2021 Kawasaki Z900RS - Classic Style & Modern Performance 

Yep messed up on that one, and the GPz is nowhere near the looker of the new Z900RS!

Yup i was thinking Gpz

It's such an iconic look really, especially that colour scheme. I think there's just some livery that stands the test of time with universal appeal and that's one of them.

The build quality on the RS is really a step above most of the bikes primarily finished in plastic, it's nice to see!

Yep it's a hard one, they both look great!

Nice, that's a great price!

Very true, I think the bike easily justifies the cost, but with the Z900 being so cheap in comparison it (somewhat unfairly) becomes a point of comparison. It's definitely in the realm of the Triumphs, Ducatis and BMWs as far as that finish and build quality, plus Kawasaki reliability is right up the top. The Z900RS is also obviously built from the ground up, not just a Z900 with slightly different bodywork.

Glad you liked it!

Were you referring to Kris or the Zed?;-)

Exactly, they've kind of captured the spirit of the original bike and built something that does it justice, which is a difficult balancing act.

100% mate. They did a great job

Yep it's the ideal combination. They also really hit the ball out of the park with the finish quality too!

I bought a new 1977 900 for $2100 USD.

Wicked! The trick is always finding where's the best place to spend a bit of money for the best improvement on these bikes.

Thanks!

Yep that Jaffa colour scheme is iconic!

Thanks!

Do it! They are such an awesome machine. Well worth having a test ride, even if you don't end up buying one.

Yep it's a great bike overall, and you're right 6500 rpm.

Especially compared to the regular Z900 it's a fairly hefty whack to the wallet, and compared to something like the XSR900. It's quite the modern interpretation though, I can't see it replacing a Z1 if you want the original looks, although I'd definitely take the modern version from the riding side of things. I was taking it fairly easy but it's total reflex now, which is probably a good thing. Better safe than sorry!

I paid $10,200 for my 2018` on Nov 06,2018`. I fill that was an awesome price. I got a lot more then I paid for. Love it!

The styling and finish quality has to be one of the biggest standouts for me in recent years!

I'd definitely recommend checking one out if you can. I didn't mind the Z900, but the RS I thought was a great machine.

It looks amazing in the green...

Wicked, that colour scheme has a bit more of a classic feel to it!

@@MotoJournoKris yeah I agree. Until I saw the colour in person though I wasn't sold on it. After purchasing the bike my Uncle was blown away at the similarities with the original. He had a 74 in the same colour. Kawasaki have done a great job! 👍

I'm not ashamed to say I'm old enough to remember the original Kawasaki Z1 900. I also remember being blown off the road on my Yamaha 350 by a Kawasaki Z1 900. 😆

@@TwoHawksHunting Haha some of those memories stick with you forever!

I reckon I'd go the Z900RS, but that's not to say the W800 doesn't have some advantages. I just like the sportier package and the looks a bit more, even for daily use.

Yep, it's a great interpretation of the UJM in the modern day!

What brand and size clip ons did you fit, I'm interested as I would like to be able to customise it from tourer to cafe racer but can't find any bar lowerers (opposite to risers). I wonder how clip ons work with with the width of the tank? Do they hit the tank? Hope that all makes sense.

@@iansians6703 Hi Ian, I went with these ones japan.webike.net/products/23908788.html but they come with some braided steel line you don`t need, if you wanted a different set the fork diameter is 50 mm so you could get a set from woodcraft or wherever. I can get a full steering lock without hitting the tank, if you put a cowl like the one I did you need to watch how much rise you have or don`t have with the clip ons so they clear the wing on the side of the cowl. I put a cowl so I wouldn`t need to change the throttle cables since the cowl hides the excess. Here is a link to the forum page when I was doing the work, if you scroll through there are some pics.www.z900rs.co.uk/index.php?topic=2327.0 I was originally going to go with a different bar but changed when I saw these, I am super happy with them, I`ve put 40,000 km so far with the clip ons and love the bike with them.

@@KB-yj5xp Thanks KB, that is great information. I too flashed the ECU and put on an after market pipe (Akro - which sounds just like the original Z900 without the can - coppers don't like it though). I like the style of those clip ons and they look well forward. I have a Givi fairing on mine so might have to take it off if they are too low or forward to fit, but that won't matter. My worry is that the Kawasaki heated grips might have been glued to the existing bars but who knows, anything is possible if you try. Being retired, I have the time to fiddle and think I'll go with a few styles for the bike from the 'dress up box', cafe, tourer with panniers, naked round town roadster, etc. It is a versatile machine, no question. The seat position is very uncomfortable though in the upright position and I've had it remade to suit a more forward leaning stance, which would suit clip ons. Bar end mirrors (as in the video from another poster in your z900rs UK thread) set it off nicely as well. Cheers, much appreciated.

@@iansians6703 no problem, if you are not on the forum you should be, there is a wealth of knowledge there. I know one member changed his bars recently and couldn’t remove the factory heated grips he had to buy another set so he was selling the factory bar with grips.

