after many years and many bikes still in love with my 2005 classic sv650. Thats a bike i am always willing to ride and its just absolutely perfect for my riding style and roads i use
The Z900 reminds me of what bikes looked like when I first started noticing them, when I was a little kid. I honestly don’t remember bikes ever really looking like the XSR.
The XSR900 looks like an early 90's motorcycle that's been mildly crashed then rebuilt without fairings. I find it amazing that the 1st generation Honda CBR900RR weighs about 30 pounds more and makes less HP than the current XSR.
Went with the Z900RS Cafe. More forward leaning riding position than the base RS and the cowl keeps the wind off your chest extremely well. Dropped about 20 lbs off the bike with an aftermarket header and tail tidy, then sent the ECU out for a flash to close the power gap between the two. Absolutely love it.
@@DB-sd3cw first off, looks are highly subjective, so calling one uglier then the other is ridiculous. Some also don’t want a more high strung engine, they want the linear feel of a classic inline 4 with it’s more narrow cam profile. If you gave me the option, I would take the XSR900 over the Z900 RS. But if it was a base MT09 vs a base Z900, I’d take the Z900 as it’s running a different cam profile and tune then the RS, it revs harder in typical modern i4 fashion and is a bit faster then the MT09, specifically in a rolling start… also the standard Z900 is a bit more leaned forward, which I prefer over the more motard seating position of an MT09…
I bought a Z900RS SE this year. I loved its styling when I first saw it as it reminded me of the classic Z1 from the seventies. Yeah, I’m older and I’m not a squid and I prefer a more relaxed ride than a high performance ride. The Z900 suits me and I love it.
@@HardlyaDavidson The only thing I didn't like about the bike is the saddle was very uncomfortable. I ended up getting a Corbin solo saddle to replace it, and have no complaints now.
@@stratolestele7611 I agree there too. Although it's not a crotch rocket, 110 hp gets the job done and the fat range isn't at red line, but at 6-9k rpm. I never have to take it to redline.
Z900RS, every day. It's a gorgeous bike, one that can be ridden all day and then stared at when parked. It's got perfect lines and shapes. Also has one of the best sounding stock exhausts on a modern bike. Have 2WDWs flash the ECU to eliminate the throttle cut, add a Kaoko throttle lock and go... It's the ultimate, modern UJM.
It is indeed a gorgeous bike, but my 2nd gen XSR900 is a do everything bike. All my friends are jealous of its quality. It feels like every nut and bolt was engineered to perfection. Meanwhile, my brother had to take his brand new Z900 back to the dealer to get its battery draining problem fixed (had to schedule an appointment).
I own an RS. Suspension upgrades, new tires, an exhaust for 20 hp gain and 16 pound weight loss and an ecu flash and it’s one keeper of a machine that keeps you turning your head back as you’re walking away from it.
I have owned 3 cylinder and 4 cylinder UJM's throughout the late 70's and 80's. I would definitely lean towards the Kawasaki. I loved my '84 GPZ 550! My Suzuki GS 750 ES and GS 1000 were also in my garage and loved those bikes.
After 6 months waiting ive finally gotten my xsr900. Never really watched any of the z900 videos wasnt interested but even just the quick shots you guys did between bikes actually made me get it. Both of these bikes are incredible and i like that you can choose your era and have a great time either way.
the Kawasaki 4 cylinder is butter smooth and fun to ride. the cp3 from Yamaha is a hooligan machine which will rip your arms of... both owned a z900 as well as an mt09. Loved the torque from the mt09 and at the same time was annoyed by the cp3 sound at lower revs.
The tameness you're feeling in second gear is actually an emissions restriction. I have this bike. Put it in D mode 1 and crack the throttle wide open at 4,000 RPM in second gear and then try it again in 3rd gear. You will notice that 3rd gear pulls way harder. Even with that second gear weirdness I have loved my 6 months with the xsr900. First gear pulls are so fun. The beginning of the video the pull you did was definitely half throttle. If You Leave It Wide Open that front end lifts up pretty hard in the cold.
