I completely disagree with you saying this bike has no character - it being a four cylinder and its smoothness IS its character and charm. I think you've somehow missed that.
I agree. She's too masculine. Too logical, reliable, perfect. I think what he meant to say is "she's trans". Give her a bit of surgery and she'll be fine as.
I agreed with every word you spoke on your Z900, until the very end. As an owner of a bike with bags of character, my BSA GoldStar, I disagree with your comments on your bikes character. From the twin clock's to the fuel tank and the engine, to me its loaded with character and I'd love one in my garage.
@@gsrossco I don’t disagree at all that they are great motors and while character is subjective in theory I’m yet to hear someone honestly describe one as “characterful” in practice. “Smooth” yes, “perfect” perhaps… Each to their own of course but my answer to the question of whether a bike/motor can be too perfect is yes…for me at least. I do love looking at these and completely understand why someone would want and enjoy one ✌🏻
@@johnlaw5762 I agree to a point, but it depends how you ride it. If you ride it sedately then sure, it's like any other in-line four, smooth as silk. But, if you ride it with scant disregard for your licence, (or personal safety), then I can assure you that you will experience the true character of this awesome bike. Each to their own as usual though. Have fun.
If anything, the Z900RS is of steadfast character. Dependable, reliable, yet performance wise, it stays the course set by the Z1 fifty years on...it is the perfect motorcycle for me.
The retro look is absolutely brilliant and spot on. I think if you want a bike that is kind of like the Swiss army knife of motorcycles, you got a good choice in that Kawasaki. If you just want to go run some curvy roads or do some touring, the Kawasaki 900 will do it all. I think Kawasaki 4 cylinder engines are just absolutely amazing and so smooth. Great video sir
The Z900 RS SE looks gorgeous, however I get your point about a 'lack of character' or 'involvement' in the riding experience. I owned a Yamaha 1000 Fazer that performed faultlessly, commuting, touring, Sunday scratching around country lanes, and motorway blasts, yet lacked 'character'. As I say I could not fault it at all in any way, and I wouldn't have wished for it to develop foibles, but I had more fun riding less refined motorcycles.
I feel that way about my Z900 SE. It is basically a perfect motorcycle. Does exactly what I want without drama. The only way to get satisfaction out of that flawless machine is to go fast. Or perhaps put on loud pipes and be obnoxious. I may trade it for something more involving for the daily ride. Probably a Triumph T100 or Speedmaster.
You certainly do have some tiny (narrow!) roads over there! Tiny but beautiful. The camera view makes me think you are like Moses crossing the parted Red Sea. And yes, your motorbike is gorgeous! Thank you! SS
I love my z900rs it does have character, but in a different way to a V-twin or parallel rwin. The easy going nature may make it seem bland compared to a speed twin, but I think easy and accessible performance is never a bad thing.
Beautiful looking bike. Was always wondering why they fitted a cable operated clutch rather than hydraulic..? Really fancy getting a test ride on one to see if they ride as good as they look! Great video..!
I was after an old school retro inline four! I rode the Z900rs and loved it, it is a great bike! However I felt the look was spoiled by the rear mono shock suspension, although it works great it just doesn’t look right on a retro! I bought a Honda CB1100ex in the end which has twin rear shocks and looks the business, real retro styling and still works really well for the type of riding I do. Keep riding safe
I wish they could follow Triumph's lead and stick the radiator vertically between the downtube, rather than sticking out wither side like it does. The Triumph's are so much more stealth and air called looking, but the 4 exhaust pipes sticking out the front kind of prevent that 😞
Having ridden this bike and the speed twin 1200, tho both great bikes, for me the speed twin is a clear winner, the engine is a thing of beauty and that sound is just glorious lol
Happy Easter. Character or lack of character is one of the most talked about things on RU-vid. But what is character? It's so subjective. Love that bike by the way 👍
Character is the feeling a bike transmits to you when riding and that comes from the engine. For me that is big V twins and some parallel twins that have good low down torque, enough get up and go and not too much vibration.
@splodge5714 I get that's your definition 👍 Personally I would say a big two stroke with a powerband has character but it doesn't necessarily mean it's a great bike. So many points of view on what defines character makes it virtually worthless as a descriptive word.
@@BanditmanukI failed the course at university where we were taught to evaluate intangible functions, but having said that I do feel nostalgic about the old 2-stroke twins we used to race around on fifty years ago. Nothing like the smell of burnt Yammalube.
