2018 Kawasaki Z900RS First Ride Review | Ultimate Motorcycling

[@coldwave007]

Nice review! First time I've seen your channel, and I have to say I'm impressed. Way more detailed than the others I've seen covering this bike. *thumbs up*

[@rwf7840]

Ive had Yamaha and Honda bikes and have never considered a Kawasaki until now, this bike is absolutely beautiful.

[@officermalloy4201]

It's 2020 and I just picked up my 2019 Z900RS and so far I am sooo happy I chose this bike. I am from the 70's era and this bike is a breath of fresh air. When I was young it was all about road racers and we would modify with clip-on handlebars and rearsets, always dreaming of fairings. Now I am older and wiser "I hope" and choose the more sane upright position. Great review and I agree with everything said. Also the ABS was adjusted to ensure smoother operation, also beefed up rear suspension supports because of earlier issues. Thanks for the review, it is still current for the new models.

[@JB-zp5fb]

The best looking retro classic on sale right now...

[@whobru]

I agree, it is very good looking...retro it is not. It is a modern sport bike with a touch of Z1 looks. It is maybe 5% retro in it's looks. Honda, Triumph etc... did a much better job on making their bikes LOOK retro...that is just the point. I am a Z1 fan so a little bit disappointed.

[@bigmartin]

Zed, not 'Zee.

[@Big.Ron1]

Judo Lenny Ireland Here in the states it is and always has been zee. I know it's zed where you are but, here it is zee.

[@jeffrt3893]

Judo Lenny Ireland How do you sing the ABC song, lol?

[@Big.Ron1]

Jeff RT Right? LOL. Not picking a fight with our Brit freinds. Just pointing out the difference in ways we speak and pronounce things. Not a big deal.

[@MrPepper312]

I bought Z1 new in 73 and later had a couple of KZ1000 and also a Bandit 1200. Have always put on a full after market exaust or a slip on. But my new 2021 z900rs cafe will remane stock The tuned exaust sound great.

[@blubyu1100]

After market four into four available. I just love the look and sound course I’m 62 years old ridin a 14. Nice review thanks

[@s.p.9582]

Great job Nic! I do believe Kawasaki has introduced a future classic 👍😎

[@petewielsma423]

Great review , very pleasing to see and hear a human instead of a voice machine, and you haven't ripped off someone else's footage 👍 I've sat on one and it feels just right and I'm 6'4"" , looking forward to a demo ride soon , love the tall bikes and upright feel , beautiful looking bike with modern performance . I'm very seriously considering trading my 2015 Triumph Thunderbird on one , I've realised cruisers are just a pig really haha , own a 1971 Triumph Trident for 22 years (yes it is a bit small for my legs) and love it and never sell it , can't beat the looks of a classic , well done Kawasaki for reviving your heritage into 2018 👍

[@professorcbx577]

Good review. Thanks for saying what you think about it. Calling it whatever you like, retro or not, it looks like a motorcycle so I hope all makers go back to this style.

[@snozzybosch7503]

Great review nick, like your work and I shall certain look for your other reviews. Cheers mate from Perth, Wa.

[@kleinbottled79]

Emission regulations are apparently the source of the snatchy on-off throttle present on almost all new motorcycles. In order to be clean enough, the engines run quite lean, especially low in the RPM's. A flash tune or power commander to fatten up the fuel map is the way to smoother throttle action. I'm thinking anyone buying a euro 4 or later bike should budget for a ecu tune of some variety no matter what bike they buy. They come broken from the factory now.

[@bobnicholson9821]

I pick my ZEE900RS on 18th.In UK we have a slightly different model, it's called ZED900RS

[@antoniom1017]

Proper kawasaki fan needs to check first Mad Max movie. Lots of Z s there.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Good review and a lovely bike.

[@boxwoodgreen]

I'd love to see a 650RS version net year. I had a '78 KZ650 and loved it. I think Kawasaki sold a lot more of those than they did the KZ1000's.

[@russshappard1059]

I had a 79 KZ650 and a 77 KZ1000 and I enjoyed riding the 650 more because the 1000 was heavy and hard to stop. But, I bought a z900rs and love this bike like no other. I wanted a zrx so bad, glad I waited so long this one arrived.

[@dogwalker22T]

Superb photography. Beautiful bike. Think I like this better than Thruxton.

[@strix2035]

Doug Janes the thruxton was one of the bikes I was looking into, but I went with the z900RS it just felt better to me all round, but that thruxton is sexy.

[@saddle8bag]

Engine is the big difference. I prefer twins. I also already a Versys 1000 when the need arises to hear a screaming four. I'm sure this is a superb machine.

