Also you talk about idle speed... For god sake, can't you remember manual chokes, where revs would suddenly rise? Or are you one of these middle aged men who never sat on a bike until you hit 50??
And hello to you, Chris! :-) I started riding at 15 in England in 1981 (yes, illegally as outlined in my vid "My first motorcycle and the lessons learned"). One lesson I learned from an early age as I regularly ripped into bikes to see how they worked was that chokes are a crude, but that they were (then) the only way to warm an IC engine up. That doesn't mean they were a great solution. They weren't, as my pal who worked at McLaren just down the road showed me, when he tore racing engines apart after only a few races... They have two problems - one: chokes markedly over-richen the mixture which is inherently bad for cold starting IC engines (particularly 4 strokes) as the excess petrol washes oil from the bore while increasing revs on a cold engine - ouch. And 2 - increased revs on a cold engine are bad as the bores are not at tolerance and there is slop/movement between moving parts (pistons/rings/bores etc). Modern bikes with their intelligent ECUs and much finer tolerances are able to warm engines much more gently, in a much more controlled fashion than a choke ever could - that is why we use them today. Together with finer tolerances, there is no need to rev the shyte out of an engine to keep it running while cold. The only reason the Z900RS is over-revved while cold is to meet Euro 5 cold start emission standards. It's like having a laser to etch a diamond and using a bloody mallet instead. With it's ECU, the bike is perfectly capable of warming up in a more refined (quiet) and less harmful manner - still maintaining oil pressure but not revving a cold engine more than necessary. Check out Ivan's ECU reflash...1500rpm smooth as you like, warms up a little slower, but in a more refined way. As it should be in 2020...Things have changed. Don't take this the wrong way, I simply want to assure you, I'm not some "middle aged man who never sat on a bike until you hit 50??" :-) Cheers.
In that case, perhaps Kawasaki have engineered in the rev increase to mimic 70's/80's carburetted motorcycles with a choke to match the retro look? As a 40 odd year old guy, I can't imagine why they'd re-do the Z series unless it was to attract buyers my age (having previously owned bikes of that era)
@@h489agf wow you're very angry! Just because a video doesn't have "THIS IS JUST MY OPINION" in the title, description and stated every minute of the video doesn't mean it isn't. How the hell did that comment get 16 likes?! Haters really gonna hate I guess... By the way, I'm 24 and I'm buying one for this summer- all of my peers love the way it looks and are definitely jealous so I don't think that's why they re-did them. These modern retros are very popular among new riders!
@@Boyko1996 I agree. And his two replies above seem so different. The first one is “FGS” and a belittling dismissal, whilst the second reply is just normal conversation as if the first insulting post was never made. It’s as if they’re two different people, or two different meds.
@@BlueMarbleRider kudos for investing so much time into an informative and well considered reply to such a belittling and dismissive post. That’s us Canadians, deescalating and polite to a T.
@@BlueMarbleRider No, many still find the same issues on even the 23 models. It's still not clear whether these bikes come out of the factory in some way or whether its cognitive dissonance and defensive behaviour.
I've got the 23 cafe and the throttle is twitchy off idle, gotten used to it and one of the main reasons why I won't let some of my closest bike buddies take it out
I have a 2021 and while it's somewhat twitchy, it's not bad compared to some other bikes on the market with electronic throttle. Currently, my other bike is a CFMoto and its electronic throttle is ultra twitchy, so after riding that for years the Kawi feels really smooth. I really liked the cable throttles all my older bikes used to have, they were all smoother than the new electronic variants.
I like this bike Kawazali RS 900. I am starting to earn money to purchase it in cash, It is expensive which cost around 12,600 US dollars here in our country. I like the new look retro style especially the engine sound, you can feel the power when you revs the throttle makes your heart beating fast with excitement. This is one of my dreambikes.
