2020 Kawasaki Z900 quick review & sound [RAW Onboard]

After attending the Z900 press launch in Spain in late 2019 it was time for me to return onto this brilliant Kawasaki. Unfortunately I didn't have more than half an hour to enjoy it but for sure that was enough to remind me of how brilliant this machine actually is. Best TRUE middle-class naked bike out there.
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exclusive pictures on Instagram: / turboschaaf
LIKE my facebook page: / schaafyoutube
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bike: 2020 Kawasaki Z900
all stock except for the GIVI wind screen
Riding mode: Sport
tires: Continental ContiRoad
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recommended ND filters for GoPro Hero7, Hero6, Hero5:
amzn.to/2RrrY6C
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This road is located in Lower Austria.
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camera: amzn.to/2TaNguM with ND8 filter
mounted to the helmet's chin
4K / 25 fps / SuperView / ProTune standard settings with ISO locked to 100
sound recorder: amzn.to/2bnozBw
(see the tutorial video: • HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR MO... )
editing: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
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[@Schaaf]

If anyone wonders why my rev-matching moves seem so violent: 1) my chest mount was quite loose which allowed it to shake rather badly thus exaggerating this effect 2) I purposely tried to rev-match while being on the brake lever. Just for practice reasons. Since I ride a lot slower these days AND many modern bikes have blippers installed I noticed that I'm losing my ability to properly rev-match while being on the brake lever. I don't need that technique since I coast a lot when road riding but still I don't want to lose my skills which I learned over all those years while riding my old CB500. And since I'm out of practice it is a bit difficult to get the movement right but I noticed that it is easier for me to get it right when I'm exaggerating the movements of my right hand. ENJOY!

[@stmboat]

To this day, in cities people yell at me from their sub-compact cars: "We already heard you! Why incessant revving!?" Then continue their text conversations.

[@ChrisAkAxTr3Me]

I was already wondering whats going on here, thanks for the explanation :-) usually your ride looks much smoother.

[@Thorsten_Kueppers]

Schaaf Vermisst du nen Quickshifter/Blipper an der Z900?

[@ringlstette90]

wieder mal ein Klasse Video von dir warum sind die Zahlen und Anzeigen bei dir weiß und der Hintergrund schwarz? Kann man das umstellen? bei mir war das andersherum

[@urbanoman7689]

''still I don't want to lose my skills which I learned over all those years while riding my old CB500'' Solution? Ride the Honda more.

[@aguj10]

Great drive. Fast when you can and slow when it's needed. That's the difference between great and no-brain dangerous bikers

[@Schaaf]

thanks for recognizing

[@marcusaureliusss]

That intake sound from the airbox during acceleration is simply eargasmic. 😍

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@subharc4739]

Man your riding is so smooth it's very satisfying to watch you ride

[@Schaaf]

Thanks ✌️

[@hyperthunk]

The more I see of this bike the more I contemplate adding one to the garage. Great vid as always mate. 👌

[@Schaaf]

And I'm almost 100% sure you would not regret this decision! Thanks for the support mate!

[@mrinsanitii]

I'm on the same boat. I want one too 😭

[@Mr_Speed_]

This is good. No unnecessary music, unnecessary review. Just a man and his bike, the scenery and sound of the machine.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@njohnson3331]

These onboard videos are very helpful to me. I like professional reviews and all, but nothing tells a story like a POV video. Thank you!

[@Schaaf]

Welcome!

[@1985GusT]

I keep coming back to this video. I showed it to my little 8month old baby boy yesterday and his eyes were glued to the screen 😎 cheers

[@Schaaf]

Haha awesome!!

[@hellogoodbye9345]

Love your vids man!! Listen to them day, night.. gym whenever. Would love to see/hear a Zx14 and Mt10 ride along.

[@zijiechen3846]

Man Thank you very much for the video! I’m currently looking at Z900 and Ninja 1000, and you just uploaded the video for these 2!

[@Schaaf]

Haha awesome

[@deadlinejunky551]

that's just one of those videos were you just want to ride RIGHT NOW! greatly done!

