Revving up to 600 miles: Running in my new Kawasaki Z900RS and Owners Lessons Learned

[@robertlindstrom540]

In years to come this will be a classic, without a doubt. Kawa has really nailed it with those gorgeous looks, and good performance does the rest. Stunning piece of machinery!

[@johnDukemaster]

Yes, and the future talk will be whether the bike has scratches or not!

[@williamrae9954]

Is there 40yrs in Andy for him to own a "classic" ? 😂

[@Gruxxan]

its retro, its based on the original 1970s Z900

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

The Zephyr 750 was a nice looking retro bike. Doesn't exist anymore

[@PiotrstrashcanŚmietnikPiotra]

I remember in 90's how much I loved that classic look of Kawasaki Zephyr and Honda CB750. This new Z900RS is just gorgeous!

[@jpdj2715]

The oil replacement at 1K km more likely is to flush metal particles out that have been polished off between moving parts in those first kms. Such particles can impact reliability by a lot. Decades ago, Ford USA produced a car licenced from Mazda (1 series IIRC) under their brand name. After some time, it turned out the original Mazdas (of Japanese manufacture) were more reliable and Ford bought one to take it apart and see what was different - as both got built from the same drawings. Turned out that things like gears had been polished and sharp edges had been made pretty (hence sharp edges now blunted). Consequently the Mazda mechanisms produced much less abraded metal particles for a much shorter time. Another thing is that crankshaft and piston rods (generally of an alloy) "prefer" to be taken to max RPM gradually, so if this still applies to today's materials used, then I would want to be able to set a rev limit in the engine management computer and gradually raise that limit relative to RPM history. And potentially have a few oil changes more than only the first 1K km one. And inspect the oil filter for presence of metal shavings. There's an aluminium alloy with a fraction of copper in it (may be aircraft grade or so). We have seen "metal fatigue" in the past. So the copper in the aluminium forms crystal chains compared to polymers or glass fibres in composites. If you bend (in order to shape it) such aluminium alloy sheet metal too quickly and/or cold, the copper chains break and, sooner or later, depending on load exerted there will be metal fatigue. The American F104 ("Starfighter" jet) had a history of falling out of the sky because of this. My thoughts go back to an HD fanboy in the 1970s who told me how to make these bikes reliable: take the engine completely apart and polish everything, implement a couple upgrades (design flaws) and put back together again.

[@kevinroberts2395]

If I could afford multiple bikes, this one is a DEFINITE. I absolutely love the Z900RS.

[@vector409]

same but i bought a street triple rs instead

[@QuickRipzz]

@@vector409 can't wait to get one!

[@bobatwell7505]

Beautiful bike and great video , not sure l like the clutch cable slung along the side of the engine , spoils the lines of the bike IMHO .😢

[@adamschannel8685]

@@vector409I’m looking at the z900 or the street triple rs. What made you make up your mind?

[@vector409]

@@adamschannel8685 it came down to equipment tbh, the triumph has full electronic suite tft dash, optional heated grips/cruise etc and decent suspension off the bat ..also fit and finish is great it's leagues ahead of the RS .. i may still get an 900RS but only to build a great bike out of a good one

[@daveharveys]

Had mine since Dec 2022. Ridden 2500 miles, commuting and some weekend fun. The throttle was very choppy below 3K, basically shut the fuel off. The bike really takes off in the 6-8K zone , loves to be revved hard, behaves a bit like an old 2 stroke. Just had a Woolwich dyno remap. and the difference is amazing, smooth throttle all the way up and gains in torque and power. The bike is now an absolute keeper.

[@raycollington4310]

It's amazing when a third party can improve on the OEM Kawasaki engineers. Unless of course, emission compliance factors are at play.

[@daveharveys]

@raycollington4310 The fuel cutoff below 3K was my main problem. It made the throttle very snatchy, not ideal for the corners. Or commuting. My ECU was euro 4 , it sounds as if this problem as now been sorted by Kawasaki. If so they really should have

[@daveharveys]

Recalled the earlier bikes and offered a remap.

[@andyedmond248]

Beautiful bike Andy. Tossing up between the RS Cafe and the SE.Will be a 65th birthday pressy to myself as I reckon Iv'e earned it! Congrats again brother.

