How To Smooth Out The Throttle On Your Z900rs!

[@44smithnut]

Ivan fixed my 2023 Z900RS. 100% better all around. I was so discouraged I was very close to getting rid of the darn thing. What pissed me off the most was other riders telling or insinuating I either didn't know how to ride or was operating my bike wrong. Go to Ivan, best bike I've ever riden now.

[@tsdmoto]

That is great to hear. Glad you're loving your Z900 and I hate to hear when other riders say things like someone doesn't know how to operate their bike. :(

[@poker8193]

Also it’s not just Kawasaki it’s a lot of the bikes that have secondary throttle plates. Iv seen guys take them out completely. Keep the bike get it flashed and swap tires. It’s a blast to ride with those 2 upgrades

[@tsdmoto]

Thanks for the info!

[@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 !

[@glenpedersen2337]

@@TopshelfJuniorI just went Metzelers Roadtec02. Love them. Bike feels much nicer.

[@IM-yz5cw]

How cool and keen eyed to catch the turtle. Well done. I love my RS, but the throttle snatchiness makes me nervous every time. Got it last week. Still love it!

[@Sway8998]

I fixed this issue by pure luck… Something very interesting happened to me today. I bought a 2020 DR650 last week that came with a Shorai LFX19A4-BS12 battery. I also have a 2018 Z900RS with an Antigravity ATZ-10-RS battery. The Z900RS WAS for sale. I decided I wanted to keep the Antigravity battery so I swapped it for the Shorai.. I took the Z900RS for a spin today and what do you know, no more snatchy throttle nor clunky transmission feel/sound at all. Long story short, Z900RS feels like a whole new different bike and it ain’t for sale anymore. Thanks for reading my Ted Talk 😂 but seriously tho, it’s fixed!!!

[@Xavier.B.33]

wouah, sounds as strange as good ! How would you explain it ? Haow can a battery sawp change anything on the throttle ? Thanks

[@Sway8998]

@ 🤷🏻‍♂️ I wish I had an explanation for it. It just happened that way. Maybe by disconnecting the battery the ECU would reset? And/or a different battery with a different output mixed with the reset part.. I really don’t know.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Interesting. Not sure how this would work or impact the fuel system, but I've seen and heard of weirder things happening. Many bike OEM batteries aren't great anyway.

[@erniewebster792]

I have a 2024 Z900RS SE and have been looking for the snatchy throttle issue. However if I focus on it I guess there may be a slight transition there but not much of an issue for me. I owned a 1977 KZ 1000 back in the day and it was way "coarser" of a beast than this new one is. Love the Z900RS SE so far! (I would have stopped for the turtle too).

[@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.

[@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.

[@atsernov]

2023 RS SE. I just ride around it for now, but my plan is to get the tune after the warranty runs out next year. For those saying there is no stanchness, there is. You're just not sensitive to it, or don't ride it in a way that makes it obvious. It's not like there's a massive shove, it feels like a drive chain with too much slack in it. It only really bothers me mid corner, it unsettles the bike.

[@tsdmoto]

Sounds like you feel the same as I did mid corner. Best of luck with your tune and the 23 RS SE is a stunning bike.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

I'm in the process of going the Ivan's tune route. I just swapped the stock pipes for a Delkevic system, and we're heading into winter, so the bike is garaged anyway and sending out the ECU for a week is no biggie. It's not just the abrupt throttle for me though. I'm also getting a major power surge right off idle in first and (to a lesser extent) second gear, particularly when coming from a stop. The bike kind of "burbles" for lack of a better description, struggles for a second, and then just full power like someone turned on a firehose. I've had the lightswitch throttle on other bikes (an EPA / emissions artifact), but this is a lot more. Kind of dangerous - if I'm not carefully modulating the clutch in 1st, it can easily launch you out of control. I'm not the bike's first owner, and I've found a couple of suspect maintenance jobs from the PO. So I'm thoroughly going through, replacing all the filters, fuel pump, cleaning the injectors, etc, even though I only have 6,000 miles on it. Process of elimination. Once I'm sure that is all done well, I'll get the ECU flashed. Anyone else have a surging issue with the Z? Were you able to track it to anything?

[@MrCamarokid83]

Ive done the 2 wheel dyno works ecu tune, 16t front sprocket and it was still a little twitchy. I did opposite and put more slack in the cable. Tightening it up kinda defeats the purpose. It is at least more enjoyable now.

[@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

[@poker8193]

Mine was bad enough I was using the clutch at low speed turns. That first little opining was super harsh. Or I’d keep a tad of throttle and trail brake a touch. But ecu leaves in the morning for a reflash. I put full system on it.

[@tsdmoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@poker8193]

After I had it relashed by brocks performance. It runs better and stronger but it did not at all fix the throttle snatch at the first open of throttle

[@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.

[@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!

[@randymeliota7305]

Bought a new 2019 orange/brown and sent the ECU to Ivan’s for a flash…..snatchiness was diminished somewhat but not completely…..I ended up selling it because it was so annoying

[@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.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

ECU Reflash by Ivan. Problem solved, smoother, richer, quicker warmup, better low and middle range. Cheers.

[@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

[@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.

[@davidchenette1091]

My 2024 Kawasaki Z900RS doesn't have a snatche throttle it's very very smooth maybe they just fixed it on the new ones or I'm just lucky I have a good one

[@tsdmoto]

OK now I'm just jealous :). But I'm very happy for you. Thanks for letting us know!

[@Toecutter1979]

Mine is a 06/2024 in the UK and it is still utterly awful, fuel cut off on overrun to refuelling on throttle 'on/off switch' takes all the joy out of bendy B roads. Particularly this year with roads full of gravel and mud run-off from endless storms... With forty four years of biking, including a Stan Stevens tuned X7, a YZ465 that I road legalised (sort of) and a TZ250 I use to hill climb/sprint/race I've got to say the 900RS is the worse fuelling of the lot, not really Kawasaki's fault just ever increasing emission regulations. Rose tinted specs possibly, but nothing compares to those lovely six carbs (when balanced!) on my CBX1000 as a 17 year old.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ALegAndAnArm]

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

[@eddwiggins4383]

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

[@herkko61]

This is the real reason. It's done for the pollution rules and test.

[@azut75]

Same with mine Hornet 750…..

[@tsdmoto]

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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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!

[@mohezkeshavji]

Iam from Portugal. The same with my Kawa. Can you tell me whats the meaning of IVan?

[@Toecutter1979]

@@mohezkeshavji I believe he is a tuner in the US that flashes/re-maps the ECU to delete the fuel cut-off on overrun and other attributes in the factory ECU map, well known in the American Z900RS community.