[@Big.Ron1]

I always wanted a Z1 but I was in the military back then and it wasn't in the cards. Couldn't afford it and a girlfriend. 😊. But now, maybe. Gotta go check them out.

[@MrToonfish]

I heard from a friend who have it for a year now that the original tires are not good at all (DUNLOP Sportmax GPR 300), he upgraded the tire and said he have now a better motorbike in every aspect ! ;-)

[@MajorTom6]

Very good review.

[@grim6107]

GOOD REVIEW .. JUST BOUGHT ONE.. THANSK FOR ADVICE

[@sbalak]

Thanks for the good review.

[@pierremartin9048]

Good review/ overview.

[@BucketWheat]

My Brother's First bike was a '76 KZ900 in this same 'root beer brown' with gold accent stripes... And he has ALREADY taken Delivery of a New Z900RS..!! I Loved riding his original bike...and am Hoping to buy one of the Cafe Models in the coming months...and painting it Candy Red with Gold and Silver custom striping!! I am currently pretty happy with my FZ1 (with a bit of 'tweaking' it is putting about 150HP to the ground!) but I am already emotionally drawn to the new Kawasaki! [But my FZ1 is already Paid for, and I am not looking forward to a new set of monthly payments...]

[@rw9737]

2:25 a very nice shot...

[@strix2035]

Nice review 👍

[@1990-t1j]

Excellent review. Far more detail than most reviews. I don't like the chrome bars. 65 mpg in top and it's revving at 4,000 rpm sounds buzzy to me. I'd prefer the XSR900 as it's a triple, so I'm not really the target market for the Z, but I'm interested in knowing how low down the rev range you can pull cleanly in top. Nice-looking bike.

[@blipco5]

Great, thoughtful review. Sub'd.

[@wolfpackpete6408]

I think I love this bike

[@mestill6329]

Nice review. Love the bike, but I wish Kawasaki would make such a classic bike, in a slightly larger/longer (?) frame for us 6’2” taller riders. ;)

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Me Still, Taller riders will struggle with many bikes on the market, however, there are taller seat options available for this model now. In addition, you could throw on some riser handlebars and even look into adjustable rearsets. One of the biggest improvements you can make to any motorcycle that you own is a changing the ergonomics to fit you, specifically. If you have your heart set on the Kawi, know that you can make it fit your needs with a bit of work. Take care! - Nic

[@mestill6329]

Oh, I know that & all--but that’s not what I really mean. Ergonomic changes to the Frame is what I’m more meaning. If the bikes were themselves 10%-20% bigger in their overall, literally. Think, if you were 4’, you’d wish they ‘made smaller literbikes’ so to speak, not suggest lowering the frame to suit. Lal. I feel it’d be awesome (& in some custom cases I Have seen & sat on-) if they were somehow able to maintain the central design, but just lengthen certain components to just slightly extend enough to accommodate that way, instead of the base-average they generally go by so to speak. Just thinking out loud. Or I wish I were =/< 5’10!! ;) Cheers~

[@sharpsdoublerifle1439]

So where does my ZRX1100 fit in all of this? That was supposed to be the retro ELR, and I really like it. When compared to the new Z900RS what are the delta's? Is if worth trading it in and getting this one, is it different enough to warrant it. On paper power is similar, sitting position, gauges etc.. The safety features would be nice to have, but not sure if I would even care about those, maybe the ABS but the rest, it's not like this thing is a power house 180hp monster. And frankly, just another thing to fail. I love the looks, they nailed that for sure. It will not be too soon and we'll see a complete suspension upgrade with Ohlins and different cams to boost power brembo's etc.. The only thing I think it is missing is real power, I may be an old bastard, but I still love massive amounts of HP in my bikes.

[@BucketWheat]

Compared to the original Z's -- which were the "King of the Street" at that time -- this bike is More Powerful! [from 82hp at the crank to 115hp !!] With a weight of roughly 450 pounds vs the previous 548 pounds, there is Quite a Lot of improvement !! But... compared to current bikes in the 'standard' category -- such as my FZ1 -- it will come up 'short'. But it is not intended to be a Drag Racer...but an everyday comfortable modern "UJM" (Universal Japanese Motorcycle). I would say that your decision to 'trade' from your ZRX1100 is more of an 'emotional' decision than a practical one. My Brother's First bike was a '76 KZ900...and he has ALREADY taken Delivery of a New Z900RS! Purely an Emotional Purchase! But he KEPT his GSX-R750 Supersport... I have seen the bike, but haven't ridden it yet.

