Ride and Review of the Kawasaki Z900RS 

Nice review man. I'm taking delivery on a 2020 with 78 miles on it this week! Your vid got me even more pumped!

I’ve owned mine for 14 months now and done just over 14,000 kms on it. Same color scheme as yours. Like you, I thought the seat was too hard, but after a few weeks it settled in and now I don’t have a problem. It’s got kind of like two power bands, you can potter around at low revs because it’s got so much torque, but above 6000 rpm it really takes off. I’ve done three track days on it and it was a lot of fun really opening it up. I can’t fault the bike, I know some say it should have wire wheels, dual shocks and two or four pipes like the original 1973 Z1, but I disagree because you would be sacrificing performance and handling. The bike gets lots of comments when I ride it. It’s a keeper. Oh, I put a Translogic quickshifter on it which makes it even more fun.

I recently traded my 14 CB1100 for this bike. I didn't feel it was lacking, I just felt more 'at one' with the RS than the CB. I think you're spot on with describing both bikes as a matter of taste. The CB is more understated and relaxed, but still a pleasure to ride. It wants the rider to enjoy "taking the scenic route". Some days, I miss the more easy going nature of the CB because you really didn't have to think about riding it; you just get on and go - all day, in just about any weather. Had it for 3 years and never had an issue with it. The engine would start in the dead of winter, absolutely no mechanical issues, still quite the looker with a style that's pretty timeless. It could easily be the first and last bike you'd ever buy. Everyone describes the RS as more "modern", and I guess in terms of design, it is. It's got a smaller engine, but because it's liquid cooled (as opposed to the CB's air cooled engine) it has more punch. By the numbers the RS has about 110 HP whereas the CB has about 90, and you feel every bit of those extra ponies. The RS's engine goads you to rev it out, like it wants you to get a speeding ticket. The chassis and suspension tuning tempt you to take curves faster than you know you should. No, it's not a track bike, but it's more capable than any "retro bike" should have reason to. Why did I decide on the RS? Firstly, the CB's weight. In the corners, at slow speeds, or even just pushing the bike around... well, that heft just got to me. The RS is about 70 lbs lighter and, to me, takes corners more naturally. At slow speeds it feels like it has half of its weight. If I need to move it around the garage, it doesnt feel like I'm wrestling with a hippo. Secondly, that exhaust note! God the RS growls, pops, and crackles! And that's just with the stock pipe! Lastly - and more importantly - I feel more connected to the RS; it's almost like I have a telepathic connection to it. Oh, it's not perfect. I happen to have one that has the choppy throttle feel in first and second that a lot of professional reviewers complained about. I installed a throttle tamer, and it mellowed it out quite a bit. Use the clutch judiciously and you can still ride it smoothly, it just takes more concentration than the CB (which has perfect fueling). My biggest gripe is the kickstand. The RS has this budget looking stand that looks like a hollow pipe with a flat metal plate welded to the end of it . The CB's looks kinda like an expensive golf putter carved out of one piece of steel with a large foot capable of holding it up even on grass (it does, I've tried it). If I could trade the CB's with the RS's kickstand, I'd do it in a heartbeat. If I had to sum up: i'd say the CB1100 captures the essence and appeal of the classic Universal Japanese Motorcycle. It's an everyday, do everything bike that's just dead reliable. While the Z900RS is of the same ilk, it's more "sport oriented" and with features like limited traction control, single shock rear suspension, and radially mounted front brakes, it's more "up to date". You really can't go wrong with either bike. If money were no object, and I had the garage space - and even though they are of a similar class of bike - I'd happily own both. (And then add that new Monkey Bike to putz around town in)

Nice review RH. I like that you give an opinion on most of the basic points of interest for riding any bike.

Got mine today...thanks for the review. Looked at yours and a bunch of others before deciding. Loved the old LTDs, Zephyrs, Spectre, Eliminator, Z, ZL, etc. Looks like the ZED will be in my stable from now on. It's that good. And now I have seven...

