Kawasaki Z900 RS vs. Honda CB1100 RS - Which Is Better? 

The Z900RS is nimbler anyway, but the heavier CB1100RS is actually very nicely balanced so you totally forget its weight as soon as you ride it... I wish you many safe and fun rides with your Z900RS :)

I have a 2014 cb 1100. I felt that maybe I bought more bike in weight than I wanted. I talked with another guy about that, and he said, give it time. I couldn't be happier, I'm happy with the weight for highway travel, and I now quickly forget each time I ride it, just how much it weighs. On the side roads, and highway it handles like it's a part of you. It never feels to heavy, the balance is so incredible. A lot of fun. I've always been a crotch rocket fan, and this handles, in many ways the same...

@@bryanmahon7866 I had a 13, very nimble and intuitive! Like you said a party of you

I agree :)

Merci et bienvenue ! :)

Bonjour et merci pour les compliments ! Comme je le dis dans la vidéo, on sent clairement que la Z900RS a plus de punch que la CB1100. Mais le moteur de la CB1100 est bien rempli, onctueux et agréable à souhait... Non, tous les magazines ne s'accordent pas à dire qu'il est anémique : au contraire, j'en ai lu pas mal - francophones et anglophones - qui soulignaient l'agrément du moteur. Ceux qui disent qu'il est anémique n'ont sans doute jamais posé leurs postérieurs dessus, ou bien ils ne savent pas exploiter un quatre cylindres ;)

Merci pour ta réponse ! Cela confirme le souvenir que j'en ai...

What about the 1979' 6-cylinder Kawasaki Z1300? 😍

The LTD? I'm sure eventually they will. This platform lends itself to many possibilities.

The CB1100 hasn't been designed in order to be light and powerful. If those are the only things that matter to you, take a Triumph Street Triple. It's cheaper, much lighter and much more powerful. Honda's aim was to design a motorbike with an air-cooled inline-4 engine meeting the current emission standards (it's Euro4 compliant, your CB900F isn't) and to make it as enjoyable as possible (it's much more torquey than your CB900F). Try it, you will be surprise...

Indeed this is Paris. Thank you very much for your kind words, I'm humbled :)

Absolutely 😊

Many bikers don't care about his... But, like you, I do care and it makes the Honda a very special bike 🤩

I would normally totally agree. But the finish on the Z900 is amazing. Honda class!

Yeah Honda is launching CB350 RS ❤️❤️❤️ planning to buy it 🙏

Great choice! But yes, I dream about that perfect world where we wouldn't have to choose between all the bikes we love :)

Amen...

You can't be wrong anyway if you choose between those 2 gorgeous bikes... 😉 I wish you many safe and fun rides on your Z900RS ✌🏻

Thanks. I’ve done nearly 3,000 kms and it is run in. I love the power, the handling, the sound it makes, the torque at 2,000 rpm and the power at 8,500 rpm. And of course the looks. Every time I stop people want to talk about it. I’ve owned lots of bikes but for me this is the best one. I like the Honda too, but I prefer the Z900RS!

I think i'll buy kawasaki z900rs, thanks

Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed my video :)

That's something which surprised me, when I started riding: Motorcycle manufacturers usually only offers 2-3 paint schemes for each model, while there are much more for cars. Even computer and mobile phones have more colors available...

I'm a bit younger, but I really love the bikes of that period 😉

Didn't make one in 72 (in the United States) it was 1973.

I'm a Kawasaki fan. I've owned both Honda and Kawasaki. Honda is ok but way over priced than Kawasaki. I think you get more bang for the buck with Kawasaki by far.

Then you’d be old enough to also remember the 72 cb750. Both fantastic machines.

Cody Fry yes I do, very popular here

I like the kwak but i want the honda

Good analysis, I totally agree with it. The main point is to find a bike that fits us. Some would look for a mature and timeless machine, but some others expressly look for a toy 😉

Cheers! 😊 Indeed, they are all awesome bikes, it's hard to choose...

Absolutely! :)

Thanks for your owner's feedback :)

Excellent choice, congrats! I wish you many many miles with this fantastic bike. Ride safe ✌🏻

how are you getting on with the CB?

Not sure what you mean about the z900 being confused about what it is. I think your confused and not the bike, its a classic looking bike with modern tech. A lot of people like the classic look but not the classic ride and that's what the z900rs is. I don't know why anyone would want a new bike that performs like an old bike, if that's what you want then just get an actual classic.

@Bunnyshooter 223 Totally agree, who want's to ride a NEW bike that rides like an old bike? Its the "classic" performance that we can live without but want a classic look, or a bike that doesn't look like a transformer or something from Star Wars.

On paper, the Z900RS seems better indeed. But if you like this kind of bikes, I warmly recommend you to also test ride the CB1100RS. You could be surprised ;)

Right! Both are fantastic bikes. The Honda is more retro, the Kawasaki is sportier :)

The retro is just that looks old school as they both do but new tech makes them a new bike. If you want an old bike my friend as cb1100 and believe me its in great condition. But god it is a pig by todays bikes.

