Kawasaki z900rs Owner Review

[@Grauer1963]

Hello. Congrats to your choice. I`m with your opinion. I`m a proud owner of the 2023 - Kawa Z900 RS SE in black yellow color, also for one year and I`m very satisfied. Some extra things done..like center stand, smaller led signs...short license plate holder, usb loader, the original kawasaki slider. I`m very satisfied with the power, comfort . I`m 60 years old and this was my first brand-new bike and I never regret it. Cruising or a little bit sporty..everything can happen but nothing must. Gearbox is for me perfect, no problems. Throttle response also without any issues....I wish you many satisfied miles. Regards from germany.

[@SocalMotoRx]

Yeah that’s a great looking bike you have there.

[@chiroptile2881]

Beautiful machine, thank you. Going to pick mine up next week after a 6 month wait, and I have been binging on these reviews. Stay safe, brother.

[@SocalMotoRx]

Right on! You are def gonna have fun with it.

[@davidchenette1091]

I have 2024 kawasaki Z900RS I have been riding for almost 60 years now this is my favorite motorcycle out of all motorcycle I have had

[@SocalMotoRx]

Daaaanng we all hope to ride for that long. It is a hoot to ride. Have fun!

[@paulscountry456]

They did so great with that look and it sounds super and the metal flake just retroes it so nicely.

[@zapatastyle]

Very cool shot at 4:18 with the sun and the palms. Great review. I love these kawasaki retro bikes, including the 650.

[@SocalMotoRx]

Thanks I appreciate that. I was trying to get some good interesting shots while showing off the bike. I feel too many reviews of bikes we only get the view from the cockpit.

[@thomasroberts1554]

I have the 2023 Kawasaki Z900rs and I absolutely love it! Congrats on yours! Enjoy

[@SocalMotoRx]

@@thomasroberts1554 thanks man! I’m loving it!

[@MichaelHoward-fr3hp]

I had the old Suzuki GS1000E models back in the day!!! 82 and 83 this fits my bill perfect!!! I could raise hell all day or cruise the country side!!

[@kwakithailand]

Congrats🎉 on your awesome Z, mate 👍

[@44smithnut]

I own a 2023 Z900RS. I'm with you on everything including that obnoxious "snatchy" throttle. My transmission is very good but occasionally I hit neutral going from 1st gear shifting to 2nd gear. Other than that it's a fantastic bike. A tad light for the highway. Appreciate your review, thanks.

[@rdiaz78065]

I use to have false neutrals sometimes. But I noticed I would not give enough strength. It us now muscle memory and issue has not returned. Just shift with authority

[@SocalMotoRx]

After making the video I have gotten a lot of messages about people using a brace on the shift gear. I don’t think it’s the force I use because I have owned several bikes and I have never had the problem before. It seems like there just might be a little too much play in the shift rod. I’m not gonna use a brace though. It happens so rarely that it’s fine for me and honestly it has only happened when trying to drag race it.

[@Meals_N_2_Wheels]

I dig the color. Now I got three color choices to choose from for my future RS purchase. 🙂

[@albertjurcisin8944]

Very refreshing view of the bike. I have more authentic idea what the bike is about than from many dedicated test chanels.

[@SocalMotoRx]

Thanks for saying that! Glad to help.

[@michaelodwyer2815]

Only false neutral ive had was on me (rider error) , the bike as long as clutch adjusted properly

[@AdrianRConant]

I really wanted that bike, but as a beginner, I bought the 2024 Yamaha XSR700 Raven, and it's beautiful as well. It's perfect to get started, but I'll definitely upgrade to the Kawasaki Z900 in the future. Let's see how the 2025 will look like. Beautiful bike, by the way. :D

[@prdragon47]

I own the exact same bike, except it's a cafe. I'm also planning to get my bike tuned by Ivan because of that snatchy throttle when I'm in 1st gear. Can''t wait to give my baby a proper cleaning tomorrow and go for a spin in the NYC highway and streets!

