Living with the 2023 Kawasaki Z900RS: Is It Worth It?

Do you want to know what it's like to live with the brand new 2023 Kawasaki Z900RS? I'll tell you all about it, after riding it for 2 weeks straight here's what I really think about this motorcycle.
Is it the best Modern Classic Retro on the market?
Here's my first impression review: • 2023 Kawasaki Z900RS |...
Find out more about this bike: www.boltonmoto...
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Bolton Motorcycles: www.boltonmoto...

[@Litauen-yg9ut]

Every now and then I think about a new bike... and this one just keeps popping in my head.

[@mickplumley9991]

Do it, you won't be disappointed.

[@vernonspady555]

Happened to me, too. So I bought one. I'm in love.

[@stevegodfrey626]

Me too….mmmm

[@erniel7689]

I bought one in 2018. After owning 18 other bikes over the years I have to say this is the most satisfying and fun to ride bike that I’ve ever owned. I added a one tooth larger front sprocket and sent the ECU out to remove the fuel cutoff between gear changes. I should also mention that the seating position is more comfortable than my R1200R.

[@rotaxtwin]

The fuel cut between gears is that annoying, huh?

[@francoismorin6806]

@@rotaxtwin following

[@chicanoborn-tejanoroots6050]

@@rotaxtwin I have one and I have never noticed that. You have to blip it to shut off fuel and this bike doesn't need blipping.

[@michaelb.42112]

DAMN YOU !!!! :) Now I need to get it.

[@erniel7689]

@@michaelb.42112 LOL, you won’t be sorry!!!

[@stevemichaud5329]

I've owned this bike now for about 10 months and I cannot say enough great things about this bike!!

[@yanierolivera4678]

Can you please comment on how the engine feels in terms of vibrations, especially at highway cruising speeds. How about the gear box? Is it smooth? Thanks

[@motowipeout5670]

I bought the 50th anv Z900RS last year. It makes me happy every time I swing a leg over it.

[@gmmotomedia]

🤩👍

[@devr7771]

I have the 50th z650rs and I feel the same way.. z900rs is next on my list but man that 50th edition is so good looking that I may have to wait for a great color on the z900rs in the future.

[@stratolestele7611]

I've had mine café for just over a year. Wow, that year sure flew by! I love the bike and was just admiring it a few minutes ago as I left the garage. This is all coming from a Harley rider of 25+ years.

[@patrickoakes7850]

I bought a Z900RS recently .It's a great bike and a head turner . I agree that the throttle is a little jerky , especially when you want to roll off of the power gently , but it's not a show stopper and is part of the sporty character of the bike.

[@TovarishDima]

I put Ivan’s tune on mine (I’m in the US) and it fixed most of the nit picks I had with it. Throttle is smooth as glass and the fan on the radiator turns on sooner. More power and better gas consumption are a great bonus

[@dopeymark]

I pretty much rode every 1970s Kawasaki motorcycle that ever existed... Even the crazy 2-stroke triples. If I had the money I would buy that motorcycle based on looks alone.

[@brentkelsay3439]

Fell in love with this bike as a 14 yo with a subscription to Cycle Magazine back in the day. Gorgeous, fast, sounds great, what's not to love?!? * To clarify, the one I fell in love with was the Z1 back in 1974! The new one seems like a worthy successor🙌

[@gm16v149]

I bought mine when they first came out, the Jaffa (orange-brown) in 2018. The original tyres are pretty crap, I’ve been running Bridgestone S22 which make a big difference. I’ve kept the exhaust standard because I reckon it sounds great the way it is. Kawasaki extras: heated grips, rear grabrail, centre stand. Non Kawasaki extras: Envirotech radiator guard, Translogic up-only quickshifter, Booster Plug to get rid of throttle snatch (it works), but ECU flash coming up soon. Best bike I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned a few. The looks are stunning, that’s why I bought it in the first place as soon as I saw it at the dealers, but I haven’t regretted it.