It's obvious to you, but people who buy the CB1100RS especially want air-cooled engine, dual exhaust, or dual rear suspension because they're looking for an old-school bike. If they were interested by horse power and modernity, they would rather consider the CB1000R...

MrKiddo Sure. But who want a old looking bike would consider different options

la Honda s'est mal vendue malgré les différentes déclinaisons proposées. Elle est beaucoup plus pataude et moins dynamique que la Kawa en revanche la qualité des matériaux est supérieure. J 'ai la kawa depuis 2 ans et je pense malgré tout qu'au niveau du plaisir de conduite elle l'emporte largement. C'était d'ailleurs l'avis du concessionnaire qui vendait les 2 modèles. On est sur 2 conceptions totalement différentes. Apres au niveau durabilité et vieillissement la Honda est quand même un cran au dessus. Elle vieillira surement mieux . Au final Honda moto placide et Kawa moto plus vivante. Juste un truc le confort de la kawa est royal en assise et suspension, la facilité de conduite est déconcertante .

The BMW R NineT has a retro look and a shaft drive ;)

Nice, great choice! I wish you many safe and fun rides with this gorgeous bike :)

This is really a piece of art ❤️

Excellent choice! Not sure the power of the Kawasaki is a handicap, as this is a smooth 4-cylinder engine. Both are nicely powerful and torquey anyway. The engine of the Kawasaki feels a bit sharper, but the air-cooled engine of the Honda offers very special feelings...

The Z900RS is more performing indeed, but the CB1100 offers a kind of old school feeling even when you're riding it. So it depends what you're looking for! For 2020, the CB1100 isn't marketed anymore in Europe neither (but some dealers still have the 2019 model in their inventories), because a new model will likely be introduced at the end of the year ;)

You had some fantastic bikes! The CB1100 is a definitely great choice, you won't be disappointed for sure :)

You told me about the Bandit 1200 in a previous comment. I did some research on the internet, and I'm sure I would have loved to ride this one too...

MrKiddo i have one...old school raw oil cooled power but just as the cb1100, you can cruise confortably in a bandit

I've heard they are preparing a new model ;)

not yet.

Excellent choice! Indeed, the Honda isn't the best on paper, but it feels amazing and its factsheet doesn't make it justice... This is really a wonderful engine and a wonderful bike ❤️

Coming from a Kawa lover, it means a lot... 😉 The stunning built quality of the Honda makes it very special indeed 🤩

MrKiddo my all-time fav is actually the cb400, the "new 2018" one shares a lot with the cb 1100 sadly it wont come to indonesia :(

If you have never ridden a cb 1100, you really can't comment. I have a 2014. It's perfect in every aspect of a motorcycle. I would have never known just looking at one. You have to get on it and at least spend a couple of hours on it, and then write your comment.

Cheers from France :)

Great choice! Thank you, have an awesome riding season you too :)

I agree, it's a piece of art 😍

Enjoy the test ride :)

but its no good for grandpa with short legs,,,thus the Honda

Congrats! I wish you many safe and fun rides with your Honda! ✌🏻 No doubt that the idiot days are over, but the CB1100 feels nicely powerful anyway 👌

I'm 55 and still grip it and rip it. I've been accused of many things in my life but idiot isn't one of them. Thought about an Aprillia Tuono as well, 110 hp on the Z isn't going to get me into trouble. ATGATT, too. If I didn't want my soul stirred I'd drive instead.

53? I'm nearly 60 and my idiot days are still well and truly alive, ask my MT10 SP 🤣😂

The EX version of the CB1100 is marketed in the US though... 😉

The top speed is limited to 190 kph in the 6th, but it's not limited in the 5th gear, and it can goes faster than 190 kph... 😉 Anyway, do you really need to reach more than 190 kph with this kind of bikes? I don't!

Thank you for your kinds words, glad you've enjoyed my video :)

I hadn't noticed it, but I agree with you. It's a useless detail, no need to pretend it's an air-cooled engine if it's not.

Pendant des années, j'ai essayé de perdre mon accent français. Puis, je suis allé faire une partie de mes études aux Etats-Unis et j'ai réalisé que ça plaisait aux Américaines. Depuis, je fais de mon mieux pour le garder... 😉

ah ouais ok, j ai pigé , bien joué

Agreed :)

Nice! I wish you many safe and fun rides with your Z900RS. Glad you've enjoyed the comparative and thanks for having also shared your impressions.

@@SomeBody-pb7ht I actually moved to a concours 14 in this time. And actually currently considering a road king. Go figure

Sorry to read that! Lesson learnt, having the right gear is mandatory for riding motorcycles…

Thank you, glad you've enjoyed this short review :)

May your dreams come true... And it's possible, as life is full of surprises ;)

Expensive but good solution 😉

One of each brand, model, size and color. They are all great anymore!

