Cafe Society Shootout: Honda CB1000R vs Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

We probably didn’t really need to compare the Honda CB1000R and Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe since they’re polarized enough in the looks department to make it appear that potential consumers will be drawn to one or the other - and their performance and mission statements both are close enough on paper to make them more or less interchangeable, aren’t they? I think we really just wanted an excuse to ride both of them again, they’re both such charismatic motorcycles. Everybody wants to hang out with them. What is a café racer? One that flits from Starbucks to Starbucks? Close enough for us.
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Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premier online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.

[@Juliang61]

I ended up buying the Kawasaki and I have ZERO regrets. This bike has character and is an individual. I get loads of compliments from all kinds of people, it looks great. Very comfortable to ride but with a hooligan side that is there if you want it. At 58 years old and after owning a plethora of bikes, this baby is the best!!

[@trido1986]

quick question .have u ever riden Mt09 (xsr900) or street triple. i keep comming back to cp3 engine.owned plenty of 1000cc bike but jusus.love torquy engine is z900rs fun enough?

[@Justen1980]

You're right man, I bought the green cafe in 2019. Dudes are always mentioning how cool it is, how they had a z1 back in the day, etc

[@imthatguy1878]

I just bought the 2023 cafe at 58yrs old and was asked how long it took to restore it and modernize it , the guy didn't know it was a new bike

[@godfatherNYC]

God, that Kawasaki. If you grew up on Mad Max and Road Warrior (like I did,) and KZs and GPZs, that thing is just a dream come true.

[@davidnewton3485]

You should watch a movie called Stone it's an Australian biker movie

[@godfatherNYC]

@@davidnewton3485 Doesn't that have the actor who played Toecutter (and Immortan Joe?) I've seen that one, too!

[@davidnewton3485]

@@godfatherNYC no mate the toecutter was from mad max 2 . Stone was an Australian colt biker movie

[@davidnewton3485]

KZbin · Wil Greenstreet PREVIEW PREVIEW 2:41 Wil Greenstreet (aka Billy Green) STONE 1974 Aust. Biker Movie Jan 5, 2011

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

Stone rode a Norton Commando in the Stone movie. The biker gang looked to be riding Zed 900s with cafe fairing.

[@markc7842]

Been riding my Z900rs for nearly twelve months now, will never sell it , so easy and light to ride.

[@guyross2125]

What do you get for MPG?

[@markc7842]

@@guyross2125 5.3 lt/ 100km around town and much less on HWY.

[@dominic9279]

@@markc7842 hey Ross whats the difference between the z900 and the cafe rs?

[@markc7842]

@@dominic9279 Z900 is a naked motorcycle, sporty and minimum fairings, and the Z900 RS is a Retro Sport , classic style of the 70s ,made in Japan with a lot more quality metal parts.

[@dominic9279]

@@markc7842 do you sit more upright on either one?

[@mattileblanc2161]

As a z900rs owner without having ridden the Honda, I can tell you that the Kawa has plenty of power. It has a lot of torque, almost 100nm. I love second gear, range from 20-125kph and it’s amazing to see the needle shoot up through the analog dial. Great bike!

[@jeff7.629]

Honda - You meet the nicest people on a Honda. Kawasaki - Let the Good times roll.

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

Harley- put cardboard under the oil pan.

[@atlas3863]

MotoknivesandgunsbyJT 😂🤣👍 Yeah buddy HD’s are like dogs they like to mark their territory.

[@mrmark8603]

That's it? You don't want to copy and paste another corporate catch phrase?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You meet the nicest good times an a roll. It revs the heart.

[@DBomber_24]

That Z900RS Cafe is gorgeous. My heart will always bias towards any kawi since the first motorcycle I rode was a Kawasaki.

[@ezrapardede1921]

To me the CB competes with the likes of mt-10, Z1000, etc, it's basically a modern naked sports bike with round headlights.

[@bowenleigh3327]

Exactly. I think Honda's marketing team is a bit misguided marketing a performance oriented naked bike as a modernized japanese cafe fashion statement just because it has a round headlight like 98% of all motorcycles 40 years ago.