Luv my 2019 Z900RS. None of this stuff is even close to being a deal-breaker. Wish we had more farings/luggage/options for the Z900RS like they have in Europe/Japan/etc
Hi Du-Rron, When I was looking for luggage options for my Z900RS, I did not want to spoil my motorcycle with luggage bars and racks, etc. I bought these bags and used them three weeks for holidays. Perfect: not too big, they fit like a glove and are very sturdy. When I take them off, you have no bars or anything. There are two connection points, to fit the bar. But it is only there when you need it. Also, they come with waterproof inner bags. They work. Tested..:-)) sw-motech.com/Produkte/Gepaeck/Satteltaschen/BLAZE/4052572052037.htm
Thank you! I have tested this bike a couple of times and plan to have it as my next bike. The main hesitation for me was the on off idle. I am not very knowledgeable about ECU mapping and didn’t know that I could fix this concern. This is great news for me. You made my day as I love this bike overall. Many thanks for sharing.
I must confess that I've never paid much attention to temperature on my 2023 Z900RS and I live in South Africa where we've recently had temperatures in the mid thirty celsius.Never had a problem. Exhilarating bike.😊
First bike in 1975 and rode a lot of bikes and built a lot bikes. The Z900 RS is the best combo design I have ever ridden. I don’t understand nitpicking. The award goes to Kawasaki. Thank You.
Great review on the whole but honestly I ignored your OCD and fell into a quick nap with the Abe character from the 2004 Hellboy voice. Very pleasant to listen to. I thought your voice and accent misplaced. Meaning, if it wasn't for the engine noise in the background I was sure I was listening to a book review. In all reality, all bikes have quirks, just like their human jockeys. Again, your review was pleasant and helped me decide on my next bike, thank you BMR for a very professional review. **I picture your voice eloquently wafting through the attributes of the newest Aston Martin. GG
I was shocked when my new WRX started revving it’s head off on cold start. Unfortunately I think we will be seeing more of this absurdity with newer vehicles.
I agree about the high idle from cold, and also how long it keeps its high idle. I also remember the Kawasakis from the late 70s and well into the 80s that used to rev instantly to 4000 rpm the moment they fired. And with an choke control impossible to control; the engine either revved its head off, or it stalled. The fix was easy; just richen the idle mixture about half a turn, give or take, and the engine would start and idle as it should, cold or warm.
Yes, I remember that too. Ironic that we now have the tech to start and run a bike at 1000rpm from cold without a stall, but now environmental concerns mean that we have to go back to the 70s...almost like a choke - like you say. Cheers.
@@marcmaz21 I too love my CB1100 and wouldn't get rid of it. Having said that, the Kawasaki does have some good points: 1) 80 lbs lighter, 2) more horsepower, 3) liquid cooled
This bike has caught my eye. It is not comfortably within my price range but not far enough outside it to be just a dream. Half of me was hoping from the title of the video that I would be put off but no such luck (!) :-) :-) . I guess I'll be down at the dealer's on Saturday. Thanks for a great video.
Yes - and they are all now corrected on my bike. I see the new 2022 SE will have ohlins and gold forks... I'm looking forward to riding that one. Cheers.
I just bought a brand new 2019 Z900RS and have only ridden it home thus far but I used to ride a 1982 GPZ750 Eddie Lawson replica (when I was a teenager) This bike to me is a blast from the past with a kick I absolutely LOVE it. I bought it to play around on when I'm not riding my Harley . I think you may be over analyzing the bike a bit. It is a retro version of the 70's Z900 that bike was a Beast and I think they've totally done it justice with this bike. I look forward to many years of riding my modern blast from the past. Yep I'm one of those middle aged riders but I grew up on a bike and love the Z900RS.
Congrats - it is a great bike and I live mine too. Love the original too, and was around as a kid when it was launched - I remember it well and was going to get a Z1B (blue and yellow) as a project bike when Kawasaki released the Z900RS. Cheers!
@@BlueMarbleRider Mine is the Cafe and I love the riding position. you may consider getting a Z900RS Cafe seat as they are lower than the regular RS seats I'm told.
I've a 19 Cafe (my 23rd bike). With the fast cold idle problem I use the pull back on throttle to 1500 you mention for 30 secs then kill the ignition. Start it up 20 secs later and it behaves much better. Mine has Leo Vince downpipes and mid catbox is out, kept stock end can, no reflash/ commander needed but is SO LOUD. UK market it came with Bridgestones which are very stable. Best regards from England.
