Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe Video Review (With A Bit Of Drag)

[@mrcintheuk4641]

If ever the big TV channels decide to do a motorbike show, this guy must be one of the presenters! A masterclass on how to do a review.

[@davdidit6]

“ The look of this bike might not appeal to you.....weirdo!” One of the best delivered lines ever. Great review, well done bravo!!!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@Justen1980]

I really dig it but for whatever reason kawasaki only offers it in green in the usa I want it in black or any color other than green

[@LTLT900]

@@Justen1980 weirdo.

[@Justen1980]

I just got home from the dealer with my new z900rs café! Paid cash for it too so it really is mine!

[@ralfybaby]

@@Justen1980 that's how it's done! Congrats! Gonna sell my watch collection....

[@erikleeblake]

After so many reviews that bafflingly prioritize commentary on looks and near-meaningless features, this one that actually details what the bike is like to ride is a breath of fresh air.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@richard9444]

This is exactly how we use to do it in the late 80s ride from London to the pod ,race and ride home...easy .great video

[@796andy2]

here I the states I'd ride my gpz to the track, race all day , then ride it home 198cough cough cough

[@error404]

I loved the review. This guy looks very casual speaking about the kawa and suddenly hits you with a bold, honest statement without changing the tone. He'd be the perfect teacher. I really enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@error404]

By the way, today I'm a proud owner of a Z900RS Café in part, for watching this video

[@sharkskin3448]

"It's not as slow as you think, and you're not as fast as you think." HAH! Love it!

[@alechassfield9470]

It's true, I wound up racing a zx10r on my rs and to my surprise pulled ahead of him from a stoplight up until 100 and then he passed me, but the torque and short gearing makes this thing a missile out of the hole

[@veneratedmortal4369]

I know I am slow as a snail on a literbike but I still did 10.8 and 142mph. I can literally fall asleep and pass most other bikes. No credit to myself.

[@KB-yj5xp]

This is my 3rd season with my Z900rs I’ve put 45,000 km on it and it has been absolutely perfect, I can’t think of another bike out there that I like more.

[@michaelhayward7572]

This guy is one of the best bike journos on YT.

[@johnhogan8177]

Thanks, Michael. Appreciate the feedback. Unless Michael is a fake name and you’re actually my mum just talking me up.

[@karci_ha]

Definitely agree.

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@johnhogan8177 haha

[@jaygdav]

Probably the best motorcycle review I have ever seen.....and I've seen plenty!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks for the feedback

[@88kjt]

I was hesitating about buying one. I had z650 poster on my wall as a child. I ve watched some other reviews on you tube , where the best they can come up with is they don’t like the chrome handlebars and they are shuffling along at 40mph telling you what a great handling bike it is. I took one for a test ride this week and then found your review last night. That clinched it. Y0u are a great rider and seeing you hoon the bike round corners and front wheel inthe air never mind the drag racing sealed the deal and I bought a new one today

[@timothymills733]

To all bike reviewers, professional or otherwise, this is how you do it.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Timothy MIlls thanks Timothy

[@neilhendley1119]

Totally agree!

[@randallbillingsley4777]

Good Point, took the thought bubble right off my mind while watching this.

[@MrPitsilos]

I had the same feeling. Subscribed.

[@jhvfcvhgu66ujv]

Come back to this great review every now and then. Was probably the one which sold me on the cafe. Had mine for nearly 3 years now and still my favourite bike of all.

[@staffordvideoproductions5788]

Perhaps the best review I’ve seen on the Internet for the Z 900 RS. Very nice production values and excellent editing.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers, glad someone's noticed the hard work the production team have put in. (When I say production team, I mean me!)

[@brucekendall52]

The best retro looking bike of the current era.Thks.

[@disekjoumoer]

This was one of the best bike reviews I think I've ever seen. If I had le money, I'd seriously think of getting one of these after paying the speeding fines.

[@Justen1980]

I bought the café a few months ago. I love it. This is one of the videos that made me wan to get it. The green really is growing on me, too!

[@CubanRider]

I absolutely love the looks of this motorcycle.

[@pint6x]

Wow - someone who reviews a bike in a way that makes sense. I couldn't care less about 0-60. top speed, titanium exhausts, trick camshafts, race suspension etc. I just want to know 'Is it any good?' and 'what's it like to ride?' - this review shows me the bike has character. Well done. Definitely one I'd consider.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks, let us know if you go for one.

