Kawasaki Z900RS 6000 Mile REVIEW .. Do I Still LOVE it ?? 

I watched your first video on the Z900RS when I'd placed my order for one and before I'd picked it up. Your enthusiasm made me really impatient to take delivery. I've now had if for 1,200 miles in little over a month (which is more than I did in a year on my last one). I agree with all your comments. With in an hour of sitting on it I realised it could turn me into a hooligan (and I'm 63). It is so easy to ride. The first time I wound the throttle on at 70mph it took me so much by surprise I nearly fell off the back. I can't ever see myself getting rid of it.

Man, you're such a goof and I love it. It's fun to watch you diggin on your bike and not trying to look cool. Everybody should go "woohoo" at the top of third gear pulls.

Have 23,000 on my Z900RS. Had valves checked at 16,000 and no adjustments were necessary. I put touring tires on my bike as the stock tires do wear in the middle if you are simply driving freeways. Just ordered new chain and sprockets. They are on back order for OEM parts. As far as touring, I have no problem riding 1,000 miles in a weekend. The bike is great at commuting because it is balanced well. It is not a beginner bike. The bike is rather mellow until you crack the throttle. Going around a corner, you can lift the front tire if you are too aggressive with the throttle. The new seat that you added looks pretty good.

I like your outlook and perspective on things. Do not fret or obsess with little things. The overall picture is - it's a good bike, get it. Would love to see more people having such attitude in life. World would be a better place.

Just picked up my new Z900RS in candy blue on new years eve. She had 0 miles. Took her for a ride down the street and put her in garage. Due to winter weather all I can do is sit on her and dream of sunny days. I can't frickin wait.

Try no windshield. I've recently discovered the joys of being out in the wind with a good, full-coverage helmet. Riding a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Similar setup to the RS but a lot less power. Still, very happy with the RE.

Love the video! I have 55,000 km on mine and I love it more every time I ride it. I have mine set up with clip ons, a cowl and full exhaust, kind of the opposite way you went with yours, but my favourite thing about this bike is that it can be so good to so many people in so many different ways. Lots of after market to customize it to however it suits your style. Cheers and enjoy the ride

I’m pumped to get on one of these babies. I’ve got 2 Harleys and a KLR (and love em all), but this is as close as I’ll get to my 1978 KZ1000A2, the bike I learned to rip on as a kid.

I am glad you like the Z900RS , I test drove one a month ago. I had a zrx1200r for about 40000 miles and I you do not do holeshots or wheelies and lube you chain often . It is going to be quite while before you wear out those chain and sprockets. If you put a bunch of miles on it watch the chain tensioner and guides. Kawasaki makes great machines I have riden many inline 4 kawasakis with high mileage with maintenance they last a long time. I currently ride an old yamaha midnite warrior 1700. I miss the lighter bike and the smooth motor. Have fun , you have some interesting stuff on your channel. Thanks

I know how you feel about making your bike yours and not worrying about what people think. My touring bike is an '09 Zx-14. Everyone thought I was nuts for using a sport bike as a touring bike. I got lots of comments about how I should have bought a Connie.. I just ignored everyone and did my own thing. I currently have 62,000 on the Zx-14 and I've loved every mile. This spring, I picked up a '19 RS Cafe. My only issue so far is seat comfort, but I'm still getting used to it.. Ride Safe.

Awesome review. Kawasaki builds some amazing motorcycles. I have bought 4 new Kawasaki’s in the last 5 years.

KY, I find myself laughing through your videos mostly because of your delivery and partly because of your thought process, so simple and unguarded. It's refreshing to see and hear coming from a RU-vidr. Thank you for bringing us along! great update! Glad to know the honey hasn't dripped off the moon for you and her! Keep 'em coming!

Thanks for your review! I'm 64 years old. So this bike looks like a proper bike to me! I love the looks of UJMs. The beauty of UJMs is they are do everything bikes! ABS is a requirement for any motorcycle made today. Cupping of your rear tire may be due to incorrect tire pressure. Cheers

I like the little added shield, however, I'd swap the mounting brackets, and inversely mount the little shield to the inside top edge of the primary shield. This will prevent wind from entering below the little shield and keep the airflow over you a lot smoother and quieter.

i have one too. you nailed it, i did change my oringinal tires at 5 k, the rear got too squared and very bumpy, kinda weird, i upgraded them to a more road ready tires, less sporty type, same brand dunlops but more for the cruising type extra rubberish. for having the cafe style, the leaning foward gets me too tired on long freeway rides, but i still love the bike,. if you over 40 years old, which we all are, and are going through a mid life crisis that bike will make you smile and feel alive just dont die, learn your limits, the bike has none! it is over all a very safe bike though, it rides very passive until you make it scream yehaaaaah.

you can get a genuine cut down seat from kawasaki cost $400-500. Its one inch lower

Good review, retro and naked bikes make very good sport touring just by adding a few accessories, I did the same thing with my Gsx s750, added touring windshield, risers, air Hawk seat. The Ergonomics on Rs is really nice , specially the handlebar, it is way up and back , you don’t lean forward and your arms are not straight. Look very comfortable unlike the naked bikes that you have to lean forward and lean on your hands .

