2020 Kawasaki Z900 Launch Review

[@Bashe1965]

I’ve been ridding for 35+ years love team green all good. Wish I could ride Z type bikes again but I’m a bit to tall and old these days. A word of advice from someone who has been there done that. It’s ok to ride it like you stole it, but pick your spots and be smart, it’s easy to get careless when your in the moment. Enjoy that new bike but never get complacent and let your guard down keep your head in the game. Lots of stupid people driving these days distracted by their phones. Listen to that inner voice that sometimes says “I better not” not now. Ok enough of my old man advice be safe because ridding at my age is even more fun !

[@routerider9542]

Bill i'm 53 now and share the same years experience and advise to others as you have stated here.Practically word for word. The words of experience .In recent years i have been sticking to track days instead of street riding. Thats all i would add to your comment.

[@dodo19923]

@@routerider9542 Having a bit of a hoon when there's no one about isn't the end of the world, in moderation of course.... i'm more shocked that france had/has the 100hp cap on bikes.

[@jayman2261]

I'm 65 and I don't think I'm too old to ride a Z type bike,can still run 2 miles, and do 40 push ups.... you need to start eating better, and taking more vitamin /mineral supplements. I've been riding my 1972 GT750J now for 14 years, and am up to buying one of these.....NEVER GET OLD . Ran into two 74 year old guys riding kawy 900's from Florida to Ca. LOTS OF RESPECT.....AGE IS IN YOUR MIND....

[@gazakelly9266]

Yea age is only a number @@jayman2261 🤸 🏍️ Ride for ever 😁

[@BlueDinnie]

💪🏿

[@AbhishekSharma-vb9ux]

"You're either a Kawasaki fan already, or you're not a Kawasaki fan Yet. There's no in between." Just Loved this..so true..

[@micheal49]

Back in the seventies somebody told me that about BMW. I'm still on Kawasaki.

[@outdoors-gs9td]

Go Tea Green !!! I'm waitig on $$$ and depending on insurance I'm getting the 2020 ninja 650 or I'm hoping the Z900 in black/green frame. My favorite color is blue but other is mean looking!😰😀 H2 would be crazy fun too!😰

[@ThrottleThrill]

True that! I am a Kawa man!

[@Brancovtn65]

Everyone needs to try a little bit of green in their lives at least once! ;]

[@chillychanmedia1644]

Kawasaki for life

[@nokneedownian8521]

I love the cyclist staring at you at the start with envy no doubt

[@Steve-ec6ed]

he probably thought he was a dick for doing a wheelie to be honest lol

[@R1senb18c]

@@Steve-ec6ed Several of them break their necks... lol

[@johnhogan8177]

Steve Rivera they were cheering. I think...

[@BEM_01]

most cyclist appreciate 2 wheels regardless if it has engine or not. The money they spend on their bikes equals what we spend on ours. sometimes higher. Trust me, he's not envy.

[@jayakrishna5693]

They must have been like “iam ditching the bicycle”

[@matd7037]

Thx for the decent and straight to the point review. Thumbs up man.

[@routerider9542]

Another no B.S. review from a Rider with enough seat time to have an opinion.Thanks...

[@TheImtoomuch]

As a proud American, I have to say you are one of the best reviewers on KZbin and Bike World is one of the best channels!

[@GouthamYuvaraj]

Out of 20 to 30 reviews that I have watched on this bike... This has been the best by far 👍

[@Baste_Bastesen]

Very good. I do agree, lovly bike. I have a 2017 mod Z900 performance. I hav driven 35.000 km so far. Kawasaki Z fan 💚 Great mc Roads in Northern Norway 🇳🇴

[@s6xafterse7en]

I’m sold dude, I’ve always loved the Z900, but it lacked mode selects... now that it has them... 😉 how YOU DOIN Z900?!

[@DaMuShErZ]

It just suck you off on corners? Think i know what bike i’ll be buying next then 😏😅

[@NObucketLIST]

Bought one of these in '17. Geared it up with new sprocket set, it will fly!

