2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - Review and Comparison to Non-Cafe Z900RS SE

[@mrfq_abg]

Thank you so, so much for taking the time to do this! It has helped me immensely to understand the nuances nobody else highlighted. I know some people might say-well duh he's a dealer and out to sell bikes, but then again here you are being so meticulous and helping me who is literally half way across the world. Thank you, well wishes & success for you and your loved ones always!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for your kind words. You're right I am biased, but I'm also in a perfect position to learn about these bikes and help others. I also own this channel, not the dealer, so while we do partner in many ways, I have full control over the content that I create. They know that if there is something that I don't like, that I'll point that out.

[@UncleWally3]

I’ve talked to plenty of salespeople that don’t know much more than the cost and colour of the bikes they’re selling; actually, even less than that. This is a darn good overview.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jakeleigh9039]

Good job! I like your detailed breakdowns. I’m glad you mentioned the frame finish. I noticed that in the showroom, but none of the moto journalists ever mention that difference. Another difference is the brushed satin finish on the muffler of the Cafe vs the polished muffler of the standard. I demo’d the Cafe. I was a bit surprised by the abrupt, off idle throttle response riding it out of the parking lot. I quickly got accustomed to it, and the bike was nothing but laughter in the twisties. The only other minor fault is the lack of cruise control at this price point. Terrific bike!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I did point out the exhaust colour too, I believe (brushed vs. chromed) and it's my understanding that the 2022 models and newer don't have the same issues with the abrupt throttle that earlier ones had... I'll know more when the snow melts here, and I can get out on mine on a regular basis.

[@formermoses]

First glimpse of the original Z1 (900) was in 1973. Had a honda cb350 then but the Z1 was in Superbike class back then. Am glad to have. A chance to get a hold of this with All its 2023 technology. How can I not feel for this Kawasaki such a part of my teens it was!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't have the same connection with the original bike from my youth because I'm a little younger than you, but I absolutely love the Z900RS SE that I bought. I have a couple pictures of the original up in my garage beside where I park my bike. I love that it has a history,. but I also love that it's such a great bike on its own. I've never owned a bike that has caused so many people to come up to me and chat about it. People love the retro styling with all the modern tech.

[@TrustyZ900]

Two beauties. I have to say, that SE model is wild looking, without being gaudy. I like my blue RS, but would rather have all black wheels like the Cafe. Just bought a '23 blue tank, bronze frame SV 650. The dealer said probably no more will be in. This little jewel is a blast. Great video a usual.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for your kind words. Yeah, the silver rim and some silver spokes never really did it for me... With a retro bike there's always a fine line between retro-cool and just dated-styling. The black wheels look cool to me and the ones with silver remind me a little too much of the run of the mill wheels from the 80's. They're good because they're on the amazing looking bike, but on their own, I don't love them. I also love the gold wheels on mine with the yellow accents. It would never be something that I'd choose if I had to spec the bike out myself, but it looks great in person and really stands out from a crowd.

[@TopshelfJunior]

SV650 is the bike I had just before I bought my Z900RS Cafe. SV650 was the first bike I ever bought actually.

[@vernonspady555]

I've had one for five years. I actually agree with everything you said. The throttle "issue" is more about your own muscle memory, and that solves itself. I'm in love! (Wait until it's fully broken in!)

[@ianolerhead946]

This is one of the better reviews, very well explained between the 2 models even though you have the up specs model of the RS .My 2018 cafe is a delight to ride.The biggest selling point for me is that Iam short 175cm and the lower seat height than the standard RS with the lower bars and screen make it a very comfortable bike.Unfortunately Kawasaki Australia only imported the cafe for 3 year’s and we don’t have a lot of RS Kwakas on dealership floors.I have had absolutely nothing but joy on this bike and entering my 70 year this bike is a keeper till I do the full cycle and end up on a scooter.Regards from Australia.Ollie

[@seaninness334]

Hi Ian. I enjoyed your comment. I'm fully committed to getting an RS but I may opt to buy used over new for a couple of reasons. Per my newer comment above. I was wondering if the adjustable traction control settings was available on your 2018? I view it as a nice to have, not a need to have necessarily. But again, as mentioned in the other comment, critics make a point of the competitors having rider modes and saying the RS does not. Cheers to Australia from this American. I would love to get out there to do some riding some day.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Ian, can you please tell me your inseam length if you have a minute? Mine is 79cm, and I'm wondering if I can easily reach the ground with both feet on this bike.