[@Schaaf]

Yes! Thank you Junky

[@p.chakraborty4453]

@@Schaaf you make these videos so smooth and good , omg , the production quality feels like my eyes are getting blessed , along with the way you can block the wind noise

[@priyangpriyadarshi3797]

such a pleasure to my ears.. this bike + your riding brings out the best. ❤️👍🏼

[@Schaaf]

thanks man

[@madstreet300]

Great riding, awesome bike and overall pleasure to watch ! KEEP IT UP !

[@Schaaf]

thanks a lot!!

[@aslkdj2340]

Awesome ride, and on-point explanation for why this is a great bike to ride. 👍

[@Schaaf]

Thanks a lot! Oh yea!!

[@sennithblacky]

For me, it has one of the nicest sounding air boxes. I keep flooring it just to hear it breath. Nice video as always.

[@Schaaf]

thanks!

[@luckyluke7890]

Du fährst einfach SO GUT! Macht super Spaß dir zuzusehen&die Z900 ist halt auch ne geile Maschine!

[@Schaaf]

Dankeschön!!

[@Nickolasmb]

I own this bike. Super fun with lots of power. It holds its own very well against other bikes in the same class. It always surprises me how much torque it has. It also throws its weight around better than any other bike I’ve ever ridden. Might have something to do with the ergonomics of the seating but it handles very very rice.

[@Schaaf]

Couldn't agree more!

[@donaldduck9424]

In my opinion the engine get's boring after a whlle. It does not realy like to rev. You have to force it.

[@OverBanned]

First time I see you go this hard. Nice ride!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!

[@zerocksree5127]

OMG the sound is just awesome

[@Schaaf]

thanks!

[@jobsoncharles.j7768]

Love the way you downshift and your cornering skills are 🔥

[@Schaaf]

Thank you 🙌

[@ibanezmnm]

Just bought one 🥰Collection in next week. Can’t wait!

[@Schaaf]

Good choice!

[@johnbeardsley7360]

best review i`ve seen on this bike!!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks again John

[@pierreleroy2509]

I bought an ER-6 as my first bike for my A2 license, thanks to your channel I think the Z900 would be the best upgrade when I'm getting my A license.

[@Schaaf]

great idea!

[@jiricech6370]

Honestly, I drove Z650 and Z900 one right after the other and both me and my friend we surprisingly agreed that the Z650 was more fun. Don't get me wrong, Z900 seems perfect and I absolutely love it since the first time I drove that thing. It pulls from down low like mad. It's precise, planted, it turns with zero effort, the engine is butter smooth and sounds really cool even as an inline 4. But in the end it boiled down to the fact that the Z650 being far ligther is more agile and given it's far lower power you can really push that bike almost all the time. I really like letting the bike go and rev under full throttle. But with Z900 you get from 0 to 200 kph in around 10 seconds while it's smaller brother never even gets there. Personally I don't want to get anywhere close to 200 kph on public roads and it's just too easy with 90 kW bike. Anyway, I higly recommend a test drive, you'll definately have a blast! It's kind of a dilema for me deciding where to go from an A2 bike. More power is fun but it is also more limiting in some sense. :(

[@docblizard]

@@jiricech6370 Personally Mt-09 or Z900, but in favor of the mt-09 for the 3 cylinder, if Ktm weren't so unreliable i would go 100% for the 890/790 duke, 2 cylinders are just so fun. Definitely but it's all about self control, and it's always better to have more punch in the 100+ km/h, oh right you won't be able to go with full throttle with these ones haha

[@4nimalidad]

This is my same upgrade! I had a 2011 ER6N, and now a 2020 Z900 :D

[@irelax8595]

@@4nimalidad Ah man I am so jelly! I can't wait to own my own Kawasaki, but first I need my A2 license lmao.

[@danielb8573]

Oh schaaf I love to watch you work

[@Schaaf]

Thanks a lot

[@larriwithay]

You’d make me want any bike from the videos you make but z900 is truly my next and will be my only bike

[@Schaaf]

great choice!

[@johnf517]

Great vid and awesome riding...

[@Schaaf]

Thanks! 👍

[@cksajeevkumar]

Who cares about the camera quality, when the grunt from such a beast fills your ears!