[@RedRoo13]

Professional, concise and comprehensive but he comes off as a guy I love to ride with, and talk bikes and gear with over a couple beers. Thumbs up & subscribed. Well done!

[@Paora42]

What a brilliant presenter! He kept us very well in informed, but laughing also! Thank you.

[@frendyv1]

I’ve been looking at this Bike for a couple years now. Had a 1975 Z1B in the seventies I bought new. My most fond memories of riding are on the seat of that Bike. I’m a little older now, but I want one last rodeo on a Bike that I truly love. Owned no less than 20 Bikes since then , mostly Harley’s. I found a non-current one at a decent price. Pretty sure I’m going to be a proud owner real soon of a Z900RS Cafe in that gorgeous green. It will be in my heated garage so I can feast my eyes until Spring.

[@vegarosa69]

Did you get the Z900RS?

[@frendyv1]

@@vegarosa69 Unfortunately no. They sold it before i could get my hands on it.

[@55afishead]

The video was so good I had to subscribe. You can tell when a motorcyclist enthusiast does a review. Thanks, man!

[@metrographics]

Brilliant review. No "umms" and errs" just cleanly spoken, witty without being silly, informative but not dry. Captures the passion. Oh, and the BB Bronze seals it for me, this man has taste ;-) PS. I just subscribed, hope to see more like this please!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks, lots more to come!

[@stepirate]

You got this stuff dialled in John, cracking watch! 👌🏼😎

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Stephen Sumner thanks Stephen

[@hottotty13]

Still the best review I e seen on these. Real world specs and answers.

[@tanglediver]

Been out of the riding loop for more than 20 years, just had enough back then. After watching many new bike reviews of all kinds for just a little while now, this bike shows up on a random video...... I last rode a Seventy Eight, Kilo Zulu, Six Five Oh, in this exact style..... Needless to say, I had a "Deja Vu - All Over Again" moment (to quote Yogi Berra). For two days now, I have been catching up on old videos, I may have to visit a dealer soon.

[@63mymojo]

LOVE YOUR STYLE, that's how to deliver a review..... YOUR WAY, bloody refreshing!!!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks Evan

[@TheImtoomuch]

"You're probably not as quick as you might think." I love it. So true. I love the no nonsense reviews. Nicely done. My Buell XB12Scg has tons of intake noise. It sounds like a monster snorting or growling.

[@stevieg75]

Thats how to review a bike. Good job man!

[@IM-nt6ql]

Great review! My favourite of your channel so far!! Especially loved the creative incorporation of the drag racing bit! That made it different and special from all the other 100 reviews of this bike

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@rockafella1690]

Great video as always mate. Beautiful looking bike. Produces 98.5nm of torque though, not 75. I obviously live and die by the spec sheet. 😊

[@ecrusch]

This guy knows how to throw a review out there! He review of the new Rocket III is by far my favorite. (Although I sure wouldn't mind having this Z900 either...)..lol

[@johnhogan8177]

Eric Rusch Sr thanks, Eric.

[@gtsteele6219]

Can't remember enjoying a review more than this one. So informative. If all the planets line up this week, I will be driving one of these home on Friday.

[@MrSantacruz48]

Thank you! I am the lucky owner of one of these and this is the first review that I felt captured how I feel about the bike. Japanese Muscle and a blast to ride.

[@yatishvasa3560]

Was looking for a review video of the Z900 RS and came across this drag racing tutorial video. I am glad i clicked on this video ❤️ got to know a lot more about drag racing. Most probably will participate in the next Valley Run in Mumbai. Cheers and thanks for making me smile 😁

[@michaelmaxwell568]

The best motorcycle review video I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen many.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks Michael

[@philipjames3526]

This is one well produced and interesting video. A normal bloke talking in a normal fashion about drag racing! Love it. This and the Isle of Man video are my fav bike videos of recent memory. Keep up the good work. Next is to do a 'track day' inspired video. Mainly talk about 'Don't be surprised it you are the only one on a road bike, and the amount of vans' or that everyone has tyre warmers. Just enjoy yourself Etc :-)

[@justdad53]

Great vlog! As I grew up with Kawasaki two strokes and raced against the first Z1s and remember most guys best ETs were 12.7-12.8s on stockers at 105-106 MPH. Top speeds on the old Z1s were maybe 125-128 MPH. New bike definitely quicker and faster. I think 12.4 was very respectful, curious what it would correct out for density of altitude. On my Thruxton R my best 60 foot times come at launching at 5400 rpm and with both feet down. I have tried with one foot but it sometimes upsets bike if I bring the foot up too quickly. I have also found if sport bike riders are slow at the tree, slow to open throttle, bang against rev limiter and miss shifts this old man on his Thruxton R can take them in the quarter. My best ET so far is 12.121 at 112.96 MPH and best certified top speed at Bonneville is 136.155 MPH. Sounds like these bikes are pretty even performance wise.

