A quick look at the NEW Kawasaki Z900RS from Kawasaki motorcycles South Africa

We got a call from KMSA inviting us to collect their all new Kawasaki Z900RS and go for a bit of a burn. Sean took it out a few years ago and came back with the biggest grin on his mug, now the rest of us get to have a go as well...
Check out the full story on www.motomedia.co.za or click on this link ridefast.co.za/kawasaki-z900-rs/

[@JLNYardBird]

Finally!!!!! A video that shows the bike going down the road and the rider position.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

We do try aim to please...

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Awesome, thank you for the feedback. We will make sure that we keep that in mind when we do future videos.

[@davgb7904]

"...it's only a 900cc..." How times change. It replicates one of the largest and grandest machines of it's time aside from the likes of Laverda or Harley, and most of us were in awe of the size of the Z1 engine (as indeed we were even of the CB750!) I owned a 2018 Z900RS for two years before thinking it TOO big for most of my riding now. But, only a 900cc, it's a fabulous bike.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

We have to wonder what a modern Laverda might be like if they were still around and making bikes today - would be a thing of beauty we think.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

Beyond gorgeous. Kawasaki forever. Cheers from NYC USA 🥂

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

They do build extraordinarily beautiful machines, but man, oh man... those motors are just phenomenal.

[@routerider9542]

thanks for showing the road speed and the tachometer clearly. Up to 200km/h ... great video. cheers from Canada ...

[@ericronan9984]

Bought mine last month . Love it

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Enjoy it Eric, we are quite jealous.... we had to give our demo back after a week or two

[@SenkiAlfonz]

I have bought the same model and colour as well - it was not an easy job, here in Germany almost all of them was already sold! On 1th of April i am going to get mine as well. Looks great on the road!👍 After another retro bike - my ex was a CB1100EX, the last model in Europe. But this one is really cool, the coolest retro naked bike!

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Hi Roland, You are purchasing an amazing motorcycle, so smooth, so responsive.... and so, so very sexy. You are going to love it, Send us a short review on the bike when you have done a good few km's on it. We would love to hear your feedback.

[@SenkiAlfonz]

@@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines i will!

[@kwakithailand]

You'll absolutely *LOVE* you Kawa Z900 RS 👍

[@macsmotors]

Good colour choice! I have the same one, picked it up just under 2 weeks ago and have already got the 600 mile service booked despite masses of rain in the UK. Loving it to bits, you'll love it too!

[@SenkiAlfonz]

​​​@@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines so, first 450 kms are done :) 0-350 km - i hated it. Max RPM 4000, in 6th gear it means 100 km/h. But she showed something - i am here please take care of me, i will give you more :) Then, after 2 tanks of gasoline i could forget the max 4000 rpm, and an another world has been opened 😊 That sound, that handling, that will, that motorbike IS a dream ❤ Okay, the next step is 6000 RPM, BUT it is an another world..... 😊 Tomorrow i will drive forward and after the first 600 i could forget these rules 😂

[@alexinanalogue2645]

That was a really great review. I've heard on other reviews over the years that the throttle was a little bit snatchy at low rpm's due to modern emissions fueling but maybe they've managed to figure this out as you didn't mention this. Good to see the Jaffa paint scheme isn't the only good one, this one looks great.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Thank you for the positive feedback

[@vincentdavidson755]

Yes I always used 90° weight gear oil on my chain works super never use grease

[@shunpillay]

Awesome review. Thanks. I’m considering stepping down from a Blade which I’m just getting too old for. This may be exactly what the doctor ordered.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Hey Shun, it is an excellent way to go and the transition should be fairly smooth

[@davidpearce859]

Great review, totally enjoyable and to top it off, my favorite color combo from all the model years! It reminds me of a very similar bike that I once lusted after… the early ‘90’s Triumph Trident 900 also in beautiful black and red with the gold pin stripe.

[@nickvandernet]

Incredible how much this part of South Africa looks like rural Australia.

