Very nice review. I took the Z900 for a test ride and was very impressed. Super smooth, surprisingly light handling and very comfortable. And when you let it rev, just clench and hold on tight...
If you need rider modes to cope with whisky throttle/bounce issues, then I would suggest more practice on hand/arm positioning and throttle control. Also, this bike is so smooth, linear, and predictable that you don't really need power modes. I am not saying that they aren't nice to have, but not necessary. I spent a few weeks debating between the FZ/MT-09 and the Z900. In the end I went with the Z900. Interestingly, the Z900 is actually a cheaper bike here in the US. Z900 ABS us 8799 vs, 8999 for the FZ-09.
Well I agree that you can get smoother with practice but a crappy London road and a stretch full of pot holes can still be a pain in the arse (literally and figuratively) but i'm just saying they are one of the few manufacturers who aren't offering rider modes while carrying a higher price tag. Having said that I didn't really care much about the Yamaha's rider modes when I was actually riding it and I did actually prefer the Kawasaki so sometimes it's more important to build something solidly.
I didn't bother with the rider modes either. I guess in bad weather they may come in handy, but I have always preferred to learn to ride or drive any vehicle at its full potential, and practice the methods I need to control it in a slow but progressive manner. The modes are handy for riders whom may just be stepping up to a bigger bike though, as is the case with my friend that just picked up an FZ-09 himself. In all honesty, what sold me on the Z900 came down to the smooth nature, and in my opinion better (only slightly) fit and finish of the final product. I like the gearbox more, both in smoothness and the close ratios. I prefer he more smooth and linear build of power over the MT-09's sledge hammer torque production. The MT-09 feels faster, but the Z900 allows me to actually be faster, or so I at least like to think lol.
interesting, I was actually wondering about the price abroad, good go know the Kawasaki's cheaper elsewhere. It really is a nice machine. made me feel like a boss as well, I'm a big fan of a low seat height so I can feel really connected to the road, also because I am distinctly average height :)
I had been looking at a Yamaha FZ09 past couple years . reviews and even friends that own them say suspension is too soft. the new 2017 I hate the looks. then about a month ago came across the Z900. I had not looked that hard for a while. after reading reviews and watching I wanted to see one in person. July 26th I found 2 at a dealer not far from me. sat on bike and felt like home. I am 6'1" but still feel fine on this. I felt more comfy than sitting on the FZ09. on July 27th I bought it! got the mystic grey with green frame! have almost 500 miles on now and just love it. I used to ride a lot back in the late 70s to early 90s. I had a KZ650. what I like is I flet at home and familiar with this bike! just WAY more power now! on July 24th I turned 55 years old and 3 day later bought a z900 and absolutely LOVE it! no need for rider modes which I have also read some complain more of an on/off throttle feel as it is throttle by wire vs old school cable still on the z900! happy with my decision and his bike imo for me looks a lot better than the new FZ09
As for the bike ,.. it is very good ,smooth transitions through 1-5 ,sixth gear will keep you happy, no problems through the corners as long as you control that speed.Kawasaki have really thought about this bike,. and the end result is a motorcycle that delivers for intermediate bikers looking to step up.
Nice. I test rode the bike two weeks ago and did my own helmet-cam recording and review (for myself). Agreed with you 100%, but one thing I would like to add is that this bike "feels" like I am sitting in it more, closer to a sport bike, than an FZ/MT-09, on which you sit on top like a Supermoto bike. The slightly sportier seating makes for more feel in the twisites. So I prefer it more than the FZ-09 which I also test rode.
Hey mate, I know this is an older vid but I’m looking at the 2020 z900. Like your reviews and would love to hear your thoughts on the 2020 version if it’s on your radar? Also what part of London you in? I’m from Battersea myself but now live in Australia, love watching vids that remind me of home even if they do make me a tad homesick. Thanks mate 👍
Hey man, sorry to make you miss home. I haven't ridden the new Z900 but this one made a very compelling argument to buy one. I keep checking to see if the second hand ones are in my budget because it's a really fun bike. Definitely worth a test ride.
