2020 Kawasaki Z900RS First Impression Review! 

1. Agree on the fenders. 2. Helmet lock is useful in places where I want to leave my helmet and want it secure. I keep a short steel cable in my tank bag and put that in the helmet lock and loop it over the chin bar of a modern full-face helmet. 3. You can gain 1/2" back with no extra height if you reverse the block below the handlebar. 4. Engine map is off in a few different ways. There is a screw for the cold idle. The worst about the mapping is how on-throttle is abrupt after off-throttle. That's solved by ECU mapping though KTRC mode-2 helps. 5. Some of us (me included), prefer a 16T sprocket up front, it has enough torque anyway. 6. Shifting gets even smoother. I switched to synthetic after the second oil chg (3100mi) incredible smooth now. 7. Agree mirrors are great. 8. Snatchy throttle, real solution is ECU tuning (Ivan is said to be the solution, I'm waiting out the warranty). 16T & KTRC-2 help the snatch. 9. I went with the Shad as well! Mine is about to go on.

I have the 2018 version with Root Beer colored tank. It now has over 17,000 miles. Had valves looked at when it passed 16,000 miles and they did not have to be adjusted at all. I really have not had an issue with chain slack. I just keep the chain lubed frequently. Regarding throttle response, I simply put it in traction control mode 2 and that really smoothed it out. After the engine broke in, the throttle response issue seemed to go away. Regarding engine break in period, I drove the bike and put 300 miles on it the first day. I simply took the freeway to keep RPMs low while still getting mileage. I also put sport touring tires on it, moved the bars back 3/4s of an inch and adjusted the suspension so it was stiffer. I ride year around and have never had an issue with the bike. Most of the negative items mentioned seemed to go away once I hit about 500 miles or so. All that stated, it is not a beginner bike. You still need to know what you are doing as it is around 111 hp.

2018 Cafe owner here. I use the helmet lock pretty much every time I ride lol. I also have a modern full-face helmet.

Great review video. This is one of the best video reviews of this bike. You've answered some questions I had that other videos hadn't covered

Real and honest review. Well done. I love the look of the bike. Love it even more after seeing this review.

The ending of the video was all at once an excellent view of the bike and hilarious... Good job.

The 1976 KZ900 was one of my favorite bikes. Smoothest shifting bike I every owned. had plenty of power and very dependable. Good luck with new purchase!

The sound when you shut off the engine is the vacuum valve shutting off the fuel. Modern bikes don't have a fuel tap as such. The vacuum from the inlet manifold is utilised to open a gravity feed valve for the fuel and closes as the engine is shut off.

Bought one for my wife. She is around 5'5" or so. Did the lowering link for her and an adjustable kickstand as well. One thing you will notice about the stock kickstand is that the bike sits a bit too far upright and the stand has almost no over-center lock on it when deployed. Had to catch the bike twice before it went down as a result. Ground a bit off the pad on the kickstand to get it to lock in better. Have around 1000 miles on it now and like it more and more. By the way it is 6 grand for the second 500 miles. We also did the perfect by the book break-in. Changed oil at 500 miles and will change it again within a week or so. Seat is NOT a distance ride seat! Will kill your butt after an hour or a bit more. She absolutely HATES the snatchy throttle. Added a throttle tamer for her and that helped a bit. Loved the suds wash!

Yo great job on the top box inside boxes keep doing your thing I'm enjoying you put your mods on like to see you do some more riding if you could every now and again be safe take care of yourself you and your family thank you for sharing

When I was 15 years old the Z900 was simply the coolest bike to have. I think Kawa have done a good job on recreating this classic, wish the RS had spoke wheels which would have set this bike apart from the others. Good video 👍

I have the same bike -- color scheme and all. Nearing 6k miles on it now. I leave the thing in "rain mode" (kt2) all the time -- helps with twitchy throttle but leaves tons of power without worry of doing an unintentional wheelie.

I felt it's geared a little low, found myself shifting into 3rd gear just to get through an intersection. I went up one tooth on the front sprocket, and down one tooth on the rear sprocket. Much better!