[@andrewdyson4255]

Fully agree with the engine running in, don’t forget you are also running in new tyres and brakes which need to bed in.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed - although that’s fairly quick in comparison…

[@unlimitedcosmicspeed]

This bike is a perfect balance of everything. Past and present. Classic/modern beautiful bike. Its in a class of its own.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I tend to agree - hence why I bought it!

[@stevekelly6500]

I'm 59, and every time I watch one of these video's, want to run out to my local Kawasaki dealer and order this bike. Absolutely beautiful. Well done, Kawasaki.

[@flexywing]

What's stopping you, go for it

[@flexywing]

I'm also 59 and thinking of getting a Speed Twin 😊

[@tjordulf]

I'm also 59, and have absolutely, through vids like this and others, decided 100% that I'm getting the 2024 version of this. It's one of the loveliest bikes I've seen in a long while. Kawasaki have captured the essence of my youth perfectly!

[@andysmith2417]

In Sept 1976 I had a brand new Yamaha FS1E-DX, my first taste of motorcycling as a 16 year old,imagine how tough it was running that in for about 600 miles when the top speed was only around 45mph..and I could only use up to half throttle for those 600 miles...happy days,the start of a 40 year biking adventure for me on 12 bikes of all classes,road,trail and sportsbikes up to eventually 1000cc...wish I could do it all again...to all you bikers out there enjoy your lifestyle,stay safe and have the best time 😊👍👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Brilliant

[@tjordulf]

I had an FS1E in 1980. Drop bars, single racing seat, self welded on side stand from a C90, and a Le Sport matt black expansion pipe. In black with gold yammy block pattern across tank and tail. Wish I still had it. 😊. But one of these beautiful Kwaks will have to suffice😉

[@lgrw660factory]

Great to hear that you’re happy with your purchase. This is one of those bikes that just makes me happy when I see it. The design, the engine, the paint job, the duck tail, the massive tank… Lovely 👍

[@Banditmanuk]

Riding normally seems the best advice so long as you're not thrashing it. Such a beautiful bike. I've got Road 6s on my MT10, excellent tyres for riding in the wet or dry.

[@Macedonia270]

I recently had a project completed... A 1984 Kawasaki Z1300 (six cylinder). The dream bike from teenage years...and a welcome addition to the collection...

[@777Kingfrost]

I just bought a 2020 z900rs and I need to say that you're not stranger to my decision. It's a fantastic bike in terms of look and engine. But also one of the last all-rounder roadster available. Comfortable for a pillon passenger, large tank with range and a very fine tune engine. Tank you again for your review videos. You made a french follower of your channel happy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Delighted to hear that!

[@andyhutch8262]

I had the Japanese Dunlops on my new 1250 bandit, they got really tested in heavy rain when coming off the ferry at Heysham heading 145 miles home, 40 miles of M6, country B roads & A roads to home, flashes of lightening as we pulled into filling station, my 2 friends were on michalin tyred bikes, as I knew part of way back, I was the leader, the Dunlops were very sure at 80mph in driving hard rain, the few times it was possible the mph were upped, still in heavy rain. I wouldnt worry one bit with your Dunlops on your bike.

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

I really like the look of the Z900RS as well. Proud owner of a '08 Z750 myself. Absolutely love it.

[@xclent1975]

I’ve got a 2022 Candytone Blue and fitted mine with radiator guard, frame sliders, chrome rear passenger bar, and front color matched wind screen fairing … every time I ride this bike it pleasantly surprises me when I twist the throttle … enjoy it’s a beautiful bike and joy to ride .

[@timparker9235]

Happy for you Andy - yes the clocks and lcd dash can scratch easily - same on my Z650RS, but you can get protector films for that if so want. Love the way the yellow tank paint reflects on all the chrome!

[@Mikethebike721]

If I could have multiple bikes this would be one of them. It’s a truly gorgeous machine

[@robertroach1127]

Road 6's are great in the rain! Just got back from a 10,000km trip up to the Yukon and Alaska and they were great in the wet stuff!

[@steventhomson8387]

This bike suits you Andy and you deserve years of happiness on it. I will never get another heavy bike again and I think you like this one because of its ease of getting around and freedom without parking issues, hill holds and the like. If a bike has deficits, you always find reasons not to ride them as in the Pannigale.

[@markbarker4041]

Always follow manufacturers recommendations guys and not hearsay.