Another great review thank you very much that bike does have a great sound with the pipe and air box

Thankyou I am thinking about this bike for my next bike and I currently have a cb1100, and a 1000 versus. Nice review

I just took delivery of the 2023 cafe and its everything I wanted in a bike, I downsized from a zrx1100 and I do miss the punch of the 1100 but after a ecu flash and a couple upgrades im sure the z900rs will give me the same smiles. Ive had people ask how long it took to restore the bike and when they find out its brand new they love it more

Nice review dude. I will buy one ASAP

Great review

Great review, very accurate in terms of my 2.5 years experience with the bike. You are one of the few to pick up on the seat and its problems, others have been way too positive on this. Like you I found it very hard and continually pushing me forward, to the point where I could not tour comfortably on it, my Busa being way more comfortable for this. I had the seat remade and repositioned the pegs, tours fine now. That was my only disappointment. Thanks

Love the standard UJM. Hopefully they'll make many more.

Great review! Cheers mate :)

I had a chance to trade my 2014 cb1100s for a new cb1000r and they would have given me close to what I bought the cb1100s for new 2 years ago. Long story short they really made me a great offer, but I just couldn't do it... I found my friend a used 2018 Kawasaki z900rs and he loves it. I haven't gotten the chance to ride it yet, but I'm looking forward to it... I believe the Honda is still going to be my favorite for a long time to come... good job on the comparison.

I demo'd one the other day. Thought it was really comfy, but the fueling at low throttle openings was horrible. They had put a slip-on on it which probably only exacerbated the issue. I really want to try one the cafe versions. Supposedly, they dialed the herky jerky out on it. Prolly a different exhaust. Kawasaki has the best blue. I can pass by the cafe in that martian green, but if they put their gray/silver stripe on their deep blue, I probably couldn't resist...even if I had to buy it a fuel controller.

who the hell down voted this 4 times, thanks for the video i just got one and love it!

Great real world review! Thank you. I also have a CB1100 and I'm debating if I want one of the Z900RS? I'm test riding one Wednesday and your review adds to my experience.

Nice Main

Shoot, I forgot to mention that both my motorcycles are true vintage samples. My 2016 Motto Guzzi V7II Stone and my 2015 Harely Super Low 1200 T. Well they are the closest examples of true vintage motorcyles (as well as your Honda CB100EX and the Ducati Scrambler ), IMO *But the are not light weights, except for the Ducati Scrambler 800 and myMG V7II is not really that heavy ... ;-)

The seat needs 750 miles of break-in...after that it is comfortable and plush!

There is throttle snatch. Owners should consider a 16-tooth front sprocket (makes all the difference) and of course an ECU flash will do wonders but otherwise this bike is smooth, pulls like a freight train, and as good as it gets for those of us looking for the old school vibe with modern updates. You don't need a new seat, you don't need new bars, you don't need a new exhaust, you don't need new brakes, etc...this bike has it all stock and that alone makes it worth the higher price. Again, don't judge the seat early on, it gets MUCH better after 500 miles. Get it!

Seems to have a damn good suspension. At around the 6 min mark you were going around that corner at a pretty good clip and the bike taking the brunt of that crappy pavement while staying nicely planted to the road.

Nice looking bike! Nice review. It is a modern bike with really nice retro look. Better than other retros. CB1100 is king though

Fellow 2017 CB1100EX owner here. I found this particular review of the Kawasaki Z900RS one of the most ambivalent I have seen. Suspension is stiff/suspension is great. Seating position is great/seat is very hard and wouldn't want it on a long trip. Bike is way faster than CB1100EX. Well yes, you can do a lot with revs and gears and of course the Kawasaki has considerably more horsepower being liquid cooled. You mentioned the Kawasaki is turning about 4,500 rpms at 70 mph so of course it will rip in 6th gear at that speed. The CB1100EX at the same speed is turning about 3,000 rpms and therefore MUCH more relaxed. I have no issue dropping down a gear if I need a greater boost of acceleration. I read a lot about the CB1100EX being under powered. I fail to see how a machine which can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and is capable of running a quarter mile in 12 seconds is under powered. I have NEVER cracked full throttle in 1st gear on my CB1100 nor do I have any intention of doing so any time soon as I don't have a death wish. For me, the chromed fenders, taillight, mirrors, and gauges, the spoked wheels, the dual rear shocks, the 4 into 2 exhaust system which balance the look of the bike from side to side, etc. make the CB1100EX look MUCH more retro than this Kawasaki. Also, the build quality on the CB1100EX is impeccable. The frame welds are an absolute work of art. When I sat on the Kawasaki, I found the gas tank looked particularly bulbous compared to the Honda's with it's sculpted sides where your legs tuck in. I also found that the front Brake Master Cylinder looked like an afterthought on the Kawasaki. As to braking, with the dual piston front calipers and 3 discs on the Honda, I can't imagine that the Kawasaki's braking is significantly better than that of the slightly heavier Honda. I've certainly never found the CB1100EX lacking for stopping power. As to weight, I personally don't find the Honda to be heavy, but then my other bike is a 2009 fully loaded Goldwing. In the end, when I found that the Kawasaki's price was almost the same as the CB1100EX, at least in Canada, I felt ZERO compulsion to select the Kawi over the Honda. What kills me is that Honda, after spending all that development money, has put virtually NO marketing effort into the CB1100EX and it is already gone from Canadian availability and apparently is being abandoned in the U.S. as well as only 2017 models (and even some 2014 units) are shown on their website. When I asked my dealer why he didn't stock the CB1100EX, he said he ordered 3 of them and Honda Canada would not grant him the allocation. My dealer has already contacted me to buy my CB1100 back as another customer desperately wants one. Sorry, buddy! This one's a keeper and MAY be on it's way to being a collectible.

