How To Smooth Out The Throttle On Your Z900rs!

The Z900RS is an amazing Motorcyle but the throttle snatch is painfully annoying. This nerve grating quirk of Kawasaki's otherwise excellent modern classic has kept me off it, meanwhile I've piled up miles on other 2 wheelers in my garage. I tried fixing the snatchy throttle by adjusting the throttle slack. Did that free adjustment make the Z900RS more rideable or make the throttle snatch worse?
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Contents:
00:00 - Intro
01:50 - Throttle Problem
02:50 - 3 Throttle Fixes
04:00 - Throttle Tube Overview
05:16 - Turtle Rescue
06:12 - ECU Flash Overview
07:26 - Wrap Up
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find me on Instagram: / thesoutherndistance
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Motorcycle Roster:
2022 Suzuki DR650
2023 BMW R Nine T Urban GS
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Tags:
#z900rs #motorcycle #throttle #motorcyclelife #motovloggingfamily #motovlogging #motorcyclerepair

[@britfrog]

i have a 2024 SE and have never suffered with a throttle problem i did immediately after buying the bike take all the slack out of the cable because i like instant response as i do with all my bikes being an ex racer

[@mattriley1426]

I bought a new 23 Cafe last year and at 25 miles i sent the electronic box to Ivan and what a difference! Ya it was 350 dollars but well worth it. Problem over, and i didn’t spend a bunch of time fiddling with other useless ideas

[@blairshunk4455]

Ivan - here I come!!

[@eddwiggins4383]

I did the IVAN flash also. Best money I ever spent

[@jonacami]

​@eddwiggins4383 could you send the info so that I could also enjoy the Ivan flash? - I have the 2023 Z900rs, and I am in love of it. Thanks!

[@jdecker9834]

Got the same bike. I love the bike but I totally agree. The stock tires absolutely suck and the throttle snatch is annoying enough that I'll probably send it to Ivan. I know it's not good long term for the clutch (or even short term) but I have been compensating by feathering more than usual especially when corning to try and mitigate how the snatch upsets the bike in corners. So instead of "shutting of the fuel" with off throttle I'm just slightly disengaging the motor with the clutch.

[@thomascoppo1217]

I have the 2023 version of this bike and do not notice any snatching or abruptness at all in any traction mode. Enjoyed the turtle save!

[@markellott5620]

I've had two of them. No snatchy throttle at all.

[@TopshelfJunior]

@@markellott5620 2022 RS Cafe, I too have never experienced a snatchy throttle.

[@TopshelfJunior]

I will say though... I'm still on stock tires, and I cant WAIT to get the Michelin Road 6's !

[@markwallace9436]

Nice video buddy, I'm here in the U.K, and I also have the 2022 model, and that throttle snatch is a pain in the rear that's for sure. I've looked into having the ECE re-mapped as a cure, understand you guys call in re-flashing, but I'm looking at around £400 ($500) here so holding fire on that one and trying to work around it, but after 700 miles, its better for me, but the concentration is as high as ever to get it smooth and as you say, detracts from some of the pleasure of riding this stunning bike. If I'm no happier by mid summer I'll find the money and time and get it done. Nice vid mate

[@tsdmoto]

Thx for the comment and feedback. Let us know how it works out for you after putting more miles on your Z900RS !

[@virgin26]

You can get the price down to 250 pounds if you send the ECU off by post

[@markwallace9436]

@@virgin26 thanks for that information, definitely cheaper and save them thrashing my bike on the rollers for a couple of hours. Any idea how long they want the ECU for once sent off, I.E, how long can I expect my bike off the road to have it done this way, also did you get it done that way and how did you find the results after?

[@bobbyblueace]

@@markwallace9436 2 day turnaround with Junction 33 in Lancaster. Posted on Monday, flashed on Tuesday, riding on Wednesday.

[@bertsbike]

On my Cafe' I've gotten used to the throttle. At some point I want to get Ivan's tune... I'd probably do a cat delete at the same time... I dunno, we'll see

[@tsdmoto]

Did you get used to it before or after you adjusted the slack?

[@bertsbike]

@@tsdmoto I never adjusted the throttle slack. Just the clutch free-play.

[@JebbGraff]

I have a cafe too and have quickly gotten used to it. It went from "I don't like this at all" to a minor annoyance. Absolutely love the bike.

[@creed426]

Beautiful video, Beautiful bike, thank you for saving the turtle. I do the same all the time, I hope you don’t mind asking, what type of helmet and jacket you have on nice gloves too. Stay safe turtle man! Thank you

[@tsdmoto]

Thanks @creed426 , That I've saved three of those little turtles in the last month. :) I'm wearing a Scorpion EXO-AT950 helmet, an older Dainese Super Speed jacket, and Klim Induction gloves.

[@creed426]

@@tsdmoto thank you!!