[@creed7970]

god this guy is awesome. was not a fan of this bike before and i love kawi after this video now i want all 5 haha

[@donaldsoncole3095]

Sharp video with a unique perspective!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@stemoore]

I’d class it as a super middleweight. Although this particular bike feels more like a light heavyweight 👊

[@thatboysims3k879]

It's got like 130bhp... It's a middleweight mate.

[@stemoore]

@@thatboysims3k879 was using boxing weight classes/terms as a reference for a laugh 👍

[@aeror115]

Wish you a great season in 2020 Really like the z900💚 Cheers 🦾

[@That_Cajun_Guy]

Considering that the dash and headlight was the only thing that I didn't absolutely love about the 2019 Z900... I think I just decided what I'm getting as a second bike.

[@paulross7955]

Great bike! I had a z650 performance last and found it a bit too small and also hated the clocks but this new 900 has the new clocks so I'm just waiting for a performance edition to come along! Great review by the way!.

[@fredorico41]

Great 👍 review, I just subscribed to your channel, greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@ted5149]

Great riding and awesome review. Just sold my very fun CB650F and put my deposit down on a more fun 2021 z900 red/black. Love the variety of accessories available too.

[@TrendingHeadlinesTV]

I’m 52 and just purchased the 2020 Z900 plasma Blue. It’s an amazing machine. Super comfy! Don’t say you are too old, just go ride one and your youth will come back for sure! Super fun machine for us older guys that can’t handle leaning over the tank like we did in our 20’s and 30’s. The best bike I have ever owned!

[@FridayThe13th....]

Kawasaki should make a sport tourer based on this bike. Like Yamaha did with the mt series. Versys is yesterday's news. John, once again you are excellent. Best reviewer out there.

[@SY27196]

Japanese are always slow , their product management is in their own world

[@sathishrao7926]

MS J : Curious.. Who do you think are faster than Japanese?

[@m.rraghav817]

They are content with the ninja 1000, wondered why there wasn't a ninja 800/900

[@sathishrao7926]

M.R Raghav : Not making a faired equivalent of a Z900 doesn’t qualify them as ‘Slow’ !

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Ninja 1000SX sells really well I've heard. They aren't going to compromise their own sales by doing something similar with the 95cc smaller engine sport machine. The Z900RS Cafe is "kind of" a sports tourer version of the Z, albeit the engine is retuned and transmission 6th is very tall. But, I do agree, if Kawasaki just plopped this 948cc powertrain into a light-enough sort of 17" wheel sports ADV type bike with a bit bigger tank, cruise control, and upper fairing that doesn't sound like a million hammers pounding on your helmet at speed, it would be a winner. Sort of like a 90% sized S1000XR but in a Z900 powered Kawasaki.

[@cHernandez6449]

watching this video makes me love my 2018 Z900 a lot more

[@simonthomas5367]

Great review and great looking bike, thanks.

[@kawasakirider.ukukbiker6502]

Great bike I have the 68 model and I love it

[@blipco5]

Kawasaki Rider. UK UK BiKER ..You should test ride the new one. They've moved on a bit. 😂🍻

[@kawasakirider.ukukbiker6502]

I've already had a test ride and the only difference I can see is the rider modes other than that everything seems the same to me, new speedometer cluster is really good and all in all the new bike is an awesome bike but I'm happy with the one I've got, happy biking buddy👍

[@xantoshadhikari]

Great Design Change By Kawasaki Great Console To Play With Overall Looks And Feel Like A New Z900❣️

[@oldmanpence4803]

Great review, I’m so happy to see the Z getting the love it deserves. I’ve got a 2010 z1000 in the garage, and it’s my favorite. Cheers!

[@TrustyZ900]

Have a '22 black and blue 900. This thing is impressive. Have had scores of bikes and this one puts a smile on me every ride. It looks cool and goes like stink. No complaints, except isn't the greatest for two up. Proud to ride one. Super bright headlight too- lets the dummies know you're coming!

