2022 Z900RS Cafe. REVIEW & FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

#z900 #z900rs #kawasaki
Welcome back to the vlog. Picked up a Z900rs Cafe a couple of weeks ago. Loving the bike so far. Waited to get the color I wanted and for Kawasaki to work out the issues with the first few years in production.
This is the "first ride" and my review and first impressions on the bike.
Let me know what you guys think and what kind of mods or videos you'd like to see on this or any of my other bikes.
Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel if you like the content.
Follow me on Instagram @dorian_vlogs

[@MrPepper312]

I have 22 cafe, same color. I am 70 yes old and had a couple KZ1000'S also a Bandit that 1200, all in line fours and have always changed to headers. But my z900rs cafe I am keeping the stock exhaust. Kawasaki has tuned it for a great sound and I love the intake induction sound when you open it up.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Stock definitely sounds awesome. I just wanted a little bit more sound but Stock is good.

[@oc3422]

Great bike I have the 2019 Green one! Great bike, best most comfortable middle-aged sports bike!

[@dorian_vlogs]

A great bike for sure.

[@NoelHeyer]

love the green, I found a black 2023 but rather find another color or wait to see what 2024 will be.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Can't go wrong with any color. It's a matter of preference. Great bones.

[@CityNDN]

i like my z900rs cafe. did some touring with mine. great bike fun to ride.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Awesome. So far so good.

[@backroadjourneys7674]

Nice Bike! you're gonna love it the more you ride it. Congratulations.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Thanks. So far so good.

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

pretty impressed how much u noticed from just a few hours, your gut feeling about the luggage spools is spot on, no way u can order better than those and they screw right in, careful with the fender unless u get some kind of extender youll have a mud stripe up your back every time you ride in the wet

[@dorian_vlogs]

I'm editing an update video on current mods. It looks different now. Lots of improvements. Fender is gone.

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

@@dorian_vlogs excellent, I can't wait, check mine too!

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@jean-pierrefernandez2460 will do big man. 🤙

[@joeparamed90]

1st time today, watched you cut exhaust then this video, bit backwards but great stuff. I have a Ninja1000sx but I have always loved the retro look. Its green and I know what you mean about colour. I'm looking at getting the rs as they look so cool! Great videos itll help me a lot! And not what to do! 🤣 keep vids coming! Cheers

[@dorian_vlogs]

Awesome bro, get the rs. They're great bikes. And yes, DON'T do the exhaust the way I did it lol. 🤦‍♂️

[@clarkeuale466]

Very cool bike! Haven't seen them in black/silver. Love it!

[@dorian_vlogs]

Thanks. I waited for the black one to be released. 👍

[@user-dottory]

I've got a 2019 z900rs cafe with green gray color. It's been 5 months since i became an owner, and i like it like crazy. I rode vulcan s and street twin before both were cool bikes but i like this one better!!

[@dorian_vlogs]

Nice. They're great bikes.

[@andyedmond248]

G'day mate. What a gorgeous looking bike. I must admit that the black colour is really striking especially with the two tone brown/black seat.. Mate, the ducktail is part of the iconic history of this particular retro, but hey, each to their own taste's. I will be buying one next year to sit along side my fjr1300 in my garage. The fjr for touring and the Kwaka for pure fun. Liked this video and have subbed. Hi from Oz.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Good insight. The color was definitely one of my favorite things about the bike. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching. 🤙

[@mathieuconstantin3356]

This bike this make me smile every time I ride it. Perfect all around bike and good looking too..

[@dorian_vlogs]

I agree. Fun to ride and good looking.

[@user-iu5kh9dd5m]

日本語で失礼します。自分も同じバイクに乗っています。とても良いバイクです。 日本から愛を込めて。

[@mrglock2313]

I bought the same exact bike. I have around 450 miles on it and I have no complaints. I am ready to reach 600 miles so I can put amsoil in it. The bike gets a lot of looks when I am on the road. Take care

[@dorian_vlogs]

Nice. It's funny, I'm around 475 miles. I'll get to 600ish this weekend hopefully.