[@tsdmoto]

Anytime !!

[@georgemcpherson3706]

22 650 RS, throttle was so bad I had 550 miles on it after 2 years , finally just said the hell with it put on a full exhaust had the ECU tuned no Comparision, kawasaki should be ashamed to sell these beautiful bikes with the thing tuned that way from the factory.

[@tsdmoto]

So is it safe to say the ecu tune and exhaust sorted the issue on your 2022 650 RS?

[@georgemcpherson3706]

@@tsdmoto the tune did, exhaust was just for ear candy.

[@marcbifano3013]

I also own a 2022 Z650RS and I am ready to sell it if I can't remedy the 'unsafe' snatchy throttle. I contacted Kawasaki about this issue a month after I purchased the bike and they did absolutely nothing to remedy the problem. I also contacted the DOT about this because I believed it is a safety issue; once again a waste of time. This is my 4th Kawasaki and I never had this problem on my old carbureted Kawis, so much for technology. Can you please tell me who reflashed your ECU and what exhaust you installed. Thx.

[@tsdmoto]

@@georgemcpherson3706 Great info, thx!

[@georgemcpherson3706]

@@marcbifano3013 moore mafia and I went with an Arrow full exhaust

[@GiggleFactory-]

I actually found the throttle to be too tight from factory. Adjusted it to spec and it feels a bit better. Looking hard at Ivan's tuning to be honest.

[@KristoffSparrow]

It is my first bike so I don’t know any better but now when I watched it I noticed more and more. For me it is z900rs charakter - let it be. If you love moto then who cares - just drive it. Don’t do anything

[@yeksun]

I have a 2020 900rs. The snatchy throttle zapped all the joy out of riding curvy roads. So I got Ivans tune.Everything is buttery smooth now. Would I do it again?? Heck yes.

[@tsdmoto]

So no side effects of Ivan's tune?

[@yeksun]

@@tsdmoto None that I noticed. The fans come on sooner so it keeps it cooler than factory which I also like. I was convinced that he did his due diligence to make sure the tune was right for this bike. Sure enough I am very pleased . I was hoping it wouldnt do that crappy backfiring and popping sound. Im happy to say it doesnt do any of that. It feels like factory but without the throttle issues.

[@azut75]

Same with mine Hornet 750…..

[@tsdmoto]

That's so unfortunate, the scourge of euro emissions is upon us

[@kriezler]

I have a 22' Anniversary and the abruptness is soooo frekin extreme. It isn't something I think I can get used to and am really weighing my options now.

[@tsdmoto]

Ooof, and that motorcycle is stunningly beautiful too. Sorry you're dealing with it, let us know which option you choose.

[@adnanalam200]

I test rode a couple of earlier bikes before buying a 22 model. I must say I've really never had an issue with it. It's an aggressive and abrupt throttle for sure, but i honestly think this is Internet driven. Instead of forgetting about it and getting used to it, people let the issue get in their heads and can't seem to let it go. Also the tyres are perfectly fine for standard road use. Sure you can ger better, but it's not a big deal. You should watch some of the Japanese videos on this bike. Its literally everywhere in Japan. Most popular big bore motorcycle. Don't think that would happen if it waa as problematic as you say.

[@tsdmoto]

I disagree it’s an internet born issue, but it’s certainly kept alive by the internet. If you take all of the slop out of the cable , cornering becomes infinitely easier to do well. An abrupt on off behavior is an issue for any motorcycle in a curvy environment, and that’s just a simple fact .

[@markellott5620]

The tyres are okay in the dry. In wet, low temperature conditions, they are poor. I ride a lot in wet, low temperature conditions so they had to go.

[@Satch_4_Hogs]

I've always wondered why anyone complains about stock tires or stock seats. I expect both to be terrible on a new bike.

[@tsdmoto]

Good point Satch !

[@oggyoggy1299]

Exactly! Along with mirrors, suspension, brakes, ECU, exhaust & muffler.

[@eddwiggins4383]

It's not a throttle slack issue. It's electronic. The fuel shuts off when the throttle closes

[@glenpedersen2337]

The throttle is fine on these. It’s a cable throttle that you just need to get used to. I love mine. Delete the cat and you’ll get power but lose torque which looks great on paper but does nothing.

[@tsdmoto]

Agreed on torque vs hp , got to love torque !

[@dolphinride5157]

I was considering this bike but I think I'll pass

[@brandongreene9615]

You can fix this issue with a marble

[@tsdmoto]

Tell us more

[@kevinlindberg2220]

My 2022 doesn't have a "snatchy" throttle and the Dunlop tires are really good, plus I'd never stop for a stupid turtle.

[@eddwiggins4383]

IVANs will fix that. And everything else annoying about the bike

[@tsdmoto]

Thanks for the vote of confidence for Ivans!