[@tangerineRIDES13]

Got the 22 mat blue too and I absolutely love it!!!! Such a great bike super fun to ride.

[@TrustyZ900]

@@tangerineRIDES13 Best looking color combo I believe. Enjoy!

[@RikkyTang]

"Mid-range" bike sounds logical...

[@archiewilson4943]

I like super middleweight.

[@davidbesant]

Hate to say it but it needed the riding modes and traction control. All its competitors were there years ago and even the z900rs. It must have cost Kawasaki a lot of sales.

[@ROmaniac21]

why you need tc and power mods when you can have a raw bike that will cost less.

[@davidbesant]

@@ROmaniac21 Pretty sure you don't, but it appears that's what people want (at least that's what the marketing people believe).

[@Adventure_blac]

varulalin electronics keeps very few people from buying a bike. They can be turned off. The lack of them will. Especially since other bike where cheaper with electronics. In an industry where prices and value can be outta wack this increase in tech with a small price increase in refreshing. No bike anywhere near it’s class in price and horsepower

[@ianlawrie919]

Another practical and informative review, Awesome.

[@richardmarsh1332]

Great bike apart from the fact that like so many bikes today its only really been designed for solo riding with no real seat for a pillion such a shame.

[@SurajKumar-xu9ed]

This is a straight from the heart no BS honest review. The world has lost such reviewers. Loved every second of it. Am a fan already and lover those wheelies and those cyclists envying you!

[@gabkalderon]

loving my z9 since day one, definitely a Kawasaki fan now! great straight to the point review!

[@pistolpete6321]

Fantastic review! What a cool bike!

[@nigelren3719]

Forget moving your arse on the seat, or sticking your knee out. Just straighten your outside arm and lean your shoulder and head towards the inside mirror. You'll be standing the bike up and using less lean angle for the same speed. Did that make sense?

[@N62INFINITY]

Excellent video!! Very well done. I'm considering a Z900 / R9T / SV650 or the new Trident. Different bikes for sure, and will enjoy testing them all. (I was also considering a Guzzi V7III, but decided not to go that way because of reliability issues I've heard about).. Just love that Z900! ❤️

[@PerfumeGuru]

Fabulous Review thanks a lot

[@onwilson2]

We could call the category "light heavyweight".

[@kignacio]

So Ninja 400 is heavy lightweight

[@onwilson2]

@@kignacio No. 250-400 is a Bantam weight. A light heavyweight is 750-999.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Fantastic value for money.

[@62blitz]

Test riding nakeds. Have to say that the z900 is much smoother in terms of throttle response than either the MAT09 or GSXS1000. The riding position is not too upright like with the MT09 and has a very confidence inspiring suspension like the GSX1000. The 2019's new have a reduced price of about $7500 so without a doubt the best value. Seriously considering purchasing one, although I will say the Suzuki has a much meaner intake sound.

[@VeeFour]

I agree. If there were no emission regulations this would still be a 750, so still a middleweight in my eyes 👍

[@ZediMaster]

How so, what do you mean?

[@Johnny-tq9no]

@@ZediMaster I'm assuming you mean with the 750 would be able to make this much power but I'm pretty sure that's bullshit

[@alexanderbrown8276]

"Put it in rain mode, beat the shit out of it, you'll feel better."

[@coetze]

Love Kawasaki, Looks like a GREAT RIDE! Defiantly my next buy! Wat is that catchy tune playing during the wheelies and at the end of the video?

[@zachbuckley4842]

Great first look at the new updates! One thing I'm wondering, and this may be beneficial to many viewers if you were to add it in as part of the review on all the bikes.. If you could makes references or suggestions as to how the bikes ergonomics would work for both taller and shorter riders, and how you think the suspension would be for someone either lighter or stouter. For some reason when most reviewers reference bike "Fit", they usually do so in terms of whether or not it would fit shorter riders, but thats only one half of the scale. Keep up the great work, I look forward to seeing many more exciting new 2020 reviews. Great jacket, Cheers.