[@mrglock2313]

@@dorian_vlogs I wish I would get to 600 that quick. Every time I try to ride it something comes up and I have to drive my truck 😂 be safe!!!

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@mrglock2313 oh bummer. You'll get there eventually. ✌️

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

i have a nice pair of shorts how to do the suspension, saw no reason to depart from stock settings on comp and rebnd, still check them, mine were mismatched from the set up tent

[@dorian_vlogs]

Gotcha. I'll check it out.

[@crownkingmoto5064]

That is my dream bike bro, great one hope to have one in future.

[@dorian_vlogs]

It's a great bike. I hope you get one soon.

[@Justen1980]

ECO = you are getting best fuel mileage. KTRC is the traction control. I bought the green one so everyone knows it's a Kawi! But the new black ones do look badass!

[@dorian_vlogs]

Green ones are cool. 👍

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

le flash, before first oil change hehe

[@jorgedesantiago8886]

I have the Same exact bike . I also want to do the eliminator and bar ends , I'm not really sure where to start since I have limited experience moding bikes. I really look forward to seeing what you do with it.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Cool. Good choice. I already replaced the mirrors. Pretty simple. Made a big difference in styling. If you have Instagram you can find me @dorian_vlogs and I'll shoot you some pictures. Otherwise I'll film it asap.

[@bertsbike]

Got the same bike. Loving it!

[@dorian_vlogs]

Same here. Enjoy it. 👊

[@bertsbike]

@@dorian_vlogs 💪

[@gregorybosenbeck866]

Nice job Nice bike iam buying one in two weeks thanks 😊

[@dorian_vlogs]

Awesome. They're cool bikes.

[@JuicyJuBiker]

J’adore! Je pense vraiment m’orienter vers cette moto plus tard! Ride Safe ✌️🏍💨💨💨

[@dorian_vlogs]

✌️

[@TrezlySnipes]

Subbed as soon as I heard you say you were in Houston. I might be getting this exact bike tomorrow. 🤙

[@dorian_vlogs]

Do it, do it, do it!. See you around H-Town.

[@TrezlySnipes]

@@dorian_vlogs hell yea brother, ride safe

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@TrezlySnipes 🤙. Hit me up on IG. Maybe we can link up if you're down. @dorian_vlogs

[@razorback6098]

Very nice video Dorian. One question I have concerns the handlebar position. I recall you mentioned being in an upright seating position. Did you ever feel like you were leaning over to reach the bars since on the Cafe version I think the bars are lower? I know on the standard Z900RS the bars are up higher and back a little more. Thank you for your response. Mike K.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Thanks for the compliment. The riding position is slightly leaning forward but very little. Barely noticeable. I know this will seem like a shameless plug but towards the end of this video, you'll get a perfect side view of the ride. Hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmqYiKqgeZ6Wp5o

[@razorback6098]

Thank you Dorian.

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@razorback6098 👍

[@FliGuyRyan]

Hi there and happy rev'ing. What other upgrades do you want to do now that this video is 7 months old? Also, did you consider the new Yamaha XSR900?

[@dorian_vlogs]

I'll put out a quick updated mods list soon. Most upgrades are on the other videos on the channel. I've never owned a Yamaha so I haven't really considered the xsr900 but the new one looks cool. Fun to ride even.

[@backjabber6425]

God i dont know much about motorbikes but that Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe in black is just gorgeous.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Thanks bro. 🤙

[@souricba]

Just purchased SE yellow ball love it

[@dorian_vlogs]

👏👏👏 congrats

[@rb73moto]

It’s an amazing bike bro. Ride safe ..

[@dorian_vlogs]

🤙

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great video man. You got my like. The Z900RS is a wonderful bike. Considering one as my next bike. Keep up man. p.s. Subscribed. p.p.s. Drop by when have time.

[@dorian_vlogs]

🙏🤙🤙 much appreciate the like, comment and subscribe. It's a great bike. Good idea to consider it.