[@readerj01]

What a gorgeous bike. Kawasaki have absolutely nailed it with the RS. Imo it is by far the best retro currently on the market and will become a classic in its own right in years to come. Love the metal-flake finish especially in Powerball Yellow but this SE is not too shabby either.

[@raycollington4310]

I think this bike looks great, coincidentally it is high on my list of next bike. IMO you're right not to remap a brand new machine. Enjoy this lovely addition to the fleet. Thanks TMF, great job.

[@TechnoJonny]

Hi, I have had my Z900RS for 4 years now, I fitted a front mudguard extension & a hugger extension, both of them made by Pyramid Plastics, I'm still thinking of having my bike Dyno'd & maybe mapped, the throttle is a little snatchy, but then I have lived with it for 4 years now, the only fault I have had with the bike is sometimes the horn switch plays up, I did enquire with Orwell motorcycles in Ipswich about getting a new switch, Annoyingly you can only buy the whole cluster @ £239!, the very helpful guy told me to use contact cleaner, which I did & it worked. I do find the bike gets a lot of looks, and is a conversation starter.

[@jtotto53]

When I saw your reveal video, I knew exactly which bike from the thumbnail. Because I got one too, the 50th Anniversary model, red over metalflake root beer, with the gold wheels. I went to the dealer to buy a battery for my old bike, and ended up with a new bike! Same mods, heated grips and radiator guard, from Kawasaki. And a fly screen from MRA in Germany, which helps above 80 mph, and cuts down on the fly splats. For saddlebags, I had a set of Eclipse soft bags, that I actually used in the 1970s, hanging on my garage wall. They fit perfectly...

[@christyrer9530]

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your channel. It’s been a slow burn for me but I’m now at the point where I find myself looking forward to Wednesday and Saturday mornings. I think that old adage of ‘all things come to he (or she!) who waits’ is very appropriate in this instance. Thank you.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Wow - I’m delighted to hear that! Thank you!

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@TheMissendenFlyer if you want an eye opener.. drop the oil out now.. at 100km & look at it in a large glass jar.. in the sun light & see ALL the sparkles.. metal machining flakes all recirculating around as grinding grit.. then again at 1000km.. then the regular schedule.. you'll never follow OEM new run in change schedule again

[@shaunstrange1617]

Motor tight early on , gets happier with mileage . Raised idle to1400 , took most low speed surging away . Softened compression front and rear , softened preload at rear . Brembos need bedding in , then superb . been a year now with this masterpiece !

[@3fingeredfrank]

Congratulations! You are now an honorary member of 'The School of Kool". I currently own a Zed 900RS 2018, Root Beer Brown and Candy Orange of course. We have excellent taste in bikes my friend. I live in the NW coast of the US and we are blessed with an abundance of tasty, twisty roads. The big Zed is a great all rounder, a ride to the cafe, doing a weekender, or strafing the B roads.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Loved riding in the Pacific Northwest last year - great bike to do it on too!

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid TMF. Bike's looking good. As for running it in, I think you covered all the important things I've ever been told such as when possible using all the gears & revs up to the specified break in limit. Also very importantly, not to load the engine by doing top gear roll-ons, or constant revs as it can glaze surfaces & don't overstress it by bouncing it off the red limiter in the first 600 miles. After that you can pretty much do what you want & it seemingly doesn't make any difference apparently.

[@paulkirtley8898]

Giday from OZ . I purchased my Z900rs late 2017 and have done 100,3000 klms . Not one problem. Have done some mods , pipes, K&N air filter , Dino. Plus some cosmetic stuff. Very reliable fast and easy to ride. Still love it. Cheers 🥂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool! Cheers….

[@Icem4n84]

I'm totally with you of having a physical manual in your hand. I love that!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I can’t be doing with manuals you have to download - I get why manufacturers do it but it’s still a nuisance!

[@simonwalker7957]

Tis odd, my new Kawasaki W800 Cafe bought in March had a proper manual tucked under the saddle, even the dealer didn’t know this (Blade, no longer a Kawasaki dealer)🫢

[@davidlutton4560]

Beautiful bike and a great choice Andy. Colour scheme looks even better on the road. I fully agree with the Road 6 tyre option, once you get a few K miles under its belt....they really are totally confidence-inspiring. Also I agree with the fitting of a fender extender to keep the crud off those lovely header pipes. I must admit I winced a bit over the back roads on the video......no shortage of potholes and patch-repairs there😮! Enjoyed it all. Take care and keep the mico-fibre cloths handy!