[@SocalMotoRx]

Ivan is the man. It came back to me super quick from the other side of the country. Should be even quicker for you.

[@MichaelHoward-fr3hp]

Beautiful Bike!!! Been looking at them since 2020!!!

[@seeingeyegod]

I've always been a short person, but the amount of 6ft+ people who only have a 32in inseam makes me feel lucky that I have a 30in only being 5'6" in a stretch.

[@FrankBonessa]

I have the same bike, same color. It's sitting in the foyer not more than 5 foot away. My garage is overflowing with bikes. I have to say, the RS has been excellent in ever way. Took it on a 2500 mile trip to the Sierras last year. Ran and handled like a champ on Sonora pass. Averaged almost 50 mpg. I do envy your ability to ride all year long in SoCal. Have lived in Idaho for 30 years and it sucks for riding. Freezing or frying. So many more good roads in Cali. Anyways, proud to ride the big 4 banger. Cheers.

[@SocalMotoRx]

@@FrankBonessa it used to be better as far as year round riding. The last few years have had a lot of rain during the winter. Although I guess that’s better than ice on the road 😃

[@FrankBonessa]

@@SocalMotoRx For sure!

[@ianhalliwell8604]

As a owner of a GoldStar i love a bike with character and the Z900 has it in spades I'd love one in my garage to keep the Goldie company.

[@MajorHazzard]

I have the exact same bike . I have had it a month and agree with you, and many others, it is a great bike. I have a runaround bike, a Kawasaki x300 and although only a 300cc it makes the RS appear tiny when side by side. If you're thinking of buying one,don't take my word for it,go to the showroom and see, and feel how ....dainty? and easy to move around this bike is, compare it to others next to it, it really is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

[@kikoy08]

Kawasaki is overly underestimated bike because here in the Philippines, it cost less than other manufacturer. But the quality is superb much more its engine reliability and quality.

[@Lacehairwigs]

I have the 2023 kawasaki z650rs green. Love it. I'm a woman so perfect size my height 5'6.

[@MichaelHoward-fr3hp]

Thx for your time SIR!!!!! I do want one and want a cowl also!!

[@MelloYellow510]

Clean bike! Can you review the spot lights?

[@SocalMotoRx]

Will do. I tried to get some footage of it for this one but my lens was too dark to pick it up properly. I’ll reply to your comment again when I do. I can tell you they make a world of difference for night time highway riding.

[@MelloYellow510]

@@SocalMotoRx looking forward to it, thanks!

[@mikelohmeyer4140]

I have a green Cafe and love it. But don't you think they could put Auto delete on all motorcycle blinkers

[@SocalMotoRx]

Auto shut off on the blinkers? Yeah I wish! My BMW has that and that’s probably why I forget on this. After a turn I’m focusing on the road and not the blinkers.

[@mikelohmeyer4140]

@@SocalMotoRx when I had my midlife crisis I started back with a Harley Breakout. It had Auto delete and it was fantastic. I had to sell it as it was just too heavy for slow slow traffic in town. I just sold my Ducati hypermotard 936 2 days ago. Again no Auto delete on the turn signal. OMG

[@iansians6703]

MPG - terrible once flashed - has to run richer to get the best out of the bike but the consumption is atrocious as a result, especially in wind. I have to carry fuel on most rides more than 200klm. Needs a 21ltr tank at least, otherwise agree, it is a great bike.

[@kwakithailand]

After fine tuning my right wrist, I'm still enjoying 300km ranges 😂

[@brandino9000]

Not gonna get a bigger tank than it already has on most bikes

[@SmokinZen]

I notice the passenger peg looks like it’s on your heel. Was wondering if the passenger would be too close to your heel

[@SocalMotoRx]

I have had a passenger on it several times and never had a problem. In the video I have the balls of my feet on the pegs. There’s a lot of room to have my feet move forward if I needed it.

[@camgere]

Do you use Premium gas? I might add the Stompgrips Tank and Side Tank protectors to my bike.

[@SocalMotoRx]

Sorry for the late reply. Yes I use premium. The side protectors are from stompgrips. I think they were just generic size.