[@gnashmelllow]

@@bowenleigh3327 They say it is a Neo-Cafe racer, so I think they know it is not a full out retro bike.

[@benjamincs1]

That's how it's usually seen, but maybe it's interesting to see it like this. It's slow compared with super nakeds, but interesting compared with the Kawa.

[@sungerbob1786]

do you mean Mt-10?

[@samrit123in]

The real competition of the Z900Rs is *CB1100 EX/RS, Thruxton R, R NineT, Duc Scrambler 1100, XSR 900 & Moto Guzzi Griso.*

[@JamesExcell-InterJex]

Sounds like a great video. Yes please!

[@sredju]

Yea, with inverted fork, radial brake calipers and superbike wheels its a really old school bike.

[@devilhearts007]

Hey Motorcycle.com , love to see this happen

[@psmith608]

Agreed. They have no business putting the CB1000 up against the RS - apples and oranges.

[@cesarr5006]

out of all i test drove; I got the Z no regrets 3k miles so far

[@lucasb2128]

Kawasaki absolutely killed it with this bike. Absolutely perfect

[@DaleWalkerHoleshot]

Hey John, its great to see your still having fun in the industry. It was allot of fun working with you on my Bandit projects back in the day. Just thought I would drop in and say hi ...... Love your video's guys .... Dale Walker !

[@SBKPete]

Good review guys, but I would have thought that the Honda CB1100 RS, would have been a more appropriate comparison.

[@moustachio334]

No the Z900 is on a modern sport bike chassis and is liquid cooled. The opposite of the 1100

[@warrensmith792]

@@moustachio334 I would argue it's just a more retro option like the cb1000 is the more modern

[@gtx332]

I've tried both bikes, both look awesome and sound great. The z900 is a simpler bike with not so many gadgets but more authentic retro cool. While the Honda had a punchier engine, it's also buzzier, and doesn't sound quite as good as the z900. The CB has a far more modern execution so it really depends how retro you like to go. Both amazing and beautiful machines.

[@BobPruett]

I like the Honda better but I wouldn't call it retro-cafe, instead I would call it cyber-cafe. It looks like something from Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell.

[@eastbaymauiboy]

Agreed, but i was thinking Robocop for some reason

[@cedrickburns8097]

FACT💯💯

[@exexpat11]

What if a Maduro (the 1st Prize Fugliest MC) and the B-King (the Runner Up Ugliest MC of all time) had a love child and Honda branded it.

[@benjamincs1]

They call it neo café though, no?

[@triumphlover7455]

Funny, I was thinking one of the smaller Akira gang bikes.

[@420FlyByNight]

After owning a ZRX1100, I would definitely buy this Kawi. Eddie Lawson paint scheme all the way!!

[@xXturbo86Xx]

Z900 of course. It has the looks man. Maybe even a future classic.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

Had my 2019 Z900RS Cafe 3 weeks now. Just over 1000 miles. Its not for sale and never will be.

[@patriotrising6214]

Outstanding gentlemen,thanks for the review!

[@mrbear3888]

I own a CB1000R and I'm very happy 😊, don't regret buying it 🚀

[@whitelightning3330]

@Mr Bear you can never go wrong with a honda!!

[@mrbear3888]

@@whitelightning3330 I sold my CB and bought a 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260S. Hopefully, I won’t regret… 😂

[@miller98lsc]

@@mrbear3888 lemme know how they compare. Been riding the Honda for a year looking at the diavel

[@mrbear3888]

@@miller98lsc if you want a refined and reliable bike, stay with Honda. If you want expensive accessories, vibration but lots of character, buy a Diavel. Forget to mention, the Diavel is very expensive to buy. I sold my 2018 CB1000r with £7k and bought the 2020 Diavel 1260s with £17k

[@matthewbassham9332]

z900rs cafe, no hesitation!

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

team green 4ever! (im totally biased lol)

[@WildBikerBill]

If what you're looking for is 1980's Retro, the Kawasaki crushes the Honda. And the extra plushness, smoothness of engine, and small windscreen are likely to make you want to prolong the act of riding when the Honda rider is looking for a place to stop. And yeah...love them analog round dial cockpit instruments.

[@jimbosavage]

Wins the competition on looks alone.