[@DickWheels]

I am kinda wondering the same thing. I have an 03 ZRX1200R and love the bike. In reality I would like to keep it and add this to the collection.

[@BucketWheat]

If your budget allows that, it might be a good idea to go ahead and buy the Z900RS and ride it enough to know how you will like it. Then you can decide if you still want to keep BOTH or sell your ZRX...or the Z900RS...

[@noeldawson9211]

great review

[@cpuuk]

A general question: As you have to be quite old to remember the Z1, I wonder who the z900rs would appeal to? As a fifty-something rider it certainly appeals to the UJM inner me, but I wonder what a twenty-something makes of the style?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Great question! I'm similar in age to you, but my take (assumption) is along the lines of 'good looks don't go out of style'. To me, the classic looks of the 70s bikes (before the mid-80s and bikes started being wrapped in plastic) are somewhat timeless... indeed Harley have built an empire and spent hundreds of millions on making modern bikes (and yes, Harleys are quite high tech) retain that naked, heritage look where you can see the engine and get the mechanical feel of the machine. The modern Japanese upright/naked bikes have that unmistakable 'Transformers' look and although I personally quite like that, clearly there's a demand for a more traditional take as well. More conventional looking machines are also now coming out from the Japanese (such as the new Yamaha XSR models). So kudos to Kawasaki for taking a really good looking classic look and giving it a modern spin. Since we tend to buy bikes based in large part on looks (let's not deny it LOL), I suspect it'll do very well across all age groups. It'll be interesting to see!

[@windmillman]

I'm 29, own a 78 cb750 K8 and this bike appeals to me more than any street bike currently Produced

[@BigMoeFo]

I'm 51 and I love it. I'm usually a Harley guy with a big lean lately toward Indians. BTW nice straight review. No BS.

[@kevinroberts2395]

CPU UK. I'm one of those, and an Aussie, who remembers the original Z1. Who cares what the 20-somethings think of the styling. They have a million bikes to choose from. I hate most modern bike styling that they clearly are attracted to. As a rider 'of a certain age' and now have money to indulge my passion for motorcycles, I welcome the 'old school' style. Just find it hard to accept the cost of the Z1000RS in Oz. The T100 Bonnevile is about $15k and Kawasaki want $18k for this one. :( Looks like I'm hanging onto my mid-2000's Honda a little longer.

[@Big.Ron1]

Mitch Clyman I'm 59, been Harley since the late 70s. 8 of them over the years. But now strong towards indian as well. I always wanted a Z1 so this may well end up in my garage next to the Cheiftan and maybe a Vanderhall too.

[@SweatyWalrus]

You say the seat is a bit firm. How is it compared to the Z900?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

The standard Z900's seat is probably in the same realm, but it's a completely different riding position so your weight is distributed differently. Although sport machines typically have thinner seat foam, I didn't have any issues. You also tend to move around a bit more on a sport bike, so there are a number of factors at play there. Hope that helps! - Nic

[@SweatyWalrus]

Ultimate Motorcycling Hey Thanks!

[@DeanStringer]

Nicely detailed review Nic and some lovely footage there too. Just wondering how it handled in those canyons when you hit any rough stuff, or was the surface pretty clean? Be interested to know as a lot of the roads close to home for me can get a little sketchy at times

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Dean, I felt that the Z900RS did quite well in the canyons, it's an intuitive machine, which doesn't require a lot of effort change direction. On a smooth service and with your set up dialed in, you're going to be just fine. The fork offers a good range of adjustment, and the shock's spring-preload and rebound damping will help you out as well. The roads where all of this footage was filmed offer up a little bit of everything, ranging from absolutely awesome to downright bad patches. In those bad areas, I wasn't as confident with the RS as I normally would be. The stock suspension set up errs on the conservative side, which is great for comfort, but if you're carrying a bit of pace and get through a seriously rough patch, it can be felt. When cruising at casual speeds, it's far less of an issue and one that I don't think many people will complain about. Those criticisms lean towards the more extreme end of the spectrum. It's key to remember that this machine is a few steps away from the Z900 in terms of sport inclination. With the softer spring rates and longer wheelbase, the Z900RS is intended for slightly more casual experience - but that also makes it a bit more of an "all around" machine than the sport oriented Z900. Again, we want to stress that you can stiffen up the suspension with the fully adjustable fork and adjustable shock. Once you get the geometry correct for your weight and riding style, you'll most likely be alright. Take care! - Nic

[@DeanStringer]

That's awesome thanks Nic. Yep sounds like w correct setup it will do the trick. Looking FWD to one turning up in my local dealership now :)

[@Maige2900]

No led indicators in North America??