[@Schaaf]

thanks!

[@pistolpete6321]

Great video!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!

[@genxkevin]

This video may have convinced me to buy it !

[@Schaaf]

Good!

[@parkwayrider5200]

I delayed getting exhaust for mine because I love the the motor sounds. This bike is planted.Ive slid a couple times but stay in the gas and it always pulls straight out. Great bike !

[@Schaaf]

Nice

[@MrBluegooh]

Great vid and solid riding, So confident in the cornering so a pleasure to watch thank you! I have the 2020 z900 myself in black with Red decals. Love everything about the bike, I have respect for the MT09 as I have been on one and owned the MT07 for 25,000klm but glad I chose the Z900 All day long. Just a much more refined bike, I see comments that the 09 is quicker from the start but from the stats I read 0 to 100 klm times are MT 09 = 2.8sec Z900 3.0 sec. I would say that to the majority of people reading this that two tenths of a second will not mean much and that's only relevant if you consistently nail the start. My advise, Just buy the one that makes you go the most fizzy inside when you look at it whatever bike that may be. Work on the rest later. Great vid, stay upright!!

[@Schaaf]

well, I couldn't care less about acceleration times personally. And overall the Z900 definitely is the better bike.

[@MrBluegooh]

@@Schaaf agree entirely 👍

[@hartehupe4266]

Nice bike, nice ride, nice clip. Thumbs up!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks a lot!

[@thomasarun]

Awesome video !!!

[@Schaaf]

Thanks!!

[@Zwitaktjunkie]

Immer wieder genial wie du die Teile ausquetschst und fliegen lässt. Ich fahre selbst eine Z900RS. Das bike kann ganz klar viel mehr als ich.

[@Schaaf]

Danke, Daniel!

[@jhantushankar]

finally you brought the Z900

[@Schaaf]

been here in 2019 already lol

[@perkoz.]

Amazing skills, Greetings from Poland.

[@Schaaf]

Thank you very much!

[@monkmoto1887]

I will always love this engine, including the old 1043 version. One of kawasakis best all around engines

[@Schaaf]

yea

[@kotomakosako]

Video is so good, I feel I just rode that thing. I've been thinking for a while now to buy this bike...

[@Schaaf]

You won't regret it ;)

[@ann-mariabarry6359]

Great ride & bike. Awesome to see you more relaxed & back in sync.....but at the same time.....safer through experience 👍 I have wanted to to own one of these for so long, rode one and many others in the past few weeks on my search. Sadly & most of all annoying thing for me is the Kawasaki riders triangle , it still remains too cramped for me to be comfortable. I am from a dirt background & currently have a 2018 MT-07, like it a lot but have outgrown it. I finally decided on the2020 Suzuki GSX-S1000F, sporty but comfy for a 50 year old worn out body & fits our budget. All the best & keep up the great videos, I for one appreciate your skills, passion & determination, but most of all seeing your confidence returning/growing, especially in this video.

[@Schaaf]

Have fun with the Suz!! Thanks

[@WRjockey]

A spectacular piece of engineering, this bike is - but that's true of nearly every bike you post here. Modern marvels. Could be why I have two in the garage. (bikes - not Z900s!) ;)

[@Schaaf]

;)

[@octaviodiokno4667]

awesome bike, it's amazing

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@hungryforscience5317]

My mans working that downshift like a super moto 😆✌️

[@Schaaf]

lol

[@brucekendall52]

It has certainly received positive reviews backed by yours,thks again.Cheers.JHB-SA.

[@Schaaf]

Welcome!

[@JetMB]

Hello schaaf, great video my friend.. keep it up and made my own little version but never as good as yours... just a quick question regarding the camera set up.. do you use stabilisation?

[@Schaaf]

nope

[@mrrarerooster3578]

Thanks Schaaf another great video, I can only imagine the trouble I could get into with this bike, but its tempting. Another little while on my Ninja 650 I think before riding a large capacity in line 4, but I do think this is a great little machine.

[@Schaaf]

It is awesome for sure!

[@lovelessissimo]

I just switched to this from the Ninja 650 about a month ago.