[@gmmotomedia]

Thanks for sharing 🙏👍

[@broc2727]

I have the 2018, rootbeer & orange color. Added a color matched bikini fairing, ECU flash, airbox mods, a modified Corbin seat, K-tech fork kit, K-tech rear shock w/external reservoir, Akrapovic slip on pipe(because it was free) and Michelin Pilot Power 5 tires. Bike was pretty good stock but it's awesome now.

[@chuckcts-v3460]

I bought a 1974 Z1 900, 82 HP new in 1974, price = $2,100. It was the fastest production street bike at the time. This new Z sounds just like my 1974, the starter and exhaust note. Sold it about 10 years ago for $8,300 with 22,000 miles on it.

[@Zimmermann310]

Just 22,000 miles in 39 years sounds not like you love the bike to ride.

[@misamisatv]

Bro you only went an average of 449 miles each year for 49 years….

[@Zimmermann310]

@@misamisatv 39 years mate.

[@3fingeredfrank]

I own a 2018 RS. Replaced the air filter with a Dyna, eliminated the Cat, and had the ECM flashed. Battlax 22's. The bike is the perfect all rounder, love it. Great fun in the twistys. I recommend a booster plug if you want to keep it stock. GM, buy that bike.

[@gmmotomedia]

🤩🤩

[@aceofspades5786]

Forget the stats, its a stunning bike, 10/10 to Kawasaki for effort. Retro GS1000S, Honda 400/4, 500/4, 550/4, Yamaha XJ650 would be good to see.

[@officermalloy4201]

TOTALLY agree on the tires, changed mine and it was like a new bike, handling changed from a pig to a nimble dancer! Good review!

[@gmmotomedia]

Thanks! What tires did you fit?

[@Twin_solo_az]

I love my Street Twin but I can’t stop thinking about these.

[@asacarrick1440]

Every 4 into 1 bike starts then dwells longer on the silencer side....A beautiful looker from one side only

[@simon77047]

I am so old. lol. I bought a new 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000. It was 506 pounds and 105 horsepower at the wheel and fast. I recall having to hang on firmly so as not to get blown off at high speeds. I look back on that fondly and wish I could own this new 900. Oh well, perhaps in another lifetime?

[@gm16v149]

I’m 73 and had bikes since I was 16. This bike leaves the original Zs for dead in every way.

[@cristinavillegas2229]

Never too old

[@SKG1941]

I bought mine and I love it. I’m 60 years old and have a lot of motorcycles. I put the Brock 4 into 1 and tuned it,so she’s putting down well over 100 horsepower to the rear wheel. Handles like a dream. Brings back so many memories. Finally found a café faring with a smoked screen for the candy brown and orange. She is comfortable beautiful and plenty fast. She gets looks and questions everywhere I go. Do yourself a favor and go get one. Even if you can only wash it and look at it. It will be worth it. Like I said, she makes me feel 18 again. Nothing but smiles

[@deanzaZZR]

It's quite the modern classic and I'm a Team Green guy at heart. I don't care what sort of speed you ride at, get the preload dialed in for you weight. That's basic.

[@leroyjenkins4123]

Are you referring to the rear shock?

[@atsernov]

@@leroyjenkins4123 On this bike, front and rear preload is adjustable. You need to do both. Mine came rock hard up front and way to soft in the rear.

[@leroyjenkins4123]

@@atsernov good information. Thanks!

[@BW-nd5uc]

2018 Z900rs café owner here (they don’t make the café style anymore unfortunately). I’ve had it 2 years now, only my 2nd bike. I don’t think I will ever ride anything else. The amount of compliments I get on bikes looks alone is just insane. Only negative thing I can point out is the grabby throttle at low revs and seems like I’m not the only one, seeing other comments here… Will look at ECU remap for that…

[@volodymyrbuchak1852]

What do you mean they don’t make Cafe anymore? Mine 2023 gets delivered in 2 days. There are plenty of them in the stores all over the US. Price range betwin $9999 to $12400 on new models. Kawa has promotion going on right now,so you can get them under $10k. Before tax and DMV fees that is.