[@fitzfarm8694]

This is by far the best overview i have seen on these bikes. I own a 2022 z900rs cafe and love it. Im glad to hear some one else other than me enjoys the analog dash. I dont like or want a tft display.

[@abhi7887]

Hey Peter, Just cause you bought a bike recently, can you make a video on what the bike buying process looks like. There are gazillion videos on to-dos and to-avoids on car buying available on KZbin, but none on bikes. What to look for, what to pre-prep, how to negotiate, what fees to be aware of, what fees to be vary of, etc etc I can understand if you cannot do such a video due to being affiliated to JG, but was worth the ask. Also, another great video here. As always, waiting for the 10r review.

[@PeterLoweOne]

First of all, thanks for watching, and taking the time to write your comment! This is ABSOLUTELY something that I plan to do! The biggest reason that I love partnering with Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals is because they take the time to understand the customer. Their customer service is literally legendary!! They actually have a book written about them by an author named Gair Maxwell, his book is "Big Little Legends" and the origin of that book is from a case study of Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals and how their process of becoming "Canada's Huggable Car Dealer" made a huge difference in the way they did business. So I'm looking forward to making a video about the sales process, and what to be aware of, and how Jim Gilbert's absolutely shines compared to other dealerships. So your suggestion is a great idea, and we'll make a video like that before I go on my first ride.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I owned a 76 LTD 900 in 78. Loved that bike. It was a lot lower to the ground with the old shocks. I would have bought one when they came out with the new ones but it was too tall for me. The cafe seat is a little lower to the ground. The tank looks a lot larger than the original one. I guess because of the fuel pump.

[@porsche964]

Thanks, best detailed comparison I've seen.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! Feel free to subscribe!

[@porsche964]

@@PeterLoweOne done!

[@ibsenoliveira333]

Hi from Brazil! I just bought one ! Really loving it…Excellent comparison to the RS non cafe ,congrats!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@RHaidar-PJ]

Amazing comparison Peter. Thanks! Just bought the Yellow Ball. 😊 What saddle bags do you use for your SE? Thanks in advance 🙌

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm going to do a luggage video on my bike in the very near future. (Maybe as early as this week) Stay tuned!

[@RHaidar-PJ]

Look forward 😊

[@markmullen1852]

Canadians are SOOOOO Lucky to get that gorgeous blue color with the cafe version. 2020 i think? I wish i could get that color here in the States.

[@bertsbike]

Great rundown. Just what I was looking for a detailed comparison. I think this may be my next bike!

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I love retro bikes. I have a retro styled 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R and it’s styled after Eddie Lawson’s 1982KZ1000R. And yes also every time I’m at a gas station an older man will practically run up to me asking what year my bike is. I love my bike and it’s modern things from 2003 but I do wish it had some of the modern things the the Z900RS Cafe &SE has. Like fuel injection and gear indicator. Mine still had carburetors even in 2003 , then only the super sport bike’s started getting fuel injection. Course I always wish Kawasaki would bring back the ZRX1200R with the original look of course with more modern tech hidden inside. Course my bike still runs and rides great with the 53,000 + miles I put on it since 2003 when I bought her.

[@Scott-sb1xi]

I do an awful lot of research before buying anything with an engine and wheels. Because I enjoy doing it and it just make sense. Most times I know more about the product than the seller, including sales people at dealerships.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I've worked at dealerships for years. It's not uncommon today for customers to know a lot more about the specific model that they're looking at than the salespeople do. I do think that salespeople need to have better product knowledge, but there's also an aspect of, the customer can and SHOULD know more now with all the resources available to the customer. What I think that means is that salespeople should be better equipped to facilitate a deal with knowledgable customers. Too often the salespeople get in the way of what the customer's need by trying old fashioned sales technics. Customers know a lot, so salespeople should acknowledge that, and work with the customer's knowledge today.

[@Audace1400]

Saw the same black z900 RS cafe at my local bike store. They do look great in the flesh but they seem considerbly more expensive than the regular sport naked z900.

[@carlatamanczyk3891]

I had a '73 Z1900. It was very fast but handled terribly and scary at speeds approaching 130 mph. I'm 74 years old now but in the market to get a new Z900RS. Still like the power and speed.

[@davidzitagino7886]

What's the ground clearance for the Z900 cafe? Is it the same as the SE and Standard?

[@PeterLoweOne]

It should be the same. There's a chance the SE could be mildly different with its different rear shock, but you could adjust things to be identical.