[@luishcoreia]

There are are instructions to set the clock and running in on the manual. You must have done an overview reading of it. But best way is to download the PDF and have it on the phone so you can consult it on the move. A TO DO is to get the suspension set for your weight. Cheers

[@greyanaroth]

Nano graphene coating, my friend. Puts a lovely silky, glassy layer on your painted surfaces. Prevents scratches and dirt from sticking on your bike and dear gods, the shine 😍😍😍 Hit up your local detailer

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sounds good to me!

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Always follow the manufacturer instructions. They built it, they designed it, they know best.

[@photographerjonathan]

You made a good choice, That engine and stock exhaust sound is so sweet, I think if someone made an hour long video riding the bike in the low rpms like in this video. but without any talking. I could lie in bed and play that video every night before going to sleep. its so soothing and pleasing to listen to. what you said about it being prone to scratching is a bummer. I try so hard to take care of and protect my bikes and car. but it seems like no matter how hard I try. I end up getting little things on them that make me crazy.

[@AndrewMiller-s2h]

Bike looking awesome, already comparing to speed twin ! Looking forward to that full in depth comparison.

[@andrewooi2551]

You really got a beauty there. Looking at it reminds me of the Kawasaki Zephyr I used to own in the 90’s. Kawasaki is really good in churning out these timeless beauties

[@JanMorsø]

Superb! There's always the exception; I borrowed [for ages] an '80s Honda CB250N Super Dream, thrashed out the box by [mad] owner, it was smooth, and powerful, as the 400, easily. He was a good mechanic, usually JCB, tho'...

[@pauljobson554]

Great to hear you're enjoying your new bike. Very wise move on the radiator guard. Looks like you've fitted a tail tidy as well.

[@wiltshirerider6382]

When you can afford it Andy definitely change the tyres I put michelin power power 5 tyres on my Z900 and it has completely transformed the bike in every way 😎

[@jamesward1931]

I loved the Triumph variable rev limit on my TS660, changes the rev limit based on mileage as you go through the run in process. Also the tyres on the TS, the Michelins as standard, I’ve never ridden a motorbike with a tyre that gives me more confidence in the wet, and I’ve had plenty of opportunity to test that this summer! So if you are going to change tyres I can highly recommend the Michelins.

[@michaelhoward142]

Such a nice-looking bike. As a pre-teen in the early 1970's, motorcycles like the original Kawasaki Z1 were the bikes I fell in love with. This style will always scream "MOTORCYCLE!" to me. I'm so happy for you, Andy! 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes me too…

[@Coenster]

Very nice! I recently went for the Z900RS (Black & Red) and came from a Street Triple 675R. I really like it!

[@bikegeist]

Great to hear that you're not finding it 'snatchy'. That's one of the few bad things people have to day about this bike. It's gorgeous and is in my top 3 of realistic next bikes.

[@markellott5620]

I've not experienced the snatchyness on mine, either.

[@Inthewind24]

I test rode one of these last year. The dark blue one with gold striping. I liked it so much I nearly traded my Multistrada 1260 on it. I didn't end up doing the deal, but this Kawi is so smooth and fun to ride, it is on my short list for future bikes. Enjoy!

[@richardgitz2264]

I'm glad you're enjoying your new bike so much, ride on!

[@The9meister]

I fitted a fender extender to my 07 fz1s yamaha when new, and my header pipes are still nice, I like the z900rs, great bike.

[@baz9438]

For what it's worth, I think you have the running in just right . Really is a beautiful bike!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks…

[@williamrae9954]

Running in; Husaberg...i was in the old Swedish factory at Rofors, one of the 8 employees took a brand new bike into a cupboard which had rollers embeded in the floor,flat out(after warming the motor up) in every gear,for a total of 5mins, then the bike was off for shipping! My Tracer 900, 1st run was to the Bol d'Or, Glasgow - Cairnryan, Belfast - Rosslare, then an 800 mile day to the South of France, hotel near a Yamaha dealer,dropped it in on the morning, 1st service, run in, sat cruising at 100mph behind a Ferrari heading to Nice, sure beat the usual boring process! Radiator guard...i ordered one for the new Tracer7, but managed to puncture the radiator before it arrived, when the fork legs suddenly slipped out as i slackened the clamps(kept a lot of parts brand new, and swapped them out with my XSR700 bits, forks,exhaust,foorpegs,etc). Yeah,radiators are super thin these days, was only £40 to have it repaired though!