[@vincentdavidson755]

Yes the best bikes made for Shure

[@vincentdavidson755]

Yes u can rock And roll on a 900 rs🧝⚡🌴

[@Jagshemasher]

I'm envious of your weather . . . . as of a week ago it dumped around 6 inches of snow here in Canada. Can't wait until riding season starts again. I ride an FJR1300 and a Ninja 400 but this bike really appeals to me for shorter rides . . .this and the Triumph Speed Twin and Bonneville 1200. Its a gorgeous looking bike especially the 2022 model year in Candy Blue. I'm similar vintage to yourself - had an RD400 when I was 18.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Canada is a beautiful country, but the long, freezing winters are tough to bike in, we may may have our many multitudes of problems here in South Africa, but our coldest day where we live in Gauteng in mid winter ranges from about 2 or 3°C if it is a really cold day to somewhere around 12 to 18°C mid afternoon and is generally always dry, so always beautiful riding weather here... even on a crappy days. You have some great bikes. The choice between the Z900RS and the Speed Twin is a difficult one, both amazing bikes both in looks and performance. The Zed is smooth and comfortable and has Superbike performance from a few years ago. The Triumph is a little bit more compact for bigger built riders, has the typical twin characteristics to the motor, and is still quick. Hard choice, go for an extended demo ride back to back on both, then do it again a day or two later - then buy the one that keeps you awake at night.

[@TrustyZ900]

Have a '22 Candytone blue RS. Definitely the best color on these bikes. Had a KZ1000 when i was 18, but wanted an RD400 as well. Impressive bikes.

[@marshallcollins8634]

I am in the U.S. and I have never been able to find a dealer that will let you demo ANY bike.

[@NVZ249]

The bike of my dreams.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

It really and truly is a dream machine

[@herra.m1743]

I like it ❤

[@mikemcclernon5784]

I am bragging; 58,000 miles on my 2018. I guess they will never uodate a modern classic. Still retains great looks as well! The centerstand sokd me. How can pit miles on a bike and not be focused on chain maintenance. No-brainer, yet its overlooked on every other chaindrive bike.(?). Heated grips, a must. Fit some hardbags, neverending story.

[@hottotty13]

You’re right about sixth gear on these. Thing screams all the way to fifth then turns into trolly when you kick into sixth. I bet a tune would pull more out of that gear.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

We think it is designed as a bit of a touring gear for once you get onto open highways or long smooth roads.... but it can also be used be for decent top end runs once you get it revving properly in sixth gear

[@vincentdavidson755]

U can. Get a brighter brake light and heater grips and a big windshield for the freeway🧝💃⚡🌴🏴‍☠️

[@thebritonabike]

Beautiful bike !

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

It sure is! And really, really nice to ride as well, whether you are wandering around town slowly or turning the heat up and scratching through mountain passes. Very little in the way of electronic nannies, so a very organic feel to the bike.

[@thebritonabike]

@@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines I have a Bandit 1250, Bmw K1600GTL.and a ST1300P ........ but I think the Z900 might be on my list to try .... great review!

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

@Brit On A Bike, Nice fleet you got going there. You know what they say about having too many bikes...? Too many is almost enough!

[@thebritonabike]

@@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines I forgot to mention my Suzuki VanVan and Guzzi V7...... never 2 many bikes! Ride safely keep the shiny side up!

[@christianmichaelis4201]

Brilliant review. Thank you. Always worry that it might be a bit too much bike for me. Born in 1970 it reminds me of the old days. I gather that if you don’t want to ride it super fast it’s still a good bike to take it steady but have that power there for when you need it?

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Thank you for the kind words. Yeah, I is the type of bike that you can take for a relaxed ride through the countryside, enjoy a mass ride through the burbs with a bunch of like-minded souls or really hang on the gas and go scratching. Comfortable as can be with nostalgic looks but modern performance and handling. Go get yourself one, you won't be sorry.

[@scavidiro2301]

yeah, is great bike, nimble like a snake between cars in crow traffic, confort super, power, just need open gas, stock sound , mmm, probably not need else aftermarket, i love her 😂

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

@@scavidiro2301 and fantastic value for money as well, all that goodness for a very reasonable and fair price

[@jamespolucha8790]

I’m trying to buy one but I need to get a better price for a trade in or sell my Indian out right, but I’m going to get one here shortly, I really like all the great reviews

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Awesome review. I love when you showed the cruise speed and stuff cause I’m a road tripper and for me the ability to do comfortable speeds without straining engine is awesome! I went to a local dealer here and saw it’s currently retailing for R210k. The big question is buy this or take a z1000sx with all the bells and whistles for R250k?😮 I mean this retro has me really but for intended use what youl think?👏🏾

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Hi Ozem, Thank You for the kind comments. To answer your question: The Z1000SX would be more suited for long-distance road trips touring and has its own kind of beauty. The Z900RS is gorgeous to look at and to ride and if you are into old school touring, (like we used to do in the 80's and 90's), it is more than capable of doing that. However, the question is - "Are you?". Are you prepared to strap your travel bag to the seat and deal with the wind (no fairing)? Bolting on windshields, panniers and top boxes would not only ruin the apeal of the Z900RS but would put you squarely in the price range of the 1000SX. We love both bikes, but for touring, we like the creature comforts offered by the SX. We hope that has answered your question and helps you make the right decision for you.