[@elvinzapata9012]

That was the best review I have ever seen motorcycle or car. Great job. You sold me. I will be buying one soon. Thank you.

[@postersm7141]

I absolutely love my 2021 RS Café!! very accurate review. That induction noise is amazing!!

[@markc7842]

Great review, I also bought a Z900rs Jaffa late 2017, a very happy upgrade from Aprilia Tuono. These Z900rs are designed by riders for riders, so light to push out of my garage and very easy and comfortable on the road. I couldn't designed it better.

[@marzinho11]

Really? I mean, what you didn't like about the Tuono to call this an upgrade? Or was it 125 Tuono? ;) I'm not trying to banter even, i'm really curious.

[@markc7842]

@@marzinho11 , it was a 2014 Touono , bad fuel tank design, always overflow at fill-up ,no air flow, no brain. Leaking coolant from hoses, and oil. Stopping at traffic lights, fans kick in but temperature keeps rising , engine stalls. I bought brand New and only done 8000km in two years. It was a relief to get rid of it. First and last Aprilia.

[@1941392]

Great review and those jokes slipped in are great. Very honest and helpful, especially your time at the drag strip. Old is new again.

[@Sanjay-Tripathi]

Brilliant. One of the best reviews I have ever seen.

[@veneratedmortal4369]

Your reaction time is not usually included in your time. It's included in the race win or loss but the time is just when you trigger the start and finish. And if you suck at driving don't worry your speed will still be a good indication of how fast your vehicle is.

[@jdempsey92]

This is the best bike review I have watched. Z900rs is an awesome bike.

[@tomascastillo886]

Amazing review within a story, or amazing story within a review. Either way, loved it.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@whittlad]

Agree with its competitors as I’ve demo’d the Thruxton, XSR900 and Z900 and all three are fantastic bikes and you wouldn’t be disappointed with any of them. They’re fast with good suspension, brakes, comfortable and sound fantastic.

[@Toni62R]

Best review of the 900rs in the web - congrats !

[@alwynmcmath]

Lovely review, makes me want one! Be keen to hear how it stacks up directly against your XSR900 long termer

[@chrisredfield3240]

The xsr900 is a lot more compact and has more power and is cheaper.

[@jamesavery6671]

@@chrisredfield3240 much uglier though

[@timv5764]

@@jamesavery6671 have you seen the xsr900 with the aftermarket old school fairing like the Z900RS has? It is gorgeous. For about $400, you can make it look better than the z900rs. Then it is still cheaper and still faster

[@anne-mariebosley2260]

@@chrisredfield3240 The Kawi has the better handling chassis and suspension. The fit and finish is also far superior to the Yam. The Kawi makes more torque and is only around 4 hp shy of the XSR at the top end.

[@chrisredfield3240]

@@anne-mariebosley2260 chassis and suspension never seems a strong point for Yamaha. Always about the engine. Can't have it all.

[@davenobbley7681]

I've owned my 82 gpz 750 for over 20 yrs,3 engines later and I still ride it everyday the weather is nice

[@davidhowell7901]

I know what you mean! I bought my 2000 ZRX off the showroom floor and put over 20K miles on it the first year! Loved that bike and plan on getting it's "offspring"!

[@bobzeno]

Truly great review on this green cafe racer, I don’t like super sports race bikes anymore...they eat your drivers licence for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they are just too fast for public roads.....watch the many nutters going crazy on KZbin..... This green thing is super great value for money and brings a big smile on your face every time you play with it... Again great video on a great little bike for a fair price with more than enough horsepower...👍👍👍

[@timbrocklehurst6247]

That is the best review I've ever seen , perfect 👌

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks Tim

[@natem1332]

I've been watching review after review of this bike. Hands down best one. Im not super knowledgeable on the metric system but then again im not here for the specs. Well done!

[@fyorbane]

Brilliant review of a fantastic bike. More than enough performance in the real world. Would love one in my garage if I could afford it.

[@catalin1588]

Such a good looking bike... I love it! Not to mention how good this video review is... this dude is doing a great job!

