2020 Kawasaki Z900RS ※ First Dates

[@RikkyTang]

This bike only had two miles on the clock when I got on it, so please bear in mind that I can't ride this bike in the normal way 😊

[@TrustyZ900]

Great review. Feb. of '22 I bought a Z900. Loved it so much, I just bought a 900RS. I really enjoy the sound of this bike. It has a definite growl to it, Rides smoother than the Z. Attention to detail is excellent on these bikes. Nicely put together. I'll be keeping these two for a long while.

[@RikkyTang]

Yes I think Kawasaki got the RS pretty much spot on! Great work considering it's "merely" a derivative of the Z900

[@GeraldGarcia]

Hey Rikky, been watching a few of your first dates and I really like your style of reviews which is always "nitpicky." I prefer that than an all praises, all the time reviewer. And you're an experienced rider with nice bikes on your stable so your opinion definitely counts. Don't change and continue telling it like it is. I wish you more subs!

[@RikkyTang]

Thank you for your kind comments Gerald, very much appreciated I can promise you 😊

[@rogervidamour]

I got mine and have a 1970s two tone plum and tan paint job like the original. People are stopping and asking me how I have kept the bike so mint all these years lol. All I need now are dekelvic 4 into 4 chrome exhausts. bit of a push at £1600 approx but maybe this year

[@RikkyTang]

Wow I've never even knew a 4 into 4 was available! That's ridiculous and awesome at the same time 👍

[@charlyromeo7926]

Awesome bike.... Classic look. Master of all trades and master of none.

[@RikkyTang]

I think at least it is the master of looking fantastic!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

The tank is now just black, without those brown and grey lines from 2019, I think.

[@JackieTreehoorn]

Nice vid, appreciate the time stamps, gets you what you need. We don’t get the black option in US, agree, looks great!

[@RikkyTang]

That's a real shame about he black version not being available in the US! Looks lovely in the flesh (OK I'll stop rubbing it in) Thanks for the compliments! 👍

[@stevetransit]

hi. is it anything like the bandit ? how does compare to the bm 1250r?

[@RikkyTang]

This bike feels a lot lighter than either the the R1250R or my old 1250 Bandit... more like a 750 than a 900! So if you prefer a smaller, lighter feeling bike than this could be a good choice. The engine performs well but obviously lacks the grunt/torque of the bigger engines. Overall though I really like it and if I had space (and the money) in my shed for it as well as my 1250, I'd have one!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Thank you very much for this. You kept your promise and that`s nowadays a lot.

[@RikkyTang]

My pleasure, I hope you found the video helpful 🙂

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@RikkyTang Yes, I was. I would like your comment about the throttle. I know that you were riding more or less below 5k, but I wonder what do yout think? There were some complains about the abrupt/snatchy throttle, you probably know. Thanks and I hope that you are gonna take it for another spin.

[@RikkyTang]

@@RRRRefuelRideRace I think I will be able to take her out for a second date 🙂 I thought that generally the throttle response was good but yes it can be a little snatchy when you make a small initial roll-on with it. But I have ridden other modern bikes with worse snatchiness so I don't think that it is a deal breaker. Hopefully it doesn't get worse when I am allowed to use the full revs next time.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@RikkyTang Thanks man. If you will have the opportunity to review Suzuki GSXS1000F let me know. These two bikes are on my list as next.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@RikkyTang Anyway I am watching all your videos.

[@billbarrett6285]

What do you think about the Z900RS as a frst bike for a beginner who is in early 50s, 6'3" 215-220, average build? What other bikes would you suggest I take a look at?

[@RikkyTang]

Tricky question. My first response is to say a 900cc bike is too big for a first bike... a bike with over 100bhp can get you into trouble really quickly if you are not experienced. The thing is, a lot of people would disagree. On the plus side for the Z900RS, the power delivery is predictable and the traction control can potentially keep you from having an accident if you get throttle happy - up to a point. Personally I would suggest gaining valuable riding experience on a bike with less power first before moving up - a Z650, SV650 or Yamaha T7 Tenere are all great bikes.

