Kawasaki Z900RS SE vs. Z650RS - Complete in depth review!

[@postersm7141]

I have the 2021 Z900 RS café and Kawasaki totally nailed it with the sound tuning as far as induction sound and exhaust. The induction sound on that motorcycle is so sweet. Also the power band between 4000 and 8000 RPM, having all the power in the mid range is so perfect for the street. I find myself in fifth gear at 4000 RPM going almost 60 mph. I’m not even entering the power band at that point. It’s tuned so nice from the factory Kawasaki did a great job!!! The only thing I would recommend is upgrading the tires. I put Michelin Road 6 tires on mine and I completely transformed the motorcycle.

[@martinbaldam6676]

Nice one, I had the exact same Z650RS model, it’s made to a price but still a great bike and look, so much so that I traded mine for the Z900RS SE, have to say I’ve only managed 100 miles on the SE but the sound of the exhaust, the look and the upgrades makes it a perfect bike. I’m now waiting for the weather to turn to build up the miles, great bikes…

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! It's February in Canada, so I haven't been able to ride my new Z900RS SE. I've owned the Versys 650 previously, so that shared an engine with your Z650RS. I'm looking forward to the upgrade! I can't wait to ride too!

[@tomvoss2131]

I am old rider getting back into it again, thinking of the 650…..why was the 650 not enough for you?

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@tomvoss2131 The 650 really was more than enough for me. Asking why I bought the Z900RS SE is kind of like asking why someone would buy a Porsche. It's not that other cars aren't enough, it's just that a Porsche is something special. To me the Z900RS is just that, it's something special. The Z650RS is a bike that I would happily recommend to many people. It's comfortable, it's fun, it handles well, it has all the power that you could reasonably use on the street. I will say that highway passing power is exceptional on my new bike and good on the 650. But that's a difference between them. If you like the Z650RS, I'd get it. A few years ago, that's a bike I definitely would have considered.

[@mcscotty325]

Congratulations! That's a really nice bike. One of my favorites. The SE package is a great deal when you add up what you are getting.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, it's interesting. I was considering the Ninja 1000SX which has more electronics and more features for a similar price, so I feel like you're paying a little bit for the styling, but for me the SE is great. It's the bike I want, and there aren't any bikes like this one, so I'm comfortable with the price. I'm really looking forward to riding it, and doing a lot more videos with it!

[@mcscotty325]

@@PeterLoweOne You're definitely paying for the styling, fit and finish. The Z900 super naked it's based off has more power and comes in at about $3000 less. With that said, the Z900rs SE is worth every penny. Like a modern restomod that pays homage to the old z1000 and widow maker.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@mcscotty325 Yeah, I totally agree. Z900 is a crazy good deal when you think about it, but I love the style and comfort of the Z900RS. I think it's priced appropriately. No regrets about buying one!

[@postersm7141]

For some reason I was drawn to the café version of the Z 900 RS. I have a 2021 Z 900 RS Café and I’ve had a lot of 70s and 80s Kawasaki‘s. I have to say this is a great bike. I’ve had many KZ 650 and 750s from the late 70s and early 80s but this is hands-down a better performer for obvious reasons. Mainly chassis, suspension and brakes.

[@mamatbogel5888]

Z900 rs is my dream bike thanks 4 the video

[@PeterLoweOne]

Mine too! That's why I bought it! Make your dreams a reality!

[@OM-sb2bd]

The 900RS SE looks freaking gorgeous.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I bought that bike. I love it! It definitely gets some attention when I park it, or get fuel. People want to talk about it!

[@gatorguida4483]

Nice video. I love my 2020 cafe model. I did make some pretty serious changes however. Keep em coming.👍😁

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for watching! I haven't had the chance to review the Cafe model yet, but I'm really looking forward to seeing that one in person! Expect a number of reviews on it when I get my hands on it.

[@supersportimpalass]

It’s a shame they kept the same exhaust and rear swingarm on the 650rs that’s on the standard Z. I get they probably wanted to keep the cost down but they updated those two items on the 900rs and visually makes it a much better looking motorcycle.

[@Jimeoin351]

As a new rider do you think the Z650RS would be a fairly long term proposition (not be yearning for more power in a year or two) for me or would I be better to get a shitter and upgrade later to a Z9RS?

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

I love em both! Cheers from NYC.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Me too! I'm looking forward to Spring so I can ride the Z900RS and get more content out on it. They're both great though. I used to own a Versys 650 with the same engine. I'd happily recommend these bikes to others!

[@russellsoanes7516]

I've got a Z900RS SE on order and am interested to see if they have sorted out the snatchy throttle. Cheers Russ.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm under the impression that they did. I'll update as I start riding it this Spring.