Thanks Road Gent. I'll give that a try until I get the ECU flash. Wondering what you noticed about the removal of the catbox...any performance changes? Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider Hi mate. LeoV reckon it makes 7hp more top end and slightly less lower end torque, but frankly I couldn't notice any difference on the road or throttle response (Interestingly LV reckon the stock dyno figure is 95hp, whereas Kawa claim 109). Weight save of 6kg. Big difference is noise - it seems there's no silencing in the stock end can, its done in the mid-box. There's some tech details on below link: www.leovince.com/en-gb/product/8090-header-pipes-kawasaki-z-900-rs-cafe-2018-2020
@@BlueMarbleRiderThat is true. I held the throttle back for a time then restarted the bike and she idled fine. First time I got it on my lift I installed A SHIM under the adjustment bit and the runs at 1050 straight away. No more racing. It's a fiddly job though and has nothing to do with the warm idle screw.
Minor complaints...for owning a bike means not only riding it but customizing it to my personal preference... Me....just me... 1. Dump the cat. Buy full titanium headers and Race Fit exhaust system 2. Fender Eliminator 3. Install high flow air filter. 4. Purchase Brocks or Moore Mafia ECU flash and tune 5. Have Quick Shifter Installed. 6. Buy road performance tires 7. Buy high quality brake pads.. Did that cost $? Yes...but to me it almost completes my perfect Z900RS. And I can do these things when I can
I quickshift my '23 Café all the time, except for downshifts - as I simply prefer to blip the throttle myself, so I'll probably not do an aftermarket quickshifter. I'd love to make the exhaust just a little throatier. I need to research exhausts more - as well as a tune as I'm just a week away from my one year anniversary and thus the end of the factory warranty. Oh boy - lots of fun coming! Oh, and the stock Dunlops? Not the worst I've ever ridden, but they're the most squirrelly of any tires I've experienced. Part of it was experimenting with tire pressure. Here in central Texas, it gets so hot in the summer, that I feel it actually helps soften the tires. The worst experience I had was a long downhill sweeper at 110mph+. I was as close to swapping ends as I've ever been in my 40+ years of riding. I love my black and gold beauty and cannot wait to bump its performance.
Sounds like you've got the RS just where you want it - quite the machine! I love mine, and this video gets a lot of attention (which gives me a lotta grief :-), but I've modded mine quite a bit too and love the mods - tires, ecu reflash, bars and suspension. Lovely. Thanks for the feedback!
Agreed. But having just reviewed and ridden Suzuki's Katana (vid out soon), and sampled the strom's injection as well as my Husaberg's, Kawasaki have some work to do on low rpm fuelling in warmer weather. Cheers.
I went up a tooth up front as I remember and that sorted the snatch enough for me, but I sold my z900rs after trying 2 seats and never being happy with the comfort of the bike. Bought a Diavel and now a SuperDuke R both have been far better over distances
I didn't buy the RS for comfort, but I hear you. I have a big Vstrom for that. The RS is small, nimble and certainly not made for long distances. Cheers.
@@dominic9279 yes. for distance, I certainly prefer the Super Duke. I installed some risers (just enough to take pressure off) and it's now "all day" comfortable
Man, I'm gonna say to you about the handlebar, I've got a Triumph speed twin and one the thing I really annoy at this motorcycle is the handlebar, it is low and the weight of my shoulder goes directly to my hands, for a long trip it hurts. I had to put a handlebar raiser to reduce the pain. I can't wait to change my speed twin for a z900rs.
My first "Moped" I'm living in a very close neighbourhood. I agree with the cold start issue. Too much rpm. Starting in early times - it's a nogo. Also in combination with the 93 dba exhaust noise. For me, it could be quite under 90 dba. She's a little too loud. Here in Middle Europe is the exhaust noise since last season in public discussions with bad consequences for us. And this is only the beginning.
Yes I hear that Germany and other countries are starting to crack down on all things motorcycle. It sounds dire for you guys. Hopefully if you have a stock exhaust, they with "grandfather" it and allow it to be legal. Cheers.
1) New tires 2) New shock 3) Thicker fork oil 4) ECU Flash 5) Rizoma MA006 handlebar Transforms the bike. Completely. Still looks the part of the retro, but makes it a proper sportbike...
Nice, Squire, what shock did you go with - Wilburs seems to me the most popular. Not sure if you went in order of the effect of the mods, but I just changed the tires - what a difference!