[@ralfybaby]

Great review of a great bike. A modern throwback of one of the greatest ever bikes what is not to love?

[@mrdarryljones1]

Thoughtful, informative, real, entertaining and focused! Thanks, a well spent 15 minutes!👍

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

mrdarryljones1 Thanks

[@grantderue]

Thanks for the review! I'm picking mine up today.

[@postersm7141]

12:19 I couldn’t agree more. After just over 2000 miles on mine, I threw on a set of Michelin Road 6 and it literally transformed the bike!!

[@RRacingMTSP]

Sold! That’s a great review of the bike eloquently delivered, good work John. Will be trading in the MT10SP unless Yamaha release something equally fantastic in the next 18 months 👍

[@1990-t1j]

R1, keep the MT.

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

R1Racing71 MT10SP71 really, that would be some drop in power etc, mind me asking why you would change from MT to RS?

[@RRacingMTSP]

1990 perhaps, but I have also a Big Bang R1 and I fancy a change. Can only ride one at a time 😬

[@RRacingMTSP]

The Incredible Sulk MT is brilliant, but I also have an R1 and always fancied a new retro, and I like old Kawasaki’s 😊

[@JBZSTFC]

I traded in my standard MT10 for a Z900RS cafe. The drop in power took a bit of getting used to but, in reality, it's plenty fast enough. I fancied a change and am very happy with it.

[@rickhindle7516]

Awesome review of this fantastic bike. Test rode one recently and preferred it over an Rninet. Ride quality is perfect for for the road

[@1SaG]

Such a gorgeous machine... especially in that Kawa-green.

[@TopshelfJunior]

Just bought the 2022 Z900RS Cafe in Black w/ the the grey stripe. So far so good !!!

[@chrissorreda4982]

God the Z900rs and this cafe version is on fire. I’m 23 but i’m all about this

[@simonthomas5367]

Brilliant review, thanks. And what a great looking machine!

[@hardtarget2359]

Great review! It is a good looking bike! I just got a ZedRX1100 and love it! Its a very easy yet powerful bike to ride!

[@savedzrex1]

Great review w/ practical insight and humor.....enjoyed it!

[@jimburg621]

much respect for giving credit to the original KZ 900 as the standard for super bike.

[@colincanyon2519]

Think I'm gonna buy one of these, been watching them for quite a while now 👍😁

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Let us know if you do and how you get on.

[@colincanyon2519]

@@BikeWorldTVshow I certainly will can't wait 😉

[@HORNET6]

Nice straight down the line, review and refreshingly not littered with flowery metaphors 👍

[@WilliamKeating01]

Absolutely brilliant review.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks William

[@rickstark1917]

Great video!! I love the drag strip footage. My next bike will be a Z900 RS 😊

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

definitely a man of culture, someone point me at a good tuning video for these!!!

[@Stclairm1]

Only drag racing review I've seen on this bike. I'm looking for something significantly faster than my Goldwing, this might not be it, but what a cool ride. I can get the ZX14R for the same money and I absolutely loved the test ride back in 2017

[@cncguy58]

Great review! I ordered mine a couple of months ago and can't wait to get it!

[@mancavemoto]

As ever, great review.....oh and John....you've got something on your shirt mate ;)

[@abbaby555]

Man I really like this bike,vit reminds me so much of the Kawasaki GPZ I rode back in the very early 80's

[@galaxeon797]

came here to leave a respect for a great review... Best on YT concerning this bike in paricular! And why wasn't I suprised that I'm not alone here doing that?)

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks Denis!

[@mdaydj]

love the bike and the Tudor BB Bronze too !! I have the watch and the bike is on the must buy list ! Great review Thanks

[@salsamancer]

Looks good in Kawasaki green. I wish they bring that color over to the standard variant of this bike.

[@christianjones4624]

had mine for a week. 65 mile daily commute. love it!

[@mhough3]

EXCELLENT vid my brother! Man I’d love to ride that bike!

[@snowpharoah3839]

Lovely review. Many thanks. Like the return on the Z9 and even the stint into the drag racing world. Plus, you seemed to really like the bike! It didn't seem like a forced call at all. I guess all that is missing for me is a thought about how it compares to the other néo-rétro bikes you mentioned - it seems like it might be better than the XSR, the RNineT or the Thruxton...

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I never had anything but Harley’s and now a Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan. Can’t stand the “ crotch rocket” riding position. But THESE with the retro seating position I can ride!!! So glad to see some sport bikes that don’t require laying on the tank and cracking your neck to look forward. I gotta check one of these Kawasaki’s out

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Let us know how you get on.