Mr. Hedgehog, two questions: any vibration or buzziness worth noting? And how was heat management, any hot spots on your legs?

Didn’t know you had a CB11hundo too

Give the W800 a spin!

Quick question Rabid, for every day rideability and all different scenarios and comfort, between this 900rs or the Triumph Speed Twin, what would win you over?

Have you done the regular z900?

I'm torn between picking the Z900 RS and the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Sport. I test rode the V9 Bobber Sport and I loved it. I haven't test ridden the Z900 RS cuz there isn't a demo unit available where I'm at. I always loved the sound of the inline 4 though I've never ridden one. I'm basically asking which I should pick between the two. I like cornering at times and riding long distances while being chill and comfortable. I'm not the top speed chaser guy but more on torque. At times I would ride with one of my kids or wife as a passenger around town. Based on that info, which would you recommend I get, the V9 Bobber Sport or the Z900 RS? Yea i'm having a hard time deciding :D

So would this be a good starter bike? I plan to use my bike for light touring. Trips like going from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Also in the future, potentially from San Francisco to New York. Id love feedback, as i plan to get a bike soon. I just passed my MSC and intend to go to the dmv monday. I also intend to buy the g2 throttle tamer, and cases to smoothen the throttle and add some weight. All just ideas though, again would love feedback. Thanks

One of best looking bikes out imo. Just wish it had shaft drive and more muscular sound. Not really fan of four cylinder sound. It's ok but prefer v twin or parallel twin with little bit of rasp.

Unfair question for someone from your neck of the woods, but can it go around curves?

Oh, it will really be Bye Bye Miss American Pie when Harely converts it's entire line of motorcycles to being liquid cooled ...

A little tip for you Yanks. It's not a Zeeeee 900, it's a ZED900

Those roads look quite rough.

I feel like more people should be comparing the Z900RS to the W800, they are way more similar in design and ergos.

I understand they're quite different, but which do you prefer overall? V7 III or Z900RS?

Yeah yeah yeah but it ain't no Griso... :)

Serendipitous. I went on RU-vid to search this and didn't even have to enter the search as this was at the top of my recommended videos. PRicing is good, at least on the 2018's. I can find them new for $9200 and Kawasaki will send you a $300 prepaid card and an Akra slip-on.

what state is that?

Test rode and fast , but the cb1100ex feels like it costs twice as much ......,so much better put together and refined

It is a good looking bike. But ... I think it would be better looking if it had dual exhaust (mufflers on each side) and wire wheels. I am also so dissapointed that most"modern" motorcycles arenow liquid cooled, oh well. And one more thing, it is a shame that it weigh so much, oh well. On a similar note, but not really haha, why can't more motorcycle manufacturers come out with light weight air cooled motorcycles that are performance oriented as well that have a vintage design (and maybe have a kick starter along with the electric starter) ? The Triumph Street Triple R, though is not air cooled or vintage looking (and no kickstarter), seems to still hit all the pluses in that it is lght weight, powerful and handles beautifully. WHat ? I did not really make any sense did I in that it does not ... hahahahaha ... Oh, the new Triump Speed Twin kinda fits, but it is not air cooled and kinda weighs more than I like (and no kick starter) . Once again, Oh well .... hahahahahaha ... Take care and drive defensively and remember what the Doormouse said. ;-)

So this bike must be in the 10. Something range in the 1/4 mile so it's basically way over powered for riding at legal speeds but I guess this is the American way.