Yep, my comment my definition😊 We all have our own ideas but I agree about 2 strokes, the Suzuki GT750 had character. The only Japanese bike I've owned since, and I've had plenty, to have character was my TL1000S (a V twin)😊.
This bike has much nicer looks Mr. Flyer, but do you think perhaps it'd have more character were it to be a bit more cammy towards the top end, like the Z900 non RS SE version ? It'd lose a bit of bottom end torque but one can't have it all ways, at least without a blower on it ! A pal of mine has both, and an anniversary R1 in resplendent white and red.
I love the looks of this bike, even has the round bullet style clocks. It's a prefect 10 for me. I also like its baby brother, the Z650RS. But they missed a trick with its non-retro looking exhaust.
Test rode one and found it lovely but couldn't justify the change considering a good XJR1300 is half the money with arguably more shunt. Edited* Still, beautifully engineered bike the Kawasaki
I have a 2001 zrx1200r fully upgraded. I was very excited for The release of the z900rs and did a test ride. TMF is correct- zero riding character. I thought I would be blown away with modern power but it wasn't even close.
You missed out two items from the review. One is exhaust sound - you can’t have a perfect bike if it doesn’t sound good. Have you looked into a four into four setup for yours? The second is a quick shifter. Again, a perfect bike just had to have one.
What a great ploy to get comments lol.."The Z 900 has no character whatsoever..let me know your thoughts in the comments"...You sneaky man, This bike has character in spades, the looks, the feel, and that beautiful 4 cylinder ......Sh*t..I fell for it lol :)
Little maintenance & that Kawi will still be running long after all the other retros have left you stranded one too many times. My Husqvarna is fun but it ain't no in-line four. Bullet proof isn't boring. I really came close to buying a RS SE (Green/gold) I think the "perfect" part is the fact Kawasaki has been making this motor so long they've ironed out all the kinks, right ?
I guess not every motorcycle has to have character or performance or to be expansive or cheap. It's all about how do you feel about it and how much you enjoy riding it.
This bike looks fantastic. I wish it was a bit louder. Can you name three bikes you would prefer to have and keep? Your honest favorites that you would keep and use all things considered.
Disagree with you for once Andy. The standard bike in one of the original colour schemes has bags of character. Have you noticed that "Made in Japan" steel plate on it? For a child of the 70s like me, I always wanted a UJM and this is the ultimate one. But I will say that the SE version is too "bling" and this bike really doesn't need fancy shocks and brakes. I think you would have appreciated the basic bike in seventies orange/brown more....
Had the z900rs for the looks no character. Sold it after driving the nine t. I love the boxer engine the nine t has a lot more character. I have the 1250 GSA, Nine T and the yamaha mt10. I think the next bike I will buy is the dessert x.
Is this the perfect bike for me and what I use it for errrrr no. If it's yours and many other people's, fair play. Loads of motorcycles to be had and test ridden out there. :)
@@TheMissendenFlyer I did that on my Z last year. Originally thought the Dunlops were ok but when cold they were a bit iffy. Made a big change having Road 6s fitted - much better in cold and rain.
Because I'm an old git I drooled over the Z1, Z900 etc in the 70's but could never afford one, now I own a 21 plate Z900 in black and silver and I am in love. Even during the seemingly constant rain I can take a cup of coffee, sit in the garage and just stare at this beautiful machine. No bike is ever perfect but the Z900RS very damn close.
I started my Apprenticeship in 1972 and one of the guys bought a brand new Z1 in 72/73 and you’ve never seen so many guys drooling over his bike. A sad day for the guys who owned Triump Bonnevilles and Norton Commandos. The Z1 truly was a game changer.
I bought a 2019 std z900rs... it is stunning. Everything about it is as perfect as can be.i know I am biased but comfort? it's spot on, power? It has loads. And that sound? So addictive 😅
I bought a 2019 Z900RS Brown and Orange in January. I love it bought it to help me recover from Open heart surgery. I am busy making it mine by modifying it a little.
Love Kawasaki retro bikes. I currently own an 05 ZRX1200R. Had it since new. No mods. It's exactly like it came out of the crate. These in-line 4s from Kawasaki are practically bullet proof. Mine was a father's day gift from my wife. I'll never sell her. The bike, not the wife. :)
I have a 2001 fully upgraded. I was very excited for The release of the z900rs and did a test ride. TMF is correct- zero riding character. I thought I would be blown away with modern power but it wasn't even close.