That power cut is also to keep the front wheel on the ground, I suspect it's not there with TCS turned off ... but if you actually tried that the bike is likely to loop
Man, I just can’t get onboard with the look of the new XSR, the previous generation looked so good too. & as much as I loved the CP3 in my 2016 FZ, I think I would rather have the Z900RS in this case.
I love my 23’ XSR900 perfect blend of retro sport heritage with modern styling and a tight tech package. One month in and people stare and start conversation every time I’m out. XSR styling is the retro future z900 all retro throwback to the 80’s for sure.
The Z900RS’s flaws are also a weird attraction for many of the people Kawasaki are targeting with the bike. It is rife for modification, as were the original 70’s bikes it is modeled after, and there’s many aftermarket parts available for it. I don’t have a snatchy throttle but I do have about 120 HP, excellent brakes, amazing suspension and a bike that is the best looking retro bike you can buy today. I am well used to riding without aides and that alone makes the experience on the Z the winner anyway.
I'm an 80s kid and I just can't get into that Yamaha styling. It's a very awkward "retro" look and if I didn't know the intent of the bike I might not even guess what it was going for. The kawasaki, however, has clearly knocked it out of the park. Sit it next to an original z900 and its pretty clear how well kawasaki achieved what they were after. It's the type of bike in a sea of modern that just stands out in a showroom.
Last year I rented several bikes for a day as I was looking for something new to buy and wanted to use the oppurtunity to make extended test rides on different bikes. From all the retro style bikes available the Z900RS is the most appealing to me in terms of looks. I really enjoyed riding it, great sound for a stock exhaust and more than enough power for me. However my previous and only bike was also a 4 cylinder and I just wanted a change. I tried about 10 different bikes and as I was trying to decide between the T100 and XSR700 I decided to give the XSR900 a go as I had heard good things about the CP3 engine. Within the first few minutes I knew this was the bike for me. Still don't think it's as pretty as the Kawasaki, especially the dash is ugly in comparison. But the seating position and 3 cylinder engine are the main reasons I chose the Yamaha. That said the Z900RS is gorgeous and I do hope to own one some day
The XSR rides more like a lightweight sport tourer than a twitchy AF hooligan bike like the MT-09. I suspect the Z900RS is more work to ride fast due to the bolt upright riding position, you'll need to deliberately weight the front end more.
To me, it looks like the XSR is a bike that was in an accident, and they took off the fairing. It just looks incomplete with an ugly front end, though it handles well.
In the looks department, it’s not even close! The cow is faaar and away a better looking motorcycle! The Yamaha looks kinda weird. I’m sure it runs and rides great, but I don’t think I could ever pick it over the Kawasaki just based on looks. Comfort is also a much bigger deal to me than 50lbs and a few hp. I like that torque down low too. Thanks for the review! I’m buying a second bike sometime this year and the Kawasaki is high on the list after watching this!
I have a 2020 Z900RS Cafe. Yes, it's not as light as other bikes but you only feel that weight when you're pushing the bike around, not when you're riding. I dropped the stock catalytic converter and that was 15 to 20 lbs, easy and it made quite a difference in both sound and riding feel. I'm looking to buy another bike but I'm not getting rid of this bike, probably ever.
The XSR looks like an 80s superbike that someone crashed and ripped the fairing off and then just chucked a random round headlight on that was lying around the workshop
I like the technology on Yamaha but you can't beat the looks and comfortability of z900rs. Love my 2018, wish it had quick shifter and cruise control though! First bike I've never wanted to put a slip on. Sounds amazing.
Yes quickshifter cruise control. I think the entire rebel lineup needs cruise control as an option. From the 300 to the 1100. Gotta get with the times bro. The grom needs a bigger engine option
The Kawasaki is so gorgeous. Less tech rules. Just riding and the experience. I don't need to ride an iPhone around. Positive neutral also rules. Thanks for the video. Cheers 🥂
Like the looks of the Kawa better. Still there so much negative coments out there about the snatchy throttle respons on the Kawa. You didnt mentioned that at all
I’ve been watching comparisons of these two bikes for the last year. Still can’t make up my mind which one is better looking. I prefer the stance and overall form of the Yamaha but that Kawasaki just has a visually more emotional vibe that out classes all other bikes in this segment, at least IMO.