[@enzoman1987]

As soon as one of my fav songs “Days of the Running man” started playing as the intro, I knew this bike was meant for me.

[@michaelb.42112]

I was at G&B Kawasaki today with my buddy who bought a SICK 2014 Vulcan all decked out for $3999 in June ! Anyway, I saw this bike and it reminded me of my CB750, only it was a 2021 model and I was drawn to it, also the one with the cafe fairing 650, I think. I haven't ridden in 20 years and I bought my riding boots last week....

[@mickleblade]

I think you got a blurry fly splot on the camera lens, coincidentally just over the speedo...

[@gmmotomedia]

It's a real shame, must be a problem with this demo bike.

[@CapoKabar]

Damn fine looking bike there dude. In any color combo it came in, it just looks damn good. Cant say that about any Honda nowadays. Kawasaki was not playing games with this one.

[@jadethompson5269]

People who buy bikes and don’t get the suspension adjusted for them, don’t know what they are missing. Makes a huge difference if it is way off from factory, which it often is.

[@shanebrbich5698]

I So wish Laverda would do a Retro version of the Jota like these 😔

[@patriotrising6214]

Christmas Eve, 11:00am my lime green 💚 2019 KZ900RS cafe rolled off the delivery truck. It's incredible, this is a collector's dream, often called bike of the century, it's a home run all the way !!! Risers to be replaced as well as handlebars . Returning foot pegs to stock . Bike has been modified for performance/ as it was a professional track bike in its first life . Can't wait for summer... BGOOD BSAFE

[@rtzzz9772]

So I bought a mint retro 1986 CB450 and it is quite beautiful to look at, but there is some wait for push if you turn on the throttle at low RPM. This bike seems to fit the bill of something to look at., and priced really well. Get this for ~8k 2023 with very low mileage

[@boboh6354]

I owned (2) 1976 KZ 900's. The new 900's look amazing! With an additional 23hp, I can't wait for a test ride 😊

[@gardnerberry113]

I've got 27k mi on my '12 Bonneville Anniversary Edition and I'm seriously thinking Trade Up Time for a z900RS!

[@brandonjoseph3422]

Spot on review. I have this bike and your review totally echoed my sentiments. I personally think that the lack of technologies in this bike will attract people who like to keep motorcycling simple just like in good old days. What’s your recommendation on tires, which ones do you recommend? While pushing hard in the corners I too feel that the tires need to do a better job. Liked and subscribed!

[@gmmotomedia]

Thanks 😊 Honestly they could've done better as you said. If you want something sticky and fast go for the Michelin Power 5. If you want something that looks a bit more retro try the Dunlop TT100gp 👍

[@brandonjoseph3422]

@@gmmotomedia thank you.

[@tomfisher47]

Love mine 50th anniversary

[@erickriebel4366]

I have had big Kawasakis and I have had big Yamahas pick one you will not regret it they are high qualities and worth the money

[@dave8549]

I want them to bring out a Z1R version.

[@markellott5620]

I changed the tyres. The OEM ones were awful. I also got the suspension professionally set up.

[@gm16v149]

Yep, the OEM Dunlops are awful. I’ve got Bridgestone S22s on mine now, big difference.

[@bertberlich943]

I like the colours from the Years before better than the red from the actual year.

[@ccahill2322]

Bert berlich, The "actual year" was NOT red. The "72 ZI900 was Orange and brown. I know this because I have an original sitting in my garage. I have had it for over thirty years.

[@vincentdavidson755]

Get the ecu flash and brighter back light u can put in heater grips ,back grab bar is a must

[@williamduckworth305]

I have owned old brit bikes my whole adult life until now at 62. So I'm more than familiar with that type of riding position. I absolutely remember the O.G. Z1 900. It was king till 1980 and trick out models remained some of the quickest nastiest bike,around..until the suzuki Gs 1100 in 1982...the new king... Anyway, I would know the difference between a speed shifter or ride modes on a bike bc 70 triumph bonneville didn't have all that...im selling off most of my old stock and plan on spending some of the money on a modern sport....ish...or sport touring bike to ride till I'm too senile to carry on. ..this z900 rs especially the se model is on my radar..as,well as some bigger boys like the fjr1300...thank you fir the vid, I'm getting mire good than bad information on thr z900.