Every time I take the zrx out I always come back with the same impression. Best engine of any motorcycle I’ve ever owned. It has effortless tractable power.
When I read your response I thought that I was reading something that I had wrote but forgot about 😀but my order of progression was Honda CB450-Norton 750 Commando-Kawasaki Z1B 900 😉
Hello. Congrats to your choice. I`m 100% on your side. I bought mine in march 2023....and I wanted exactly the SE model. So I ordered in winter 2022 a new 2023 model. Arrived in march 2023. I`m very satisfied with every kind of riding......comfort is perfect. Grip heating, custom seat with heating...main stand and some other extra things on it. You can do anything with that bike....touring, sport, cruising...anything is possible without any negative reasons. I`m 60 years old and had every kind of bikes..but this one is really perfect for me, in my opinion. And also the sound and look of the whole bike is perfect, really nice. Regards from germany and stay healthy and enjoy your rides.
Surely it's not that it doesn't have character but that it's character is that of hyper smoothness and efficiency. If you want vibrating mirrors and numb hands take out one of your more "characterful" set of wheels ! Oh, and the looks are stunning -reminds me so much of the original Z1 that I drooled over as a schoolboy.
Totally agree. comments that the bike is great then said it has no character ?. i have thought after watching your videos regarding this bike many times that you seem to have changed your mind about it Andy and always seem to prefer your Triumph speed twin which is a great bike, looked at them myself before buying my Z900RS. maybe you should stick with the vibrating mirror and numb hands bikes that has been said above. And before i get knocked for this comment i would like to point out iv had Harleys, Z1000 4th gen and Z900RS and everyone of them had character. the sound alone of the stock Z900RS is character. beginning to think you bought this bike on a whim or did i not understand the end of the video.
Quite, I played it back because I couldn't understand Andy's closing comments..... Maybe a wee bit of clarification required. I prefer the Speed Twin and I'm not a fan of gold wheels.......
At a test event organized by Kawasaki I rode the Z900RS and the W800 and I liked the W800 so much more. But I don't care about horsepower, my 1956 BMW R50 only has 26hp and it is one of my favourite bikes.
I'm looking to replace my 600 Hornet with a W800 this year ( too old, fat and stiff now !)Want it in the red finish, not many come up for sale but keeping my fingers crossed.
@@MarmiteTheDog I want something a bit more unique, I love the look of the W8000. I see Interceptors everywhere. Also from the research I've done the build quality and reliability of the Kawasaki is quite a bit above the Interceptor.
After passing my test, all I wanted was the most powerful motorcycles I could find. As I thought that was the key to enjoying them. Fast forward six years and I’m enjoying the delights of a CRF250 Rally, for me it’s pretty perfect on the crappy broken up roads of East Anglia, with the ability for some light off roading.
As usual a very good and insightful video. Always enjoy them. I love the Z900RS and probably be my next bike, perhaps with some add ons to expand its touring capabilities. I would like to hear what your missus has to say in the pillon department. For me, it was the bike to have when growing up - I'm from 1959 - but the money was never there. Now my take on "character". I use quotations simply because it means many things to many people, and the word has been used and abused to the point that is at best a catch phrase, at worst meaningless. A Triumph has it, but a Kawa doesn't , why? Because one vibrate somewhat and the other doesn't? Because it brings back nostalgic memories of a better past? Etc. It reminds me of a non definition of pornography by supreme court judge Potter Stewart in 1964 "I know it when I see it". Great! So, in one stroke he became the unquestionable master of the subject. Brilliant! A bit of history. Character was not mentioned very much in the 50's or before. It started to be used in motorcycle magazines by British and Italian bike manufacturers, less by Germans, when the japanese bikes began their invasion in the 60's. Coincidence? or perhaps the only available defense against superior products at cheaper price. A modern analogy would be expensive swiss watches. Who needs them when a Casio would do and everyone has a phone? But back then it was worse, much worse. Because the swiss watch works, and very well, but those bikes were crappy compared to the reliabilities and performance - except in handling until the japs fixed that as well - of the oriental siblings. Most European makers in the 60's were stated subsidised enterprises keeping employment numbers looking good but without the real capability to compete with the rising sun machines. So, not a nice way to plant the seed of "Character" as something special that only the true "connoisseur" can appreciate. Even wine tasting has a more comprehensive list of qualities before giving the nod. Even though at the end ALL that matter is if you like it or not, just as with motorcycles. The rest is just plain marketing bollocks to sound fancy and up the price.
