need to decide between them both Many thanks
Forget about the BMW F900R and get this z900. Why would you want a piss poor BMW motorcycle with cheap Chinese parallel twin against this Japanese quality machine with a beautiful refined quality inline four
Hi pipe, actually did think about this when i rode the 900,and no it doesnt feel as powerful on full acceleration as the ninja 1000 ,about 80% as strong all the best mark
mark pulling thanks for the reply! Hope you’re doing well during these crazy times. Anxiously awaiting until you can get back out there for some more content. All the best.
mark pulling you mentioned the upright position is comfortable for touring, but how about the legs? I’ve read some people saying they’re more bent than expected.