Thanks for the review - I wanna have this bike! The slow motion clips were absolutely exciting! 😉

This is a proper review. Thanks.

The Z900RS ‘s looks absolutely stunning! Kawasaki did an great job! Cool to hear your opinion about this bike 👍vid buddy

Very cool review my friend. I like the straight up approach and the bike is beautiful

Yep..at 63 I bought mine in 2019. Loved the Z’s from the early 70’s. It was a hard choice between the root beer or the green...root beer won out.

Nice video, thankyou, I changed the riding mode on my Versys and tha helped with the throttle. Also, by chance did you look into the w800, do you know how the z900rs would compare?.

Great review,man!The washing scene is epic.Can't wait to buy this motorcycle! I currently own a Kawasaki Versys 650,also a great bike from Kawasaki.Stay cool and enjoy!

Ever consider the moto man break in method? I pretty much beat on mine coming home from the dealer.

Another great Vid. Love the new 900. I had a 1973 Z1900. Just recently sold it.

Man. I hate you! Based on all the reviews I'd seen and the drop dead gorgeous green colur scheme I went out and bought one of these yesterday. Now, in that limbo period waiting until I can pick it up, I am trying to put it out of my mind so I don't drive myself crazy. Your review has quoshed all my good intentions of relaxing for the next two weeks. I want it now! I have to say that I think your review is one of the best I've seen. Your honesty and genuine enthusiasm comes across so strongly it gives me great peace of mind that I have made the right decision. I hope the additional goodies that you have purchased include the grab rail which I think really finishes the bike off. I am now subscribed and look forward to further updates. Happy riding.

Yo I enjoyed your video have popcorn and a soda keep doing your thing man I'll follow your Channel as you build your bike thinking about getting one myself the year I was born for a first bike and you're absolutely right lol that ain't towards us late 40s early 50s

Just picked up my 2019 z900rs cafe and I have to say I love it. And yes I'm one of those people that uses the helmet lock lol I love it. Great review keep up the good work.

Excellent tutorial. This bike is definitely on my bucket list. I'm 5'6 and was worried it was too much for me. You just inspired me though. The design and features are exactly what I want. Looking forward to your episodes...

I just test rode one today! Lots of torque and so much fun. I wanted to wheelie so bad, but had to keep it tame. Very smooth and vibration free bike too. I'm 5'7" and i ride a Versys 1000, so i didn't pay attention to the seat height as it's lower. I went to ride the klx 300 and rode this after on a whim and kind of regret it. I can't stop thinking about it! It just puts that big smile on your face!

I literally just picked up the cafe model a couple days ago. Awesome bike 👌👌👌👌

Hey Yankee, I just found your channel. I think your bike looks great. Ok the sheepskin is an eye sore, but it sure looks comfortable. I have an idea about the front fender. Maybe modify a front fender from a 1st gen Z1 to make it fit? It’s a REAL fender, chrome and LONG. I think if you could modify it to use the mounts from your bike, it would look great and actually do what a fender is supposed to do.

Hi there, I'm 5'4. Ride a Kawasaki Vulcan S. I want to upgrade to the Z900RS this season. Excellent video. I hope I get one!!!

I bought mine in March 2018, did over 20,000 kms in 2 years but since covid haven’t had a chance to ride it until recently because of lockdowns. It’s the Root Beer/Orange color or Jaffa as we call it in Australia. Like you it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned, even done some trackdays on it. I thought they might have fixed the snatchy throttle by now, apparently not. ECU reflash or Booster Plug made in Denmark should fix that, the Booster Plug fixed mine. I’ve left mine standard, I’m not even going to touch the exhaust because it is so good from the factory. I’ve put on genuine Kawasaki heated grips, centre stand, rear grab rail and Evotech radiator guard. Like you, I broke mine in as per factory. The seat softens over time. The bike really sings when you wrap it on. I just love my bike. The OEM Dunlops are crap imho. Bridgestone S22 or similar are the go. You’re gonna love the bike the more you ride it, trust me!