Really wanted the XSR 900, was impossible to find one last year...saw a new Z900RS Cafe with huge discount and went with that instead. Surprisingly surprised by how well it handlea, sounds, and looks true retro. The Café has a slightly sporty stance over the well-behaved characteristics of the bike. I do wish Kawasaki added cruise control. They've claimed more tech will take from the retro flair, it's profit paddiny by Kawasaki; I don't think CC takes away from it's retro motif like maybe a quickshifter would.
Totally agree, I also miss the cruise control. But it doesn't have the CC simply because the Z900 platform at that time didn't have "ride by wire", not because it takes something from the retro feel.
@@Ringer1982 yes you're right about the throttle cables, don't think that platform has added cruise control yet...just marketing spin by Kawasaki... In 2023, an inexcusable omission for the price point and seeing that generally older riders buy this bike (I'm mid-30s)
@@pookiewookie7679 not gonna lie, was set on the XSR900 (great tech + blue color scheme matched my car exactly). But gave up trying after 2-3 months and jumped on the solid deal for the 22' Z900RS Cafe...no regrets! Might still get the XSR when the used market opens up.
It would cost them very little to add the IMU and cruise control from the Ninja 1000, it's the same engine save for 100cc of displacement. The bike is already stupidly overpriced compared to the XSR
A little over a year ago, I had the choice of where to spend my cash (in hand) and I chose the z900rs café and I haven't regretted my decision for even a split second. I agree that the XSR is a fun ride, but that's it. It looks cobbled together to me. I respect it, but if I wanted more performance - and for less $$, I would have gotten the z900. I especially love seeing those chrome headers coming out and down - just as they did on the Z-1 back in the day. Plus it looks hot-rodded 4-1 pipe as many did back in the day. Anyway, I fully expected to get the Speed Twin, but it just looked bland to me. I LOVE the Thruxton (a lot!), but at my age, I can't do the clip-ons. Man, I sure liked looking at it though. Anyway, I have touched my z900rs (other than the basics - frame sliders, tail tidy, and neatly powered phone mount ). But, while I might get around to it one of these days, I have done the intake pipes, and tune. It just doesn't scream for it for me. I spent 25 years riding Harleys, so this Kawi is still feeling like a rocket for me anyway. I've never gotten more random comments than I do on the z900rs café. I like the regular model as much as the café - almost. The café is a slight compromise with the slightly lower black bars and more aggressive seat and overall looks; a little sportier. Great, great bike!
The weight difference is an absolute deal killer for the Z900 I mean I am looking at the XSR as a second bike to play on in the canyons because my Tracer 9 is pretty heavy. I am also spoiled on the Tracer's tech which mostly the XSR has so as pretty as the Z900 is? you can keep it! and btw the REAL retro feeling this Yamaha provides for me is more Yamaha's old 2 stroke RD and RZ 350cc motorcycles that were light and peppy and just a blast to shoot around on. I personally DID own a Z1 and it was nice to ride but big and heavy nowhere near as fun as my little RD but I will say the Z1 felt a lot more like it would last a long time not as disposable as the RDs which frankly cost a lot less too
Weight is always a strong consideration for me as well. As much as I appreciate the asthenic of some of the bikes the priority is on fun factor. More than a few comments suggest you wouldn't know that one was heavier than the other while riding though
Only drawback to the Japanese high winders is high frequency buzz due to the high rpms. The engines are hard mounted, so you're going to get plenty of "Engine feel".
Thanks for this video. I had a XS850 3 cyl back in 1980 so was leaning towards the XSR900, but after your review I think the Z900RS may suit my riding style and needs much better but wish the Kawa was a little lighter. Again thanks for this comparison.