[@posterlion]

The radiator and catalytic convertor make me a little sad, but I can tell I would love this bike. I could ditch the pipe where I live because, no emission checks, but I'd be scared of radiator damage if I accidentally dropped it. Maybe I will find a lightly used example one day. 🙂

[@elevationmoto6208]

R & G Racing sells adventure bars for the Z 900 RS. I have them on mine. So, little worry about radiator damage. Got 12k miles on my 2021. Love it!

[@1har2vey3]

I would get this bike in a minute. Its perfect

[@rosco950ss7]

Love these, the only thing stopping me is I'd prefer it with Ohlins but I just cant comes to terms with the Yellow Ball colouring. Wish they would bring out an 'S' model version in the red like this one in the test.

[@loudshirtdude]

brilliant bike , added a quick shifter even better now !

[@janer0ikdegard955]

They should have had 4 into 4 exhaust like the original. That would really make it a true retro !

[@rubo1964]

agree but it would of added more weight

[@uhtred7860]

Ive seen a few here in NZ with aftermarket 4 into 4s on them, you can also buy a longer duckbill tailpiece & wire wheels to make them look more like the original 70s Z1.

[@janer0ikdegard955]

This is not a racing bike. This is actually a retro bike that should look cool. If you whant to ride hard, there are other bikes on the marked.

[@dave8549]

Agreed, 4 into 4 would be cool. But back in the day the first thing we did was take off the 4 into 4 and fit a 4 into 1, coz back then that was what the race bikes had.

[@scottw550]

@@uhtred7860 and bigger winkers

[@creamcookies8022]

"What else would you want in a motorcycle?". Sums it upp!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I don't have one yet but have been looking at them. The 1st thing I would do is a Kerker exhaust and whatever necessary tuning that entails. The sound of the originals are my favorite part!

[@elevationmoto6208]

The stock z 900 RS sounds fantastic stock. Never get tired of it. One of the outstanding features of that bike.

[@patriotrising6214]

You will fall in love with this masterpiece ❤

[@boltonmotorcycles3149]

awesome review Gianluigi

[@dominatr37]

Looking at picking up a new Z900 RS Cafe this week

[@vincentdavidson755]

I have never broke down on a kawaski driving it wide open all day in the heat on Yamaha I broke down every month the 900rs will out last any Honda,yahma ,Suzie I know I been driving bikes sence 1970🧝⚡🌴🏴‍☠️

[@johnwright6995]

Ive got one great bike looks good great heritage well made now the downsides snatchy throttle euro5 for you gearing from 1 to 4th very short most times start up in 2nd suspension hard from the crate tyres not the best Michelin road 6 for me all the faults can be sorted mines a keeper

[@bigbird2523]

I love its look, only chain-drive bike that i gonna buy

[@volodymyrbuchak1852]

Great bike. Fuel cutoff can be eliminated by reflashing the ECM,also,if you map the ECU to it’s pre-EPA standart,engine runs cooler,lover cold start idle,and rpm are set to 10 300 insted of factory 9 600.

[@austingeorge2022]

Stunning bike❤

[@neilfoster9517]

I love these bikes and it’s top of my list but in Canada the insurance is insane so it is only a dream now.

[@atsernov]

If you have the space, do what I do. Small collector bike insured for the riding season to take to coffee shops or whatever, big bike gets a day permit for the long rides.

[@Mickey_Bauer]

Gorgeous bike, i wouldn't change anything. The stock exhaust sounds awesome but i wish it was black instead of chrome, that's the only thing that bothers me (minor).

[@MikeRoeser]

I'm selling my 2003 ZZR1200 to buy one of these. I'm old and old school and really loved the ole standards.