[@commiesarehorrible7622]

Looking at this or the yamaha xsr900. They both look awesome to me.

[@vincentdavidson755]

U can put in a brighter brake light on back plus the chrome grab bar for the back looks awesome thats a must have u can find a large windshield that u can clamp into place for the front just put on some tape before clamps so not to leave a clamp mark ,ecu flash to boast the power how much not Shure remember your tire pressure

[@stratolestele7611]

A "large windshield"? 🤮

[@vincentdavidson755]

@@stratolestele7611 not to large because of a wobble at high speed but going across the u.s . It helps keep more wind off and the cold air in winter

[@MX-rd3fc]

Sir, thank you for this fantastic comparison, you just nailed what i was looking for

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!!

[@BefitwithA]

Thank you so much for the review subscribed !!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I appreciate the support! Thank you!

[@LegendarY0011]

Great review!!! I have a standard RS and I am changing some details just for the looks. I have changed all aluminim details into black, orderer original kawa parts from the cafe model :-) and i am on my last detail which is the handle bar because i want it on black and slightly lower. So will either purchase an original cafe type or something lile the rizoma tapered one. My question is will the handlebar from the cafe fit on the standard one without any need of modification? I saw one where he out on the lowest rizoma one and he needed to adjust the throttle cable because it was too long. Thanks!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Ooh. That's a good question. I'm not too sure about what modifications may need to be done with the handlebar swap. I haven't modified mine at all yet, other than a few Kawasaki accessories.

[@user-dottory]

Such a nice Comparative analysis. I think the handlebar is low as a cafe owner. What do you think of the handle riser about 1inch. There is not a lot of high-speed driving. Thank you!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure about modifications. I love the seating position of my Z900RS SE, but I don't know that my handlebar will fit around your fairing. I'm sure there are options, but I'm just not the expert on them.

[@GreenmanWood]

Can the cafe fairing be purchased separately? Because that fairing on the SE would be pretty darn perfect.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm sure you can get it, even from Kawasaki if you just have the part number, but the handlebar on the SE is also different than the Cafe, so you would need to switch (at least) that out as well. I'm not sure if there are other mods that would need to be done.

[@allans7281]

Fun review! are the handlebar heights the same on both models?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Close. But if you watch the whole review, you'll see me comparing the two bikes and you'll be able to see the differences back to back.

[@simonaerts2926]

Anybody knows the heigth of the SE and cafe handlebar?

[@seaninness334]

Thank you for this review. I'm expecting to buy one of these soon and I've been watching a lot of reviews. One thing that jumps out at me was your walk through of the traction control adjustable settings. I've seen other reviews where they kind of slight the RS in relation to the competition saying it doesn't have rider modes. So I gather that the RS is really just lacking different engine mapping modes. Unless I'm interpreting this incorrectly. Is it possible that the adjustable TC is something new to the 2023 model?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah I feel like sometimes rider modes are a little overplayed. This doesn't have a reduced power mode like some bikes would have with a rain mode, and it doesn't have a sport mode which can make the throttle become a little more touchy... But it does have the adjustment within the traction control settings, so that's all I need to feel safe in any condition that I'm riding in. You can change it on the fly, and it really doesn't interfere too much. I drive mine in KTRC level 1 all the time and would move it to 2 in the rain. I can't see a need to have it off unless you were on a track and more skilled than me.

[@seaninness334]

@@PeterLoweOne Thanks Peter. I'm now subscribed too. Cheers.

[@C8guy84]

Man I am kind of bummed at the handlebar difference between the cafe and the standard. Just picked up a brand new leftover 21' cafe, to be delivered in a couple weeks. I knew there was a difference but seems much more pronounced in this video. Does appear that the cafe is hunched over quite a bit more, which I was not wanting as im older now and hate being hunched over on a bike. Good video!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching. I don't know that you'll find it uncomfortable, as I still found it to be comfortable, but yeah, that's why I tried to get that shot as cleanly as I could, because I have seen a number of people try to describe the difference, it's so much easier for people to decide for themselves when they can see the difference.

[@TopshelfJunior]

1-inch risers help too, did it on mine.

[@TopshelfJunior]

Rizoma 1/8 risers, to be exact.

[@chud67]

@@TopshelfJunior is the Rizoma 1/8 riser a block riser or a rotational riser? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXKYY5ubpLSXm80

[@alecmets2011]

Peter can you do a seat position comparison between this and the Z900? A short clip would work

[@PeterLoweOne]

That's a good idea. Give me some time, and I'll try to get something up.