My cat is bugging me so its a pain in the arse to type, however, as a fellow zee 900 rs owner, I really appreciate your videos and agree on the points you raise. Loving your channel my friend............makes me wanna get out on it and run me some stop signs :)

Hello, wold you recomend me that motobike? i norway it cost 24000USD and i am 44 years old and like to ride easy but i like hight speed. I have saved for 2.5 years

Great review man. Just mailed a check to buy the identical bike with about the same mileage for $8,600 down south. Delivery up north in a couple of weeks. Can't wait til spring! Your vid confirmed to me even more how great a bike this is. :)

Every time I watch Mad Max or Stone I wanna buy one of these.

Great review

Nice review and I agree with everything you said about this bike. The LCD screen is very easily scratched and requires especial care to avoid that.

Beautiful bike.It's between this and the Honda CB 1100, if they ever bring it back to the states.Thanks for the honest review.👍👍

On the original Z1, I swung the calipers to the backside of the forks, removed the rear fender and used a custom bracket to hold the brake light and license under the tail piece. Added a Papa Yoshimura road racing header and polished the hell out of the aluminum engine pieces. I should buy one for fun!...Oh, and the helmet clip mounts provide a mount for bolt on wheelie bars.

Nice , video, a beautiful motorcycle , thanks

Just subscribed. I am waiting for the installation video of Shad. Cool lugagge option for this bike.

I miss my 1980 GS 1100 suzuki this reminds me of it with the straight up sitting position which I like, may have to get one.

For a half inch further back on the handlebars, spin the stock risers 180*. Do one at a time and you'll see it brings back the bars approximately 1/2inch. Made it better for me. There's a forum for these bikes that's great on little tips like that. Also, many people change out the front sprocket from a 15 tooth to a 16 tooth. I haven't found the need to do it, but a lot of guys that cruise make the change.

Best bike review ever

I'm in kentucky. Where you located?

We went to Honda SS400 handlebars on the original Z1's...to lower and move the grips forward just over an inch. Hollowing some foam from under the front part of the seat retained the stock appearance while making the "crotch height" an inch lower. Good times.

Congrats on the new bike! We should meet up in burksville sometime for some hamiltons BBQ and a quick rip

Hello! Great Review and thank you for the same. I've owned an Sv650 a few years and absolutely love it. I'm debating between a Bonneville T120 and Z900RS for my next. Apples to Oranges comparison of course. I'll be looking into test riding them soon. Have you rode a T120 and have you considered it? I have a feeling I would enjoy the Z900 RS from my SV for the torque. Would love your thoughts on other bikes u considered.

You chain slack is because of improper adjustment from the stealership. I have 1200 miles on mine and just now need to adjust mine.

You’re never too old to pull willies 😁👍

it's not 1970. break in is complete within a few miles. more important is engine braking and varying rpm to seat the rings evenly. don't idle, don't redline for the first few miles, good to go.

I’d look for a different front fender. Rock chips on the pipes would drive me nuts.

I looked at one of these awhile back. I'm sceptical about getting a new bike though. I've been rocking my 81 cb750c and 73 TS400, I love the old stuff. I am interested in the new triumphs and the new Indian Scout.

Yesterday I traded my Ducati monster 796 for a2020 Kawasaki Z900rs ! Loving it!

I couldn't afford a Z when they first came out. Had to wait all this time. I got one now!!!!

I want. Especially in that color.

Good review and agree with lots of what you said. It’s a terrific bike, the only downside for me is as you said, all the crud that gets stuck to the radiator and front exhaust pipes - they’re a pain to keep clean

i think it is the most butiful bike ever, it is beteen to buy this and a ZH2.Keep up good work!

Love my '19 Z900RS Cafe! My ninth motorcycle and the best one I've ever ridden. Most people are going to remove the rear fender. Everything is perfect on this Kawasaki model, big deal the front fender is short... Oh well.

Lugging your bike with wide-open throttle at lower rpm’s is much harder on it then running partial throttle at higher rpm’s. It is about cylinder pressure and the force you’re putting on the rings and ring lands.