They both really share that same retro style, quite different to some of the other bikes like the XSR900.

This was a 2021 and I only really noticed a little snatch in traffic, riding the bike sportily it wasn't noticeable. That may be a riding style and conditions specific observation though. I didn't find it an issue. Often if that kind of update is rolled out, and they load the fixes into the older machines at services as well.

That's a great point, as it really is accessible power and torque, which is what I think helps make it so much fun, and the Z650 is very much designed for that same usability.

@@MotoJournoKris thanks buddy 🙏 I take my Z650 through Thailand's national parks, and the power delivery is perfect in those rev ranges. I've test rode the Z900RS a few times in Bangkok, but only on the highways. So it's good to know that it will be just as "useable" on the twisty Thai backroads.

There's no compression adjustability on the regular Z900. There's also a Kawasaki low seat, with brings it down an inch or about 25 mm.

@@MotoJournoKris wow, thats my next bike. Ive seen a lot of other reviews and yours is the best detailed. I've watched this 5 times and that bike colour is the best next to the Jaffa and Green.

We're spoilt with how good we've got it these days! Heavy has a totally different meaning.

That's a hard one to say. I found it quite good on the suspension side of things, however it's still a fairly sporty bike and over really poor roads you'll notice that more, especially over harsher bumps. Your experience may differ if you're a significantly different weight to me too. I'm about 75 kg. Hard acceleration you will need to hang on.

Some of the Old Pacific Highway north of Sydney and surrounding roads in this one.

Part of me was thinking the gearing be fun. I own a zrx and 3rd gear is good from 30kmph to 100. Considering a swap!

Good question, I found the bike roomier than the regular Z900, but you'd probably want to check one out in person.

Good question! I'm not sure to be honest, the bike was essentially brand new though.

I didn't really notice much in the way of engine vibrations that were intrusive, even using the lower gears and revving the bike harder.

It's pretty cool isn't it! Even if that's not the usual style you're into. Easy to appreciate what they've done.

See I loved the traditional green or burgundy color schemes from the 70s. This color scheme is also pretty nice.

I'd guess styling, we normally only see the grab rails on bikes designed for touring or sports touring, or which incorporate luggage mounts. You can definitely fit one though.

If you can source a 2020 model still on a showroom floor, I only paid $17k for mine. Old new stock 👍

Only paid $7000 for my brand new 2019 z900rs cafe here in california USA

@@joeblow7634 Damn you guys get some good pricing in the USA!

That was a good price for us here 4000 off msrp at only one dealership, most are asking 14995, a few for msrp 11000 but you have to hunt for the good prices i lucked out and couldnt pass it up

@@joeblow7634 For that price you'd be crazy to pass it up!

From what I understand that's just the KTRC (Traction Control) modes, where rider modes normally offer different power or throttle settings.

@@MotoJournoKris yes it just has traction control, off 1 and 2. I don’t think it needs any power modes anyways, I’ve put over 40,000 km on mine so far and loved every one of them, fantastic bike

@@KB-yj5xp True, that engine is just to tractable, there's no need for a softer throttle response or limited power.

It's a real looker!

That's always a good complaint to have!

Are you two talking garbage or what?

Not that I noticed, but I wasn't able to do any top speed runs kind of thing. It was still pulling strong right up through the rev range in third or fourth, well past anything legal. It had strong torque throughout the rev range from what I saw, but I also didn't try and do any sixth gear roll on from right down low.

It probably does depend where you're coming from. So many bikes get insane Brembo braking packages these days with crazy bite and stopping power. Whether that's really necessary on the road though...

I've never seen it, I'll have to check it out!

@@MotoJournoKris Its the iconic film for the original z1. Yes this bike is based on the original 1972 bike not a later version like top gun. Enjoyed the review! I had the original z1. It was so radical when it came out.

@@ianw3294 Oh interesting!

Bike in topgun was a gpz not a zed,

@@tonywinter1497 Yep! Terrible mistake to make, the GPz doesn't look anything like it.

Yep I messed up on that one lol!

Those are nice features, although you pay a little more for them. If I was looking in the Triumph range I'd definitely want a Thruxton RS of the neo retros but that's a fair bit more again!

Same, was drooling over one at the dealership the other day when my sister was putting down a deposit on a 390 Adventure!

Will do!

That's the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) modes, rather than actual ride modes.

@@MotoJournoKris Call it what you want but Mode2 does modulate the throttle response and overall tames the bike.

Yep, that tends to be the weak point on many cruisers.

Yep someone pointed that out, I totally misremembered it lol! Very very different machine.

GPZ900R, I think. H2R in Top Gun 2. 🙂👍🙏🇬🇧

@@markstevenfall yup. And by the time they release that movie the H2 will be irrelevant. I was stoked to see that though. Would probably watch the whole movie just for it. 😆

Yep, it'll be really interesting to see where Yamaha go with it!