[@mattbarts7987]

Hey Dorian! New to the channel bro…. Enjoying the videos. Wanting to get a new bike and saw you have a Thruxton as well. If you were me, out of the 2 (Kawasaki and Triumph) which one would you go with if you were me. 30 min. Commute to work and small coastal town riding here in NC. Wanted to see what you would go with. Thanks bro🤙🏽

[@dorian_vlogs]

Welcome and thanks for watching. The kawasaki is great but, out of all the bikes I've had, the Thruxton, is by far my favorite bike. Still today, i can give up any bike, except my Thruxton. Comfortable, quick, reliable and sounds awesome with that 270° parallel twin. Hope that helps.

[@mattbarts7987]

Thanks bro for the reply. It helps for sure. Keep ‘em coming Bro 🤙🏽💯

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@mattbarts7987 🤙

[@brewed544]

Correct me if im wrong but the old school way of bedding in an engine (rings) was to get it warm then geting up to red line intermittently in each gear but dont hold it there,,, back of f and do that on/off for a thousand KM's,, change oil,, then do that occasionally for the next 1000kms,, change oil again,, then ride as normal.. Thats how ive always been told to run a motor in.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Gotta be honest with you. I simply follow the manufacturer's instructions and then ride it like I stole it. If after that the engine fails, it's on them. I've heard your way back in the day. You may be right.

[@brewed544]

@@dorian_vlogs Yea I was always told to ring the neck out of it but never hold it at revs and never hold it at mild revs,, change after a thousand and do that again for another thousand and its good to go,, and thats by a guy that used to build drag motors,, not sure how it translates to modern production engines though. Ive run a few motors in like this and they always go hard.

[@brewed544]

@@dorian_vlogs And nice bike too,, always loved the Z9's

[@jayteesgear]

Awesome

[@dorian_vlogs]

Thanks bro. 🤙

[@jayteesgear]

@@dorian_vlogs demo’d one recently and it Rocked!

[@dorian_vlogs]

@jay tee's Gear Garage for sure. They're awesome. Nimble, plenty of power and easy on the eye.

[@bryanstoll7104]

Good looking bike! Just got one just like yours, bro im dissapointed in its performace.. its got no real power band. Its a old man bike. I like your video work.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Good looking for sure. I've done some research.. get a booster plug or power commander. That'll set it loose. Open up the airflow and it helps. Thanks for the video work compliment, I appreciate it. 👊

[@xxtyler420xx]

Beautiful bike. I'm looking at buying one in the next few weeks. After owning it for a while would you still recommend it as a good purchase?

[@dorian_vlogs]

I've owned it two months now. It just keeps getting better and better. Once it breaks in and you can take those RPM's a little higher, it's awesome. I'd buy it again.

[@bryanstoll7104]

Hum! The gearing not right bro, 1st gear through 5th gear is progressive. Six gear just drops off the cliff, If i was going to keep mine, id go to a bigger rear sprocket.. it would liven up 1st to 5th and id still be able to cruise in overdrive 6th. It doesn't matter what you down load or pipe you use, the gearing will still be off.

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@bryanstoll7104 that's subjective bro. I think 6th is my favorite because I bought this bike to highway cruise. If I was trying to top end it and make it a top speed machine, you're right but this thing doesn't feel great at 3 digit speed. You know what I'm saying? I get your perspective though and you're right.

[@bryanstoll7104]

Wow! In that case your excactly right. I think Kawasaki accidentally made one of the finest middleweight touring machines you could buy! Just got off mine, its growing on me! LOL. Its one smooth ride. Low speed handling is out of this world, it doesn't fight you at all! That fairing does a splendid job.. Bing six foot one its hard to ride a crotch rocket for long periods! Thx for talking.