Hay mate in Australia the First Kawasaki Z , was the Z900 , the Z1000 followed. So your new Z900 was taken from the original Z900 . A fantastic movie was the original Mad Max - with Mel Gibson , it had the original Z900,s and Z1000.
Smart closing remark about 'Lack of Character"; guaranteed to provoke some traffic and noise on the comment tree. Would be interesting if you were to post a photograph of your bike next to an original Z1 and see the responses from the keyboard warriors.
I've got a 2023 Z900RS, popped about 5K miles on it over the last year. It's been an utter hoot to ride and own. I'm running a Yoshimura Straight Cyclone exhaust, a Rapidbike tuning kit, and a Sprint air filter. I'm looking at getting a proper remap done to protect the engine a bit better, but man, the tweaks have turned this into a proper weapon. The only thing that lets it down is the suspension on the standard bike. One day, when I've saved a few pennies, I'll get some new forks etc sorted.
I’ve owned many motorbikes since the age of 17 I’ll be 63 this coming May, blimey! That’s only next month 😮 My brother owned a Z1 back in the 70’s and I was brave or stupid enough to go pillion. I took delivery of my 2019 Z900rs “Jaffa” two years ago and can honestly say I enjoy this bike more everyday. I have had a de-cat and remap and made it my own with other lovely modifications like the retro kawasaki tank badges, twin horns and Kawasaki fork emblem, colour matching rear hugger, a better rear light, grab rail, amongst other modifications oh! and lowered custom made seat. It’s worth investing in a decent set of tyres too.
I love the round dials, must have for a retro bike, and you still have a small screen for fuel, gear position etc. You got it right, a very well executed update of a standard motorcycle of decades past.
I’ve been riding for 54 years and have owned 20 different bikes. Overall my 2018 Z900RS is the most enjoyable bike I’ve ever owned. Just wish they had the SE version in 2018.
Rode it and a short demo ride and it was fun. Offers a lot of comfort, but the throttle was a bit too snatchy, otherwise... the one to buy. I am now sure if they fixed it or not. I agree about being the best looking in the todays "Retro world". :) Another great video Andy.
It's a beutiful bike Andy, comfort, performance, a proper head turner. A great review. If I had the spare green stuff it would be a defo second bike. Maybe one day 😊
I had a new Z900 in 2019, that was quite zesty and wild, was offered a day’s test ride on a Z900RS in comparison. The engine tune is far better, torque notably better with the RS, but they are two different beasts from the same stable. Which did I prefer? The RS, lovely all round package. The Z900 was far too alive for me and required too much input for my sedate style….
Interesting... I own and ride both a 2021 Z900 RS and 2023 Z900 SE. The Z900 SE has better fueling, smoother ride, better brakes, more top end power. But the Z900 RS is much better for carrying things, and it sounds better. If I had to do it all over again, I would have passed on the Z900 SE and looked for a Z900 RS SE. The one TMF has.
@@elevationmoto6208 people don't realise the benefits. Or a lower state of tune they just think more horsepower the better. Is the rs 111hp and the se 125hp.
@@chrishart8548 Yes. 110 HP for the Z900 RS and 125 HP for the Z900 SE. The rpm range of highest torque production is about 1500 rpm higher on the higher HP bike, but it has still has penty down low. There are some other differences: the 125 HP engine has much better fueling, shifting is smoother (1st and 2nd are closer to each other), pulls hard all the way to redline (it tends to stutter at redline more than the 110 HP engine), but fuel economy is not as good. I think the 125 HP engine is perfect for the bike it is in, but the 110 HP would benefit greatly from better fueling. I may get my RS ECU flashed, but am concerned about degraded fuel economy and a few other things. Other than the poor fueling in certain situations, I think that 110 HP engine is perfect for the RS. I do not want 2nd gear power wheelies, and the RS is slightly below that point. Also, the RS with stock exhaust sounds so, so good. When I'm just cruising along, the grumbly exhaust note, gentle mechanical clatter, and soothing gear whine match my relaxed mood. But crank it up, and that fantastic moaning howl of intake sound... just awesome, never gets old.
@@chrishart8548 Have to agree, I have seen people dismissing this bike on the basis of HP, arguing they know better than Kawasaki. Clearly Kawasaki could have just dropped the Z900 engine in and saved money.
I love the look of the Z900rs and I'm sure I'd love the engine too as I own a Ninja 1000sx (2022). I did get to borrow a Z650rs whilst my bike was in for a service and I have to say I hated it and that was all down to the vibes from the parallel twin engine (the bike looked lovely but was not a pleasant ride), that's why I think the Z900 is the perfect retro bike at the mo.....