@@BlueMarbleRider I scored a deal on a brand new K-Tech Razor R Lite, sprung for my weight, for just under $400 with taxes and shipping. It's perfect. I did the tires first and the ECU flash to get rid of the throttle restrictions, then the shock, and I also dropped the forks and went to thicker 7W Belray fork oil for more damping... I documented all the mods on my channel, and included some reviews and riding footage. You really can ride this thing like an idiot once you get it sorted... haha
Hi BMR, just come across this vid and the thing I hate the most about my Z900RS is quite simply ...... everyman and his dog now has one!! Now you could say that this is testament to the bike itself which of course is true, but there is no longer any exclusivity. I recently attended several bike meets and the amount of 900RS's present was rediculous. Must have been at least a third of the few hundred bikes or more that were there were Z9s. Having said that, and to anybody that wants to bash me out there for saying that, I love the bike. I love MY bike. It pays faithful homage to the great Zed 9's and Thous of the late 70's. Sadly I was only lucky enough to attain a Z650 in metallic green back then and whilst it was a great bike, I always dreamed of a Z9 or Zthou but just couldnt stretch to it financially. It was refreshing to see how and what each owner has done to their modern Z9RS's purely to try and differentiate theirs from others and to try and achieve that little bit of exclusivity. Everone I have ever spoken to have all said the same "love my bike but they are everywhere now" and some are saying "had mine from new 2yrs or more but theres now so many around its time for a change". But my reply is always the same ... "but what will you change if for" and the answer is always the same ... "I don't know". 😂. Look, its a great bike and everyones cottoned on as to how good it is. Personally I like the chrome bars and out of interest, I've swapped out all the 'ally I can for chrome. I dont mind a bit of polishing from time to time as it will never see rain. My only concern is how the used values will be affected going forward because there will ultimately be a huge glut of them on the second hand market before too much longer which will affect values. I was in my local Kawasaki dealer on Saturday morning just gone and they have no less than 15 brand new unregistered machines in stock (I kid you not) and 8 of those had "SOLD - please do not sit on this bike" signs on them. Popularity is definately still growing. Great videos by the way !!👍
Great comment, thanks. As you likely know, I absolutely love my Z900RS: it's going knowhere, so I won't worry about its resale. There are lots around, and there's a reason. I see that MCN have just pitted it agains the Honda CB1000R and the new Katana. Guess which came out on top :-)
The rev range on cold is to warm the engine up sooner, and also doesnt affect it at all with how modern engines are built, same goes for waiting for the engine to warm up before you ride, doesnt matter anymore since the oil is so thin nowdays it instantly lubricates all part of the engine and you can go, should yoou trash it from the 1st second, you can, but you shouldnt, not because the engine, but because your tires are cold, so yeah, might be annoying, but nnot damaging at all, so your pet peeve is just that, a pet peeve.
Nicely put, but I if Kaw had their druthers and the fuel emissions weren't in place on cold start up, the engineers would rather program modern bikes to idle lower at cold start up: while tolerances and oils are better, cold metal is still contracted and has to warm to expand into the bores/bearings/cams and pushing them around at 2500/2750rpm is not optimal for wear and tear. Cheers.
So agree, thought it was me, too much whining, just change the lil things, make it your own, reflash it, do a smoke show with the sh-y tires and be down with it, enjoy it, life is too short for the nit picking
I have four collector plated bikes (2 x 73 H-2,77 KZ1000 and a 73 F7-175) and am thinking about selling an H-2 and buying a RS with a bikini fairing they sound like an amazing ride
Hey BMR...I commented on this video before it got "mysteriously" deleted 😉 But I also wanted to let you know the stock Kawasaki bars from the Z900RS Cafe will bolt right onto yours. This will give you black bars, and a slight drop in hand position. The two things you were wishing for. It looks very good this way as well.
@@YouCantSawSawdust I don't believe so, Darren - I can't imagine why I would: his comments are helpful and relevant. But - if you read a couple of comments down - I accidentally deleted the whole video and had to re upload it some days later when I discovered my IPA induced clanger. Cheers.
I wish I had a Kawasaki Z900 RS ... I would take it over a Sportster or a Triumph any day. As for the bad fuel mixture, remember, Kawasaki is dealing with YOUR Governments MESSED UP REGULATIONS !!! IT IS A MIRACLE WE CAN BUY A MOTORCYCLE LIKE THIS AT ALL !!! For THAT, I am greatful to God for !