The Z900RS is the most beautiful bike on the market, able to revive the legendary Z1 from 1972. Kawasaki mailed it 50 years ago, and still today. The Zephyr 750 was also great... I own a Versys 1000 for touring and a SV1000S for track days, no room for a Z900RS, although a café version makes me chill. After watching the video, my opinion about the Yamaha is they missed the subject. Riding a retro bike is not just about the look, it's about a group of a lot of things: the look, the round speedo, the position, the feelings, the pace... Yamaha just put a somewhat retro design on a bike very close to a very modern MT, while Kawasaki went into the details to deliver the most retro package: the look from the Z1 including the dashboard, the comfy suspensions like in old times, the torquey engine to roll gently ... Seriously, who wants to rev up an engine on a motorbike without a fender?
Nothing about the Yamaha strikes me as retro. The Kawasaki wins in the looks dept. I do like the inline 4, the chrome and even though its a bit more porky and not as much peak HP as the Yamaha, I think its a better cruiser, especially if you take anyone for a ride. Great review.
Yeah but the XSR looks like ass. If it’s purely performance you’re after the XSR beats the RS. But then if it’s purely performance you want, why look at either of these bikes? The RS kills the XSR in the looks department. I own one, I might be biased!😁
@@mrvwbug4423 It is pricy but it has more power than the Italian and British counterparts and it looks better than all of the competitors and still has Japanese quality! Obviously, worth the extra coin in my book, but to each their own! No judgement from me if someone rides and loves their XSR! I’m personally just not down with the way it looks. That’s on me!
Right it's not even close imo. This is the best *retro* bike out rn to me because it actually rips. The others are more hipster cruise down to coffee shop kind of machines.
@@tarnishedsquid2967 I've ridden both a z900 and the MT09. And the mt09 is better than the Z in every single aspect, other than maybe top end. Torque kicks harder on the mt09, feels better in the corners, tech is better. Even the rain mode is better. On the mt09 rain mode feels very relaxed, smooth roll on for the power. The z900 rain mode still has a very jerky throttle. The yamaha is just 100% better.
The Zed has more torque in more places than the z900. Yami likely feels faster because the power comes on so suddenly. I'm not sure that it's significantly faster, if at all (haven't seen the data), but coming out of a corner, I want a smooth and predictable power curve. I am positive that I would love riding the Yamaha. That blue tank? I love it! However, when I pan back, I just can't find a way to like it. Somehow, it reminds me of a mantis. I see no cohesion in the styling. But yeah, I think that little powerhouse of an engine is beastly and engaging. I know I would love it. I've got the z900rs café and I don't want to get off it. When it's parked, I can't stop looking at it. I often walk into the garage and just stare at it. The paint is flawless. I specifically wanted the black and gold, and was lucky enough to find a new one locally. Now that I'm riding again, I'll be adding another retro style ride to the Zed. Maybe a Triumph. Whatever it is, it has to be totally different. I've owned all the Japanese bikes, but Suzuki, but the vast majority of my riding has been on Harley big twins.
That blue scheme on the Yamaha is based on the Sonauto Yamahas of the 80s, Sonauto was France's Yamaha importers and along with Gauloises there colour scheme was on many Yamaha road race and Paris Dakar race bikes in the 80s and 90s, its as iconic in Europe as the Black Yellow Yamaha colours are in the U.S. I'm looking at a Z900RS Cafe at the moment, in Green and white, i rode both these bikes and the Kawasaki suits me better, plus it looks awesome. Its a shame the U.S didn't get the Yamaha MT 01, thats one of my other bikes and its a blast, I'm sure it would have sold well there.
Oh I remember riding nights. The night ride emphasizes rider perspectives and vehicle perspectives on a course with transitions from well lit through fares into a charming main street cruise at local towns.
The Yamaha is ugly the Kawasaki looks much better. I had a 73 900 Kawasaki it was a great bike. Back then we did not need traction control or abs. You called them naked bikes I call them normal bikes.
I'm a 66 year old rider, and I always liked the Z1's. I'll be buying a z900 rs se soon. I'm sure the yamaha is a nice bike(one of my bikes is a 1977 RD 400), but I just don't like the angular styling on the Yamaha.