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@bryanstoll7104 your reply is literally spot on bro. Handling is good and natural. Thanks for watching. 🤙

[@lewcarrumjohnson2786]

Not available in UK anymore sadly, only released 2018-20 I believe.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Oh bummer. To be honest with you, it's the same bike. Only changes are the colors.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Do you feel that the Z900RS easily drags the pegs on tight curves? Do you feel that the handlebars need to be changed out for a slightly lower bar?

[@dorian_vlogs]

I've watched videos and hear something scrape but I've thrown it into the curves really hard and not once has it scraped and I'm at the end of the tire. Handlebars are ok. I wish they were a little more forward if that makes sense.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

@Dorian Vlogs it did make sense with the handlebars. I changed out my bars many years ago on an old kawasaki which shifted me forward and placed more weight on the front. The handling improved significantly while not putting any additional strain on my back or web on my hands.

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@thinkingimpaired5663 nice. Thinking about doing this. 🤔

[@lifewithdorian8078]

Awesome bike🤌🏼

[@dorian_vlogs]

🤙🤙

[@ocdptony7363]

Iam going to buy one of these

[@dorian_vlogs]

Awesome. Do it. 👏👏👏

[@thelost_woods]

Curious after your break in how it does on the highway at about 85. I sold my Yamaha Bolt and bought a Harley because the Bolt wasn't the best highway bike but I'm definitely intrigued by these Z cafe bikes and would definitely trade the Harley if it could handle it.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Gotta be honest. It's great up until 90. Then the wind becomes a factor and it starts feeling uneasy.

[@gtrs4ever]

@@dorian_vlogs yeah I agree, I replaced my windscreen with an MRA bubble.

[@dorian_vlogs]

I'm going to have to look into it. Thanks 🤙

[@gtrs4ever]

@@dorian_vlogs original windscreen made my body like a parachute, felt like I was going to get blown off the bike holding on for dear life. Don’t get that with MRA windscreen only wind to my face shield, been up to 135mph, no issues. Hope that helped.

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@gtrs4ever that helps for sure. 👍

[@warrenventer]

how comfortable for pillion compared to the non cafe z900rs ?

[@dorian_vlogs]

It's not bad. Very comfortable on long rides.

[@warrenventer]

@@dorian_vlogs Thank you for your reply , regards comfort of the seat is that the cafe version for the pillion the seat is different to the non cafe version. The bench seat will be comfortable on the non cafe version. I must then for myself decide which one , and if i am not to big for the bike . 6,2 feet and 100kg , my weight will be fine its my inseam at 34 that might be a problem I have ridden the bike and it goes beautifully worried about long distance rides.

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@warrenventer I have a 32 inseam right at 6'. I don't think 2" should make that big of a difference. Just my opinion though.

[@thebigempty_5792]

Leave it alone and enjoy it for what it is.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Impossible, given my nature.

[@crazyhorse851]

What is this color called? Looks dope

[@dorian_vlogs]

Not sure honestly. Other than black, unsure.

[@tvbuu]

Bro are you from houston? Lol this area looks familiar as hell 😂

[@dorian_vlogs]

Yeah, northwest Houston. 👊

[@vincentdavidson755]

The 900 kaw is this best all Around bike you can buy the Trans and moter and clutch Will never let u down no Mater how fast and long u Drive it. It's like made out of Titaum . And I have been Driving bikes for over 50 years. U may want to add crash bars In case u drop it 👱⚡

[@dorian_vlogs]

That's good to hear. This is my 7th kawasaki. You're right, they never let me down.

[@GlampCity]

How good of a good deal ?

[@dorian_vlogs]

What are you asking exactly?

[@tubeee87]

I'm 5'4. You think I can ride it?

[@dorian_vlogs]

For sure bro. You'd be more than capable at that height. I'm 6' tall and I flat foot it but my brother is 5'7"-5'8" and he wasn't even close to being on his tippy toes. You'd be fine. 🤙

[@tubeee87]

@@dorian_vlogs Thanks bro! Ride safe!