They didn’t do much on the XSR 900, unlike the MT09 which got a complete makeover

Get the Cafe model. It’s much more blacked out.

@@dirkpackwood6409 I reckon we'll see the XSR900 update next year to follow the MT-09.

Yep, you're right!

Generally no, there was some fairly rare instances in traffic it wasn't as smooth.

That would be such a hard choice. Loved the Z900RS but the new MT-09 is quite a bit cheaper and a massive upgrade over the previous version.

Good question. My thoughts to choose between 1 of those 2.

@@motionpictures21 Gotta pick the one you love the look of!

Did it have turbo?

I thought it was great, especially on the throttle, but it's not really loud compared to any aftermarket exhausts.

The bike is well worthy of featuring in a movie!

Very true, and I don't think aviators really work for me.

@@MotoJournoKris On another note. I was just reading about the W800 Cafe from Team Green. If you can get your hands on one I’d love to hear your thoughts. That certainly sounds like one very retro bike. 😊

@@marcusgeorge1825 Yea those W800s are much more the true to form retro, but still sweet machines. It was ages ago I tested one, so it might be time for a refresher, but here's a link to the last video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Sq-0RC9STF8.html

@@MotoJournoKris Thanks for the link mate as I enjoyed watching it. It’s a bit of a shame when you consider the power to weight ratio. Which is less than a good chunk of the LAMS bikes. I really don’t get why AUS and NZ capped it at 660 cc. As apart from the engine being bigger, unaltered it meets A2 requirements straight out of the box with its 35 kw/47 bhp... Even the max torque is reasonable... 🤔 From a spec point it’s basically a Royal Enfield 650 GT (just more expensive). At least with the GT you get a 270’ crank for that V-2 sound where I’m assuming the Kawasaki is sticking with the 180’ firing orders.

@@marcusgeorge1825 Yep we miss out there really, they seem to love arbitrary limits here in Australia. There's quite a few machines that would fall within the power to weight limit that would be ideal. They may be heavier but they tend to be more cruiser styled, so I think the weight is less of an issue. 360 degree firing order so it's got quite a bit of character, but nowhere near the sporting edge of the RE 650s. The W800 is a bit more like the Bonnie I rode a number of years ago.

Ooops, you're right, show's how long it's been seen I've seen the movie lol!

Definitely, this bike in particular people seem to be really attracted to specific colour options, so having those different options for some choice really helps.

In person all the colors look great

Some nice roads through there!

If they were the same price as the XSR900 that would be pretty amazing, although I can see how some of the details add to the overall cost. I didn't really notice that with the seating position, but I may have been lucky just fitting the bike. 6000 km is getting very short now, with so many bikes claiming 16,000 km services, however they recommend 16,000 km or yearly and I think in most cases that probably means yearly for people who aren't doing a lot of mileage. I'm not sure I'd ever be going 16,000 km between an oil change either, so it would probably be oil changes and minor work at 6000, then a proper workshop service every 12k for the major services. Of course 12k major services will add up compared to something with 24k, etc.

They are both lovely bikes. Probably 2 of the best looking nakeds on the market today.

Never tested the CB1000R unfortunately!

I went for this over the CB1000R. Well, the Cafe version. The CB was fun but a bit vibey.

Had a cb1000r most boring bike I've ever owned got a triumph 675r Street triple much better all round but considering buying a z900 rs

It's a bit deceptive that way, and is surprisingly accessible.

@@MotoJournoKris and i feel the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is even heavier.

@@benz201forever Yep I think the RE 650s are about 198 dry, so they probably end up a little heavier with full liquids including fuel.

@@benz201forever 8k cheaper though!

Typical American no doubt 🙄

@@jadethompson5269 typical racist slur

That original colour scheme was just so iconic, I like this one, but it doesn't have quite the same impact. There used to be the Cafe version with that fairing, it looks like it's not offered anymore.

@@MotoJournoKris We still have the cafe version here in Europe. Also we have this version in the original 70's Z900 candytone green which looks superb.

@@fyorbane I know they didn't sell quite as well here to the standard, and we're a small market which might be why we lost the Cafe. That said I really love the more traditional paint schemes.

Samurider in japan make nice fairings

The Z900RS Cafe has the bikini fairing but I have seen a review that says it's just cosmetic and doesn't cut out any wind.

Yep they are pricey, especially compared to the Z900. There's a big step up in finish quality though.

Wasn't really something I found a concern, but may come down to riding style.

I've ridden a bunch of modern bikes that others mention having throttle snatch. Clutch control pretty much takes care of it on most of them in my experience

That seems to be the feature that divides riders on this bike!

Yep, as noted by about 10 other people already in the comments, hence why I pinned one of those comments to the very top.

They reckon that's worth something like $30k AUD normalised over that period for buying power, or over $17k USD, as a comparison, depending which currency you're talking. Doesn't seem quite so bad under that comparison, although I'm not a fan of that justification for current bike prices!

Yes, and people were earning $400 a month. If you want to compare prices over years you have to account for inflation.