Man, if the z900rs just have the four exhausts and dual shocks on the back would be just perfect, perfect homage to the 70's Z1 and more direct competition for the Bonneville, v7 and alikes
I wasn't alive back then so I could be wrong but someone older told me that the single exhaust is a homage to the tuning culture of that time as they'd replace the four exhausts with a single
The XSR900 is a great bike, with a fantastic motor, but it doesn't look like a retro. It doesn't really have anything in common with any models from the past. The Z900, however, is a proper retro, and looks fantastic.
The Yamaha is barley retro, and isn't detuned like a lot of retro bikes. It is a naked sport bike. Both modern machines, but go about their business differently.
I love the kawa a lot, i like the xsr 900 in its GP form, the xsr is the honda civic of the 2,i has cafe, gp , the Rd500 kit & more it is a good project platform, the Z900rs se is my dream bike
I think the Kawasaki hit the mark better on retro styling. I also thing the gauges are hands down better on the Kawasaki. Analog speedometer and tachometer are just so much better. I think Yamaha is better with the quick shifter and cruise control which you failed to mention. The Yamaha looks a lot smaller when they are compared side by side. Also the Yamaha is throttle by wire and the Kawasaki is cable throttle. Might be why the Kawasaki is a bit smoother on the throttle. I also think the exhaust looks so much better on the Kawasaki. Definitely would have to change the exhaust on the Yamaha. With all that said I would probably choose the Yamaha mainly because of the cruise and quick shifter. I also like that it weighs less and has a bit more hooligan to it. Just too bad that I couldn't do anything about that horrible dash.
I love the engine on the XSR as it's a triple and the sound they make is amazing, the rest of the bike I could care less about. I have an XS 750 and a ZRX 1100 and have always owned both brands, but I started on Kawasaki's and I had a Z1.There isn't anything on the Z900RS that I don't like. Big plus is the analog gauges and the styling which the Yamaha totally misses.
A great comparison. But I have to disagree that a $2000 price difference IS an influential decider in my book. It all comes down to preference though in the end. I own a 2021 black and gold XSR 900 and am very happy with it.
Not a clean line on tne Yamaha to me, it looks like a bunch of parts just tacked on. The cafe racer version of the Yamaha is a big improvement to my eye and worth a look. The Kawasaki looks very nice from any angle. Most classically styled are bought for outright performance or handling. Looks, styling and comfort with just enough of performance. I disagree that most old folks would buy retro styled bikes mainly as time machines if they did they would likely have an RD350, R90S, or 750H2. It is true bikes with certain looks appeal to different generation but us old folks want to spend more time riding than wrenching on time machines. I still race as well as ride at 70 and find many others my age do too.
Just a tip - grab some more hours or some advanced riding courses before you start doing this often. There are quite a few rookie errors in this and if you don't learn them out sooner or later they will bite.
I wonder if an ecu and pipe would really open up the power band on the XSR900, especially at the lower rpm. Back in the 80s many people would make 70s bikes to look and ride like the XSR900. Would you consider a part 2 with canyon carving and in town traffic review of the two bikes?
Modern bikes are hampered by noise and emission regs, so it REALLY pays to have them set up on a dyno, not just with peak power, but all through the curve and part throttle openings.
I love the Z900 for its retro looks but for me the XSR simply does not look remotely like a retro bike (I rode in the 70's and 80's). I'd pick the MT-09 or MT-09 SP over the XSR and for my taste the MT's are better looking. Both engines are peaches - I own both a Yamaha and Kawasaki and consider myself to be brand agnostic - all Japanese manufacturers have bikes that appeal to me and ones that do not appeal to me.
🙏LOVE THESE TYPE OF VIDEOS .. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THEM OUT AND ABOUT WHEN THE WEATHER GOT GOOD ENOUGH 🙏.. LOVE THE ENTERTAINMENT, ALEX,KASE 🙏 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY EVERYONE ✌️
No. They did it by cams, compression, tune, heavier flywheel, and gearing to make it pull harder and smoother in the lower-mid rpms where the bike is most often used. Some talk about making the internal changes to get more power, but it's just not worth it. A simple tune, pipe, and intake with get you +5-8hp and improve the fuel mapping which had to be choked for emissions.