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@tubeee87 thanks bro, you too. 🤙

[@stratolestele7611]

It really depends on how your body is built. Some have short legs and long torsos, vice-versa, and everything in between. I'm short. I make adjustments. These are easy to lower without too many compromises - just don't go too far. I'm 5'5" (on a good day) BTW. Haven't done anything to mine yet, but I'm thinking of dropping it 3/4" to 1". After 30 years of Harleys, it feels so light that I'm never worried about dropping it. I'm also kind of strong (many years in the gym). Working out and increasing your strength just makes your life easier! Oh, and I'll be 63 this year.

[@Diwash1]

How much did you pay for it ?

[@dorian_vlogs]

15k

[@vincentdavidson755]

Yes u can rock and roll with that baby u better buy one best all around bike u can buy 🧝⚡💃🌴🏴‍☠️

[@dorian_vlogs]

That's right. Great bike.

[@CrankieFrankie99]

How tall are you?

[@dorian_vlogs]

6'

[@trailblazeratv6306]

It's a dad bike but I like it !!

[@dorian_vlogs]

Ha! That literally made me chuckle. You're not wrong.

[@MrMoto948]

Get a turbo from CC racing. Then video it.

[@dorian_vlogs]

🤙

[@jasonstrom9283]

I’d love to own that bike but I think I’m to tall

[@dorian_vlogs]

Gotcha. I'm right at 6'. Fits me perfectly fine. How tall are you?

[@jasonstrom9283]

I’m 6’4

[@dorian_vlogs]

@jasonstrom9283 yeah it might be an issue. I'd test ride it first.

[@jasonstrom9283]

Seems like showrooms are empty of that bike around me

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@jasonstrom9283 gotcha

[@vincentdavidson755]

O yes I use 90 weight gear oil On my chain it's the best and Your chain will last forever Remember to always check The slack in your chain half Inch is good so u save your Sprokets👱⚡

[@dorian_vlogs]

Does the oil not fling all over the place or does it stay on the chain because it's so heavy?

[@vincentdavidson755]

The first thing I do is use a small Paint brush and some solvent to Clean the whole chain then use A cloth to wipe off excess by Putting it around the chain and Rotate it and any excess on the Sprokets then I soak a cloth with The oil and hold it on the chain And rotate it so the whole chain Is soaked good that way in oil Will penetrate the rollers on chain Then I take a dry cloth and hold It on the chain and rotate it to get Off any excess. It stays on very Good for thousands of mi. Never Use greese it dosent pentrat the Rollers on chain. U only want about a quarter inch play in the Chain so if u adjust make Shure U check both markers on the Back to make Shure their even. A half inch may b a little to much Play in chain so it's butter to Keep about quarter inch play. I ran my 1000 from FLa to Vegas Really fast menny times and my Chain was still perfect after thousands of mi.

[@vincentdavidson755]

And it stays on the chain because It's so heavy and lubercates the Inside of rollers

[@dorian_vlogs]

@@vincentdavidson755 makes sense. Thanks for the advice. I'll check it out.

[@dorian_vlogs]

Great advice. Those old school tricks! I like it! 🤙🤙👏👏👏👏 Much appreciated. 👍

[@mrnobodytheuser2950]

Toecutter bike

[@dorian_vlogs]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@zackdreamcast]

Don’t love it 😢. Thruxton 1200 wannabe

[@dorian_vlogs]

Opinions vary.

[@elithegreat6463]

Kawasaki green, just cheapens a bike it’s the worst color ever made for Motorcycle🤢🤮🤢

[@dorian_vlogs]

It fits on some bikes. Not my favorite though.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@dorian_vlogs The darker Green is better, but that Lime green typical Kawasaki color is horrendous 👎

[@dorian_vlogs]

Yep. That's why I didn't buy it when it first came out honestly.

[@michaelchristopher2549]

I’m in the process of deciding between this exact bike and a 2016 Thruxton 1200 R with only 1500 miles on it….the agony. 😆

[@dorian_vlogs]

Good choices. I own both. Hard to choose. They're similar but different you know? RS is more comfortable. Thruxton fits me better. You can't go wrong either way. 👍