I own a 2018 Kawasaki z900rs metallic spark black model, I've had like 4th set of tires on it, did regular maintenance oil changes, chain adjustments, tire swaps, so far 32,500 miles doing perfectly fine still with a few modifications I made tbh lol 😁

Mine has about the same mileage. Yep, agree with every bit, can confirm your whole review. I like that this one is set up with bags and a shield...it proves how versatile this machine really is. Mine is still naked... I love it more with every ride! It is the perfect bike for me! This is a real honest and accurate report. Thanks!

Still love my 2019, but I would definitely trade it for the 2022 Candy Tone Blue, your right, the blue makes for one slick looking machine!

this is my first vid Ive watched of yours and I love your attitude. Youre right, who cares what anyone thinks how you set up your bike. If you love it thats all that matters. Hearing how happy you get while riding and enjoying your bike makes me smile..Good for you!...Love the Z900 and considering buying one. Also beautiful countryside you get to ride in.

Love the Z’s give name, I always name my bikes if I love them a little!! Addictive enthusiasm, good vid, glad your loving your bike. 👊

Love the seat, lmao “I would trade it… for a 2022” 😂

When i clean my bikes i just use Dawn and water. That strips any wax off too. After the dawn and water treatment i use a really thin wax detail spray from McGuires and the bikes look brand new. Even after 10 years.

Great review brother~ after watching endless review vids, I've decided to buy this bike for running around Las Vegas & doing errands. I see you found the very cool Shad top loading saddlebags. Look into Brock's performance for many innovations for this bike. Even if you want to keep the cat, you can get the ECU reflashed & have much better throttle feel & that high rpm start up will disappear. All bikes are coming out of the factories running lean to please the jack offs in Europe & their Euro5 bs emissions.

With regards to you wanting a lower seat, simple thing is to change the suspension linkage we call them dog bones in the uk real easy to do.

Seat does look awesome! I love how you say hi to people mowing their lawns😂 Thank you. Your videos rock.

Hi Ken Yank, What's the name ofthe cleaner you used which faded the finish on a couple of the parts on the bike?

Been loving the channel and enjoying the videos. I just picked up my '21 cafe in storm gray 2 months ago, I'm 1,400 miles in and I'm very much in love with the bike. MRA windscreen, Oxfords, SW Motech legend saddlebags. I'm seriously tempted to trade my Triumph Tbird in on a blue '22

SV650 owner... I think the Z900 is gonna be my second bike purchase ever !!!

I had a 1978 Z1000 in the current blue yellow stripes colour scheme .... very tempted ..... will it make me young again???

Loved your review, always wanted a Z1 or the old Z900. Loved also the landscape, looks lovely, almost European with neat homes and lots of grass mowers. Riding a V85TT which isn’t as fast or torquey but is just a blast to ride. And thank you for the “Zed” as well as the “Zee”. 😀

Just bought a 2023 rs cafe and looking forward to adding side boxes like yours

I’m getting the RS SE - but I agree, the candy tone blue is the best looking!!!

Great videos,as far as the front fender I put a carbon extender on my 2021 looks good and more importantly it works,ride safe mate

I owned the original Z900 went from a Honda 450 Scrambler. Loved the bike did a few mods Headers, better air cleaners and different rear shocks. Did a 2500 mile road trip up the coast of CA no problems. The bikes look a lot alike I'm curious how they compare. I'm sure the new one cost alot more than the $3500 I paid. The last bike I owned was a 1981 GS1100 and boy was it fast.

Cheers mate. Enjoy 😁

remap the ecu so it wouldn't have high idle during cold start-up and lower the temperatures for the fan to turn on.

I'm pretty sure those pipes are polished stainless. Nothing to peel the finish is the material itself. That spot is likely where there was some grease or oil where the pipes got hot I know when you install stainless headers you wipe them down with degreaser before the first start or they will show fingerprints in different colors as they "burn in"

Best mods for this bike... K-Tech or Ohlins shock, Belray 7W fork oil, ECU flash and getting rid of the crap OEM tires...

Great video. I get you 100% with the 2022 candy tone blue. I've currently got the 2020 RS in diablo black with just 900 miles on it. Like you I'm seriously considering trading it in now for the 2022 candy tone blue when it gets released in the UK. I mean who wouldn't? It's stunning. Ride safe!

hey yankee! i just joined the z900 club the modern pipes these days come with springs heat paste, no leakies you wont smell a thing! doing the go pro too! could use likes and pro tips!