[@senaritradutta]

I am currently thinking to upgrade from Ninja 300 to a Superbike but confused between z900 and CBR 650r can you help me out :) i do here n there short tour and weekend ride .

[@arturobarraganabrego8792]

Same here :(

[@deepakchhetri4185]

Go for Z900/2020... really worth it!

[@deepakchhetri4185]

Mat Black...

[@Praveen-zn6yq]

Top soundtrack.. both the bike and background music during wheelies!

[@Achilles22]

As usual a slick and informative review, which magazine do you write for john ?

[@johnhogan8177]

Thanks. I’m the editor at SuperBike, Geoff.

[@falkondezigns5397]

Straight to the point! Loved it! Also the intro wheelie was lit af! 🔥

[@eddas5175]

That bike costs 43 minimum salaries in my country :( Feels broke man.

[@captainaverage721]

Better get busy then👍

[@MrTeslaX]

which country?

[@GadgetyMV]

1:33, 900 cc middleweight. Borrow from boxing: flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight, heavyweight

[@ZediMaster]

Let's just keep this simple, what's wrong with middleweight? I think it's labeled correctly for insurance purposes.

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Oh that's much easier 🙄

[@arjun230190]

Cyclists appreciation for the wheelie at the start was epic. Two wheels are a great company.

[@chidizzy6633]

Getting new bike in March 2020 cannot make my mind up mt 10 z900 cb1000r or Gsxs1000

[@motorcycleislife8296]

Chris Owen mt10

[@mrstroph9042]

Drive safe beautiful peeps, ill get my Z900 2020 around first March

[@alanjoseph772]

Hi , just wondering when will the KTM 1290 super Duke press ride will be? By the way nice review, I love the intake sound on this and on the z1000

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

We're riding it 2nd Feb Alan.

[@mashleyaaymay3804]

Test road the z1000r at MCN last year, ugly as fuck but pulls hard, power delivery is so smooth. Riding back home on my hornet 600 f6 was depressing.

[@RedRoo13]

Kawasaki has really upped their game in the last few years across their entire model line up!

[@gorilla9519]

I wish they made a "Ninja" 900 I like the fairing look, Ninja 1000sx looks big n goofy to me. If it looked like the Ninja 650 that'll be great ok Kawasaki thanks 🙏.

[@lovelessissimo]

Let's use some boxing weight terms. Fly weight, cruiserweight, middleweight, heavyweight, superheavy weight.

[@jimmytheshark86]

I have the 2017 and love it!

[@ZediMaster]

Modify to TFT display, then it gets better.

[@ilovepizza8263]

@@ZediMaster does the new tft display fit on the previos gen? im asking because im planning on buying a 2019 gen

[@ZediMaster]

It's not plug and ride, a lot of mods has to be made

[@toofastnobrakes]

Maybe we should define these bikes like weight classes in boxing? 😂 if the z650 is a middleweight and the z1000/zh2 are the heavyweights I guess that makes this bike a light heavyweight

[@blakesutton4287]

Love this review. I’ve watched a lot of them and this one is the best. Thanks!

[@leroyjones769]

Have to admit I really miss you doing the reviews. Your directness and wit make watching reviews a MUST SEE. Keep me coming.

[@leroyjones769]

Correction...keep them coming

[@kadien2006]

Very nice bike but think I would go with the Katana for its out of the box looks.

[@R.Stridstrom]

That one would give this ~1000cc a run for its money ;) And it is pretty bad ass. Want one.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

3.2 gallon tank on that 1L engine. Range would be utterly useless.

[@GarryMcGovern]

Haha! I actually regularly stick my 1199S Panigale in to 'Rain Mode' to get more of a laugh out of it. Impossible to get near capabilities of any modern Superbike on our roads, so I discovered this by accident about 3 years ago and is now on about 50% of the time (apart from track days!). People think I'm mad when I tell them - but hey, what's the point of these bikes if you can't have a laugh on them?

[@TheSwellrider]

Great review. Thank you.