[@ernieschatz3783]

Great bike! "Ride normally" could vary among people😉; however I think your method as a whole is spot-on. One of the dealers I know here in Japan says don't be so concerned about RPM, vary the RPM, but try to avoid abrupt/hard decel and accel. That's pretty much what you said and how I see it as well.

[@BodybuildingSteve]

kawasaki seem to be the protector of the inline 4, seems like a peach of a engine on this bike and the dash is absolutely gorgeous as is the bike in general

[@pricklypunter]

I'm glad to see you are having a blast with the Zed, I absolutely adore my Bluebell, so I know how giddy you're feeling on it. The first thing I done to my girl was an oil and filter change. Kawasaki recommended their own brand, obviously, not just for the sake of the warranty but because it's decent. I was a little surprised to see that it was fully synthetic and not conventional oil, even during break-in. I only changed it because of the long shipping time to me. I figured that if it had been on a boat, for at least half of that time, there was a chance of some water build up in the factory oil. Grubby dealerships being what they are, are definitely not to be trusted to do this for you before handing over the keys. Like you, I just bimbled about, mainly on the back roads, varying the revs, knocking up and down the box etc. I wasn't going mad with it, nor super cautious, just rode as I normally do. I do all my own servicing and at 1000km, beyond a little dirt in the oil and it being a shade darker than normal, I seen nothing of concern, no large flakes, nothing on the magnetic sump plug etc. The engine is really squared away now and I have no doubt that changing oil and filters when required, plus other general maintenance, will keep my girl running well past my own sell by date. The paint on mine is soft too, it chips real easy if you get pinged by a stone on the road. I have a tiny chip on my tank already from one such event. Genuine paint is not available, so until I find a better solution, I have touched it in with a droplet of clear nail polish. I'm not super precious about it, although that chip does irk me, I bought the bike to ride and along with that comes the character building and the battle scars. To me, this is one of those forever bikes, I'll be keeping mine, foibles and all 😁

[@Peter760]

I love my 2020 Z9RS, can’t wait for summer 😊

[@savagejabbit5929]

We're all still waiting for the summer ☔☔☔☔☔😢😢😢😢think we're going to see bonfire night and Christmas before this summer 😟😟🇬🇧

[@simonwalker7957]

Fabulous bike Andy and a nice honest video. As for the scratches? Well black is the worst for showing abrasion damage so my rule is never ever rub off dust, any dust. Hose it off, use Muc-Off if necessary and rinse again; we all learn the hard way. To repair minor swirls from rubbing/polishing I use Zymöl HD Cleanse. It’s a non-chemical based ultra fine cutting compound that polishes out swirls from polishing even on plastics and because there’s no white spirit in it unlike T-Cut, will not dry out the paint. After which a good coat of Carnauba wax. Ultimately a ceramic coat will be best and I may consider it on my W800

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

That shiny high gloss finish looks lovely. For a few days. It will show every speck of dust and micro scratch.

[@gregorytubbs3444]

A proper breaking in has to do with getting the piston rings seated with the cylinder cross hatching. Someone gave a nice explanation on what's taking place with that. Sorry I didn't keep a link to it, but he explained how it's important to do it the right way.

[@ChrisSmart1]

Great vid again Andy ty and nice to see your so happy with your purchase, heres to many more miles and smiles :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Amen to that!

[@max.fleming1045]

Beautiful bike Andy and wouldn't worry too overly on the break-in. Nathanthepostman not long ago rode 2000 miles on a brand-new Voge 300 rally thrashing it most of the way & all ended well. On a very different note, I'm almost shocked at the sight of that plastic jam pot for the front brake ?. Such a gorgeous bike with so much attention to detail & then they cheaped out on something so obvious and quite literally in your face ?.

[@Jeff-bg7pt]

Looks even better in the day light

[@pggp273]

This is the bike i thought you had purchased when you unveiled the speed twin. You have always loved this bike. This one is a keeper.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Blimey - that was a while ago!