[@mehdibb4186]

anybody knows wheter it s possible to swap the handlebars of the RS to the cafe?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm sure it's possible, but if I remember correctly, the Z900RS SE that I drive has a thicker chrome handlebar than the Cafe which has a slightly thinner black handlebar. The colour isn't relevant, but the sizing might be. I don't know if the smaller bar is tapered to be larger in the centre, but it may be more than a straight swap. Also, I believe the brake fluid reservoir is in a different spot on both bikes so that it fits with the fairing. There may be some manoeuvring to get that to sir in the right spot, and if you move the bars from the standard RS to the cafe, I'm not sure that you'll have full steering, lock to lock as again, I think the fairing will be in the way.

[@funkymonkifyd]

I’m doing all the research and having such a hard time on the decision. Right now it’s between a 2022 z900rs cafe or a 2019 triumph speed twin 1200. Any input anyone has would be hugely appreciated

[@PeterLoweOne]

I bought the Z900RS SE, And absolutely love it. Don't know if that helps at all.

[@charliestafford9978]

Lol.. they are the 2 I can’t choose between. I think a lot of people have the same dilemma.

[@formermoses]

Counting on Japanese quality builds to keep maintenance costs really down. Kawa gets my vote

[@bobjones1355]

I like both bikes. I remember them back in the 70s. Think it would look nicer if the Kaw 900 badge was gold on the cafe bike like it is on the tank and on the SE model do them all in white. Great looking bikes though.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, it's funny. I had two posters laminated of the 1970's bike with the same paint scheme as mine, and put them up in my garage near where I park my bike. You can really see the family resemblance, but there are things that could have been done. Honestly, I like things as they are, I think they really nailed the look.

[@frankguernier2280]

I am going for the RS and have my suspension tuner fit Ohlins fork internals and monoshock. He will tune for my weight and best ride qualities. I am not keen on the SE gold fork colours

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Third Just arrived home from the office 😄😄 Couldn't text while driving

[@PeterLoweOne]

I appreciate your efforts to be safe!

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day mate and greetings from Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺 it’s a good representation of the Z 900 the thing that I think doesn’t look good is how high the back of the bike which is very high up from the tyre on the rear. I personally don’t like how the back styling is I’m afraid at 66 yo I don’t like how the bikes of today are all like it. Anyway it is a good attempt to recapture the great days of these bikes John.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, it's interesting with this bike. Kawasaki had to make decisions about who they are going to target. The people who remember the bikes that these were designed to look like were teenagers in 1972. Where as I ended up buying the bike and I wasn't even born until 1979. So when Kawasaki built the bike, they had to decide, do they want to appeal to riders who are in their mid sixties, or do they want to appeal to a younger market. A lot of people who remember the original bike talk about wanting the dual shocks on the back, but what I liked about the bike is that it's fully modern in every way. The horizontal back link rear suspension is a very modern sport bike layout, and it does have a lot of room between the seat and the wheel, in part because they keep all of the extra components forward now. That creates a better handling bike. I bought it because it's a fully modern sport bike, with an upright seating position and great style. I think if they appealed to the riders in their mid sixties, they would have had to do MORE retro styling, and LESS modern sport bike, and it's my opinion that if they did that, they would have sold less of these. I absolutely love it as is, but I have zero emotional ties to the original bike.

[@lazaromonteiroalmeida4685]

Excelente vídeo! Estava procurando exatamente isso! Grande abraço! Sou do Brasil! Parabéns!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Obrigado por assistir! Eu realmente gostei disso!

[@williamwallace8801]

I am ordering one next week. What do i need to know?

[@PeterLoweOne]

If you're ordering from Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals, there isn't much that you need to worry about! What types of questions are you looking to have answered?

[@volodymyrbuchak1852]

ECU flash to eliminate the fuel management issues,and you’re golden. I actualy did replace original bars with ARCHI (3 inch higher and 2.5 inch backward)..I’m 5.10,and it makes my position way more comfortable. Taller windscreen from Zero Gravity (dark smoke). Looks and functions great. Also,taller handlebar will require longer cables and front break line. Electrical harness stays original,but you have to take the fuel tank off to release it from the ziptied loop,and dress it nice. Good luck and safe riding!

[@gwapogreg5837]

You should do a comparison of this new k 900 cafe to Mavericks I K 900 cafe in Top Gun from 1986

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'd LOVE to do that. I've thought of a few bikes that I'd love to compare with that bike. It would be fun, for sure!