[@domingogarcia-arce2109]

That is one of my favorite machines in line with the one from britanic 400 cc which I dong remember name also mention Moto Guzzi.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

Yip I bought one, no regrets

[@joliverlie151]

Beautiful bike ❤

[@willcollier6623]

Had one in the 70s.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Big windshield and some engine guards with highway pegs. A cruise control lever to lock in a speed.. All set for a 400 Mile day.

[@timkis64]

about the only new bike id replace my old gen1 magna for.

[@gordonwallin2368]

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@gmmotomedia]

👊

[@vincentdavidson755]

I love the moter exposed ,the retro look, and I know it's a very dependable will last a life time. 🧝⚡🌴

[@philipbooth7779]

Are we talking about the price or something else. Any chance Kawasaki will let me test one for a few years. Happy to help.

[@Callmedaddy1]

I got the 2022 50th anniversary z900rs I took off the breadbox with a link pipe kept stock look but now sounds awesome no check engine light and seems a bit faster now too

[@gmmotomedia]

Did you end up remapping the bike?

[@789295]

I wonder how it compares to the very comfortable Honda CB1100? I am just an old fart who wants the comfortable riding position riding curvy country highways. I don't want a hot rod, but I do like a little grunt to my ride.

[@gmmotomedia]

Then the CB is perfect for you pal 👍

[@boerplaas388]

I absolutely love it . 👍

[@bikerclivew]

Great Review!

[@gmmotomedia]

Thank you!

[@seebarry4068]

I look forward to a 90s revival.

[@murrayparr85]

The only thing l would do to the bike would fit a more squarer type indicator unit like on the A4 GPZ 900R but other than that a beautiful bike

[@user-jr1cs6ob3m]

Bring back 4 into 2 exhaust

[@gmmotomedia]

Indeed! Although there are some aftermarket options :)

[@kwakithailand]

Naa...

[@uhtred7860]

Ive seen some with aftermarket 4 into 4 here in NZ.

[@ilarionastreos6823]

True!!!! True!!! Is so beautiful

[@vincentdavidson755]

The perfect bike and both kawaski shops in Las Vegas do not have one 😐

[@andrewsmactips]

That blurry speedo would annoy the heck out of me. I think I’ll go with the BMW instead.

[@233kosta]

No modes, eh? Cable throttle, by any chance?

[@benwinyu]

evotech tail tidy, rizoma low bar, arrow exhaust

[@gmmotomedia]

👍

[@DTM45]

Way to go Kawasaki Heavy Industries!!!!

[@rafael_vergani]

Great video. Leaving nostalgia aside for a bit. Would this be a functional bike for the real world? To use a few times a week as a commuting bike?

[@gmmotomedia]

Yes, absolutely!

[@ronedee]

Nice looking. Why are there literally dozens for sale, used on fb marketplace?

[@TovarishDima]

Put 16k kilometers on my 2018 z900rs. Going to run it till it quits

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

I don't even think Ducati's Scrambler is this good looking.

[@johngoodwin2384]

It’s a very reasonably priced bike. How could it not be worth it ?

[@squarewheel142]

These bikes are nice but I'm not a fan of the "snatchy" throttle response that riders mention with this bike.

[@mrbxv]

Great looking bike. A modern classic that will hold its value when they stop making ICE bikes

[@georgebrowne5935]

Kawasaki has let its loyal followers down on this bike. Way too Expensive in Europe, and particularly Ireland. 16,250 Euro??? Crazy Price!!

[@DragonNova]

I want one 🤩

[@clemens974]

Ciao, questa moto mi piace un botto, ho solo paura sia troppo potente, mi intimidisce un po'... Non sono un esperto, ho 48 anni e ho avuto un paio di moto da ragazzo ( una CBX 125 e una Yamaha XT) ora ho ricominciato con un Hunter 350, ma l'anno prossimo ho intenzione di fare un upgrade. Che dici? Grazie per la tua opinione.

