How to add Karakter to a Kawasaki Z900RS!

I love my Kawasaki Z900RS SE but if it has an issue it's a bit of a lack of character - well in this video I set out to do something about that by adding a set of Delkevic headers to add a bit more "oomph" to the machine....
Buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/themisse...
My Patreon page / themissendenflyer
Get 5% off your ABR Festival tickets with "TMF5" at checkout!
Use this link to get a 10% discount on the Beeline satnav bit.ly/43PjgE8
I buy my riding kit from Sportsbike shop www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/#/23...
Exclusive TMF Merch on my website themissendenflyer.com/ and of course Teespring (click the red spring top right).
Links to my channel sponsors:-
Bikerheadz bikerheadz.co.uk/
Monimoto monimoto.com/uk/ride/4/
Canary Motorcycle Tours www.canarymotorcycletours.com...
If you want to follow my socials then I'm most active on Instagram @missendenflyer
You can also follow me on Facebook too The Missenden Flyer@TheMissendenFlyer
I'm also - rarely - on that X (Twitter) thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
Don't forget your other TMF Discounts!:-
Mention The Missenden Flyer when buying from panigaleheatshield.com/ or ducatispacers.com/ for discounts on Panigale heat shields or Ducati/Triumph throttle spacer kits. Use the code MISSENDEN to get the $10 discount on the heat shield, or heat shield/spacer kit bundle and MISSENDENSK for 10% off the spacer kit.
I use the following equipment to record and edit my Videos:-
DJI Osmo Action 4 camera amzn.to/3GFeL65
DJI Mavic Air drone (fly more combo) amzn.to/2JX3l23
RODE Lavalier microphone for in helmet audio amzn.to/3IzlIGT
RODE Wireless Go dual channel radio mics amzn.to/3ofuIqp
Power Director 15 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Logitech Brio Stream Webcam amzn.to/3VhpcFs
Neweer USB Mic for voice overs amzn.to/3TchZnp
STCRERAG Tripod Clip Mounts for locating cameras in awkward positions amzn.to/3Pk68Tf
A pair of Neweer 700W Lights for additional garage lighting amzn.to/3uZnDl0
My current motorcycles are:-
BMW R1200GS
Kawasaki Z900 RS SE
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
Suzuki GSXS125 (OK, that's the Mrs bike!)
Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.
For any additional enquiries please send an e-mail (please no DM's or Facebook Messenger messages that tend to get lost) via [e-mail], follow me via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or preferably leave a comment below...

[@splodge5714]

It is louder but noise doesn't mean character. In the past I found the novelty of a louder exhaust on a 4 cylinder bike soon wore off. It's more the feel and feedback of an engine that gives the bike character. Lower revs and higher torque is always a good start as is the note of a twin cylinder engine.

[@twowheelin7361]

Spot on👍🏽

[@UncleWally3]

There’s riders that feel a two stroke has character and four strokes are just lawnmowers.

[@Bryan11210]

@@UncleWally3 In that case two strokes are just weed trimmers and leaf blowers heh heh.

[@aapddd]

Yeah , I used to like loud exhaust pipes. Now I want a nice balance between exhaust and intake sound. I think this particular bike does that thing very well, all stock.

[@garynicholls6964]

We had straight through pipper 4-1 on our z900s back in the seventies and eighties they sounded amazing. Them were the days no speed cameras no speed humps. Half the amount of traffic it was like mad max😂

[@SteveInskip]

I’ll second that. I had a Z1R. Used to get into 3 figures down the A52 to Derby in those days. Wales was tremendous.

[@Ukmongoose3]

Everywhere was tremendous. The biking world was first ruined with Gatsos and ruined again with mobile cameras.

[@markmiller5577]

@@Ukmongoose3 In the words of Shaggy ....say it wasn't me

[@charliestafford9978]

A mate had a piper 4-1 exhaust on his 500/4. You could track his progress around the town centre for about 5 minutes before he showed up. It sounded fantastic. There was also a local legend with a 6 into 6 on a CBX, no such thing as ear plugs back then either.

[@johnlaw5762]

Goodness, that sounds WAY more characterful! Burbles and all. Well done Andy

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Many thanks!

[@scottyoung5625]

I’m really pleased you’ve done this Andy. Working on the relationship with the Kwack rather than dumping her for a new model… 😂 I’ve just ordered the Delkevic.

[@spotsterjon74cu]

As a 1975 Z1B owner, I love the sound of new headers👍🏻

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Dayum, that’s a beefy sound! I’m not really a fan of ‘messing with’ a bike’s exhaust, but this definitely gives me food for thought😉

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yeah I'm well pleased with the results...some good crackles and pops coming out of her now too :0)

[@everythinggaming7938]

First thing I do on any bike is change the exhaust

[@plumpii7177]

Eu regs messed with the exhaust, it's being put back to how it should have been.

[@gregbrassington2120]

Bit more character definitely a big improvement in the process of doing same on my SE.😉

[@SuperSportler43]

OMG that sooo beautiful sound. I wish I can do this to my bike, but I live in Germany. 😭

[@bugsbacon3025]

So glad you did not sell this. It’s beautiful ❤ if only Kawasaki did a 1400 version.

[@fa6106]

Or even a 1200 would be great.

[@bailey-cj2pl]

Absolutely Fantastic!! Finally !! I did the same to mine, then i urge you to get it dyno tuned /re mapped. I did mine at 'The bike whisperer' here in Devon. The difference is night and day. All the fueling is lean at the moment because the ECU is programmed that way onto a closed loop system. When you get it tuned the bike will release ALL its power, and read data from its ECU, through each gear. The bike will run cooler and happier too. Also, no high cold idle, which is just to warm the CAT up asap, at the cost of excessive cold start wear. Do some research and see fr yourself. Recommend the Z900RS forum!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the advice - sounds like I need to look into that......

[@AndyPat239]

​@@TheMissendenFlyeryeah do it and make a vid!

[@lordgibbness]

I agree. I remapped all my bikes after changing exhausts and they are much better for it.

[@longjonwhite]

Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! You feel that Andy? That’s peer pressure that is. 😁😁

[@warhobbit7951]

I saw one of these just the other day and I must say I was totally impressed what a bike it’s spectacular to look at and nice sound

[@dukesublime4178]

I think the new headers sound absolutely phenomenal sir. Bravo. Thanks so much for sharing

[@barrytemple6574]

You kept it! I remember you saying its got to go because it lacks character and too much in the garage. And character you certainly gave it. It would have to be one of the best sounding bikes on the road!! A big well done to you sir!

[@johnlenart597]

When I swapped an Akrapovic can from the traded in 1200RS to my new R1250RS it sounded great. Then I had my dealer's tech do a couple of spirited drive bys so I could hear it with no helmet on. WOW.!! Sounded like a race bike on the track. You should do this. You will be "very" impressed as your bike goes by. 👍👍5🏍🙋‍♂️

[@themartiandefender2128]

Much better now ! Did the same change to my Z900 lektek headers plus I changed the exhaust too 💚

[@rcollinsf1]

What a difference that makes! I've never seriously considered new headers before. Good content as always, take care

[@mojomania101]

And just like magic, the original Kwacker sound returns. 👍🏻 Great job, now, that it is almost impossible anywhere in the Old World to fit a proper old school Kerker without getting busted.

[@kelvinrauber4924]

That's a great addition Andy. I have a 2008 GSX1400 and changed the original can for a Delcevic unit. Extremely happy, better sound and performance all round. Love your work.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Kelvin!

[@anthonyfox2836]

Pure Kawasaki now..Like that sound as kid when a 🏍️ went past & thought.. I want that experience 😛. Great video.

[@clayfarnet970]

Nothing like a set of new headers and fresh rubber. 👍👍

[@nickpappas4133]

I love it, sounds proper. I bought a second hand F4I with stock exhaust, installed a Yosh pipe ( cat delete) what a great sound after and bonus it got better gas mileage.

[@TwinPotMan]

To misquote Victor Kiam (for those old enough to remember the 1970s electric shaver advert) I was so impressed by your Z900RS exhaust upgrade I went out today and bought a 2018 green cafe version with the upgrade already fitted. See TMF, that makes you a pukka "KZbin influencer" 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool! Do you own a Remington too?

[@davidwood974]

Wow, what a great modification! I’ve wondered about decatting my Norden as well, you’re tempting me! Safe travels, Andy

[@aps-pictures9335]

Much needed! And will no doubt help during filtering situations

[@roberthocking9138]

That’s a big improvement, sounds wonderful

[@craigmaydew]

Well done Andy, did the same. Found the stock a little too loud, so fitted a scorpion redpower end can which gave it a nice crispier note.

[@lukeweingart7768]

Game changer! Bike looks and now sounds great 👍🏼

[@ticthedog6095]

Good to see another Z video. Can get my head around the 4into4 as back in the day most owners threw away the original exhaust to fit a 4into1 I did same but with Akra headers and ended up putting a baffle in and blanking off the pair system. A trip to Dave Wood in Buckingham and run on the dyno is a good investment as the ecu will only allow the bike to work within the parameters of euro5, so it will running weak, you can also get the temperature the the cooling fan comes on lowered.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Ooh good recomendation - maybe I'll look him up!?

[@noidreculse8906]

You answered my question about re-mapping or not. Glad you don’t have to. I just bought a’24 Z900rs and I agree, it could be the perfect bike. In 1979 and again in 1983, I had Honda in-line 4 cylinder bikes. I missed that smoothness and the Retro Styling, and this bike takes me back. Round Analogue gauges paired with the modern technology of ABS, and fuel injection. 10/10 - 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 2 👍🏻👍🏻

[@asheep2420]

Loving those new headers. It made me smile from the sofa 😃

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

cool!

[@zweispurmopped]

It does sound very sweet. A nice grunt to the noise.

[@richardho5955]

Sounds lovely, Andy…well done, big improvement in sound! 🏍️💪

[@vaughanboyce3702]

Great sound not too loud just perfect. Love the in- line4...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you like it!

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Bike sounds great 👍...and nice to keep the standard tail pipe as it's beautifully built. Great stuff 👏 👍

[@a13bkd62]

Very enjoyable, in fact the sound now compares well with my memories of the original Z1/900 from when I was a kid. A* top of the class! Cheers

[@rogervallve7375]

That is a great sound. My XSR700 sounded like sewing machine, I went with a Hindle full system. Now I feel like I am riding a bike! No pops on downshifts on yours which is nice

[@Bikerbug2020]

Was just watching the video and thinking that the BMW gold bars would look really nice on the Kawi…. The exhaust makes it a proper sport bike sound. NICE

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

It does!

[@RupeWilson]

That sounds so nice with the new headers.

[@ydarbg]

An exhaustive review... Excellent result

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Many thanks!

[@FPSLibrarian]

That sounds fantastic! Will definitely look at adding a set now I've heard this comparison

[@Westside7be]

I'm dreaming of the Z900RS. If I have one, I have to have it with a four into four!

[@preston2adelaide]

I’m not particularly a fan of loud pipes, but this “upgrade” whilst subtle enhances the grunt without turning up the volume offensively. Loved all the comparisons at the end too.😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Totally agree

[@snuffparrot]

Transformative, TMF ! What a result for just a few hundred quid. Well done !

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Many thanks!

[@Darryl1982]

Mrs flyer will be able to get the kettle on 5 minutes before you arrive home now thanks to the amplified 4 cylinder chorus. Very nice!!

[@84Bazza84]

...she'll be able to get the milkman out the bedroom too

[@ChasingTenths]

that's made a superb difference to the sound , really nice

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you like it!

[@markellott5620]

It sounds just fine in its stock state. Making more noise doesn't add character. It has that already in its silky smooth engine and four cylinder howl under acceleration. I'm keeping mine just as it is.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fine Mark, it’s your bike you do that then!

[@TheHkluivert]

I agree, and many reviewers have written that Kawasaki did an excellent job with the exhaust on the Z900RS; so much character within the soundlimits. I really like my 2018 Z900RS including the sound. Sometimes I feel like KZbinrs like Andy here are searching for things to change, just to create new content…🤨

[@JD2ndcity]

Sounds lovely. I did Akro headers on my Ninja SX with similar improvements. Love it.

[@brentrichardson3366]

transformed , love a nice 4 into 1 , nice work Andy

[@kevinpick194]

Nice work Andy. Had my ECU remapped and a tune (Jordan Bikes, Leeds) yesterday to smooth out the throttle (something you are not afflicted with - lucky devil) then rode 150 miles home (I took a long and winding route through the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Wolds) to give it a thorough test. And, as we discussed before, it has really smoothed things out and with the added horses and torques (achieved through the tune) my Z900RS has even more character and added fun-factor and rides as it always should have (darn them Euro 5 fellas). Really glad you have found another reason to love your RS even more.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fantastic - enjoy! Out of interest do you mind telling me how much the Dyno/tune up cost?

[@kevinpick194]

@@TheMissendenFlyer It was £450 all in (Incl VAT). They had the bike for four hours. Took the ECU out, did the new mapping (using Woolich software), did the tune on the Dyno and then put it all back together. Prices elsewhere were on a par (give or take £50) with that when I was researching it. I don't trust myself with a spanner (please don't hate me internet) so I let the experts do it. Jordan Bikes, in Leeds are just that, and were great to deal with.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sounds good to me....thanks for the info.

[@sombre6184]

Beautiful bike, wish I had one…new sound is awesome!

[@stuarthammond1009]

Now that's more like it, nice new bread bin for mrs flyer !

[@debenhamdave4314]

Wow massive improvement, she's a keeper now Andy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Absolutely

[@noelpapelera1025]

I also have the Delkevic full exhaust system on my Z900 (not RS). Great value but also great quality. I had an Akrapovic full system on an other bike, but it was triple the cost and the additional expense to install fuel controller. Excellent choice

[@garytilley3867]

The new headers give it a sound more like I remember of the original Z1 with a 4 into 1. It sounds great

[@DragonNova]

Noise is so important, especially with a naked 😊 Sounds much better now

[@bradleyalexander5821]

100% better sounding and most likely a happier motor. Well done Andy. 🎩-Tip 👊

[@onlyonejustin]

Sounds EPIC Andy!! She’s a keeper I reckon.

[@christopherwatson7284]

Great result Andy 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I'm very happy with them thus far....

[@derekiwanczuk2867]

Sounds amazing great exhaust change take care.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks, will do!

[@dominicruston6233]

That sounds waaay better!! Really nice, and I like the end can so good you could keep that. Great option 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hey mate! Don’t often see you here!!

[@dominicruston6233]

I’m often watching - just seems odd to make contact this way 😜 but that really does sound awesome!

[@Rickmac22]

Great video! Added the same headers to my Ninja 1000 SX it really livened things up!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool!

[@garyhope0103]

What a lovely sounding bike your Z900RS sounds after that little mod. Not that it was drab before. Well worth it I'd say.

[@gregbrassington2120]

HI Andy . I just did the 16 tooth front sprocket upgrade on my SE & what a difference . More usable first & 2nd , in 6th 500rpm drop not as wheelie crazy & reduced the snappy throttle substantially substantially. For the cost of a sprocket well worth considering. Cheers Greg.

[@michaelfowler7014]

That would be fantastic with a full system, love the videos keep them coming

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks! Will do!

[@kurttallon]

Sounds awesome Andy!

[@booshallmighty]

Don't normally see the point in changing the exhaust but have to say that is money well spent. Sounds like a proper motorbike! A retro bike has to have retro sound and I think you've achieved that.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I'm glad we concur!

[@PDCRed]

Sounds terrific now. Superb.

[@garylaney1333]

That is a good difference, still not overly load but sounds more as a 900z should. Good one sir

[@jonnny1]

Omg! I’m ordering those headers. Lovely sound!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

They are!

[@georgestratikopoulos2089]

The Del sounds CRACKER ! Love the new sound. Top choice Fly 👍

[@sarge2665]

Definitely a 👍🏻 from me and definitely a mod I'll carry out when I get my Kwaka rs next year (garage extension is finally happening! 😁)

[@nigelsride]

Sweet, it sounds so growley. Nice review Andy must admit I like the bike so much. 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You and me both!

[@boostaholic7116]

Loud pipes save lives ❤️ it Andy! 👍

[@flexywing]

No they don't, says a man with fuel end can on his NC750X 😅

[@rickasker]

The bike sounds fantastic now Andy 😀👍 definitely given her more ‘character’ 😀

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think so too!

[@churchofbrap876]

Full exhaust on mine with ECU remap transformed mine for sure!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Which exhaust did you go fo?

[@churchofbrap876]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Brocks Performance here in the States. They flashed ECU also.