[@578_]

The only thing getting thru to spring man! I wanna ride my 22’ z900 so bad! My dealership is holding on to it so I don’t have to store it in the freezing garage

[@walther89]

2nd gear cant power wheelie that well then mt-09 :o when my number mt-09 i weaker, but goes like bullet

[@Crimson_Strider]

good review. do you actually setup sag before doing your review or are they factory settings?

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

Watching because im thinking of buying one.. super middleweight?

[@donwiryo]

The power and the torque is quite similar to KTM 890 Duke R, but the Duke R is much much lighter.

[@notamotorbikemechanic]

Love the look on the cyclist face at 0:23. Probably thinking. “wish my wife would let me have a motorbike” 😂

[@cecilwilson5442]

Loved the wheelies but the now modern electronic intervention is with all the bikes for European standards at least it let's you do some good fair test as usual keep the good stuff coming

[@hanzo2238]

@0:23 neck breaker

[@Bemoon11]

Dream bike 😍 oneday it will be on my hand

[@Wurzelzwerg1212]

I am sure it's a great bike but I just can't get used to Kawasaki's design language. Way to busy. I want to ride something beautiful, not Optimus Primes bike cousin

[@ZediMaster]

Have you at least try it?

[@canturgan]

The Z900RS is much nicer.

[@Wurzelzwerg1212]

@@canturgan agreed. It's a very handsome bike. I am planning on test riding it this spring.

[@adamschultz2477]

With regards to that closing remark, what are the other two top 3 naked middleweights money can buy?

[@rsq72]

I’m guessing Street Triple RS and MT-09?

[@Osajunior90]

What a nice review. Getting mine as soon as I can order one here in Holland!

[@Osajunior90]

@bikeworld do you have advice on what tires would suit this bike better?

[@alexjames421]

Because I'm a simpleton, I guage bikes on specs. So I'd dismiss this as too heavy if it weren't for reviews like this 🙂

[@ZediMaster]

Actually, this is a light bike for 948cc.

[@alexjames421]

@@ZediMaster heavy compared to its competitors like mt09 and street triple though

[@paulconnell1309]

Nice review, thanks. I ride winding roads just like in your video so enjoyed the footage Love the bit about rain mode on the way home from a bad day. I'm trading up from a CBR500R. The 2021 MT 09 and Z900 are options. Sounds like the Z is a plush ride with better midrange roll on power and the MT has better tech, quick shifter and blipper etc. In NZ the z900 is STG1300 more expensive than the base MT09 and STG400 more than the MT 09SP. I like your review of the Z and the smooth four, but perhaps the MT is a better deal?

[@lonewolfrider3822]

Z400 - Naked featherweight (entry level) Z650 - Naked welterweight (intermediate) Z900 - Naked middleweight (mid-range) (though a Z900 just seems like a de-tuned liter bike) Z1000 - No one says heavyweight do they? Usually people just say liter bikes . But yeah thing is not every company follows the same CC iterations and CC to HP figures, then you have something like the CB650R, 650cc but with much more HP than other 650's and with 4 cylinder. I think these mishmash grey areas, inbetweeners are great though, not every bike is just direct competition carbon copies of one another.

[@joseherreranolopuntazo4064]

hola biker tengo la z desde hace 2 semanas. podrias decirme por favor donde conseguiste el soporte para G P S muchas gracias. un saludo desde Valencia. Spain.

[@butlersracing7692]

In South Africa these are the same price as the new Katana or GSXs1000 or the faired version... No guessing which one most people are buying. 🙏

[@Goopie48]

0:18 - Yellow helmet was like 'Dang, I need to change my hobby!'

[@theriderdtm8650]

Yes ❗ Pop🆙the clutch ✌️😁⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@jsprite123]

2020 Z900 vs. 2020 BMW F900R?

[@rougueone7126]

Damn, the jacket is sweet, which model is it?

[@deaddis]

This bike looks really lame... the previous z900 looked aggressive and good. This is just boring, the headlight looks horrible

[@Supernova12034]

meh, no comparisons as to how it fares against all the competition. Its an OK bike, but likely doesnt do well against the MT09s, Duke 890s, street triples, monsters

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Exactly why? All the other journalists always dissing inline-4 engines like they are the latest disease to try to cure?

