Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe' First Ride Review

[@bryanstoll7104]

Its broken in at 5 miles let it rip!!!😂😂 I couldn't wait on mine, it didn't seem to hurt it, mine was running red line the second day .

[@bertsbike]

Haha. You're probably right. Brraaap! 🤙

[@northerniltree]

Just got a new '23 black and gold delivered three days ago by the dealer. Signed the papers, paid and watched the delivery driver go over the horizon. Horrors! I then discovered the gas tank striping on one side was gouged by apparently a tie down strap. The dealership after some back and forth is going to deliver me another one. Those gas tanks are $2K each, plus tax, shipping and labor, etc. I've waited 45 years to get a bike like this. Maybe in 2 weeks I will actually have one I can use and ride.

[@bertsbike]

Woah, Jeez so he flipped it while riding? Yes they owe you a new one not a beat up one. It's not just a rock chip or something dumb. It's absolute negligence on the drivers part.

[@tsdmoto]

Nice first ride, love the clocks, love the sound, just love the z900rs series !

[@bertsbike]

Heck yea! Work of art!

[@michaeltrivette1728]

My 2020 Z900RS cafe is my favorite thing ever. Lovin the black and gold as well.

[@bertsbike]

Totally! is that the green and black paint scheme?

[@hottotty13]

Nice man. Good call. Welcome back to Kwaka!

[@bertsbike]

Thanks! Good to be back! 🤗

[@Max-kh9do]

I had a 21 w800, and now a 23 z900rs. I had both in the standard (non cafe) styles which I prefer. Really love the z900rs, I think it's a great all around bike that is a joy to ride. The sound is awesome too

[@bertsbike]

Awesome. Both great bikes! Kawi really nailed both IMO.

[@keithmcknight1223]

Have put 400 miles on my 2023 Cafe. I enjoy the motor which has great useable power. I would like a bit more pull but overall, it is great. I echo what you mentioned, you can be in 4th or 5th at low speed and the bike just keeps rolling along and pulls when called upon. You can work that rpm range and gears for aggressive riding or just cruise. Personally, I find it hard to cruise as I love the sound of this bike and enjoy hearing it rev. Best sounding bike off the floor I have ever owned. I did add some bar risers. Guess my old neck and wrist are not what they used to be. The extra inch made a difference without affecting the look too much. I owned a ZRX1100 at one point and loved that bike. I would probably own one now but could not locate a clean low mileage one in my area so I got the Cafe as a compromise. Can’t go wrong with the bike. I think I would still prefer the ZRX as it has a bigger feel which works better for me at 6’2”, 225. The Cafe is still a nice fit even with the bride on the back. She loves her Corbin seat I purchased four her comfort. Great review.

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching! Just rounding out 500mi myself. I agree the bike really does push you to ride it harder the more you get comfortable with it… The sound is really very good stock. Loving mine so far. Stay safe out there! 🏍💨💨

[@SeanFisk]

Which bar risers did you use? If dont mind. Thanks

[@markhd2023]

Nice bike! I am thinking about the same one. What bag is that strapped to the tail btw?

[@bertsbike]

Thanks! It's a Viking Bags "Cafe" bag with a Nelson Rig Hurricane tank bag strapped over it.

[@fitzfarm8694]

How does that tail bag work on the bike. I am struggling to find bags that dont ruin the look of the bike or cause damage to the finish of the bike.

[@bertsbike]

I use a pair of the RokStraps (skinnier width) they hook up to the luggage bobbins and rear luggage slots by the reflectors.

[@0616ko]

Congrats and best of luck with the new motorcycle.

[@bertsbike]

Hey thanks! Thanks so much for watching 🤗

[@prdragon47]

I have this very bike (couple of months) just passed my road test today. Can't wait to finally give her a proper ride :)

[@bertsbike]

@@prdragon47 Nice! yeah I’m only about 400mi in, so I’m still taking it easy until the 600mi break in. No complaints so far.