[@planetpeckham1]

Wonderful review! Test riding one of these tomorrow in sunny Valencia.

[@1990-t1j]

The longer I watched this video, the more I liked this bike. I would like to see a comparison with the XSR900. Good review, as always.

[@Nickkenway]

I also have an XSR900, and would like to know which you prefer.

[@BucketWheat]

My Brother had a New 1976 model KZ900, in the same 'root beer' metallic -- but with thin gold and red-orange pinstripes rather than the large orange pattern -- and he went and Ordered a New Z900RS even before they were 'officially' released for purchase! And he was the First Customer in Georgia (USA) to take delivery! He went to the dealer and they 'officially' waited until 12:01 am to transfer ownership... But *I* Like the Cafe Fairing...and it has only recently been released in the USA... I hope to be ordering a Z900RS of my own soon... But I was disappointed with some of the modifications to the Cafe Model, including a slight reduction in power, and different handlebar, and suspension settings, and more... So, maybe I can just order the Fairing and mounts thru the Parts Department and mount it on the 'stock' Z900RS...then have all of it painted Candy Apple Red, with gold accents...Like the 3-cylinder 2-stroke Kawasaki I had years ago... My Brother LOVES his new bike, except for the higher seat height...and, even though it weighs less than the original KZ900's he still 'feels' the weight difference compared to the Sport Bikes he has become accustom to riding, and the softer suspension and a bit less braking ...

[@ralfybaby]

Webike dot com from Japan have a jaffa fairing but according to one of the reviewers the colour is a bit off. I am sure aftermarket fairings will arrive soon enough maybe even one of those huge winjammers people has back in the day

[@MacBegbie]

Bang on review that. Bang on! 👍

[@Robert8455]

Nice review dude! Especially nice rips at the drag strip too. I just love Kawasaki inline 4s. I wished my ZRX 1200R had this one's 6th gear.

[@bgbg8885]

Great review! You did say one thing that i would say is most definitely NOT true though. And that is that heating up a modern tire doesnt have any affect. I will agree that on a machine like the z900rs, a sort of low powered bike (compared to what is available), you do not really need much heat in the tire (but you do need some if you truly understand the machine and are pushing its limits and know what you are doing with that). It just doesnt have the power to make a full burnout necessary for the average person. But i assure you that if you take something such as a zx14r, or any of the other high powered bikes available, and you are pushing it and know what you are doing... a burnout makes a HUGE difference. I know this because i have in fact experimented and tried it. A soft, sticky tire isnt nearly as sticky when it is cold. And with no burnout, even on a prepped drag surface... a bike with some power will spin hard without a burnout. To be fair... 99% of the people on the planet cant launch a bike to its fullest capacity and would never know the difference. Thats why some bone stock zx14's run mid 10's in the 1/4mile and some run 9.20's. The drag strip can check your ego pretty good if you dont know what you are doing.

[@G73450]

Thanks for a interesting and thorough review. Looking very hard at one of these.

[@CatalinAdc]

Love you're test and review 👍👍 Best regards

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@CatalinAdc]

@@BikeWorldTVshow I have a question. Wich bikes do you choose between this Z900 RS Cafe and a older Ducati Diavel Cromo? Don't do long trips, and I like the sporty feel as I like the old cafe retro look of a bike. Best regards

[@threethrushes]

Liking the longer format of videos - more meaty. Good review. Personally, I do not like the cafe look, but the bike is a solid one.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks Gerhard

[@andrewvanstaden8922]

What an absolutely awesome review. Seriously!!!!

[@TheRavinoth]

Outstanding video. Loved every minute of it!

[@derekturner9514]

Just switched my ninja650 for one of these, after watching this brilliant review.

[@jijogeorge8356]

Excellent review, just loved it..

[@butlersracing7692]

I was clapping in my mind with this review. So sold am I on this bike... And there's no doubt in my mind that you are too 😂👍👊

[@leewatkeys9065]

Enjoyed that thanks. Loved the ‘your not as fast as you think you are’ comment 😀

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Lee Watkeys thanks Lee

[@babayaga1767]

saw one of these at my kaw dealer last summer. my neighbor actually owns the dealership, i'm a bmw guy but it really caught my eye. i've watched several reviews on this bike and haven't seen a bad one yet. i just got a 1250gs but i may have to park this next to it