I'm going to have a look at them tomorrow, God willing. I agree, the blue one is a very nice color. But I had a cafe KZ 650 back in the day, I loved that thing! The new cafe bike is what finally caught my attention. I was looking at little trail bikes and dual-purpose and adventure bikes up until the RS showed up on a random video and I locked eyes on it.

Loved the little grass mower chats and raves. Love the bike and I want one forsure.

very nice bike and thank you for your honesty, its pretty rare , i really like it but the price is allot , drive safe bro, may love be our guide, love to all that is

Best vlog on z900rs

G'day KY. I will seriously look at the new?/upgraded SE model due for release soon. That Yellowball colour really stands out with the gold forks and rims. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long for it to be released in Australia. Love the channel mate.

Great video update I love the changes you have made on it. You made it to fit your taste and your riding Style. Thank you

Digging the sound effects. Listen to them twice ✌🏼

Through youTube suggested videos, I found your channel as I have been watching a ton of motorcycle content as I just got into motorcycling this year. This bike sure is a beauty. I do want to commend you on your audio for your channel, especially when you are out riding. It is top notch, I dont hear the wind and yours is one of the few I can understand you rather than trying to hear you. Great job. Regarding your seat and wishing it were lower. could you adjust the rear suspension so it gives you the feel you seek?

Hey, great informative vid. I'm getting the Cafe version next month. I too am slightly vertically challenged when it comes to the seat height. It's been frustrating trying to find a custom seat maker that makes a lower one but you found the perfect solution by having yours shaved & reskinned. Who did yours,? It's sweet!

You are right. Who cares what other people think about your bike. Set it up like you want it. Wondering if you want a lower seat so you can reach the ground easier or so you sit lower in the bike. Maybe a bit of both. I am 6 feet tall and this bike seems to fit me well when I sat on one.

As soon as you made the wind noises I smashed the like button

Nice video ! Kawa has always been a nice bike. Had a GPZ550 and GPZ750 before. Now I am riding a FJR1300 2014 . You should try one ! You need not have to revvvv and change gear all the way. Just drop to 4th and open the throttle. Your spirit will be left behind.

nice vid.... enjoyed it. I had a Zephyr 1100 in 1993. Beautiful bike. Sadly sold after a few years. Then had a Triumph Sprint Executive. It's starting to itch again after I've seen your video. These are the most beautiful motorcycles… haha….maybe

I went with a friend to the dealer ship and saw the 50th anniversary. I sat on it and immediately fell in love with it. But I’m a beginner and probably not a good bike to buy for my first one. I really want one tho.

You're a nut case, love it. Real fun video with good information.

Glad you are still loving ya bike. That seat looks great and suits the bike well. There are tyres with possibly better wear characteristics that may suit you better... I get that you want to get your moneys worth out of it, I roll like that as well, just don't wait till it compromises your ride, would be a real shame to dump it due to waiting till it is "really" shot. If you are hankering after different colours you could try a wrap? All best from Yorkshire, UK. 👍🤘🖖

Great video, really like the way you set up your bike.

That start up is for your Lambda sensor get to base... Do not interupt.

Well, let me just say that you've added a comfy seat, a windscreen, saddle bags and I don't know what else that is completely counter to the personality of the bike that you bought. Meanwhile, I bought a used Ninja 1000 that already had those things, was designed to have those things, and likely cost me less. Just saying...if you buy a naked bike it should probably be best kept as a naked bike.

A touring bike is a bike you tour on. You can tour on a sportbike if you want. We're not on two wheels for practicality, we're on two wheels to have fun. Good on you for making it ur own.

Heh heh I love the candy cone blue colour as well. Had a similarly coloured Z1000 back in the 80s.

my RS -SE is on order, will be here March 2022? I am dieing, can't wait!!

You're video is so cool, man! I'm booking a trial today! Cheers from France!

Lower the rear of the bike. Lots of room between the rear fender and top of the tire. I did mine and made a big difference.

My 2018 has 6k miles on it as well. Just replaced both tires with OEM, needed to tighten the chain a bit. Looks like you need change your tires as well.

Love your honest reviews. Thank you man.

That rear tyre has been over inflated ,once heated up it really wears out the centre , hence the concave

Honest man. Congrats.

I would want to put side cases and a rear rack on as well. Basically the only reason I haven't ordered one, didnt know if anyone made one yet.