[@BucketWheat]

The turn indicators ARE LED...and the Brake Light & Headlight.

[@Maige2900]

Floyd Burdett the bike presented here and in most north American review videos are not

[@BucketWheat]

I will check my Brother's bike...but I was pretty certain they are LED... But I was wrong once before in my life, and this 'may' be a second time. LOL!!

[@curtiscl8754]

need to make a bike for us taller riders that are 6'5 an above

[@BucketWheat]

The repositioned footpegs DO accommodate taller riders... in fact, riders with less than a 32" inseam will be tip-toeing... I am also 5' 10-1/2" but only a 30" inseam and I WAS on my toes with my Brother's new Z900RS... Oddly enough, he is about 5'9" but a 32" inseam... But the lower and slightly more forward pegs allow for less bend in the knees, which, with a bit of adjustment also in the handlebar angle, should make it more comfortable for taller riders.

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

My T100 was snatchy as hell. Best way to deal with was to ride aggressively. 😈

[@industrialkhaos]

Stone

[@wtre428476]

Old z1 still looks better...how does that happen

[@1941392]

The lost art of filming at night time.

[@larsfillmore4765]

It's Zed not zee

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

@@larsfillmore4765 Correcting the pronunciation of "Z" was one of the many liberties the United States gained during its independence. We also spell shop the right way.

[@lr937]

Let me start by saying the bike is gorgeous,no doubt about it, BUT... I went yesterday 09/12 to try the Z900rs in black color .... was in my wish list and had to give it a try so I did...didnt like the riding style of the bike, by that I mean from my point of view, bike is a bit jerky for a everyday city driving, handlebars have a not so easy to get use position, seat is not comfortable at all (and I ride a cbr1000) there is no doubt the bike has the power and torque for a spirit riding but is not definitely a commute bike, too harsh, too jerky, and the brakes u have to squeeze them hard all the time to stop the bike, so to wrap it up, I like the looks of the bike, but ridding just didn't make the cut for me

[@Happyclapper]

Too many adverts

[@raymorris952]

Stop comparison to the Z900 , its a completely different bike!

[@laurenceturner1403]

Nice bike. But that’s about it.

[@themightydash1714]

Am I the only person who hates the frame design on this bike, actually on most modern retro bikes, they just look like someone stuck retro bodywork on a sportsbike frame :/ The Triumph frame is beautiful and the Honda CB1100, in all honesty if the CB had USD forks and piggyback shocks with a more powerful engine it'd be perfect, I'm not sold on this bike at all though, its left me really disappointed when Kawasaki have killed off the ZRX, for this... :/

[@jimbo1485]

Good review! Well done on a beautiful motorcycle Kawasaki but I can’t believe you fucked the throttle response! So many manufacturers can not work out how to do ride by wire. Yamaha fucked the mt09 Suzuki fucked the gsxs1000 and now Kawasaki fucked this. Idiots!

[@arthurcoldwells1326]

Yeah it's funny how some models are smooooth and others--from the same manufacturer--are not. I'm pretty sure it's an emissions/EURO 4 compliance thing, but if it can be fixed by fuel mapping why don't they just do it, cos clearly they can? Often a year or two later the problem is quietly fixed (such as the Suzuki GSX-S1000 which is now perfect) so why don't they just get it right first time? Interestingly, the Z900 launched around 6 months ago (and exactly the same engine as this bike) has pretty much flawless fueling--so please explain that! Oh well, I guess it gives us something to talk about LOL.

[@andyblackburn2068]

I had to turn off after 25 seconds the The Z1 was released in ‘72 !!!!

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hi Andy, The original Kawasaki Z1 entered production in 1972 for the following year, 1973. Just as it was then, the motorcycle press was first given access to the Kawasaki Z1 in late 1972. You are correct in that the Z1 made its debut to the public in 1972. The Kawasaki Z900RS takes inspiration from the iconic Z1, but is a completely unique machine. Go ahead and check out the other 9 minutes and 48 seconds to find out why! Take care! - Nic

[@andyblackburn2068]

Ultimate Motorcycling To be honest I did do . It just wasn’t the most factual start 72’s were sold to the public. I owned 78 Z1000A2 and thanks to reviews like this (excellent by the way after that ) I have put down a deposit on one . I expect delivery here in UK . March 1st.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Awesome--great to hear! Kawasaki really captured the heritage spirit without making the bike cartoonish--and it works very well too. Thanks for the correction too. Cheers!

[@windmillman]

You turned it off because they were off by a year? Remember to change your tampon once in a while so you don't act like a little moody girl.

[@briankent6540]

its zed not zzzzzz