Rarefied Road yes mate I’m test riding one next week but I’m already sold on it. Will have one by the end of the month if my MT sells quick enough, anyway, good job with the reviews, very enjoyable and humorous, keep it up and stay safe mate.
I don't think it's ugly. It is fast. It's a Kawasaki and the Zed 900 is all about the motor and this machine is light years ahead of the original Zed 900 and that, is the point. FAST. Powerful. Fun. It's not a painting. But it does look nice in the modern sense. Why should bikes look retro?
Yeah fair enough, I was teasing a little bit. Looks are always down to personal taste I'm just not a fan of the headlight, and I'm not saying it needs to be retro styled at all, I'm glad they've taken it in a modern direction and I like similar styling, the MT10 looks great, I just think this one could look better. But the riding experience is fantastic.
Lifted_Above Thank you, that's a really comprehensive breakdown. I've actually had a go on the MT/FZ 09 now and I have to say that stands true, the z900 did feel very slightly more powerful, i'd love to get them on a dyno and be able to test more accurately. I have a review for the Yamaha coming soon though which I think I broke down and compared their merits slightly better through. I agree with the variety, I actually think a lot of the middle weight category are edging towards muscle category or super naked they have such large capacities, but I guess they are still very light, and getting lighter all the time which allows them to feel a little more playful. Thanks for your comment though I really appreciate the feedback.
There is a middleweight bike that is far better looking than all the new ones and handles superbly. You can no longer buy it new but there are plenty of low mileage mint ones around. It has 132 hp [easily beating the new ones] traction control, brembo brakes and top quality suspension. Friends, I give you the Ducati 848 Streetfighter. Neevsey of MCN loved his long termer and thought it a crying shame when Ducati stopped producing it. These things fly and you don't see many around. It's a little more aggressive in the riding position but still comfortable for the road. Try one if you can. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Nice review, well spoken. This bike sounds perfect as a second bike for where I live. My riding buddy and flat-mate has a 2017 fz 09 on which I've got some miles. I'm looking forward to riding this and comparing the two. I've sat on both, and in my mind, the ergonomics bear mentioning. The fz 09 feels like it has adventure bike ergos and the front end feels a bit ... floppy? It is loads of fun but for a second bike I think I would want something with a more aggressive seating position. The z900 might just be that, as it certainly feels a bit more aggressive when sat still on the show room floor. I'll certainly concede that sitting on a bike on the show room floor doesn't communicate much on how the bike handles. I'll have to ride it to find out.
Yeah you're quite right, I have to say from my experience of the two last week you're on the right track, I think you're going to have all your suspicions confirmed and probably fall in love with the Kawasaki's riding style. enjoy.
RR....I picked up the z900 a few weeks ago. I can't compare it to the FZ-09 having never ridden one but I can say the z900 is an awesome, fast, light, nice handling machine. Anybody considering an FZ-09 should absolutely demo the z900 as well, you will be doing yourself a disservice if you don't.
Coming from a cruiser and bought a z900. originally was looking at a z800, but was like doing a push-up when sitting on it. Sat on z900 right after and has a very upright riding position similar to a cruiser and not over the bars like video says. Also from a cruiser, you are not riding with legs spread apart like said in the video. rant over
Thank you. I'm 5 foot 11 so it's difficult to say, you'll have to climb on and see if it looks like a clown bike. It's quite large looking though in the flesh despite its low seat.
Thank you, I aim to please. I will try my level best to get out on the vulcan, it's just difficult finding dealerships to partner up with at this stage. Thanks for the sub.
You are saving £500? , years ago we never worried about money because we had nothing, everything worked out o.k. because people where honest. No one looked over their shoulder to see how the other person was getting on in life. That bike is nice ,welcome to the rat race,..you may desire that bike, do not be driven by desire,..,.it will feed off you and suck all your financial means away,...plunging you to ground zero ,.. then you will learn to live life.
Agreed but sadly util Kawasaki start start inviting me to their bike launches in the south of Spain this is all I have available. Can't complain though, still had a blast.
Unless you are riding a 300cc or lower bike, you are under performing most bikes in city scenarios. I have one of these as well as a 1975 Honda GL1000K (600lbs and 81 hp) and I barely crack the throttle on that much heavier and much less powerful bike.