[@W.Arc.]

great video. I have Z900 2020 too. Im mega happy! Regards bro!

[@Schaaf]

Nice 👍

[@scottevens6274]

Thanks Schaaf, I needed that! Been waiting two weeks for a clutch rebuild kit for my 2017 Z900. Going into withdrawal over here! 😱

[@Schaaf]

Very welcome! Good luck :)

[@hfr8343]

Why do you need a clutch rebuild on a 2017?

[@scottevens6274]

@@hfr8343 Well, it's slipping, especially above 6k and under hard acceleration. The cable freeplay dosen't meet specs so it may not have been allowing the pressure plate to fully disengage for who knows how long. Regardless, something has failed and needs fixed, it is earlier than expected but I did get to 28k.

[@hfr8343]

@@scottevens6274 Oh I see, I appreciate the explanation my man. Ride safe brother

[@Baste_Bastesen]

@@scottevens6274 same her, on my 2017 Z900. Now it works perfect.

[@delciud6513]

Awww🤤 I'm simping for this bike

[@Schaaf]

;)

[@mikuni9599]

in my ipinion the Z900 is the definitive naked, the torque is incredible, is so fun to drive, the feeling is indescribable.

[@Schaaf]

Agreed!

[@adil_anwer]

I am sure that it has pretty mad power and I am happy that kawasaki decided to upgrade the console.

[@Schaaf]

Yup

[@nicola8205]

Hi, could you tell me which microphone do you use? Great video btw

[@prithirajp9564]

Nice ride brother👍

[@Schaaf]

Thanks ✌

[@jayantokundu4013]

Awesome ❤️

[@Schaaf]

thanks

[@sgtace]

Schaaf I watch all your videos and I love it. I listen to sound of engine while working when I miss my vitpilen. I want to buy z900 next year maybe and I've noticed that sound is weird in this one you rode. There is some "clunk" when reving up that wasn't present on other videos I've seen. Weird. Cool bike, I wanted to try it out this year but it's gone in my country. I guess price to what you get was too good :D

[@Schaaf]

Go for it!

[@RickyJr46]

Every time you do a Z900 video it is like watching a master craftsman use his favorite tool.

[@Schaaf]

thanks a lot :)

[@ozlemalbayrak4926]

Sauber gefahren plus sauber geschaltet

[@Schaaf]

Dank dir

[@VDAVK]

you make it look so effortless...

[@Schaaf]

The Z900 is an effortless machine ;)

[@jthuvury3gmail]

Lol I rev the same way...like the sound it gives...z900 is a beast in its segment ❤️❤️

[@Schaaf]

Thanks Joshua

[@cbrider6267]

It's a pleasure to watch you carve those curves. I have a question for you. It is time for me to trade in my trusty Bandit 1200 and Z900 is on the top of my list to replace it primarily due to it's ergo and engine character. However, if I get the bike, I'll have to deflect the wind off my chest. How did that Givi screen perform?

[@Schaaf]

very well actually. I highly recommend it

[@shapelessdreams]

im slowly considering this one over the mt09 because of the price. i love how it sounds. EDIT: I changed my mind 😅

[@Gwiedert]

Don't do it. The engine of the yamaha is so much better.

[@aressimbamt0959]

@@Gwiedert yes i have x max 300 yamaha is great and now i will mt or z900.. but mt09 is much faster in start and much agressive.. everbody sasy that kawasaki is poor made

[@Gwiedert]

@@gbner9991 I don't think there is much wrong with the chassis. It's just the suspension that isn't the best. I owned a mt09 tracer from 2016, and currently have a MT-10. There is a noticable difference in suspension quality.

[@Gwiedert]

@@gbner9991 How do you classify suspension on paper? Does it mention the type of oil used, the type of spacers, the type of spring and so on? I have yet to have a ride on the mt09 though, probably beginning of the next season.

[@user-kr8ce2vd6t]

Watch the new model!!! Of 09

[@toufiklebcir3103]

Nice vidéo 👍👍

[@Schaaf]

thanks!

[@nejjarnabil]

Nice riding as usual! Greetings from Morocco! How effective is that wind shield? Is this a nice bike for touring? Many thanks

[@Schaaf]

it is very effective for a naked bike. Definitely good enough for touring!