Suds on the gas tank had me rolling. Reminded me of an 80's car wash scene from skinamax with some girls in Bakinis. Did you ever get the Z50 finished up for your son? Never saw a follow up video.

How are the breaks on it?

great bike, mi next bike soon y hope!!

Great video !!!! I've had the same bike color and all and have under 600 miles and can't believe how much I love it

I know they recommend break in period but at the factory they put the motor through all RPM range to test them. Kinda funny

Great review thanks...oh and reat editing on the bike porn at the end lol

try a booster plug for the lean condition

Many studies show there is no difference in break in, the point is just incase there is a flaw from factory you dont die going 130 after 4 miles, its so they cant get sued

0:35 You can't measure chain slack being off the bike. You need to be seated, otherwise it will be too tense(causing multiple problems) when you do get on it and go for a ride...

I agree with you brake bike's in properly

Pyramid parts make a fender extender for the front fender, very good.

maybe add front fender extender.I am sure either DIY or aftermarket or totally new fender but longer.Its something that can be modified easily.

Magnifique machine 😘

I share the rare opinion that an uncomfortable seat will be cured with time in the saddle. I was always Planning from the first to replace the stock seats and by the time I could afford to do so, either the seat or me had adjusted to where it was a non issue.

I use my helmet lock pretty much everytime I ride lol

Couple things to do ..fender extender and engine guards with some highway pegs. I'm a big fan of windshields, no matter what anyone thinks.. I like touring and comfortable highway miles .. just my 2 cents. Good video 👍Oh.. 4k RPM means no highway. 70 mph is like 4500 rpm 😂

I would think that the ride modes would take down the throttle response maybe in rain mode it would act as you desire. Very nice bike.

kawasaki engineer told me 3 hour of soft break in with cool down periods. mileage is not that important. then ride it like a normal person till 1k than you can have at it.. this is because kawasaki pre-breaks in on every bike during testing to ensure we dont hurt there engines.. legal reasons they cant put that in the manual they have to be very specific and safe... and for my legal reasons, Apply at your own risk.

Why is the helmet lock useless? It’s not just for retro helmets you can put any style helmet on it. Much better than carrying it around with you surely.?

But is it loud?

Very Nice bike 🤟

You have the riding mode shut off , and your running it in eh switch them on mate it will help run it in .

Thank you! Awesome video. You are right they totally targeted people like us. Bad Kawasaki! It’s okay though because I love being targeted in this way.❤️ I am looking forward to watching more of your content. Cheers!🔥👊🏽

You can get it reprogrammed to fix that high idle.

Once I saw the cafe version I was having sudden doubts about my next bike. Still torn on this and the XSR700.

That candy olive green is super classy. Those silver plastic brackets holding the front fender are super ridiculous.

you got to use the power modes for smother handling !

I'm stuck between this Kawi and the Triumph T120

No one goes by the book lol. And you are supposed to redline it every once in a while when breaking it in.

The dealer that I bought my bike from said to ride it like you would normally. They said that they have seen more bikes with problems when people try to break them in per the manual. I don’t know who to believe.

When you adjust the rear shock firmer....it will get a lot taller.

Woop and Swaa! Lol

You'll change your mind about the seat once you've actually ridden the bike. Traction control defaults to TC1 when you start the bike. You need to turn it off each time so you might have been using it and no knowing it.

That bike would sound badass with the old school Kerker exhaust.

you might find using the ride mode would change a few of the issues you had, but hey, you don't care about that yeah

Nice bike...hello Greece. ..made in Japan factory?

That front fender is terrible. I can't believe they did that. I'd be hunting for a better fender.

I use my helmet lock. No, it is not running hot. Break-in on any bike is torture. At 9:36 a wheelie. Yup, my arms hurt with traction control off. 13:35 it is like hosing off a Playmate! Like watching a wet t-shirt contest. I luv my 2019 Z900RS.

29k miles on mine.

The chain gets loose from all the power dude