I’m waiting for the 2022 Yamaha XSR900. That’s the one for me! Nice bike and video, stay safe!!!

good to see you moved on from your Titan. I also sold my T500 and now have a wonderful Hornet 919, cheers

So glad you released this owner update. I STILL want one of these badly. It will be the 'One bike to rule them alllll!' for me. Buying one within the next 2 years is my plan finances permitting. If you ever get pulled over just say you and Marchela were arguing and she just took off and you were trying to stop her the whoooole time 😉👌.... you will get this look most likely... 😐???

Good long term video and some nice mods, especially that seat. Those are some of the most heavy handed throttle inputs when you wind it out though…I think you’re actually getting your hips into the movement. 😂 👍

Love the bike, love the enthusiasm, love the accent, great video!!

I loved everything about my Z900RS but I just couldn't get the suspension set to a comfortable point given the terribly frost/winter damaged roads where I live and my surgically fused lower lumbar spine. There aren't any roads like I could see in your video within many miles of where I live. Regrettably, I traded "Black Magic" in for a 2021 HD Pan America that is far better suited for my riding conditions and while I miss my Z900RS I couldn't be happier with my new bike.

Second or third time I have watched your videos. I still cannot understand how you like that seat!! I still cannot stand the stock one on mine. BTW - try raising the handlebars instead of lowering the seat more? Lesa and I now own both the Z900RS and the new Z650RS for her. Probably the first in the country but who cares! We did 145 miles today on both bikes to get her through the first phase of break in and almost there. Butt was killing me for the last 1/3 of the ride. Love the bike hate the seat! We ran around 55 the entire trip. Hers got right at 66mpg and the 900RS came in at 54mpg. love that new blue one too...go for it!! A buddy of mine once told me "What's money if your heart ain't in the right place?"

Thanks for the video, I want a Z900RS now! I plan on getting one, but first I want to see if the riding position hurts my hips, which is why I had to sell my Triumph Bonneville. If I can ride a Z900, I would hold out of the brown or "root beer" color with orange trim. For reference, how tall are you? I am 5''8'' and wonder if I could plant both feet on the ground while at a stop.

Hi this is Terry from Sutton coldfield England. About your stainless steel exhaust do not flake you need a small polishing mop and drill and some cutting paste it will only take 10 minutes and last of all a dry cloth and it will look like new. ( i work with s/steel every day. Enjoy Terry from England

Kawasaki are the best the 900 Is a bike u will love for the next 100 years

Another great video mr yankee, I to have the same bike, with a few mods, cruise control, heated grips crash bars,front fender extender, etc, it’s a great bike, one of many I have and did own, once again thanks for a honest video.

I don’t own a bike yet, I love watching bike videos. Can someone please explain to me what do bikers mean “you can get in a lot of trouble”?

The more I research this bike the more I’m starting to wonder if it’s underrated as a touring bike. For someone looking for a touring bike but doesn’t like cruisers or contemporary ADV platforms, this looks like a good compromise.

HHAHA lov the ending, man i feel exactly the same way, im loving my z900rs.. put givi side luggage, and i want to get your windshield!

You convinced me. I love it.

That coating on the exhaust is disappointing because those things cover the real headers and are supposed to be esthetics

I removed the cat on my RS by installing an Akropovic header and do not have any fuel smell that I can notice. It does however make the bike pretty loud, almost obnoxiously so lol

Love it! Thank you!!!

I say it is your bike and make the mods you like. That is all that matters. I want one too. My fairing doesn't make any noise you are experiencing however mine is larger

Hi KY, seeing this for the first time. Great video! Wife and I were in Key West last year and it is fun, but I want to do a bike trip there too. Last bid bike trip I did was in 1988 on a GS550L Suzuki. Kokomo Indiana to Oak Harbor Ohio (near Lake Erie) to Cincinnat and back to Kokomo. Two day trip, and my arse hurt for two weeks afterwards!

Wondering where you'd gone, glad your back

Hat trick for the grass mowers !!!!

The reason for high idle on modern vehicles is to warm the catalytic converter. They need some heat to do their job.

I don't get it why people buy a naked bike and then stick a giant windshield on it, aaaand then stick another one on top of the first one.....

Great review. I love this bike. Im about 6'05 feet with relative tall inseam. Would it suit? The bike has 835 cm hight?

I think you forgot about the Kawasaki concourse C14, when you mention touring bikes!

You are not the only one and not alone regarding the style. I like your style. I am a little bit concerned about the pillion comfort when touring. Did you test it? What does she/he things about the ride/comfort. How many miles did you cover on a daily basis two up. Thanks in advance. Appreciate your clips.

Love your personality! Awesome video!!! And sweet bike!

Wow, I love your style. Your independence (I do not care what other people think of my bike). I intend to use in the same manner. Windscreen for long touring. Lovely. I cannot find the maximum load capacity for this model. Do you know it, by any chance? Thanks for the content!