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

@@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines I believe I follow my heart with bikes il take a z900rs because not only do I love naked bikes but to say years down the line I own a legend of a machine is truly a remarkable thing 😌☺️🫣🥇🥇 Maybe it’s best to buy both and be happy 😩🫶🏽🙂 Thanks for some awesome content and advice 👏🏾👏🏾😀

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

@Ozem’s Adventure of Random Stuff Following your heart is always the right way to go and that Z900RS is definitely a legend in the making. Send us some riding videos and maybe a quick review when you get your bike. We love seeing where everbody rides and hearing their opinions on bikes

[@tvdinner325]

Other than the larger radiator, are there any other changes for 2023?

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Not that we are awate of...

[@WindyWalk]

Nice review! I'm getting mine in the same color scheme in May as my first ever bike. Hope I can handle all of that power as a beginner. I just couldn't resist the looks of it, blows all the modern looking bikes out of the water IMO. Just a quick question, you mentioned Bridgestones being fitted to the bike, is this new for the 23 model year or specific to South Africa? From what I've heard Dunlops used to come as standard.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Hey Joe, The nice thing with this machine is that it is polite at low revs and toodling around but turns into a hooligan when you give it horns, so the best of both worlds. It is also a comfortable bike for longer distance rides. So a great bike, whether you are new to biking or a veteran Biker. The tyre thing, we think that just goes to the cheapest bidder. Both the Dunlops and Bridgestones are equally as good.

[@WindyWalk]

@@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines That is great to hear, thanks for your response. I can't wait to pick it up and ride it myself!

[@kwakithailand]

​@@WindyWalk Mine came with Dunlops 😢 Not a bad tire, but not convincing enough in fast turns. Now it got a set of Pirelli Angel GT, it's a new bike. Nuff said...

[@WindyWalk]

@@kwakithailand Thank you for the reply Eric. I guess I will have to see which tires they come with, maybe even the Dunlops would be enough for a beginner like me since I plan on being careful at first.

[@kwakithailand]

@@WindyWalk Yes, you are right, mate 👍 Enjoy your new bike, you picked a great ride for your new life era 👍

[@stanleylawson9015]

Is the yellow ball worth the extra as just looking at these now love this colour

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

The 'yellow ball' is quite distinctive but worth the extra cash??? We're not sure. That is quite subjective though, had they added on some upgraded suspension or electronics package and distinguished that by the limited or special paint scheme, then yes. But extra cash for a paint job....Hhmmmm, we are not totally convinced. They are gorgeous in any colour

[@OM-sb2bd]

Are you sure you’re only 5’9” ?

[@bodfx]

What is your height?

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Hi Ghani, 5 foot 9 inches

[@vincentdavidson755]

It has 16 more hp. Then the Harley 117 and weighs 200lbs less

[@FrankBonessa]

I have both . '22 900 RS and 117 Low Rider S. The HD with cam and pipe ain't no slouch for weighing close to 700 lbs. Z might take it in the 1/4, but it would be close. Already ran an 11.45 @ 116 with the 117 and I'm no PeeWee Gleason.

[@vincentdavidson755]

@@FrankBonessa thats fast for a heavy bike love the feal and look of the 900 rs has a 1000 ltd that I ran fast from fla to las Vegas nv it ran great in the heat never had any issues at all like it was made out of titaumn and I bought it used

[@FrankBonessa]

@@vincentdavidson755 If you're talking about the Kawasaki ltd 1000, they've always been a favorite of mine. I had a '77 standard KZ1000 and my friend had the ltd. One of the coolest bikes ever made. Simple and really cool. Don't need all the modern tech. How did we enjoy bikes without it. Cheers.

[@BarnettSpeedSuzukiThou]

Not as good as it looks but sortable oh and 948cc

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

Dunno, it all depends on what you are looking for, it is pretty good stock. But yeah, it does have a lot of potential to go much quicker and handle even sharper. Then again, so does everything else...

[@skandix]

Great bke, but really not a Gentleman's bike.

[@ridefast-dirtntrail-magazines]

It's a great all rounder. Copes very well with being both a hooligan machine as well as a gentleman's bike. Fits in perfectly with the DGR, (Distinguished Gentleman's Ride).

[@ralfybaby]

​@RIDEFAST - DIRT & TRAIL this gentleman wants one 😂 In the blue with yellow stripes colour scheme like the 1978 z1000 that I used to ride back in the 80s .... Nice review. 200kph and she looked completely at ease. Unlike mine back in the day 😅