[@lapinobel]

I own the r1250r but really considering to go back to the RS. How would you compare them?

[@RikkyTang]

There are not many differences between the two but I prefer the more upright riding position of the naked R. Having said that I think you can order the RS with a tubular bar conversion (or get it done later). Apart from that, I was getting turbulance from the RS windscreen which put me off the bike, but that wouldn't be an issue for everybody as we are all different shapes and sizes!

[@lapinobel]

@@RikkyTang I meant the r1250r vs the Z900RS :)

[@RikkyTang]

@@lapinobel Oh Dear! 😂I think they are two quite different bikes. Now this is only my opinion... the Z900RS is smaller, lighter and more manageable than the R1250 but on the other side it has less HP and a lot less torque. I'd rather have both in my garage at the same time but if I had to choose one, then the R1250 gets my vote. I prefer the electronics and the overall performance. The Z900 with a Lextec exhaust system does sound lovely though!

[@arturjozefowski8374]

Yeah, black is better than green or grey or candy red. Lovely, looks clean.

[@TheHayabusa09]

How is the wind buffering at speed? Does it feel like it's trying to throw you backwards? Would the genuine Kawasaki cowl make a discernible difference?

[@RikkyTang]

The wind pressure is pretty constant and there was not much buffetting, but obviously when you start going very fast you need to be leaning forward into the wind and it won't be very comfortable! I have also ridden the RS Cafe with the headlamp fair and it does reduce the wind pressure but I think the effetcts will depend on the size of the rider. From a wind blast point of view I think I preferred the fairing but from a looks point of view I liked the bike better without it!

[@wayneharvey4064]

You mentioned seat is high, what is your height and inside leg? Cheers

[@RikkyTang]

I'm am 1.7m (5'7) and have a 32" inside leg. The seat height isn't extreme, just higher than I expected 👍

[@wayneharvey4064]

@@RikkyTang Thanks for info, your same measurements as me 👍

[@mmaaddict78]

I have a 2018 RS in the root beer color way. It’s a great bike.

[@RikkyTang]

Yeah I really like it - Kawasaki got it right with this one 👍

[@stephenpercy54]

Lower seat height is 800mm.

[@The9meister]

Nice bike, I would lower the suspension instead of the seat, I could get both feet down when I sat on it, my 07 FZ1 S feels more comfortable with it's gel seat, but, I like the z900rs.

[@RikkyTang]

That's a good idea about lowering the suspension... wish I'd thought of that! There is a lot of fresh air between the rear wheel and the seat so the bike could probably stand being dropped a bit.

[@stephenpercy54]

@@RikkyTang I thought the lower seat option was quite a bit lower, around 800mm.

[@RikkyTang]

@@stephenpercy54 I had a look on the 'net following your comment and I must say that the lower seat (25mm lower than stock apparently) looks like it would suit the bike a lot better! There are some complaints of it being too hard which is a shame but at least one person has had it reupholstered. I'm sure there are other options out there too.

[@stephenpercy54]

@@RikkyTang Yes, it’s the standard seat option in the Far East.

[@joka4625]

Does it have cornering abs ?

[@RikkyTang]

No it hasn't got corning ABS - no IMU on this model.

[@steveright408]

nice bike, currently ride a MT09 , thinking of test ride this kwak

[@RikkyTang]

I've just ridden the Cafe version today with the little bikini fairing. Slightly sportier riding position and the fairing worked well... maybe worth considering too 😊

[@steveright408]

so much choice! bikes have come along way, positive outlook more test rides for me! ste, Lancs u.k biker.

[@RikkyTang]

@@steveright408 Yep you're right it's an amazing era for bikes. Stay safe! 👍

[@steveright408]

@@RikkyTang thanks you too, roll on better weather , peace ste u.k.

[@innalee7232]

Please help me. I have a strong desire to ride a motorcycle, but I have no experience and I do not like anything but classic naked. Can i start with the z900rs or it's not beginner bike at all?