[@martinbaldam6676]

I have the 900RS SE and I heard about the snatchy throttle, I have to say mine is buttery smooth…

[@thomasteater5084]

What year of the Z900RS SE did you order

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@thomasteater5084 I have the 2022. Not sure about Russell

[@russellsoanes7516]

@@thomasteater5084 2023

[@DMugsP]

Nice one mate

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! I'll have a lot more on these bikes soon! Feel free to subscribe!

[@ForTheChristians]

Awesome!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@x-105strikefreedom]

Z900RS for me. How about Kawasaki Versys 650 against the Kawasaki KLR 650 (F.I model).

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching. Here's the video you asked for. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q16ugpeVaLKgd6s

[@x-105strikefreedom]

@@PeterLoweOne thanks!

[@kevinjackson8072]

Are the Avon tyres good enough for the 900se? I have one on order for 1st Martch collection.

[@gatorguida4483]

Some of Avons tires are very good. I put Pirelli Rosso Corsa 2s on mine and love them.

[@kevinjackson8072]

@@gatorguida4483 Thanks for your reply 👍

[@PeterLoweOne]

This doesn't come standard with Avon tires in Canada. I'm not sure what I would put on to replace the stock tires. I bought the Z900RS and as those tires wear, I'll have to make a decision on what I want as an upgrade from there.

[@kevinjackson8072]

@Peter Lowe One Hi Peter. Avon tyres are what I had on my rs 900 2018 I didn't find them a problem. I live in England. Looking forward to your thoughts on kawasaki rs 900se you bought.

[@neriuxcx]

Z900rs speedometer fits for z650rs or no?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't think so, but I've never tried.

[@OM-sb2bd]

“bigger seat will take more of a passenger” - 😂

[@PeterLoweOne]

Words are hard! 😃👍

[@gwapogreg5837]

All of these retro bikes from the makers from japan are forgetting these bikes in the 70s have 4 CYLANDERS.

[@PeterLoweOne]

They're not forgetting that. They're making bikes with the platforms that they currently have. The 900 in this video is still a 4 cylinder, and the 650 twin makes more power than the 4 cylinder models from back in the day. It's a win win for manufacturers and customers.

[@gwapogreg5837]

@@PeterLoweOne yes for sure they are better bikes.Some like the W800 have electrical problems though.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Second

[@PeterLoweOne]

I posted at an odd time!

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

@@PeterLoweOne that's ok!👌👍

[@thecamdenyard]

C’mon Kawasaki make a Z400RS with the new 400cc inline 4 from the ZX 4R 👍😎

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! That won't happen with the ZX-4R engine as these retro bikes are based on previous models. The twin cylinder 400 would be a logical extension into an RS model as there were plenty of smaller displacement bikes that were popular in Kawasaki's history.

[@thecamdenyard]

@@PeterLoweOne Positive thoughts!! Don’t jinx me now 😂😎

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@thecamdenyard hahaha! Great response!

[@tigerward88]

Should of made the 650 a four cylinder

[@PeterLoweOne]

I've heard this a few times. I think we all know that it wasn't going to be practical. There's not an unlimited budget to produce a new engine, and making bikes based on the twin cylinder 650 is kind of a Kawasaki specialty as they literally have a bike in every style with that engine. I think people don't realize that if there was a requirement to have a 4 cylinder engine in that bike, then the bike just wouldn't exist. Two other things to remember... the buyers for that bike, by and large weren't even born when the original was around, and they don't have the emotional ties to it, and second, this twin actually makes more power than the original, so the riding experience is better in just about every way. More power, better brakes, better frame, tires and handling. I get it, people want the nostalgia, but the RS line isn't meant to be a fully retro bike, but a retro looking bike in a modern bike, and I think the twin fits that mission.

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@PeterLoweOne]

First for you!!

[@herrtomas6729]

@@PeterLoweOne 8pm in the UK. Ideal viewing mid evening as our TV choice is often poor. I like these documentaries…. Very informative….

[@iansians6703]

Nice one, the gold model is definitely a step up on the specs and gear over the standard z900rs. I thought the 650 was less appealing as it is nothing like the original z650 (which was an in line four not a twin) and has less power than my Suzuki GT 750 from 1976. Can't see any attraction in the 650. Have owned the z900rs for five years nearly and it is a great bike, great brakes, handling, power, and street rideability. Fun in the city and on any twisty roads. Suspension is a comfortable but a bit soft for sports riding. The negatives are that the seat is actually terrible, pitches you forward all the time (had to have it remade), the pegs are too high (surprising as it is quite a high seat height) and have to be lowered for tall people, which in turn affects ground clearance. The other negs are that the handle bars do not work well with wind (too upright) and makes it a touring nightmare. The bars are also hard to swap out for other options due to some fitting issues, particularly the lugs in the fittings and the difficulties with transferring heated grips. Lastly, the exhaust is not great (sounds good but too restrictive and the engine runs too lean and hot, in order that the bike meets Euro standards). You get much better performance if you swap it out for a quality after market exhaust, but that will need flashing to redress the fuel issues. After you do this, it absolutely will chew through fuel, meaning the 17ltr tank is way too small. Hence, if you want a street screamer or something for a short Sunday ride through a winding road in the hills, it's great. For longer rides it lacks comfort and range, things that are hard to redress.