Bitten: never ditch original hardware - might be needed when its time to sell. And when bikes get really old... an all original design seat may be unobtanium.
As a 'naked' bike, how would you compare to the BMW R1250R in the following scenario: I just completed a 2 week moto tour in the Alps and Dolomites (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy), on a rented 1250R with side bags. So riding all day for 14 days, looking for the most challenging/technical roads, many twisties, tight hairpins, severe elevation changes, off-camber turns, very narrow roads with a lot of passing of trucks, campers, bicyclists, and busses, etc. Some days didn't even get above 3rd gear all day. How would the Z900RS do compared to the 1250R on this trip????? p.s. the 1250R sure is ugly to look at, but was a competent if slightly 'too perfect/boring' machine.
Sounds like a great trip, Jdesmo. Love the Italian Dolomites, although haven't been for years. Given the traffic, the 1250R sounds like perfect bike for it - comfy, torquey, stable. The Z wouldn't be as comfortable, although I'm betting it would be more fun coming off the corners - it's around 25kg lighter and likely more firmly sprung. It's a riders bike, but 14 days...in the saddle...that might get irksome. I would enjoy it, but lost of breaks...
@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks. I was under the impression that many reviewers said "comfy, torquey, stable" about the ZRS also??. I have done 15 moto tours in Europe since 2005. Two on Ducati Multistrada ( first gen. 1100 single cam air cooled, second gen. 1200 twin cam liquid cooled) ten on R1200/1250GS, and three on the R1200/1250R. Riding and living with the GS was by far the least enjoyable in the mountains. The Multistradas were the best, the old air cooled my favorite. The 1250R has all the tech, fancy electronics, TFT, and gizmos. I didn't touch the drive modes, left it in 'Touring' also in the rain, didn't use the cruise control, didn't touch the active suspension settings, and the TFT layout is really shitty (no round dials configuration). The only 'extra' functions I enjoyed were the heated grips and quickshifter. However, I rode a 1200R without quickshifter in Sardinia + Corsica few years ago and was no less enjoyable. The R has low ground clearance (good for lower seat and lower CG but you scrape the pegs when leaning hard) As far as what I ride at home- I only ever rode Ducatis going back to 1982, when very few people even knew what a Ducati was. My sport riding days are probably numbered, hence my interest in the ZRS.
You say that the main thing that you don't like is the high idle speed at warm up and then come right back then say they did this stuff with lean running for passing Europe's strictest emissions and environmental rules will the high idle is to get it warmed up and settle down as quickly as possible instead of 1500 for 10 minutes it's 2200 for 2 minutes
Not sure what your point is? 2700rpm is what mine idled at from stone cold. 1900rpm is what it starts at now, coming down in 3 stages quickly to 1100 since the reflash. Warm up time, not much difference - perhaps a minute. I know which I prefer.
2500 rpm isn't too high and won't harm the engine. The high idle speed is designed to get the engine up to temp as quickly as possible. This warms the catalytic converter up allowing the engine to achieve closed loop operation. This is done for emissions compliance.
Thanks, Jakk: I do mention that it is done for Euro 4/5 compliance; however, a cold engine should never idle above 12-1500rpm until operational tolerences are achieved (expansion of pistons and rings into bore, etc). Until that time, there is piston slop, ring wear and bore scoring taking place. Modern tolerances are better than they used to be, as are oils, and while they mitigate some wear, they do not negate the effects of repeated cold starts on an engine. If Kawasaki had the choice, they would not have the engine start from cold and abruptly hit 2750rpm; this is not an engineering solution that they would employ in the absence of new emission laws.
Yes. Some manufacturers stop selling certain models in Europe now, as they can't meet the standards without compromising or redesigning the engine. The Busa is one example. In North America we've had it every year, but in Europe they stopped selling four or so years ago. They've just released the latest model in Europe (nice bike, albeit less power...), but we won't see it here for a year or two until they get rid of their previous gen version here. Must be complicated for manufacturers to deal with, so most of them just make all the bikes Euro compliant regardless of where they sell them. Hence the fueling problems...