[@gmmotomedia]

Ciao! Grazie del supporto su Media! Ti ho risposto sul canale italiano 👊

[@GR8Tmate]

Nice dude 👍🏻

[@gmmotomedia]

🙏🤙

[@Mr75044]

I wish kawazaki would Make a Gpz 900r ...retro

[@philipbooth7779]

What is it like to live with, I don't know let me borrow one for three years and I will let you know. Many thanks when can I expect delivery.

[@vincentdavidson755]

U can rock and roll on a kawai🧝⚡🌴

[@diegosauda9596]

Funtastic

[@ianmacree346]

I've just sold my Kawasaki Z900RS as I just couldn't gel with it. The throttle is terribly snatchy and I just couldn't get comfortable on the bike, it's without doubt the most uncomfortable bike I've ever had and I've had more than 40 motorcycles... it's a shame as it's a lovely looking bike, but I would recommend that if you're thinking of buying this bike then test ride it for at least an hour before you part with your money.

[@gmmotomedia]

Which bike did you end up getting?

[@ianmacree346]

@@gmmotomedia A 5four Honda CB1100

[@gmmotomedia]

Thanks for sharing your experience 👍

[@gm16v149]

It definitely needs a ECU flash but I found the seat took around 5,000 kms to soften up. Owned mine for 5 years, done 30,000 kms.

[@ianmacree346]

@@gm16v149 I removed the 02 sensor which made a difference to the throttle, but still didn't like it, I agree it needs to be remapped as it just runs too lean, I had my bike checked and it ran at half the legal requirement for emissions in the UK so Kawasaki have definitely leaned it out way too far... I changed the seat to a bagster which was a little better, I raised the handlebars which again made it better but still couldn't gel with it and could only ride a max of about an hour before I had to stop and get off I had the bike for 4 years and only put around 4 thousand miles on it so I sold it....

[@nirmalyamisra]

what is the price difference between z900 and z900rs?

[@dr.python]

Imagine if Suzuki made this with Hayabusa engine!

[@shahfacekillah]

How is it for tall riders? I'm 6'2 33" inseem

[@toradog5719]

Is it buzzy like the other Japanese bikes?

[@flipoff46]

I'd buy one if it had twin ohlins shocks

[@kwakithailand]

SE Version

[@kieranhickey936]

Why do I see purple in your tag photo??

[@gmmotomedia]

I think that's a cool colour don't you agree?

[@uhtred7860]

So whats different from the 2018 version to the 2023 version, they both look the same to me.

[@gmmotomedia]

There has been no mechanical changes just cosmetics 👍

[@gm16v149]

@@gmmotomedia Slightly bigger radiator on the latest models. Some say the ECU tune is a little better for the snatchy throttle but that’s debatable. The earlier ones were awful for that.

[@Daniel-qg4mf]

I just wanted to hear the engine.

[@gmmotomedia]

Plenty on board sound videos on KZbin for that :)

[@user-tm9ho3bm4v]

Great bike but too expensive right now.

[@ianfutcher1518]

If it had rider modes then it would more than match the Triumph Speed Twin in my view

[@keithmcknight1223]

Never had rider mode on any of my bikes. Traction control and ABS is all I need and truthfully, would be fine without.

[@ianfutcher1518]

@@keithmcknight1223 neither have I. Just comparing the features against the Speed Twin. I would be happy with the Z without I’m sure.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*This is not a high performance bike. It's a modern classic so it competes with other bikes meant to give you an "old style" bike with today's [good but not high] performance. It's in the (different displacement) category of the Bonneville, Thurxton, RnineT, Interceptor, Continental GT, V7 Special, Gold Star, W800.* The Speed Twin is not a modern classic and competes with Kawasaki's MT (contemporary standard or naked bikes). I leave out the Yamaha XSR because it seems to be moving away from it's retro styling.

[@FrankBonessa]

Ever ride one?. Any bike that with an exhaust & ecu flash that will run high 10's in the 1/4 mile is high performance.