[@eddieg849]

Does it have cruise control?

[@Fantasmagorikus]

no

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Basic Z900RS looks the nicest and the most classic and it is the cheapest.

[@peteturner8493]

As someone who was around when the 900Z1B's came onto the scene I look at this bike and wonder what it is, mostly I see just fake detailing that's a poor representation of the original bike the only exception would be the tank / fairing. For its price it should of had quick shifting & cruise to bring this up to modern day standards but then you get told its a retro bike & they would'nt of had this, in my eyes it falls somewhere between the two if you've never seen a classic Z1B I guess you'll be happy to buy it!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, the people who have an emotional connection to the original, need to see this bike through the filter of modern sales trends. I ended up buying a Z900RS SE, and I think it's perfect for what I want. I wanted a fully modern bike that's comfortable, fast, has great brakes and handling, but has a style that stands out. This bike echoes the look of the original, but handles, accelerates, and brakes much better. If any of those riding characteristics were compromised in the name of a more retro style, I wouldn't have bought it. Kawasaki has found a sales success with this recipe, even if it isn't what hardcore fans of the original have said they would want.

[@peteturner8493]

Hard to recreate the past, the original Z1B was the best it could be with few compromises, unfortunely the same cannot be said about the Z900RS and there lies the problem, the question still remains what is it - if it's a homage to the original then it's failed nothing on this bike has pushed the enverlope. Sales figures may prove me wrong but this bike stands in the shadow of something great that I suspect will stay that way for the diehards like myself.

[@williamheinsinger7390]

Cool Bike 👍

[@stratolestele7611]

Hate to be 'that guy' Peter, because you're so helpful to so many, but just a tiny correction. You mean, not "dynograph", but "dynometer", or just what everyone says, 'dyno'. 😬

[@PeterLoweOne]

I may have mispoke.

[@sosa-my2fr]

Well done!

[@ea9997]

The cafe MUST have chrome-plated spoked wheels and double-sided exhaust. As well as a polished unpainted engine. The Cafe also needs an SE version with ohlins and brembo. Why kawa designers don't notice this?!

[@stevencorbo1220]

They did it kind of backwards in this as they made the cafe model less powerful and less exciting ZRX it was a great now it was compared with the zx 11 but it was still an amazing motorcycle

[@Maverik2408]

Fantastica.

[@c130comm]

Cool Bike

[@Scott-sb1xi]

He never mentioned the damping adjustments on the forks.😮

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yup. Missed that. Meant to show it. Next time, I promise!

[@lorenzomancinelli4152]

I would like to ask a question to the owner of this bike (Z900 RS CAFE), i'm really undecided on which to buy (Z900 RS vs Z900 RS CAFE) for an esthetic point of view. I prefer the more aggressive riding style of the cafè racer, but i would like to know if the motorcycle front fairing of the z900rs cafè could be removed (in case i'll get bored from it).

[@heretohear8662]

Sharp Bikes!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, these are great... obviously I'm biased having bought one... but yeah... I love these!

[@JTMP12]

It’s too bad they don’t offer the SE version with a cafe style cowl.

[@PeterLoweOne]

That would be cool, but they may have to tweak the aerodynamics of things. I'm not sure if sitting up higher would work with buffeting etc.

[@OM-sb2bd]

Calling that cafe fairing “wind protection” is a real stretch. Great vid though. ☮️

[@PeterLoweOne]

It does rise up above the gauges. If you ride this back to back with the Z900RS, there is a difference.

[@OM-sb2bd]

@@PeterLoweOne “fair” enough 🤘🏻

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@salvatoregiovanni8967]

“Zed” 900? I thought this was America?

[@PeterLoweOne]

You thought wrong because this is Canada. 🇨🇦😉👍

[@mishka110]

In 2023 who still uses mph??? Illiterate people?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Americans do.

[@SKG1941]

The people who bailed everyones butts out in 2 world wars.That’s it. Next time just say thank you.

[@richardwozniak7025]

There are two kinds of nations: Those that use the metric system, and those that put a man on the Moon. 😂😂

[@Rebazar001]

Correct! NASA used metric for all moon landing calculations and when they used imperial for a Mars lander it was a catastrophic failure.

[@ddcycleman]

Europeans say “zed” as an American it sounds whack

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm Canadian... It's called Zed here. That's why I say it like I do. If I filmed a U.S. vehicle in the states, then I'd say Zee.

[@Sam-Fisher]

Hello

[@PeterLoweOne]

You were almost the first comment!