Content que ça t'ait plu ! Oui, je suis d'accord avec toi, c'est appréciable quand une moto a un beau bruit même avec le pot d'origine 😊

Pretty sure the new one is much safe than the original which was called the "widow-maker" :)

I tried the RNineT too. It's definitely a fantastic bike. It gave special feelings with its flat twin engine, but I personally had much more fun with the Z900RS :)

I agree with the beginning of your analysis... But I don't think there is no point in the Kawasaki. Some people likes the style of classic bikes, but want something really modern. The Kawasaki is made for them. The Honda is made for those who also want the feeling of a classic bike, not only the style ;)

Cheers! 😊 Right, the CB1000R & the XSR900 are serious competitors for the Z900RS

Riding in Paris = Many opportunities for horn tests ;)

Indeed, this is Paris! Thanks for the kind words :)

Funny to hear that, cause honda is known worldwide for making reliable motors. Never had any problems with em, maybe because of that

Cheers! :) Currently confined in France, crazy situation... At least, I glad I'm safe. I hope the same for you :)

Indeed, those are 2 great bikes... Enjoy your lovely CB1100! ✌🏻

Congrats! I wish you many many safe and fun rides with this beauty ;)

Thank for your feedback :)

Excellent choix ! 😉

Same in France, the insurance is more expensive on the Kawasaki.

Old technology... Not sure you totally got the point of this bike. It's actually made on purpose: they wanted to design a bike which will be like the ones of the 70-80s, while meeting the modern standards in terms of performance and pollution. That's why it's called a "modern classic" bike ;)

You're welcome :)

I have compared the Z900RS and the CB1100 in the video. I haven't tried the XSR 900. I know it has the same engine than the MT-09 (also called FZ-09 in some markets), which is a very exciting engine, I'm sure it's a very enjoyable bike to ride, but it doesn't look as beautiful as the Z900RS or the CB1100 in my personal opinion.

Thank you! Wow, you found a very good deal on the CB. I wish you many safe and fun rides with it :)

The R NineT is a great bike too. If you like its style or the special feelings provided by the flat-twin engine, it could be a good choice 👌 Otherwise, I think it's too expensive compared to the CB1100RS and the Z900RS, while it doesn't really offer much... 🤔 Between the CB1100 and the R NineT, I'd personally choose the Honda 😉

agreed.

If you were in the United States,, and had over 40 years riding experience and working on bikes,, and truly informed,,. !!! You wouldn't touch them BMW pieces of junk any of that shit out of India or China,,,. A XL 1200 custom Harley Davison,,. Five or six years old,,,. Five or six thousand dollars,,. And it'll never drop below $3,000 resale,,. And only a Honda out of Japan,,. The best long-term dependability least amount of repairs and depreciation,. The high RPM type bikes are Beat to Death and then junked too much money to rebuild them engines,,,. If you got the money to throw away on a new bike,, the CB 1100 e s. Will be Dependable for 30 years if you don't try to beat it to death,,. !!! The z900rs is a nice bike too but it'll be ready fon head work and rings,,,. Way before the Honda,, !!! Any high RPM engine,, that will hit 10 or 12 thousand RPMs,,, kills its long-term longevity,,. ???

Rick Simpson Harley will be out of business in five years, I owned one , never again. They shake a lot and make no power. And then the Harley death wobble

Cheers! 😊 The Kawasaki dealer said it's not possible (see the footage in my review video of the Z900RS: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-70-7D51POcI.html @6:00), but if you have a picture showing that you actually manage to fit an U-lock, please send it to me, I will be glad to post an erratum here and on my Facebook page 😉

Thanks, glad you've enjoyed it :)

Great choice :)

Great choice :)

Thx I may would buy this motorcycle in Future.

You should test ride it, and not be focused on the figures... The Honda actually fells nicely powerful!

@@MrKiddoMoto It is hard for me to get my head around the sheer lack of out put, hell it's almost as low as a Harley. I thought the idea was to improve on what went before not stay there.I have an 83 Guzzi Le manns which is not much different in output but is a world away in the stirring the soul department. Honda make a decent bike no mater what its aim is, granted but now and then it would be nice if they let their hair down and gave a bike some get up and go too. Doesn't need to a lot but at least 115/20bhp would be nice. Looks stunning and given I am not a Honda fan would buy one in a heart beat if it had some pep.

You're welcome, sorry if it didn't help, haha! 😄 Whatever you finally choose, I wish you many safe and fun rides with it ✌🏻

If you wanna ride a bike that looks retro but have technologies and handling of modern bike then I suggest z900RS. If you really wanna go all the way down to "retro" then choose CB1100.

Netipun Jiwjaroen ...Thank you, that's an interesting contrast of the two bikes. I'll keep it in mind as I narrow the choice down.