Thanks, Wayne. Absolutely love the bike. Many are very angry I ever did this video and don't listen to the bit where I mention I love the bike. More mods coming soon. Cheers.
Yes, thumbs up on the purchase of the bike - congrats. I am in a quandry regarding the heated grips...I am thinking of changing the bars on my RS, but it sounds as if the left heated grip is glued on...I love the integrated nature of the heated grips and the warmth...May have to let the bar idea go...Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider did you ever get that grip off ? A little WD40 or similar liquid squirted under the grip and it will slide right off to reuse .( Re-glue on )
@@DJPTEXAS Hi, Darrell: I tried everything - wd, silicone, air compressor, but no luck. Not sure if the vendor used 2 part epoxy or something crazy, but without excessive force ( and likely damaging the internal wires), I had no joy. :-( Have you managed to remove your left heated grip from the OEM bars? Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider Wow, Everything you mentioned should have worked! Never had that problem before... yes the vendor did a good job I guess. Can you purchase just one side replacement ?
the top 5 things i hate about my z900rs: 1. Compression circuit is only on one fork and combined with the factory fork oil is much too hard no matter how you adjust it. Some people find rejetting helps, but you can mostly fix it by just using a lighter oil in the right fork and then maxing out the rebound in that fork. 2. The seat is great, until you sit on it for 1 maybe 2 hours, then it will dismantle your hips. It’s a stupid shape for a human ass. 3. the stock tyres are rubbish, change them as soon as you buy it. 4. the mirrors are at the exact height to hit the mirrors of other vehicles when filtering, not sure how they managed this, but shit happens 5. the stock tyre valves are impossible to reach with an air hose, get 90deg ones when you change the tyres, preferably the same day you pick up the bike.
Great list! Got the mirrors done, the tyres done, tyre valves done, front suspension dialled in to my liking and now the seat...again...LIke the bagster. www.z900rs.co.uk/index.php/topic,1818.msg29072.html#msg29072
I've been riding longer than you've been alive and there's nothing I hate about my '22 Z900RS. Had at least 50 bikes and the Z is extremely satisfying. How long yo been ridin' anyway?. Have 5 newer bikes and the Z is a blast. took it on a 2.5k mile trip to the Sierras in California with just a tail bag. Would do it a 100 times over. How did we ever make it enjoying bikes without everything being perfect? You'll probably never be satisfied.
Hi, Frank: I love my Z too - back in 18 the fueling was iffy. I've got 4 bikes, been riding for 50 years - the Zed (as I call it ) is one of my all time favourites (top 2) for sure. Cheers.
Good to hear critical reports. All power to your twist grip. But you could have made the video half the length. I found myself skipping through it. Thank you nonetheless
Yes, you are right it can affect the TPS sensor, but at the time I wasn't aware of that. However, that said, the bike seems great. And now, after the reflash, it is perfect. Cheers.
Hi, PW: I have three bikes. One with a brembo hydraulitc clutch, one with a Nissin hydraulic clutch and one with a cable. The easiest clutch to use is the cable on the RS. It is the lightest clutch I've ever used (I have used many cable and hydraulic clutches). While neither of the hydraulic clutches on my other two bikes have ever needed adjusting and stay consistent, they are heavier to use. The cable clutch on the ZRS, so far, is smooth, EXTREMELY light, is fade free, and has not needed any adjustments. It's the best clutch I've used so far. Don't let the cable clutch put you off. Cheers. BMR.
The very first thing you notice when you test ride the bike is how good the clutch is. That and the stock sound of the bike! Give it a go - ps watch Mad Max 1 first and you'll be sucked in for sure!
@@roadgent7921 I have to agree. I was watching it the other day and found myself rewinding and watching some parts multiple times just to see the bikes.
It’s a Kawasaki, all Kawasaki’s need a throttle cam change (see motion pro) and the PCV to smooth out the throttle response. All Kawasaki’s seem to have this in their DNA
Yes, the throttle response is part of it. There is also the increased leaning at under 3500rpm at temperatures above 15-20C which seems to be as a result of Euro 5. I'm not sure Kawasaki have spent enough time trying to figure out how to impliment the restrictions while maintaining smooth/optimal fuelling. I guess-like so many manufacturers today- consumers become the R & D department. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider PCV is a must for most Kawasaki’s I have gone as far as, I won’t buy a Kawasaki if Power commander doesn’t make a unit with ignition included. Also, the motion pro rev 2 throttle does wonders to adjust the manual feel of the throttle, by allowing the changing of cams, you get the profile that allows the throttle response you like. Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% Kawasaki Green, but i am also a realist.