[@racerdaveracerdave]

This bike sounds epic. Great video. Does the windscreen do anything notable over stock?

[@Schaaf]

yes absolutely

[@Kwikasfuki007]

I know I'm a little late to the party on this one, but given that you've had the Z out a few times Schaaf I'm wondering something about this one. You may not have any direct experience with it, but given how good the Z900 is do you think the Z900 SE is worth the extra cost for being used on the street or no?

[@Terlion]

Great ride as always! What do you think comparing this z900 with the suzuki gsxs1000? Which one is better overall in your opinion?

[@Schaaf]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6DSgJV-mp2cm7s

[@thomas.c905]

Geiles Video jetzt nochmal bevor die Saison zu Ende ist. Wieder mal nice unterwegs gewesen Schaaf ;) die Z ist echt klasse. Fahre selber ne 2006 Z1000 und ne CB 500 (deine Videos waren mit der Grund für die CB) aber die neue 900 gefällt mir auch sehr gut. Übrigens hast du die Honda noch ? Leider keine Videos mehr mit der kleinen.

[@Schaaf]

jop, aber diese Saison hatte ich leider keine Zeit, sie zum TÜV zu bringen

[@arturschon9538]

Hallo, hast du einen Quickshifter verbaut, oder schaltest du im Video nur bei kurzer Gaswegnahme? LG Nieha

[@hellslayer9638]

damn , the road looks so beautifull i would rent a harley and ride all weekend to alps ❤️❤️❤️ absolute gem of a journey it will be

[@Schaaf]

thanks

[@mcgiggs7351]

OE Exhaust Sound so Sweet, If Z900 Install After Market Full System Exhaust Sound so Excellent. Thankyou for Your VDO It's Make Deside Between Z900 & MT10(CP4) It's Value for Money.

[@Kruik013]

I got both, the Z900 and the MT10 (sp). The MT10 is just a league in it's own, the sound is so addicting, the power is just insane (100hp against 155 after flash) but to be honest, the Z is easier to ride. Beginner, go for the Z. Experienced rider, go for the MT10.

[@Schaaf]

Most welcome 😊

[@MacLaw3084]

the stock exhaust sounds pretty good, i must say.

[@Schaaf]

It absolutely does

[@joeyg29jgjg]

Oh yeeeaaaaaaahhh baby!

[@Schaaf]

thanks Joe

[@FREEWAY316TV]

SAYONARA SENSEI SCHAAF 😎👍

[@Schaaf]

;)

[@dilmangemotivation7212]

It is stock exhaust sound right. Or any after market please tell

[@cornelksttx2080]

How can you cut out the wind noise 🤔

[@Motoboo_Marine]

Really considering this as an upgrade from my 400

[@Schaaf]

Good plan!

[@Thorsten_Kueppers]

Aaalright friends! It‘s Sunday evening, time for some Schaaf raws 😎🍕🍺

[@Schaaf]

Yessss

[@cmbiker]

Hey Schaaf! Great video and commentary. Just wondering what you think of the gearbox? I find that I need to put very little pressure on the shifter peg to shift gears and that the clutch friction zone is quite narrow. Most of the motorcycles I've owned have had a much more, for lack of a better word, "noticible" gear change sensation to them. I find on the Z900 that the gear change process works best with a much softer touch on the shifter peg and a quicker clutch lever disengage/engage movement. Your thoughts?

[@Schaaf]

I liked how it worked :)

[@cmbiker]

@@Schaaf Indeed you did! :)

[@rebelautovlogz695]

Nice video, can you tell please tell me which windshield that is and till what torso level does the wind blast get deflected?

[@Schaaf]

I unfortunately do not own the bike and could only ride it for this video. I have no idea, sorry

[@zardportugal]

"Little" beast. Cheers.

[@Schaaf]

Thanks

[@iodineclip]

glad to see you loving the z900 ! please, tell me, do you prefer it over the MT09? ( i know this question being asked alot, but i just have to ask it ) :)

[@Schaaf]

depends on the use. The Z is better overall. The MT is more fun the tighter the corners get

[@SoulReaper599xx]

European roads are so nice and smooth! I wish we had roads likes these here in socal, would make riding so much more fun and safer.