Brilliant bike. As for character, depends what you mean... If you mean annoying vibes, poor reliability, oil leaks, buffeting, mirrors that dance about, then it has none of that. If I was buying again, I'd buy one.
I had a Z900RS for four years and tried to love it but just couldn't get on with it so sold it. I found the bike to be the most uncomfortable bike to ride that I have ever owned and I have had around 50 bikes. within half an hour I started to ache and an hour was the max I could ride the bike without stopping. I changed the seat, lowered and then raised the handlebars but just could not get comfortable. The snatchy throttle on my bike was terrible so I removed the O2 sensor and that made a big difference but it still was a little snatchy, the clocks and the headlight are cheap plastic so I didn't like those, but I really liked the overall look of the bike and the power of the engine was very good. This is obviously just my opinion but I think the RS is a average bike with nothing really to make it stick out from the crowd apart from the looks of the bike. I do think though that it's the nicest looking retro on the market today but as I said it just wasn't for me.
Hi Andy, interesting word character for the Z900RS… I purchased my Z900 from your first review in 2018 never lacked in its interesting qualities and plenty of interest from others…
Very few inline 4’s from Japan have character…at least that I’m aware of 🤷🏻♂️ The japanese have never been too interested in creating something with character, they care about perfection. Those that do have are likely down to coincidence rather than design.
Perhaps the character aspect comes down to being a 4, not a twin. But I agree - as I think nearly everyone does these days - horsepower by no means the most important part of enjoying a bike. 109 is more than plenty. And I also agree about the looks - it is just a very beautiful bike. I wish the clocks on my bike were as beautiful as those.
I bought mine in2018 and still have it. An ex colleague bought the same model as yours last summer. He only put 45 miles on it before deciding that it didn't float his boat. as he's selling it for £3k under list, I'm selling mine and buying his. Too good an opportunity to pass up.
For good looks as well as character and beautiful sound, you can not go wrong with a BMW R nineT. But all retro bikes are my cup of tea and this Kawa is high on my list. Enjoy!
Was just about to chime in with this but didn't want to sound like I'm bagging the Kwaka which is overall a beautiful bike. The R nine T has that engine as well as the looks.
Agreed with everything you said Andy apart from the character. I think it’s got loads, unless you mean the vibrations of a twin cylinder motorcycle! I love mine as it never fails to make me smile! My Multistrada V2 has the sort of character that I think you mean, which is lovely as well.
The problem is its onely one bike. Bikes by their nature are a compromise. For instance this one is a great looking bike and as something to go to a cafe/meet on which isn't too far or a medium range Sunday ride out its possibly ideal. On the other side of things if you want a tourer its probably average to poor with no fairing - its certainly no Goldwing. If you want to do track days its far too lazy and road biased so would be out of place there too. Its no good for trail riding and motocross is completely out of the question. This is why I always think there is no perfect bike unless you soley use it for one specific purpose. Its the perfect excuse for having multiple bikes.
My friend bought one of the original Z1Bs in the mid 70s which was an amazing machine and I have to say that Kawasaki have nailed the styling on this particular retro machine 🤩
@@TheMissendenFlyer I'm on my second one , had a 69 plate green one before this one , that was perfect too , what do you think of the new Yamaha xsr900gp ? Hope you get chance to test one when they appear 👍
In Japan, z900RS has won the sales championship of large motorcycles every year since it was launched in 2018. To be able to achieve such results in Japan, a big country of motorcycles, Kawasaki must have done something right!
I've had mine (standard RS) for about 6 months now. The brakes are superb, and if you think the SE Brembo's are necessary, think again. The standard suspension is setup soft, and that suits my old back fine. There is plenty of adjustment if you wanted it firmer. The Ohlin's on the SE are probably slightly better, but at the expense of comfort. The engine is like a turbine (not in a bad way). It seems to pull the same almost regardless of what gear you are in, or revs you are at.
Well, I would call it civilized character. I grew up riding the CB series of Honda's where bike mods were common. Listening to those 4 cylinders growl through a long set of near straight pipe turn outs was nirvana for me. The excitement for me has always started at the first press of the starter. Listening to a 4 cylinder start and run is pleasing. I have had Harley's and BMW's and have a Triumph in the garage. But I have never lost appreciation of the standard 4 and have watched your videos of the Kawaski with great interest.