[@leegreco3209]

Just had mine done based on your video. Very surprised about the difference it has made to the sound with it just the downpipes changed. Seems to run better as well with a free flowing pipe and no restrictions. Slightly concerned come M.O.T time but think it’ll go through ok as not excessive noise. Very happy now as like you I found a lack of character a problem and now the bikes talking to me. 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I'm now loving my Z900 RS!

[@msims1250]

Quite throaty with the new headers! Very nice!

[@philipashley1517]

Perfect 😮, I really fancy a z900rs been on a Transalp for a while but love the Kawasaki

[@jaffamaddin]

Andy.....that is sweet....what a lovely sound...definitely object achieved!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed it is!

[@colinhailey830]

Reminds me of the days when we sporterised our Morris 8s and Ford Pops by putting an "extractor" on the exhaust. Basically a funnel made of brass fitted to the end of the exhaust pipe. Made a Morris 8 sound like a V8. 🙂

[@marcelparcel88]

I've done the exact same to mine, using the same headers. The sound is vastly improved and I found that the bike felt quite a bit lighter too. I also recently added a Sprint Filter which has made it louder again. I'm getting my bike remapped next week, it definitely needs it.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Let me know how you get on?

[@marcelparcel88]

Yeah will do

[@michaelrussom9347]

Million times better, that’s how a motorcycle engine should sound like. Great job.💚

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@craigweightman799]

It now sounds amazing 👌

[@Ctaff63]

The 900 R/S really is a great looking bike, proper bike that. 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Agreed!

[@jerryandnancywertzbaugher7778]

Glad you seem to be sticking with the Kawasaki. Sure rates among the top three bikes in your collection by my standards. (I’ll omit my anti Enfield rant this time). I used Delkevik when modifying my Kawasaki KLR 650. Love it. Great workmanship, huge weight savings and nice sound. And at a considerably lower price that most competing brands.😎 In my experience Delkevik and Mivv (on my BMW F900) are the best choices in aftermarket exhaust. Both seem to offer superior craftsmanphip at half the price of other top brands.

[@gazfpv]

Nice one tmf.I decatted my cb1000r sounds awesome 👌yes I had a rolling road tune aswell.to be on safe side of things😊

[@Shining_Whit]

Very nice indeed! I have used Delkevic end cans on three previous bikes and found their products and customer service excellent, with a five year guarantee as well. They sounded epic on my 955 Speed triple too! The weight saving was quite noticeable on just an end can, so I can only imagine what loosing a big old heavy Cat like the one on your Kwak was like.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I wish Ihad scales that were heavy duty enough to weight it - mighty heavy....

[@Shining_Whit]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Bathroom scales, you plus headers minus you equals headers. But take scales to the garage, don't want to upset Mrs Flyer!

[@alanbarnes2920]

Hold the headers, stand on your scales and get Carole to read them? Just a thought..Atb..Alan

[@dirkhuman760]

Now it sounds like a real bike! Nice!

[@kresimirmilisa5560]

This is good bike model nice sound of new headers😊

[@lambo2817]

Awesome absolutely love it!!!! Change the airfilter too it would sound better. I do love the delkavic end cans too

[@quad_solo_az]

Perfect! And you get the stock look which is just right. Some of these aftermarket cans ruin the look of the bike. Thanks for this video.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No problem 👍

[@mansolo1756]

Sounds fantastic!

[@Jbza07]

Excellent work!

[@mariuspike]

Did the same on my SpeedTriple, get rid of the stock and put a full Arrow Low body exhaust and it is beautiful. For sure, it made you give some rev's to this puppy 🙂 Good change, saved some kg on the bike as well.

[@glynhannaford7332]

Beautifully throaty at idle. When revved, buzzes like an agitated bumble bee! I approve. 👌

[@spetersonmusic]

Infinitely better in every way. Bravo!!!

[@michaelneve3223]

Now that’s an upgrade! Sounds awesome, I can see why you felt it lacked character - certainly not the case now. Reasonable price as well

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes a good value upgrade (mind you I had to pay Nigel £60 for the fitting too - which is fine)

[@IanHigginson]

Oh yeah nice sound now it's a awesome looking bike

[@alastairwinner]

Wow, amazing difference!

[@davidstiglitz4341]

Vast improvement. Nice job.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks!

[@clivehale397]

Wow now that sounds great Andy....

[@_Archambaud]

Very good upgrade👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