Nice video, both great machines enough power, beautiful looks & styling. SXR is a better choice in my opinion because it has comprehensive electronics such as IMU, traction control, lift control, Quickshifter, cruis control.... for less money Anyway great video Be safe
Love the CP3 but the Kawi looks stellar in the old-school dept. The Yamaha looks like a weird kind of hybrid mix. I would still get the MT-09 SP if you threw that one into the mix here, despite its slightly unfinished look.
I like the older generation looks of the Yamaha better than this new one. I think the side of the seat looks weird or something. I like that there is less technology on the Kawasaki. Sometimes you can get overwhelm with too much. Makes ya take eyes off road in order to mess with more stuff can be bad.
So happy Yamaha fixed the frame on this. I had the previous gen XSR and man that bike would get unsettled so easily in a corner. It cracked me up when Yamaha boasted a 50% stiffer frame when this generation came out. I haven't ridden the new one, but I hope to soon.
I own one, it's definitely stiff as a board now. Lower steering head and lengthened swingarm make a huge difference, alongside the stiffer chassis. It handles like an absolute dream.
@@dsofe4879 2020 saw the increases in stiffness. I own the 60th anniversary Yamaha white and red factory sports special and it's fantastic on road and track!
can add risers to keep your arms bent, on the xsr ? kaw mirrors need to be out further; or on the handlebar ends. riding position; bars, pegs sounds better on the Kaw. The Kaw passenger seat; needs to be more flat, bigger, wider -IMO
xsr900 0-60mph in 3.03 secs. z900rs 3.26. Interesting since the z makes more torque you would think it would have the better 0-60 time. 425lbs XSR and 474 lbs for the z900 . 50 lbs makes the difference here. I would still take the Z900 as it is a over square 4 cylinder motor. Love those motors and the Glorious sound track they make!!
The position on the XSR is, to me at 5ft 8in totally perfect. I don't like that totally vertical sit up position of adventure bikes. It's....not engaging. I found the z900 really ungainly in comparison when I tried it. The Kawa is totally beautiful, however. And I like it just for that reason. The Yam, that I would choose instantly, is to me, not a good looking bike. I'd buy the black one. I nearly bought a z900, not the RS, but they're just to ugly for me. The seating position, again though, I thought was great. In the UK there's a big difference in price between the two. The Yam is much cheaper. Both great bikes.
Honestly I think XSR 700 looks better than 900 as retro bike... it suppose to be retro but it has this square display, tank feels like MT, weird seat shape, modern mirrors, front fender is bulky... meanwhile Z900RS kept all the classic styling. I have XSR 700 but in this case I would go for Z900RS instead of XSR
The problem with the xrs is that it doesn't look like the 700...if it was just a choice of 2 different engines with the exact styling...the xrs would be a better comparison with the Z's classic styling.
To me, the Z900RS is the platonic ideal (in terms of appearance). However, after riding one daily for 2 years, the seat is NOT its strong point. LOL. In fact, it's the most common complaint in the FB owners group I'm in.
I really like the style of both, been to look at both though not yet test ridden. My other half took one look at the seat on the Yamaha and said "no way I'm sitting on that". The pillion seat is a deal breaker for me, not happening at all ever, sort it out Yamaha. Lack of quickshifter on the Kawa maybe isn't a deal breaker but c'mon Kawasaki, at least offer it as an option, it would just make the bike.
You can tell it's not your bike when you do first gear pulls straight out of the lot. I saw you guys do it to a BMW too and you could actually see on the dash the engine was still cold.
Glad the yamy has tft screen. Let's face it it's not an 80s bike and the Quwzie isn't a 70s bike although that prob is more true to replication. Both great bikes. Leaning towards the yamy thou.
Nice video fellas. Question, wouldn’t the Z900RS SE be more of a comparison since the XSR seems to be outfitted a little better? Anyone rode the SE and the standard RS? Noticeable difference?
The SE's rear Öhlins suspension was not very impressive compared to the standard one. It's because the standard's suspension is so good. The front Brembo brakes are clearly superior.