[@eldesgraciado6690]

That Kawasaki is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need one ASAP!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

CB1000R, no hesitation.

[@tysoncott7402]

Hands down the kawi, no comparo!

[@chuckbowen4334]

Wait a minute, hands up, get the Honda, ive tested both, Honda is better by far.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@chuckbowen4334 You're going to spend that on the Honda, buy a 150 horsepower GSX-S1000 instead.

[@KissEricCarr]

I got the chance to try out the z900rs café and all i can say is that it's the best bike i've ever ridden so far!

[@aluisious]

That Vanson jacket is the best part of this video.

[@sunwong0]

First you said the throttle on the Honda is jerky then in the end you said even the kawa throttle is not as smooth as the Honda you still like the kawa.... what are you talking about man, get prepared before doing reviews.

[@kleinbottled79]

Exactly, the word smooth in motorcycle reviews has many different possible meanings and the reviewers rarely specify which 'smooth' they are talking about at any given moment. Drives me a little batty. Which smooth is it you bastards? Light vibes? Good general fueling? Not jerky On/off throttle? Predictable powerband? The ride quality? Some other random thing you decided to call 'smooth' today? *WHAT is smooth?*

[@davidfalgout7304]

@@kleinbottled79 THANK YOU!!!

[@tdeloriea]

I voted for the Honda. Its looks hook me. I have a feeling it will be overlooked by those walking through the parking lot. But I see the build quality, Honda reliability, and less manic overtone. It is a great bike to park next to my Panigale. Sort of the anti-character bike. Tone it down a bit and just sooth me as I ride. YET, I want it to perform when called upon. The looks to me are exactly what I believe Honda is trying to convey. Much like Porsche's iconic evolution in it's 911 styling, Honda took an in-line 4 UJM and pushed it through time into a modern classic look. Brilliant! It should look just as good in 10 years as it does today!

[@johnnygorena5318]

Agreed!

[@rosco950ss7]

Even though the differences may at first seem obvious, I'm supa glad you tested these two bikes as I am considering them both. Its always good to hear other peoples thoughts. Both are awesome machines in my view.... Very hard choice.

[@simianrogue]

Possibly two of the shortest motorcycle reviewers I've ever seen. They make the bikes look massive.

[@mrmark8603]

It should have been a Z125 Pro vs. Grom test.

[@hyedefinition1080]

And that's great for people like me to see how I might fit....their reviews are good, which is why most care about

[@jax1079]

That Honda, though. I'm a fan of Big Red. This just makes me even more so. Well done, Honda.

[@sansus80]

I am in love with the Kawa! Here in Argentina the Kawa is U$27000 and the Honda is U$25000. Yeah... we pay double the price you pay in US

[@mmaaddict78]

That is insanity. Your government is most likely raping it's citizens. No excuse for that ridiculous price.

[@salsamancer]

Same problem in Israel. We have 70% import fees on motor vehicles + 17% VAT, it sucks

[@sansus80]

@@mmaaddict78 indeed, it is the way populism works. I have a Versys 650 and it costed me U$S 22000. For that money I would have a Ducati.Multiestrada S1260 in Europe

[@elitetileandstone]

I owned a ZRX1200 for 16 years. That was a retro bike, going back to the original Eddie Kawson KZ1000. The Z900 is certainly retro, but it's reminiscent of the early KZ900's.

[@postersm7141]

I had a 2000 ZRX 1100 and loved it. I currently have a 2021 Z900 RS café in silver love it.

[@markp3594]

Went to see Top Gun Maverick & now there is a 50th Anniversary Z900RS in my garage! 😍

[@trackerthunderianz2010]

Kawasaki off course..... It's not that Honda bad or anything...but I would prefer kawasaki it has more character.....

[@leeanderson5955]

In 1973 I was madly obsessed with the Z1 900, then I rode my own 2004 VFR 800 for 90,000 miles and became a Honda guy. However, I remember how sweet the the old Z1's and Honda CB 750s sounded with 4 into 1 Kerker exhaust. I'd love to see and hear this Kawi in the review with unrestricted pipes and a Kerker-like exhaust. I wish these reviews weren't so conservative, tell the lawyers to piss off.

[@phil4986]

Nobody really knows today how revolutionary that 4 into 1 Keker exhaust pipe set ups were. You could hear those bikes a half a mile away coming at you. It was beautiful.

[@stratolestele7611]

I'm dyin' inside! I just bought a new black and gold z900rs Café today, but I was solo and the dealership is an hour away, so they're delivering it in four days (1/31/23). In the meantime, I'll keep watching vids like this, taking my new helmet and gloves on and off! Lol

[@Sunnight81]

I just buy the Z900rs café and I am already in love!

[@zyonsdream]

I actually used my dollars to choose the CB1000R. I have one in my garage. The throttle in standard and rain is perfectly fine for a drive by wire setup. It’s no different than any other FBW bike I’ve ridden. Sport mode is twitchy but that’s because the bike is trying to snap your elbows out of joint. It just wants to go! I’ve also ridden the Kawai. No comparison on power and power delivery. The Honda wins.

[@dutramtamang3129]

Whats your take on the sound of those two ?? Do you feel that Kawasaki is more sweeter?? I havent got chance to experience it.

[@bradfigiel2203]

I have the Z900RS and it's a bike that makes you grin every time you hit the starter. Oh by the way, every Kaw fan knows the after market $4.99 cruise control trick, 8M4991 Caterpillar Yellow Silicone O-Ring

[@TonyGarcia-qd5tq]

Got one last year in grey &green stripe, love it:) it’s a keeper..:)

[@LinuxGalore]

the Z900RS is a great bike to ride and has the looks but when you run the numbers it is $2,500 over priced. For example the standard Kawasaki Z900 has more power, better suspension and is about $3k cheaper. So really you are paying more for looks with less power and average suspension. One of my fellow riders was seriously looking at the Z900RS for AUD$18k until a Yamaha dealer offered him a new XJR1300 with a full front and back Ohlins suspension for AUD$12,500.

[@acherouvis]

I like how John is answering a text while doing a review

[@audiblewheezinginbound9709]

Definitely gonna get me one of the Kawasaki's.

[@lacix22]

I am 42, I choose the Kawa 7 out of 10

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

How awesome are these bikes and the whole "retro" thing in general. Very awesome imo. From John's comment about the Honda being "new retro", it's interesting to see the manufacturers implement their slightly different views on what a retro bike is. COOL!

[@haris525]

I own both these bikes. Kawasaki is more relaxed and a great looking bike. The Honda has better handling and I have the red one which is extremely nice. My Honda is not jerky at all, it’s actually smoother than my Kawasaki maybe because I ride it in rain mode. I prefer the Kawasaki on Highway as it keeps the wind at bay. I am looking to buy a BMW R9T next year.

[@dale-fi1fi]

without a doubt take the Honda in this!!

[@2011Kestrel]

I love classic styling on a bike - I'm currently riding a Suzuki C50 - and I hope we'll see more "retro" designs soon. Say something in the 1300cc range, hint hint. Between the two bikes you talked about, I would take the Kawasaki. I'm more into relaxed cruising than high performance, and I like the Kawi's styling more.

[@prutkul]

Check Honda cb1300 super four out mate.

[@vernonspady555]

I have a 2018 Z900RS...and I' m in love with this thing...nicest bike I've ever ridden.

[@gerkav1008]

Things are simple. Honda has not even one retro element. On the other hand, RS900 has analog panel, retro seat, old fashion mirrors, painted tail (70's) and much more. If RS had twin exhausts and twin rear shocks it would have been the absolute modern-retro bike. But above all, RS has Character, Attitude and Style!

[@pramathewyayawar6934]

That Honda is a beauty. F*** the haters.

[@MJT-DA]

THANK YOU

[@arkaprestige8051]

I think no one would hate a motorbike, except they are not a motorbike lover or doesn't understand about different ia a good thing

[@shangreisoshangreiso6750]

I don't think there is any reason to hate either of them. It's just that some like the Kawasaki more than the Honda

[@IvanMectin]

As a 58 year old the z900 just hit's the spot. I would love to see new versions of the z650, RD400,LC350. I've money to spend before I die !

[@williamschroeder3070]

Add my vote to the RD400, but we will never see it.

[@rzu7120]

I'd go with the Kawasaki, but not in that color. I saw one on Aussie Kawiman's channel that as I recall was a darker matte green, and looked really sharp.

[@kleinbottled79]

Yeah I don't like the color or the fairing. But some of these (fully naked) Z900rs's look quite good. Like the look of the Honda too, to be honest, but abrupt on/off throttle is a major pet peev of mine -- so it's off the list.

[@samiam8779]

We get a light grey colour too here in Oz.

[@anrods]

I'll go for the Kawa

[@Gautam454]

Blame the Euro4/5 for the twitchy throttle. If you get the bike properly mapped with a pipe, it will be butter smooth!

[@m.cutter7340]

Disagree. I have a 2017 kawi z900 and it was smoother than butter even before i added a tbr slipon and PC5.

[@Gautam454]

@@m.cutter7340 Maybe your particular gen wasnt constrained by regulations? Most new bikes are these days and thats why they unlock so much power whenever mapped.

[@scorpion-ninja8228]

I was hoping Zack and Ari were going to be doing these reviews . . . opps I was a fool. Nevermind I feel asleep listening to these 2 chat and REPEAT about "plush" a thousand times, etc! LOL :)

[@Martinez271992]

@7:50 "well, lets change the subject" 😂

[@threethrushes]

How spoilt do you have to be to say nothing stands out about the Honda? I have seen it at shows and in the showroom and it stands out due to its sheer presence, superb fit and finish. Of course, I have not ridden the thing, but it absolutely stands out. In early 2017 I went for the XSR9000. Honda is definitely a cut above my own bike. If I had unlimited resources, I would not hesitate to get one to replace my existing bike however I am pretty happy with my bike as it is.

[@jaimemetcher388]

Great looks, more power, better suspension, better fuelling, better performance, beautifully built - but we don't want it, we want the Kawi because the exhaust makes weird noises and it's plush. Just goes to show how subjective motorcycle choice is, and that's the way it should be. I agree about the XSR. Great engine, but how hard is it to make switchgear that goes "click"? All the XSR/MT range looks and feels cheap next to the Japanese built CB's.

[@cagednm69]

@Ess Tee ryder breaking down is not character

[@cagednm69]

@Ess Tee ryder character is a word ducatistis used to use for vibrating turds they rode that spent its 3/4th lifetime in a garage getting worked on

[@cagednm69]

@Ess Tee ryder hahaha gtfo matey.. there's a ton of Ducatistis mad at the manufacturer for how much time in a year their bike spends in the garage getting fixed :D What's the point of character if you cannot ride your bike all year round? :D

[@bobpalm704]

@@cagednm69 No my Miata (90) has the SOUL of a British roadster (TR6/Spitfire/MG) but it never breaks down and runs like a champ....so sorry wrong on that point....MATE!!!!

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

Nice video, but it gets hard to hear what is being said when you guys add music with vocal humming on top of the dialogue.

[@splodge5714]

Love that Z900 cafe. If a bike don't look good I aint buying it. Wont be trading in the Sportster 1200S.

[@Stclairm1]

I find that most all of my Hondas have felt "anonymous" . I think Kawasakis and Suzukis have more character and soul.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

i sat on the z900 cafe and was leaning forward like a cbr. Handlebar risers should be needed or bring the bars back 10cm or 4" for my comfort.

[@rogergress9520]

I could recommend either of these bikes! It just depends on your personal view and likes. I have a new Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe! And I really enjoy everything about it! Retro with a bright Future in Green!

[@foolspeedahead]

Opening song The Black Keys - I Got Mine, Elevator Version.

[@racerdaveracerdave]

I caught that too. Great description

[@fattysworld1905]

Apples and oranges. The fairingless z900rs is a more accurate comparison.

[@vyasshivang8660]

Take my money for z900rs what a beautiful machine 😍😍

[@Wabbit1961]

I'd rather save a couple grand and buy the stock Z900RS. I'd buy an aftermarket cowling for the headlight for less than $200 ( same cowling as the retro model already available). I'd get the black, or midnight blue (whatever it is). All I remember about that poop brown color on the original oldie was that it didn't hold up to the weather. I'd spend my money on putting clip-ons on the stock bike as well. Can't say anything wrong about the Honda. I'm sure build quality is excellent. I did sit on the original CB1100 when it was first reintroduced and the seat was a brick. Not a fan of tons of chrome to polish either. I sat on the 900RS when it came out and the tank just seemed really wide to me. Like top heavy wide. Right now I have a 2018 MT-07. I'm 6'2", 170#. Reach to the bars is ok but too upright for me. The whole bike feels like an adult version of a Honda Grom! Beautiful motor and sound but they really need to put it on different platforms. And for God's sake would someone please put a shaft drive on ANY of these bikes? I like maintenance free. No one makes a mid displacement bike with shaft drive since Yamaha in the Seca era of the 80's! Not talking about cruisers. Not my style. And the Honda NT07 is just slow as hell, not to mention discontinued. Loved my 1982 Yamaha Seca 650 Turbo. All day comfy. Rode Iron Butt with it stock and everyone freaked out.

[@garyjohnson4575]

I wish they made the original dark green with the gold pin stripes, that was my favorite bike of all time! And I now own a 2013 Ninja1000. But that bike still holds a special place in my garage memory.

[@russf4969]

Z900RS Cafe for me, one mention they didn't make, the Zs torque curve is meatier down low, also, the Z has a lot of power waiting to be untapped with an ECU flash and a full system. I had to choose between these two bikes and the 2020 Katana 1000, I rode all 3 and bought the the green Cafe, also bought the Katana later on, all awesome bikes and you couldn't go wrong with any of them!!!

[@misterf150]

I love the Lawson aspect. I owned a VN2000J but it weighed so much.. Well I will look for a 900se. I enjoyed your review.

[@mattfrench884]

Go Kawi I love the Eddie Lawson Replica reference. My Step Dad had one when I was like 13 it was awesome.

[@raymorris952]

Just too ownership of the cafe, loving it.

[@fabianweber3494]

I have a Z 900rs and I had the opportunity to test the Honda CB 1000 extensively. Sure, the Honda has more power and is technically a little more modern. (In this respect, you can not compare the machines at all, here would have been taken the Z 1000). Nevertheless, I would not swap. I love the classic fittings and the classic look. The Kawasaki is a modern motorcycle with a good classic look. Some manufacturers also build this, e.g. Triumph, BMW, Ducati, but the Kawasaki is the only four-cylinder. (Oh, that's not quite true, there is still the classic Honda CB 1100th This Honda is really "old school" but also has their disadvantages.) Ultimately, you have to decide. Both are great motorcycles.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I prefer the looks of the Honda. I don't like the mini-fairing on the Kawasaki.

[@mojomike3913]

Pick the Kawi every day of the week and twice on Sunday. It's a beauty while the Honda is kinda homely.

[@75619630]

For me its the Honda!

[@rtcivic]

man that kawa cafe 900rs looks boomin!

[@andrewhannam.]

The Kawasaki easily! The pure classics over any if these. W800, Moto Guzzi V7, Royal Enfield 650.

[@abbaby555]

That kawi reminds me of my 84 GPZ 550

[@lean.rv22]

7:40 "let's change the subject" lol

[@finalexit7783]

For me the cb for sure! Look awesome👍

[@theboatshoptb]

These guys always pick Honda’s apart!

[@cagednm69]

glad I'm not the only one to notice this.

[@theboatshoptb]

I love MCN, however....if people only purchased bikes based on their opinions Honda would go out of business! 🤔

[@motozest7856]

@@theboatshoptb This is not MCN...

[@TheTripleDubya]

Nothing against the Honda, damn fine bike but I'd take the Kawasaki, it just works for me (the non cafe coke coloured one in particular).

[@yubtypin]

This did not go the way I thought it would. The Honda for me.

[@MrYashwant1991]

Honda has made a mess .. that Kawa looks so good...Damn

[@progste]

I don't see anything classic about the CB1000R. Don't get me wrong, it seems like a nice bike but neither the aesthetic nor the design are a callback to older bikes. At least the Z900RS is a Z900 dressed up as a Z1

[@benjamincs1]

To me this is an advantage...

[@anthonycyr9657]

Looks like the old z 1 , love the kawi , my favorite because i had a 74 z1

[@simianrogue]

As new and fresh a design the Honda might be, it lacks that 'wow' factor. It's very vanilla in comparison to the Kawasaki, which is a real head turner.

[@clarkeuale466]

LOVE the retro Kawasakis!!! Nothing sounds like a Kawasaki.

[@m.cutter7340]

Comparing these bikes is pointless. The biggest difference, far and away, is the styling. Styling being subjective, viewers already know which one they like the looks of better before watching the vid. Getting impressions of the rides is worthwhile, but you don't need a comparo for that.

[@cesarr5006]

Went with the Z, no regrets! Great bike, has some character. Honda’s are great but they are just to smooth (I own one). When you want a certain look, it has to come with character. If I was to be delivery driver Honda CB1100 ex would fit the bill (beautiful bike). If I want it all the Z. Get compliments every I go from old and young. The Cb neo cafe is in another class; Having test drove all below; my liking 1: Z (looks, finish, reliable, throwback, character) 2: Rninety (sporty, tons of character, finish, uncomfortable, price, suspect about reliability and maintenance cost) 3: T120 quick, light, vintage, lacking grunt sound, price, not sure about reliability 4:Honda CB1100 ex great finish, smooth, easy to ride but just lacks overall punch

[@cesarr5006]

You sound like me; I went with the Z same conclusion after test drives. I just ordered a Zard exhaust (slip on) for extra rumble. Enjoy!

[@bombaya85]

I`m selling my one lung and kidney towards the Kawa. Damn that is one sexy bike!

[@ofnarcr]

I haven't watched a ton of your videos but man you can feel the tension between these two in this video.

[@Gchapel17]

Sus

[@tedunguent156]

There is no tension. LOL

[@stratolestele7611]

I'm sure it was a cost saving measure, but I just wish Kawi would have don't the traditional twin rear shocks for the full-on retro look. Didn't stop me from buying it though!

[@markmtbrider]

Dealer in Dayton, Ohio has the kaw going for just under 10k as of 11/19. Looks great in person, I was surprised.

[@timkis64]

the honda cb1100 retro bike wouldve been a better comparison for the retro guys.i do understand the engine size wouldve skewed the results some.but i know kawaski wouldnt be down on power much by comparison.kawasaki engines make great power for their size.

[@Murphy_Peoples]

You can hear Burns scraping the pegs at about 10:30. (Thumbs up!) And what is that South Carolina hat that Burns is wearing?

[@leviefrauim1425]

John- after nearly 4 decades of reading your stuff, I think I can say this to you, as an unmet friend, of course. I'm looking at you in this vid and thinking, "Dude, get a haircut and shave off that gray beard!" It makes you look so much... older. Or perhaps, I'm merely reflecting on my own aging & gray beard.

[@sdefiel3719]

Great review, thx, but how is the Kawi @ 70 mph? Buzzy? Smooth? Relaxed?

[@MrPepper312]

I just purchased the 2021 z900rs cafe. The color is grey which made chose it over the green non cafe. And that tuned exaust sounds so good.

[@markmtbrider]

Comfort, overdrive 6th gear, a handle bar that doesn't have my 50 plus wrists screaming after 20 min....Kawasaki is my sporting, all day ride.

[@fdderek]

At 5:37 he says the Honda has a “jerky, twitchy” throttle application, but then says at 12:10 the Kawasaki throttle “isn’t as smooth” as the Honda. Which one is it? This is a big factor for me in choosing

[@thegoldenorc]

I have tested both and now own the Honda, the Honda CB1000R is smoother

[@lr937]

Kawasaki looks are one of the best out there, sadly it is indeed very jerky , there is no throttle response, is more like on and off with nothing in between, went to the dealer to buy one but before I did test drive one , oh boy what a disappointment, you would thing that at this day and age with all the tech we have and all the experienced engineers at kawasaki the bike would behave like butter, test drive one before you buy, if a jerky bike is something you can live with go for it, the bike is gorgeous , one more thing, the bike shut off on me couple of times while ridding down the road, not exactly what you expect from modern bike, cheers