[@Schaaf]

thanks

[@6Mar99]

Just curious, how would you compare it to the z1000? Actually love the loose chest mount. The shakiness makes it more realistic(at least for me)

[@Schaaf]

never rode the 1000

[@errolreyes827]

is this stock exhaust?

[@blipco5]

Dang it, I don't have time to watch. Will cone back to it. 🍻

[@Schaaf]

I appreciate it :D

[@blipco5]

Schaaf , couldn't walk away, I HAD to watch and share. 🍻

[@freshtomato834]

@@blipco5 me when I see a pizza leftover at 8am

[@kylewho1151]

That short 3rd gear sure looks fun.

[@Schaaf]

Yes!

[@davecornett4056]

I have the 2017 Z900 would you say it's worth upgrading to the new model ? Great riding by the way .

[@Schaaf]

No the old one is definitely good enough and rather similar :)

[@gethinsalter599]

Great video, I’m torn between this and the 890 I need your help 🤣 just road riding 👍

[@Schaaf]

Both will do greatly

[@gethinsalter599]

@@Schaaf any thoughts on the z1000?

[@davidsak4531]

Great drive. I was definitely determined to buy Z900 2020. But now i can see new MT09 2021 which has quickshifter up/down and more electronic assistents - i have respect and i feel more safty if electronic assistent can help in crazy situation. New MT09 weights about 20kg less than Z900. I am driving only max 200km in the afternoon. Sometimes on small technical circuit. Which bike do you prefer to be faster on technical circuit and feel better during this drive?

[@Schaaf]

for circuit riding I'd prefer the Z with modified suspension.

[@blipco5]

The speedo is indeed low, it covers the handlebar clamp. I think it has to do with the crouching tiger design. I'm still loving mine three years on. 🍻

[@stmboat]

I have Gen 1. I can't think of a more outstanding and versatile platform. Not to mention rugged. The only think Kawi could do to improve their z line is to put a rocket engine in it.

[@blipco5]

Steamboat , 2017

[@Schaaf]

Nice!!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Did you have any issues with false-neutrals while riding any version of the Z900, Schaaf?

[@Schaaf]

nope

[@sunilangadi605]

Hai Schaaf, good informative video.. 👍 Just wanted to know ur height and hows the riding posture/comfort for touring.. Thanks

[@Schaaf]

All good, 184cm

[@sinanshamsudeen4839]

im not an inline 4 guy. I like crossplane and v4 sounds. But z900 makes a good sound and i like it

[@Schaaf]

thanks

[@paulocelso68]

Nice video. Do you think this bike requires a steering damper?

[@Schaaf]

No need

[@sidroman]

z900 vs gsx-s750, which one is better overall, and which one is more fun in corners? Cheers.

[@Schaaf]

Overall Z900, the Suz is more fun in corners

[@kravmagau]

Schaaf, you are a GREAT rider..... Maybe someday, I will be like you.... When you ride whit your cb500, 😍😍😍.... Sorry for my English

[@Schaaf]

You can do it!

[@keloniomannamoinolk7153]

Which do you prefer? This Z900/Z1000 or Honda cb 1000R?

[@Schaaf]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6DSgJV-mp2cm7s

[@paullacey2999]

More Kawasaki howlings please Mr. Schaaf.They sound like they came from the gates of Hell....

[@Schaaf]

Thanks Paul

[@sankhasubhra5278]

Which one will u prefer z900 or street triple R specially on sound?

[@Schaaf]

On sound? Definitely the Triumph

[@DGBomber]

I really hope you will try the S1000 XR again but in Dynamic Pro to feel the torque 4 cyilinders are capable of! :)

[@Schaaf]

I did. It still is non existent below 4K

[@Tsoglani55]

I currently ride an 09 Z750, my complaints are suspension and breaks. I am torn between going to Z900, which honestly covers all my needs or switch to something in another class like hyper naked specifically a tuono 1100.

[@Schaaf]

Whatever feels better to you