[@toofastnobrakes]

Have you ridden the standard “non-RS” z900? And if so how do the ergos compare with the cafe? I feel like the bars are close to the same. But I’m wondering if the pegs are lower

[@bertsbike]

I have. I have a review on that as well. Check that out below. Overall The Standard is the more comfortable one out of the two due to the “racer-ish” stance of the cafe’. The seat is more plush and less scooped, Handlebars feel more substantial and wide. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5WVoKRqa82lh68

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@bertsbike how are the foot pegs?

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@bertsbike I think ya misunderstood me. Not the Z900rs. The Z900 “non retro bike” that’s the bike I’m asking about in comparison

[@bertsbike]

@@toofastnobrakes No I haven’t had the pleasure but this guy I follow has done a detailed review. Check that out. Seating position about 18:50 in. Looks like the pegs are up and back some compared to the Retro variants. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJSUdKSsdrmpmbs

[@dasboot9471]

The Z900 pegs are way farther up and to the rear, bar is slightly lower, seat is closer, much more cramped cockpit

[@wltrlg]

Beautiful colour scheme!! Wish they sold this in Europe 😢

[@bertsbike]

Thanks! Yes, I feel like it's one of the best schemes for this model.

[@louislopez55]

I like my 1250 Bandit. If having a bike that starts every time, has a smooth gearbox, has a compliant suspension and doesn’t vibrate is boring, I’ll take boring. Of course one twist of the wrist and you’ll wonder why you ever wanted a lesser bike with “character”.

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching! Yeah that 1250 Bandit is nice. I agree! Reliable and smooth for me 😎!

[@uhtred7860]

Did the U.S not get these when they were released in 2018??

[@bertsbike]

I think we just got the green version.

[@uhtred7860]

@@bertsbike Lime green and white? thats the one i bought when they came out in 2018. I only asked because loads of new z900RS reviews have popped up on YT lately, and i just thought that was weird for a 5 year old bike.

[@bertsbike]

@@uhtred7860 Yes. Green with white racing stripe. My friend and I bought one recently. He got the blue standard, I got the black cafe’. I’ve noticed that there are more vids popping up here and there as well. Definitely a sleeper here in the USA.

[@uhtred7860]

@@bertsbike I notice the U.S seems to miss out on some great bikes, most of the bikes i currently own, or bikes i have owned, i was surprised to learn, the U.S never got. Yamaha MT-01, Yamaha TRX 850, Honda CB1300, Suzuki GS1200SS. The MT-01 surprises me the most as i thought it would be popular in the U.S.

[@bertsbike]

@@uhtred7860 Yeah, we do miss out on many great bikes. The dealer told me that the Cafe’ versions/Modern retros are the ones that sit the longest. It’s a popular segment but more so in other countries. Around here it’s Cruisers/ADV’s/Naked/Sport mostly. What I love about the Z900RS is you’re not sacrificing the performance for the esthetic.

[@builtbytitan]

🎉

[@donellclemons2195]

How does it compare to the w800 cafe

[@bertsbike]

Well, Overall it has better components, and is faster. But It’s really a modern bike with classic appointments. The W800 is a true retro with EFI. It still has a special place in my heart tho. 🤗 I might consider adding the W to the lineup again… We’ll see 😝

[@dasboot9471]

W800 is a straight up old bike…uncomfortable for taller folks, weird award old school riding position, and handles, accelerates etc like a dog in comparison…but is also super cool

[@Annddrreeww]

Great review brother. You wearing fringe? Can’t tell from the shadows at the start. Enjoy!

[@bertsbike]

Thanks! Yeah, I had a winter scarf on.

[@MrSpeed396]

Curios what you paid$ I found one just like yours for $10,697 plus probably another 2,000 in fees

[@bertsbike]

I think it was right at 11.2K since Kawi had a special of 1k off when I bought mine. Yeah freight and dealer fees are around that 1-2k.

[@overwatchmanzania4045]

sexy bike for sexy man. what bike # is this now?

[@bertsbike]

Lol. Thanks! prolly in the double digits. 🤣🤦‍♂️