[@RikkyTang]

If you speak to people from different countries I think you will get different answers... In the UK I think most motorcyclists (including me) would suggest you start with a smaller bike first and gain riding experience before moving to a bike with a nearly 1000cc engine. The truth is many riders fall off their bikes in the early days and its best to do your learning on a slower bike that doesn't cost you a lot of money. That is my advice but other people may give you a different answer.

[@innalee7232]

@@RikkyTang , thanks) i tried Honda rebel 300 i like it, but it's to low for me (6'1''). I know about Honda CB400 and Suzuki SV600 but it's not available in my region ( Also it's will be motorcycle for quite long term (2-3 years if I'll not die), so i'm afraid to buy old models(as ducati monster 400). Can You recommend something?

[@johnambro7181]

Get a small displacement say 250cc enduro and learn the basics of handling and traffic riding. Then move up when your comfortable. As well a instructors course would not hurt and give you a foundation to build on.

[@RikkyTang]

@@innalee7232 I'm sorry that I didn't reply earlier - KZbin did not notify me about your message. I'm not sure what region you are in, but is the Honda CB500X available? Or maybe a KTM 390 Duke, or a Suzuki V-Strom 650? (it's generally the adventure styled bikes that suit taller riders best).The important thing is that you find a way to get some riding experience before moving to a big fast bike.

[@dereklchung]

Get something light and second hand. You will drop it, most likely in the parking lot. It happens to all of us. If you can, get some skills training and ride regularly. Once you fell confident, then the Z900RS will be a great choice.

[@bicmac333]

10:50 min. I just can't see the streak of fear... ;-)

[@Roberto7537]

Bellissimaaaa!!!✌✌

[@vector409]

toying with a cafe version or a used s1r ..

[@RikkyTang]

Hoping to ride a Cafe this year if the weather improves again (doubtful!)

[@try-that]

I was excited when this first came out, but to me, it's one of those bikes that look better as a picture rather than real life :( I don't like the front mudguard mount, the rad is to wide, all tails on bikes are hideous :) I'd rather have the bike from my 80's TBH. Nice review though

[@RikkyTang]

Sounds like you've spent more time studying it than I have! It feels really nice to ride, partly because it somehow sounds like an old four cylinder bike... I'd have one in my imaginary KZbin millionaire garage 😂

[@try-that]

@@RikkyTang I might have 1 in my imaginary as well, but I think I'd still look out the old one :)

[@smolmaninthepeakdistrict5069]

The 80s version is also twice the price. So there is that to consider. I would prefer a z1 but I don’t want to spend 20k pounds on a bike.

[@JackieTreehoorn]

In a perfect world, it would be an 80’s version w/ the modern suspension, tech & engine, agree the old ones look amazing. In reality, while the old bikes r fun, this bike would leave an 80’s Z at the light, in the corners & breaking, not even close. Over 20-30 more HP, w/ a modern suspension & TC that keeps the wheel down & can corner much better.

[@Roberto7537]

E sí stesso colore della mia,la bimbo7, è meravigliosa!!✌✌🏍🏍

[@RikkyTang]

Sì, la Z900RS è una bella macchina 😊💕

[@Roberto7537]

@@RikkyTang Certo che è la mia e forse non fa testo.... ma io sono obiettivo davvero le provo personalmente prima di acquistarle e ho iniziato ad andare in moto da tanto non ho padroni e soprattutto non guardo la marca le mode e come tutti quelli che i soldi li guadagnano onestamente li spendo con oculatezza!

[@RikkyTang]

@@Roberto7537 Sì, è meglio provare molte moto prima del tuo grande acquisto perché potresti essere sorpreso! Spero che comprendi le mie parole perché sto usando un traduttore di testo 👌😁

[@Roberto7537]

@@RikkyTang certo ho provato la xsr 900 la mt09 la ktm duke 790 e la super1290 la bmw r nine t le moto di oggi sono fantastiche ma la RS é per me la Moto ✌🏍

[@_Per_Aspera_Ad_Astra_]

you think ... how about pre-check before doing an review ... tx

[@RikkyTang]

Hi there, I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean more research before riding the bike or do you mean a walkaround before I ride the bike?

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

nice video rikki! just joined the Z club! more tips and vids at my channel!