[@richporter3314]

May I ask when we’ll see more Desmosedici vids?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Rich Porter Won’t be long, turns out we needed specialist tools to re-build the heads.

[@richporter3314]

Bike World Nice! Once it’s all rebuilt would you consider doing some long term vids? Maybe put some miles on it and talk about reliability? I plan to ride mine and am curious how scared I need to be for maintenance costs. Haha. The mechanic at Ducati Newport Beach told me to not baby it, it wants to be revved.

[@keithbrown4724]

How does this engine compare with the detuned/retuned more torque version in the Z900rs? It seems that this bike would now be superior in every way with adjustable suspension, better electronics, better price etc... except for styling depending on your tastes.

[@69HotRabbit69]

i you had to choose between the new Z900 and the 2019 MT09 for city riding and weekend twisties what would be your pick ?? help a fellow rider make a decision please

[@TehJigzoh]

If possible Id try and go for a demo ride with each bike. I have a z900 and my buddy owns an mt09, personally I slightly prefer the more aggressive ergonomics on the Z rather than the supermoto ergos of the mt. I also think the mt "feels" faster off the line due to that triple cylinder and lightweight, but as soon as youre up the revs slightly, the Z is just a rocket and keeps pulling. Anyhow, you really cant go wrong with both bikes!

[@Blitzkrieg63]

If you are for the torque, take that torque monster MT09. It's a blast riding that. The pull it gives us great.

[@Whos-That-Guy]

I've ridden both and I'd take the z900. Perceived quality (paint, plastics ect), suspension and engine flexibility on the Z900 wins it for me. Plus there are far too many mt09s out there, but I guess it's for good reason. 1 thing I like about the mt09 is it's a really good riding position for commuting, almost adventure bike like which gives you better visibility.

[@sv650nyc7]

Very different bike in my view. You like 3-cylinder sound and grunt, a very upright, super-moto like ergonomics, huge community and tons of after-market parts, but bad suspension and cheaper overall feel of parts, get the MT-09. The Z900 is more sporty and has higher quality parts, so will be better for twisties and sportive riding. The MT-09 will be more fun in the city.

[@anderskretschmer6405]

Thank you! Thanks a lot for the first usefull review on the riding experience. Already watched like 20 other videos with people just throwing numbers around and not talking about anything of importance

[@chriswest2290]

His logic is flawed. The Ducati is noway classed as middle weight.

[@prabhugautham]

Wow your wheelies are really head turners for sure. Awesome video.

[@stephenfleming7056]

Like it, but I have zero interest in connecting it to my phone and at £1800 more than a GSX S750 (£1000 Off at present) The dash wont sell it to me. going to have to sit on one though to compare the fit.

[@Whos-That-Guy]

Taking from boxing terms you could use "super middleweight" or "light heavyweight"... Or large middleweight which is not a boxing term but is super clear for us derr heads..

[@allwheeldrive]

This kind of rig is why "middle" nakeds continue to hold up the market. Great all around performance, plenty of excitement, great value, and dead reliable. What's *not* to like?! Always appreciate the objective reviews, too. Thanks.

[@761jared]

I've been in love with this bike since I first saw it. Specifically the 2020 silver/blue coloring was an added bonus and confirmed my choice. Too bad they changed it for 2021.

[@ImpromptuTripper]

Smile at the Blue Cyclist's face, sweet.

[@MrBluegooh]

Great review thanks, I now have one, Have had it about 6 weeks but lockdown is kiiling me ( in Melbourne ) But for the times I have rode her so far I am absolutely in love with her. Power is so smooth and has plenty of it. Looks fantastic ( I have Black with Red decals ) I have put a Yoshi Alpha on her and waiting on the headers but to be honest even the stock sounds great on this bike, I will do a full review on it when I can get out for a proper ride as just like this review, They all help immensely, Certainly helped me make a purchasing decision I don't regret. Thanks again mate!