[@alandrinkwater9867]

I had mine ceramic coated, it was polished before and this stopped all scratches. I loved mine and now considering get another se spec. 😊

[@hb-yv2iu]

I have had mine for 3 years and agree about the scratches. I had mine ceramic coated and that has helped.

[@maskedavenger2578]

It’s a motorcycle it’s bound to get a few scratches & nicks it’s all adds to the character & patina . The only time a motorcycle should look mint is when it’s brand new out the factory & in the showroom . They are meant to be used & ridden & mechanically maintained not fussed over like priceless works of art .

[@JohnNewton-ev8ch]

Cycle and Cycle World guru Kevin Cameron wrote a great article some years back about this topic. He said the breake in heat cycles helps the metallurgy hardening process to continue, etc. Love the new ride it reminds me of my 2000 Kawasaki ZR-7S.

[@Dan-56]

After the initial coat of good wax, I’ve found Pledge spray furniture wax is great for scratch free “touch ups” and dust removal 😉. (It’s also great for helmet face shields to prevent scratches, makes the rain drops just fly off, and make for easy bug removal 🤪👍.)

[@itsthebandit2977]

Sold my green 22 rs did 2500 miles in just over a year. Fuelling at low speeds was crap to begin with but after first service and a few more miles seemed to get better.first 4 gears are way to short and the gap from 5th to 6th to long but i got used to it.handled really well and goes really well.

[@motorbikemumblings]

Lovely bike, agree with the running in advice. 2 months into my KTM Super Adventure S ownership and I kept below 6.5k RPM for the first 600.

[@carlton683]

Hi Andy I love your new bike especially the retro clicks in chrome my personal favourite, and I couldn’t help noticing some lovely houses down those lanes 👍

[@peteg2424]

Hi Andy yes the tail section can mark a bit easy, I bought some scratch X from Amazon rubbed that in got the marks out really easy then gave it a really good coat of polish and it’s been fine since . Might see you at one of these z900RS meet-ups or just at a cafe 👍

[@debenhamdave4314]

She's a beauty, definitely a bike I would consider at a later date. Cheers Andy

[@samhill3496]

Glad you are having fun with it. As it should be. Thinking seriously of turning my KTM 1190RC8R into a BMW R1250RS

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi Andy, lovely bike, in my eyes the best looking retro bike on the market at the moment, your running in strategy is exactly how I approach it. But it's a shame about the soft paint work, it might be worth considering getting the whole of the bike ceramic coated, had the wife's new Boxster done very little crud sticks, and it washes off very easily. My bikes I try not to actually touch the paintwork with clothes, I snow foam up rinse and then use a blow drier, and only then will I use a microfibre cloth as not to scratch with dust and debris.

[@LickyDischarge]

Such a pretty bike 😎. I’ve run in three new bikes in the past few years and I just ride them as normal once they’re warmed up. I don’t tend to put much more thought in to it than that, because I tend to change my bikes after 14 months or less. I’ll keep my eyes peeled in the hope of spotting you riding through Norfolk 😄

[@peterparker219]

Great show thank you. I've been to the BMW factory here in Berlin some years ago and as a visitor you can watch all stages of assembly. When everything is done at the assembly lines all bikes go to the quality checkout test stand and every bike is revved up to the rev limiter through all gears up and down shifting. I believe every manufacturer does it that way so I think "braking in" must not be taken that seriously. But if it comes to me I do it nevertheless, exactly by the book. 😂😂

[@BibtheBoulder]

As I write this I am sitting in my conservatory listening to the rain belting down. It is the 39th day on the trot that we have had rain here in Warwickshire. Apparently it is going to get drier and warmer next week. Unfortunately I will be on holiday. Glad you are enjoying your new Kawasaki. I wasn't too keen on them when they were first released but I have slowly warmed to them, and now see them as very desirable. This is the opposite to what happens with women. They start as desirable, but eventually you want a different one. Such is life.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You are very wise! Hope it brightens up soon (I’m in Wales on tour and it’s miserable here today)….

[@sussexbikerpillion]

Yes having to do this soon when the classic is ready. Think you covered no labouring high revs and varied speeds. I was told by a guru regards the RE to allow to warm up for a few minutes before riding and after riding for around 40 mins stop and allow to cool down a bit before carrying on. Which kind of makes sense allowing for expansion contraction to help seat bores. