2017 Kawasaki Z900 | First Ride

On today's First Ride (used edition) I'm on Kawasaki's Z900. You guys have been asking for a while for me to get on one of these and I finally got the opportunity when I saw this used model in the showroom at Mountain Motorsports. Naturally, I threw a leg over it asap and took it for a spin. Let's see what this Z900 is all about!
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#firstride #kawasaki #Z900
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[@243agent]

Z900 is so underrated...love mine. Better tires, tune suspension for you, ECU flash w/full exhaust, 16/43 gearing....thing is a MONSTER

[@vigilant.]

Absolutely

[@xKanastax]

Add a sprint filter as well so it can breathe well. I went with a 16/43 setup and it still rides great but takes longer to get to top speed. It would be nice if this bike could rev to 12k because it feels like that's what it wants to do. Maybe add a QS as well.

[@512460]

Why would you want to pay thousands just to pay more money to make it better/as you feel it should been built??

[@zzzzzz1039]

@@512460because they like it

[@Illness.og.]

@@512460 z900se at that point

[@xXPsych0DadXx]

My wife said that she wont talk to me if i buy one. Since yesterday i have this bike. Win, win :)

[@adammaugans494]

Gold

[@88888888Rocket1]

I have a 2020 Z900 (948 cc) and they have stiffened the frame to improve the suspension, added a TFT Dash, rider traction control modes, LED lights, etc, etc. Improved quite a bit but still the same base. I absolutely love this bike.

[@dude94able]

High five ✋

[@tvbuu]

Planning to make this my next one

[@snop6176]

@@tvbuu it's amazing if you can find one. Rode mine for 6 hours today lol it's a 2022 too. Don't get one before 2020

[@Uber1Noob]

@@snop6176 " Don't get one before 2020" Why not?

[@admirkaralic7209]

I had the same, sold it because of the Suspension, wasn't stiff enough for me :/. When I would turn I always had that unsettling feeling of being thrown off the bike, which my Suzuki GSXS750 didn't have an issue with.

[@ahmadmazhar6790]

Omg I'm crying rn..........been waiting for this for almost 3 years

[@chaseontwowheels]

I know there have been a ton of yall waiting for this. That's why I jumped on the opportunity asap.

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@chaseontwowheels now you need to do the updated 2020 model 😂

[@neverhomebiker5235]

Crying?? Wtf

[@GiantHam]

'cough 948cc' I love my z900. Spent most of my 10k miles commuting, just now getting it in the mountains and it's a blast

[@chaseontwowheels]

I bet with that smooth power delivery it's a dream up there.

[@ZediMaster]

Dollar for dollar, the z900 is the current best seasonal daily sports bike rider for the public road. It is not a track bike, nor a snowmobile, nor a jetski. It is not a touring bike, but you can push it for camping and overnights. I luv this bike to meet up with friends, and zipping around town for lunch.

[@jeffkoo5935]

Production value is unmatched by any vlogger on KZbin simply due to these chase camera shots. Amazing quality.

[@Barwood35]

I had a 2012 cbr 1000rr for 7 years and traded it in on this exact same bike last year. I love it. So much more comfy to ride and I can still get rowdy with it.

[@stuartho]

I have a 2017 Z900. Great bike. So smooth and easy to ride. Never really missed rider modes. Traction control would be nice but really haven’t needed that more than a couple of times in five years riding, but because the throttle is so controllable even then it wasn’t needed 😂

[@andrewaavik]

The 2020 added 3 rider modes and 1 custom mode and 3 levels of traction control. Plus the new TFT display is sweet!!

[@azadr9231]

You are the best motorcycle reviewer on KZbin. Thank you for the amazing content and your wonderful personality.

[@edgardoruvalcaba]

What an awesome bike. Look nice, enough power, and friendly budget. Love it!

[@R.e.s.p.e.K]

I convinced my bro to buy a 2023 z900, it's a great bike all around, I bought a 2022 mt09 , with ecu and full exhaust.....I love my yamaha, he loves his kawi.....you won't be disappointed with either one.

[@edsmith1313]

OC: I would love to test ride the new MT09 this year. I would choose the MT09 over the Z900 because of the extras Yamaha adds including the up and down shifter. And I just love the Inline Triple 🥰🥰 great video as usual!! Thanks Chase and crew!!

[@ParadiseBiker]

Guys in America - 900+cc: "What A Fun Little Bike" Guys In Jamaica - 300+cc: "OMG This Is FAST! How Do Americans Call These Slow?"

[@Bahle_Gaji]

That's exactly how I felt when I test rode the 390 Duke lmao

[@AnandA2155]

Road conditions make all the difference. Look at those roads, straights, no traffic at all. No wonder they say that.

[@JDeezle21]

Also Chase often short shifts so a lot of bikes he rides slower then they actually are.

[@vigilant.]

Depend on road conditions

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You can stuff most all of Jamaica into Connecticut. That's why America buys bigger bikes.

[@fanfan_the_haitian]

Got the 2015 Z1000 and I fully understand the feeling of riding with minimal electronic assists! Keeps the experience pure.

[@VMAdventures88]

I have the 2020 Z1000 and it's the same as yours, but with gear indicator. I honestly don't give a shit about electronics apart from missing a TFT...

[@hellraiserrec19]

I wish they still made the z1000

[@mt09madness]

Glad you mentioned removing the mirrors. Did it on my bike and it looks so awesome.

[@Hensel998]

Just picked mine up, love it! Dad has a MT-09 and he really appreciates the Z900 differences.

[@piplup10203854]

This is one of the coolest bikes I’ve seen on the highway test 👀 pretty nice to see it on the highway like that

[@morgan123476]

It's always funny watching your rides, knowing every single road you're on cause it's where I live lol

[@KyungSuMoon]

One of the best everyday bike.

[@flaviocosta6319]

Great video chase, I’ve been looking at this bike lately

[@lovelessissimo]

OC! Ah the timing of this review! I have been researching the heyyell (chase voice) out of the z900 of late. The 2020, though, because it has modes and stellar tft display. Hard to beat that value and exhaust note.

[@alexandresousa199554]

Check the 2020 Z900, the seat is higher so the legs space is better, also suspension, dash and headlight is different

[@monkmoto1887]

How much higher? That was my only real grip about the bike was the seat was way to low

[@alexandresousa199554]

@@monkmoto1887 2017 had 790mm seat height, the 2020 forward has 820mm

[@EfferusZangetsu]

You can get a higher seat from Kawasaki for the 2017-2019 models. I am almost 6'3 and have no issues riding for up to 3 hours straight.

[@monkmoto1887]

@@EfferusZangetsu it’s about a position, I like the higher seat of a conventional sport bike I don’t like the flat low scooped in feel

[@the900bot]

I love my z900, you reviewed it perfectly

[@MrSantacruz48]

New ones have a great dash and modes, adjustable suspension etc. I've ridden the Z and the 09. No contest for me, the Z takes it in every category. Next up the Z900rs, best retro on the market. If you ride one you'll love it!

[@chalkdemon8019]

I would like to ride the z900 RS Cafe.

[@R.e.s.p.e.K]

Both bikes are fantastic, mt09 wins in every category for me, different folks-different strokes, ride safe this summer my brudda. 👍

[@johnisaac5650]

Because of this review I went out and bought the 50th anniversary z900.

[@pensivecorner]

I have the same year 2017 z900. It is dope. Wheelies for days.

[@DoodleOnAMotorcycle]

0:51....😍 I could literally watch an entire playlist of just C2W B Roll

[@nixquejada9906]

Hey Doodle, I know you mentioned it in your blog before that you watch C2W but it was just fun to see you comment in one of his videos. Been a fan of Chase for years now too and I'm also looking forward to your other first rides. Loved your last one too.

[@trailruntim]

Just test rode a 2021 z900 in Asheville, NC. I believe this is the bike I am going to get! Light flickable and powerful for around town or Carolina twisty roads. Comfortable enough to throw a taller windscreen on and some saddlebags for light touring.

[@kushsakhu]

What a wonderful review, definitely a riders perspective. Kawasaki made a good’n with the Z series for sure.

[@Mk0440]

Those footage are too sick ... chase deserves 10 m subs....

[@Genesiscopy1]

2020 model and up have TFT dash, full ABS and 3 rider modes. OC :-)

[@David_from_Wales]

Just bought one in green colour awesome bike love it. Good review guys

[@matyxcz]

Owning 2017 Z900, just exactly just yours test ride (except I did put on aftermarket slip-on exhaust cause it was toooooo silent, and I have black/red trim), I can't agree more. Well, it's a budget bike, but things like jingling blinkers etc. don't bother unless you care more about style above riding fun. What totally caught me is the universal usability for a naked "sport" bike. It provides comfort, power and handling at a very reasonable price. I'm really glad I got the pre-facelift model, no modes, no traction control, just ABS. Because it's just about the rider and fun combined with responsibility. But man, what you missed, is some twisties !!! This bike in factory default is able to keep pace with stuff like Triumph Street Triple 765R (not on close circuit with 765RS, though, but on the street? .. it does). And the usability in daily, with smooth tourque, going 50kmh in the town on 6th gear and accelerating by simple throttle roll on the end towards country road and still being faster than even a "stronger" cars there? And if you feel the need - down-down-down-shift and here we go, horses rise till the RPM limiter, while not loosing torque. Kawasaki honestly striked the pin-point here, no doubts.

[@markriddles3396]

I have one with a full exhaust system, its an unreal bike smooth and full of speed a brill bike!!!!

[@alexandergarcia6588]

In love with Kawasaki motorcycles I have the zzr600 at the moment looking to picking this one up next

[@davidblack4962]

Great bike review and super chase camera work. Interested in your opinion comparing the newer model MT 09 and the newer Z900 with all the modes and TFT display. Also I would love to see you and your crew on some twisty roads in north Ga mountains. Keep your videos coming!

[@MonstaFreak13]

OC! The z900 was a fantastic bike and i liked sitting in the bike rather than on the bike like the yamaha's..

[@stephanyunicorngirl7213]

Love the Z900

[@andm6107]

I bought this bike as my first street bike and loved every part of it. Plenty of torque and enough low end for city riding. Just sold it to pick up a 2021 S1000RR. Can't say I regret my trade, but the Z was a perfect first bike.

[@teslaedison6236]

My first bike was a H2 . I took my road test on it . Now I ride a jet turbine bike with 1000hp

[@Illness.og.]

@@teslaedison6236 lmao

[@WILDWILL53]

OC so this is my first bike. I rode a 1300 honda vtx for a number of months shoutout to friends helping friends. The throttle definitely feels twitchy especially in first at times. That is really the only reason I would want modes. Other than that this was my dream bike and I love

[@greyanaroth]

This is possibly the most popular big bike in India. Despite the fact that its a bit too common, its a killer bike. I wish you could have done the Euro5 Z900.

[@highplainnsdrifter3050]

I luv this bike! I think maybe one of the best,,,,,950cc,,,125 hp .....yet can be driven from city to high speed highway driving. The new model does have some useful electronics, like modes.

[@tobiasw2783]

Love the review 👍 This is one of my dream bikes. I would love to see you doing even more Kawasaki. How about Z1000 and Z1000sx/Ninja 1000sx

[@shay.m7351]

Definitely needs suspension adjustments/upgrades if you’re around the 200+ mark, particularly the front end, but I've had the 18 model since it came out. Love the bare bones no rider aids style, just you and the bike. Even better, get a professional tune and get your throttle working smooth like butter.

[@zack8819]

I just bought a 2023 Z900 a couple of months ago and it has all the tech you are talking about wanting but I don't want all, I want no ride modes, just go. And it does have a lot of torque, I accidentally took off in 3rd from a stoplight a couple days ago and didn't notice. It seems to be a pretty peppy bike but my old 2015 Honda CB1000R would do 75 in first while the Z900 only does 50ish. I do like that the Z900 remembers my rider settings so I don't have to redo them every ride but it doesn't keep the temp and rider settings when in rider mode.

[@mackenzieharris5259]

"on the highway, doing highway speeds" Dash: 107mph

[@michiganmoto7687]

Yeah but did you notice most of the traffic was keeping same pace?

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

Yeah... was a "spurt/release" of energy. .. bike has ADHD

[@hellraiserrec19]

Its ok, it was is "Mexico"...lol

[@Illness.og.]

@@michiganmoto7687 speed limits 100

[@ebinj5]

I've been waiting for a z900 video cause I'm thinking of getting thay as my next bike. Also that tundra though with the music to at 2:00

[@sergeantsodom6969]

Ive owned many bikes including this one (2019) - and can agree with your point about no modes and being careful with traction- a few years back I overtook two cars in the rain and gave it too much throttle, back end came out to my right hand side at 70mph, fishtailed for 50 yards and THEN got a severe tank slapper as the rear settled. Thankfully I managed to save it, (Cold Stock tyres don’t help), but it makes you appreciate electronics a little more.

[@EfferusZangetsu]

Stock tires are crap, but I slapped Metzlers on it and the difference was night and day.

[@eksnacks6030]

The reason I like the z900 honestly is because theres no unnecessary electronics bullshit like rider modes or tcs. Props to kawi.

[@MrBrandonbomb]

This comment did not age well

[@eksnacks6030]

@@MrBrandonbomb you are correct good sir. The new one still rips tho. Just gotta turn all the stuff off.

[@Goopie48]

Nice review and you look good on the bike. I have a 22 and an ecu flash + slipon really woke it up. Took awhile to get used to the highway windblast of course. Love it overall. Oh and a higher, flatter seat is mandatory

[@dbz1234dkzx]

Started on this bike a couple months ago. It’s not that twitchy. Handles twisties up in the sequoias like a dream 👌

[@Illness.og.]

How is it in the city? Feels like too much machine for a small city? Is it also top heavy?

[@marshal3619]

Think I’ll end up getting one of these as my first bike.

[@mohamedalbyyouk9138]

Nice bike man... this the best bike I drive really

[@aeror115]

Amazing video! I like the Kawi Z900 but the MT10 is also a monster! Cheers buddy

[@ceejaypilot4226]

Like the idea of riding in the bike to gain confidence; I also like being on the bike for visibility over most cars and some SUVs. Either one I could grow with, but the snappy torque of Yamaha's triple is waiting to disrupt one's comfort level... that's humbling good... OC

[@trevorl440]

Great video, beautiful bike. I have a 2008 Zx-14 and have never felt the need for different rider modes. If I need to smooth things out a bit, I just up-shift a gear. Problem solved.

[@CRAKALAKIN213]

OC: I have a 2020 Z900 and it does have some basic modes with different levels of traction control. Definitely preferred the riding position over the MT-09. Felt like I couldn’t even sit on the Yamaha and get comfortable before turning the key

[@mikv3752]

Thanks mate for the lovely chase shots. Z900 never looked so awesome in any other videos ;). Its a 948cc of mature beast. Z1000 you were talking about I guess ( alien eyes ). 2020 z900 is not this comfortable now due to higher seat and a bit more lean forward angle. Hope you whacked open it up and hear that raspier growling intake exhaust note. Cheers 👍

[@theyweredeadwhenigotthere1391]

12:20 I love that "sunbeam" when im shifting my r1. Its like I'm. At a rave for a split second while going 178. And I'm thinking the thing has aftermarket sprockets that didnt look like 100 mph

[@happypanda8320]

Everyone has a preference but you don't get the full bike experience with all the bs electronics. Z900 is one of the best bikes I've owned if not the best. Also, the newer versions do come with all the electronics if chosen to do so.

[@abinsaji4449]

Black and Red looks sic on this bike

[@SteelHorseTexasTwangExchange]

I have 2019 Z900 and love it! I recommend changing mirrors to bar end mirrors so you won’t see so much of your shoulders.

[@RickyLafleur10]

The stock mirrors all you see is elbows and shoulders. Drove my 2021 z900 home from dealer and ordered CRG hindsight mirrors same day. Get a set of rhino moto bar ends they are made to accept bar end mirrors unlike the stock bar ends

[@batman886]

Finally got to my bike. This thing hauls ass. And I love there is no aids. It's old school just rider bike and road.

[@jacksonjames1279]

Shout out to the camera man. Those rolling shots are immaculate. :)

[@sgtace]

2020 has modes and has traction control. Also I think it has cornering ABS. It's less aggressive. It's still Z but less "cray-Z"

[@ItzOmni]

my brother got a 2021 z900 not to long ago. he loves it

[@Frank_Torre]

OC: Hears Chase mention the R6. Instantly thinks of Holly. Been so long since Holly. Honestly I think modes are great. Riding for over a decade I just love a bike with no aids be it traction control, abs, modes. You're fully in control of the bike. You get the feeling everything you do is getting translated thru the bike as you ride. But tech advances and every year seems riding gets better and better because of it.

[@chaseontwowheels]

Feel like I should grab an R6 before they are all gone and make a new-age Holly.

[@Frank_Torre]

@@chaseontwowheels That be an excellent idea for a build series after the three CBRs are finished.

[@justinyoface911]

You need to revisit the zx6r, it’s such an amazing bike

[@jbrunsonjr]

Hello from Roswell! Great review!

[@tex9960]

Damn, it's been so long since I watched one of your videos. Glad to be back 💯

[@alexp6409]

Rode some Yamahas at a demo event today. Then rode my z900 and remembered why I took it home in the first place.

[@BloodPanther06]

The 2020 model on up has the tech that you talked about... I might go get one....

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

Looking at a 2018, hoping it's not sold already, think I really like this bike.

[@fatedescent2329]

I love my Z800 (previous model)

[@NoTENmoto]

FINALLY, I've been waiting for this FOREVER!! Haven't even watched the video and I am hyped!

[@austinebinger2194]

I know! I’ve been waiting for an American review on this bike

[@peterz.3526]

That transaction at 0:50 was epic

[@steven-fury]

I know im kinda late, but this was my first actually fast bike or a naked bike, coming from a honda rebel 500 and its weird you found it twitchy or anything. I found it surprisingly easy to throttle and if you give it a lil twist, it only goes a lil and if you give it alot, then it goes alot. Mine was a 18 so dont know if that made a difference

[@loganruiz8489]

I lovvvveeee Kawasaki🥵😩

[@OakleefMoto]

I tested the 2020 version of z900 a while back and it was a fun bike and all, but the stock seat was like a brick. Met another rider a few weeks after and he had one and he changed it on the second day he owned it.

[@mathiashammar1]

yeh still searching for replacement (gel seat). Its pure torture after 300km.

[@snop6176]

Do the 2020-2022 model. It has all the fancy rider modes and a super nice dash

[@CBRboy1717]

Is that a Duke GT in the background? You should definitely do a ride on that one....

[@YT1344]

to answer your question: my wife rides a Street triple 765. Last time she changed her riding mode was 3 years ago (put it in "sport") when we bought it!

[@lsixty30]

i want this to be my second bike

[@brandonnlemkee6635]

First for once. Nice review bro!

[@vikasvasisht5378]

Next... Do a first ride review on the 2021 z900

[@ebinj5]

Gotta find one cause I'm having trouble finding a z900 period in Georgia in my area

[@vikasvasisht5378]

@@ebinj5 hope you do brother...

[@AGardenShed]

Much rather the z900. I just like simple bikes purely because it makes you feel like you’ve done the work rather than the computers. Loved the z900 when I test rode it, unfortunately I don’t trust myself on one.

[@Misfit_FATDUCKY]

do a first ride of the 2022 Z900 SE please! I think it's better than the MT-09 sp

[@user-uy9fn9jk3t]

I'm scared to drive a z900 but I love it I want one

[@terranhealer]

I just rented a 2022 z900 and as for the different rider modes (road vs sport) I couldn’t tell a difference. It’s actually a 989 ish cc engine and felt it should have more power. Feels like 80 hp. Seat was kind of hard. But it was a fun bike. Great on the highway and easy to maneuver. Felt lighter than it is

[@Shadowhex88]

Are you sure it wasn’t the 95 hp version for A2 licence?

[@Uber1Noob]

948cc

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Moore Mafia does a video on how restricted these are from the factory… the throttle plates are restricted to fully opening until you hit like 7000-8000 rpm… a full tune sees a 11 hp gain at those RPM’s, with solid 6-11 hp gains across the entire RPM range. Those are massive gains on a bike. Also he raises the RPM limiter around 500 RPM because it’s still climbing in power… makes more power at lower RPM’s then a 600 super sport throughout the entire range, and will wax 600’s until you start getting past 120/130 mph where the 600’s top end, lower weight and better aero take over… all for $8399 for the top SE model in 2023 because Kawasaki has these listed for $1000 off right now… you will not get more performance per $ spent on any other brand new bike…

[@hellraiserrec19]

I have been riding my z900 for about 5 months. It is a great value for the money and has plenty of power. That being said, I kinda miss the aesthetics and handling of a super sport. Debating trading the z900 for a zx10r 🤔

[@The1977andi]

I own a z650 and looking to upgrade to one of these.

[@mechielhengstmengel3590]

In Europe the Z900 is sold waaaay more than the yamaha. P.s the seat is lower indeed. There is an option to het the comfort seat which is wat and raises it like an inch. On the 2020> model this seat is stock and they reversed it

[@Champion2Manager]

3:11 I thought he was reviewing the left side mirror of the Z900 lol 😂

[@JDelta87]

OC: I don't own either bike but I'd lean more towards the Z900 as I wouldn't use the various modes on a bike like that anyway.

[@656THOR]

Damn this video made me miss my fz07

[@northwestrider369]

This video a year old now and just yesterday at a demo day I finally got to ride the Z650. I couldn’t get a slot on the 900. But the 650 was great. I owned an FZ09 before and wanted to check the Z900 out. Just didn’t work out. I test rode a MT07, didn’t like it, the GSXS750 was on overall but didn’t like the seat position. I’m leaning toward buying the MT09 again but the Z650 and maybe Z900 if I can ride one is now an official contender. But with the more dirt bike leg position of the MT09 make it fun on a dirt road because you could stand up. And………..you have the cross plane triple. I just don’t know if I can get past the triple sound and the ability to stand up. Still leaning toward the MT09 but the Z will be a contender. And as a side note, in NC the red light law, you can go if no one is coming but you have to wait 3 cycles of the light. So if no one else shows up and the light never cycles, you can’t just go. That’s the law in NC. I can’t speak for any other state.

[@Nathan-vb5ys]

Please do an update on the newer models!