I have a 2019 model Kawasaki Versys 650 with the same off-idle snatchiness. I fitted a Booster Plug. It makes a massive difference. Takes about 30 minutes to fit (the tank has to be lifted to get to the air temperature sensor on the air box) and is "plug and play". Cost in UK £120. Wish I'd fitted it 25000 miles ago.....
Good to know, Drago - lots of riders saying the same thing - seems they're a quick and easy fix for the new crop of snatchy/poor fuelled Euro 4/5 bikes out there. Cheers.
Your application for imperfection on z900 not been approved because that not major problems and it wasn't products failer it your lack of classic styles on cafe racer motorcycle
Thanks, Michael - my ZRS's ECU is enroute for it's reflash. I'll be doing a vid on the results in the spring after a few long term rides in warmer weather (which is where the stock ECU settings have trouble). Cheers.
Fuelling ! BMR ..... please do not tell the people to force the throttle closed to reduce the revs . This WILL damage the TPS !!! Just alter the cold idle speed (not 4 hrs ..... it’s 15 mins) Most other parts I agree with other than suspension which is dire .... I have remapped put M7RR tyres on and upgraded F & R suspension.
Thanks for the feedback on the TPMS, Andy. I don't agree the suspension is dire though - perhaps too strong of a word, mediocre and about on a plane with most other japanese bikes, entry level italian bikes etc. If you're racing, then, yes a big upgrade is necessary, but that's true for all but the special edition premium bikes. What forks and rear shock did you go with?
@@BlueMarbleRider I fitted a custom Nitron rear shock . The front was re valved using emulator valves and slightly thicker oil . The damping is massively improved all round .
Interesting video! I too dislike some things about my Z900. 1. The rear shock feels very clumsy. But I am used to a Wilbers shock on my previous bike. 2. The clutch also feels a bit clumsy, but then again may aprilia had a hydraulic clutch, which feels different of course. 3. The stock mirrors, levers and number plate holder look cheap. 4. The exhaust system should have been made in chrome, not in stainless steel. That would make the look more classy. But - and that is a big but - it is probably the best bike I ever owned and except from the exhaust system these are things I can easily change and then it will be the absolute perfect bike for me.
Thanks for your feed back - agree particularly with 1 and 3, and it is certainly one of the nicest bikes I've owned - particularly after the mods. Cheers.
Good morning sir, do you have a video of the installation for the Powerbronze mud guard on the front fender?? I don't remember seeing it. Just purchased one and could use some advice! Thanks. I love your reviews etc.
I don't actually, but I do remember that plenty of masking tape, drilling and being careful to make sure that it didn't follow it's natural inclination to touch the wheel at the bottom. Lots of mock ups before drilling is my advice. Hope this helps. Cheers.
Good evening BMR, just now saw your response to my question. Thanks so much for responding ! Honestly weren't sure if you would see it. I will procede with caution. Again Thanks.
High cold idle is on pretty much everything now, as oiling is better, oils themselves better, and tolerances smaller. Getting up to operating temp asap is the goal. Fueling wise, it's pretty much every bike from factory, with Kawi having some of the most lean conditions of all. My Kawi dirtbike header would glow in normal conditions outside in daylight, then I threw a PC-V on it and it runs far better. Unfortunately, a fuel/ignition module needs to be factored into the price of any motorcycle these days.
I haven't, nor have I heard of it on the ZRS, but that doesn't mean you're not experiencing it... Several things besides m/c design can contribute to speed wobble. I'll go with a few common ones: low rear tire pressure; low rear sag/very soft rear suspension setting/underweight spring all of which cause suspension squatting on the rear end (sometimes due to excessive windage from sit up and beg seating positions), and consequently a change in the front end castor/rake/trail - this can be a major cause of speed wobble; damaged/worn/over-tightened steering-head bearings, poorly aligned rear wheel, and most often hardest to diagnose but more frequent than you may think - rear swing arm bearings are too tight/seized or poorly lubricated. Hope this helps. Cheers.