[@glenncaukill1320]

Why do you stay in 3rd gear on the open road?

[@SocalMotoRx]

Not sure which section you are talking about but possibly to be in the power band or possibly that I’m not used to talking for a video while riding. Peak torque is at 6k on this bike.

[@glenncaukill1320]

@@SocalMotoRx good video, great bike aren't they

[@williamfoster4268]

I want to get a Z900RS but I am having a tough time justifying it over my '04 ZRX1200R.

[@SocalMotoRx]

If I had one of those I definitely wouldn’t get rid of it. Either add the RS or just stick with the ZRX. You would regret selling it.

[@imthatguy1878]

Getting rid of my zrx1100 was the 2nd worst decision I'd made after marriage, downgraded to a cruiser for the exwife to be comfortable and the bike was more fun lol

[@willmcclintock]

The transmission on mine is absolutely driving me crazy. Shifting from 2nd to 3rd, 50% of the time I miss it and stay in 2nd. I have to really concentrate and really kick it up in order to move from 2nd to 3rd. Any thoughts on what I can do about that?

[@SocalMotoRx]

@@willmcclintock are you trying to short shift it too much? Try shifting around 6k or 7k and see if the bike likes it better. I also read about people putting a shifter brace on so that there is less wiggle in the mechanics of the shift. I haven’t done that and honestly I haven’t run into any problems recently.

[@willmcclintock]

@@SocalMotoRx Good suggestion. I'll try revving it higher. Thanks!

[@patrickmunoz6171]

6’ tall 32” in seem 220lbs. And ALLLLLLLL MAN.

[@ahsansaeed9103]

Confused between this or the Triumph Bonneville T120. This has more speed. Triumph in my opinion has more character. Which one to choose?

[@SocalMotoRx]

Yeah that’s quite a predicament. Like I said I don’t have any experience riding the t120 but I have a lot of experience on the previous air cooled version. Character is subjective. I think both have a lot of character. The fit and finish on the Kawi is miles beyond the Triumph. The T120 looks older but has legit older technology. Personally after owning a few Bonnevilles I like that the Kawi looks like a retro but has the underpinnings of a modern sports bike more or less. The mono shock suspension is fully adjustable as well as the front forks. The Triumph only has 5 positions on the dual rear shocks and if your comfort level isn’t in the range you are gonna have to spend a pretty penny on some Ohlins. The T120 costs more for tire changes because you need to also change out tubes and if you pick up a nail hopefully you don’t burst the tube and lose control. If you do puncture your tube then you can’t patch it with a plug kit. You have to take your wheel off, take the tire off and replace the tube.

[@ahsansaeed9103]

@@SocalMotoRx thanks for the detailed analysis

[@FrankBonessa]

Been into bikes a long time. What's this character stuff? I've owned over 50 bikes of all brands and never heard that term till lately. My regular Z9 and my 900 RS ooze with character. My gs 1200 supposedly had character even if it spent more time in the shop than on the road. Enough with the character.

[@SocalMotoRx]

@@FrankBonessa I agree. I feel like Motorcycle Journalists made it up and used it so much that regular people now say it not knowing what it means. Every bike has its own “character”. Not sure what more character would be.

[@ahsansaeed9103]

@@FrankBonessa the history and heritage that reflects on the product. That in my opinion makes the character of any machine. Triumph, Indian & Harleys etc have a rich history compared to the Japanese Big 4's

[@jtwu8931]

Are those D3’s mounted on the forks? Do you add an EZ Can or. Switch with it or it is spliced in to the head light? Thanks.

[@SocalMotoRx]

Yeah D3 Hybrid mounted to the forks. No EZ Can. No Data Dim. I got it with their premium MotorSports switch and tapped the keyed power from the 12v socket under the seat. When I turn it on it’s 100% every time.

[@jtwu8931]

@@SocalMotoRx thanks I had to top mounted my D3 on the fork brackets from Denali because clearance from the radiator. Yours seem clear it just fine with under mounts?