[@PeterLoweOne]

So this is interesting because my experience is quite a bit different than yours. (In case you don't know, I bought the Z900RS SE in this video. I'm not sure if I mentioned that in this video or in future videos of the bike) I don't mind the higher pegs, but I can see how those wouldn't be for everyone. As far as the high bars, I find that to be very comfortable, and I'm able to put myself in a slight lean to be very comfortable at speed. It's still a bike without any windshield of fairing, so there are always going to be better bikes for wind protection. So you mention that the suspension is soft, and I know that the Z900RS SE suspension is tuned differently in the front, and has the Ohlins rear shock, but I find it to be quite firm, and very good for sport riding, so perhaps that's the difference in models. Lastly, the fueling. I know that virtually EVERY review complains about a snatchy throttle, and I don't have ANY of that issue. I know that Cycle World has a review of the 2022 Z900RS SE where they are also surprised to see that issue cleared up on the same exact bike. I have some theories as to why that is different on my bike and I'm going to make a video about it soon. I don't find the factory settings to have a lack of power for what I'm looking for, just because it can get more, for me, doesn't matter. I'm perfectly happy with what it does, and I like the exhaust note. It's not crazy loud, so I can sneak through a neighbourhood, but it has a great sound, in my opinion,. Especially for a stock bike. Interesting the differences! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'll be posting some updates soon. Stay tuned!

[@iansians6703]

@@PeterLoweOne No worries, each to their own. I bought it because of how it looked and what I knew of (and rode) the z1 in the 1970s, and I'm not disappointed. But the perfectionist in me soon discovered the compromises that were made for styling and to meet Euro emission requirements and I had to address them. Also, I did not like the snatchy throttle, some people can live with it but it caused me to have a bad accident on another bike with the same issue a few years ago, so I am very wary of it. I still own the Z900rs which says I like it but I still think it doesn't do everything I would like it to do. Hence, I've got a couple of other bikes that do. I know you will enjoy your purchase as some of the issues don't bother you and the yellow version addresses some of those issues (suspension in particular). I would have bought that version definitely in preference to the base model. The cafe version might also be better from the wind perspective. I will be interested to see how you go over time, keep the vids on this coming mate.

[@farmoboy83]

price difference is huge qnd twin cylinders were a lot common in the 60s and 70s. Also 650 is a lot lighter, maintnance chaper and uses less fuel. Also faster than 99% of riders can handle 99% of riding time so i believe there is a market for the 650. As an average middleaged experienced rider i always felt 100hp plus machines were top much for my needs and always prefered 60-80hp machines i can fully explore from time to time or red light to redlight with a huge smile on my face while not doing silly criminal speeds.

[@chrisschepper9312]

Z600RS?🤨

[@PeterLoweOne]

Whoops! 650!!! Good catch!

[@malexder0082]

No one asked you to compare these two bikes because it makes zero sense. Apples and oranges.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Actually someone did ask me to compare them. They like the look of the retro bikes, but they weren't sure if they needed the 900 to get everything that they wanted. I agree with you that they are different bikes, and that's why I showed the differences. If you'd like to see one of the comments where I was asked to compare, check out the comments section on this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ62dmR6eNd7hsk It's not a good look to accuse someone of lying.

[@kevinjackson8072]

Nicely explained and I found it interesting anyway. Looking forward to your comments on 900se this summer. I had 2018 900 rs and upgrading to 900 se in Martch.

[@notyourpapa]

Makes sense to me. I'm looking at getting back into riding and like the retro looking bikes but not sure which one to pick. This video is great.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@notyourpapa Thanks for watching!!

[@rickybobby6760]

Me too. And trying to decide between these two bikes.

[@fredleplusbeau]

Hi , i"d like to know your opinion on what bike should i get : i know i want one , i was set on the 650 but people around me had me in doubt about the size saying that i could carry it under my arm !🤣🤣🤣 so i got suspicious and now i'm really not sure what should i do...stay with my 1st idea or go for the 900 ... i already own a yamaha roadstar and i wanted a small and agile bike also. I'm 6'1 about 230lbs Thanks a lot !!! 🏍🛵🦽🚲🛴🛼??? 🤣

[@PengithePengsen]

They said the same to me. But if you check the facts you can see that the 900rs is not that much of a bigger bike in view of the dimensions. I‘m 6feet1 and the comfort on the 650 is almost the same then on the 900 to me. Ofc there are many other points what makes the 900 a bigger and probably a bit better bike. But it’s also a 4K more expensive one and probably 1k a year more insurance and maintenance. So in total it’s the 650 for me atm. I‘m not missing anything atm. But will see what the future will bring. Love both bikes totally.