[@SocalMotoRx]

@@jtwu8931 I used these mounts and just had the mount going out a little forward so that it clears. denalielectronics.com/products/lah-00-10500-b

[@jtwu8931]

@@SocalMotoRx Did you have the strob function with your D3’s . I installed the data dim module but the bike quits the hazard lights now. Hope you have some insight

[@billh4301]

You put Akro headers and not a muffler?

[@SocalMotoRx]

Most people leave the stock muffler. Not only does it look better than the akra but it’s louder.

[@mn1k174]

You know these bikes have a 5th and even a 6th gear, right?

[@SocalMotoRx]

Yes they do…

[@shansharad8938]

Disable the SAI / AIS it will be more smooth and much Less noise without loosing power …. Mine = .. K&N air & oil filter Iridium spark plugs Bread box out Akrapovic muffler ECU flashed Barnett clutch On Dyno = 108 hp & 96 of torque Continental tires … ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TopshelfJunior]

How you like them tires.. I'm still on my stock tires but I think I wanna go Road 6's next.. Michellin... We'll see.

[@Saucey65]

I rode a Z900RS last weekend and that sloppy throttle really bugged me. It's crazy because I also rode a bunch of other bikes and it was the only one that was that bad on and off power. Triumph, Yamaha, and Suzuki were all smooth and the Z was the most expensive out of them all. The Yamahas and Suzuki's had quickshifters too and god that was so nice to have. I love the looks of this bike I just wish I loved the mechanical aspect of it.

[@SocalMotoRx]

Yeah I definitely feel you on that one. After the tune I don’t even think about the throttle which is great. Before the tune I was definitely not completely happy with the bike. I felt the same way you did. I loved the looks and wasn’t in love with the throttle. It all changed after the tune. I would also like a quick shifter but because it’s an actual throttle cable they wouldn’t be able to do clutch less downshifts. I think they should have just gone with ride by wire and gave us the quick shifter.

[@TopshelfJunior]

What does a sloppy throttle mean ? Snappy ? Or jolt-y ? Wha ? I feel like people always said the Z900RS had a snatchy throttle, but I think by the 2019 models, they had it fixed. I'm on a 2022 and I dont have any issues with mine. Honest question by the way.

[@Saucey65]

@@TopshelfJunior felt sluggish man. Not jerky at all. I'd twist and felt like the engine was holding back the power. The Yamaha responds especially in mode 1 or 2. It's good to know the tune fixed it for that other guy. I rode it at a demo tent experience during motogp and they let us wind them out but just didn't have that get up and go.

[@TopshelfJunior]

@@Saucey65 Hmmmmmm. Well two things, one… I can def say… 4th gear is a little slow lol. But also, I’m wondering if the KTRC mode stunts / limits it some. For example, when I have it on, the bike wont lift up, throttle is smoother.. But when I turn it off, it’ll wheelie in any gear and has more zapp to it lol. I dunno.. coulda been that. Definitely a smoother bike in terms of delivery. I know what you mean, I’ve ridden several bikes that had more punch / torque for sure.

[@SocalMotoRx]

@@TopshelfJunior I thought he meant snatchy but now I realize he meant sluggish. Mine feels a million times better after the flash as far as snatchy goes. I have the same year as you and mine def still had the snatchy problem. It doesn't show itself when you are riding like a hooligan. It only bothered me when trying to cruise or being precise in a corner. Let's go for a ride and I'll let you test out mine with the ECU flash!

[@wokeybrokey8006]

Wow have the same color, went for the same grab rails, went for flatter black bars, tail tidy but with original indicators …like the exhausts man and thinking about the ecu flash 👍

[@SocalMotoRx]

Ivan’s ECU flash is a game changer. I don’t get frustrated at all anymore with the throttle.

[@samyb2834]

The rear suspension is trash if you're over 195lb

[@wokeybrokey8006]

You have your high beam on 😂

[@SocalMotoRx]

In the US we are taught to have the high beam on during the day for more visibility.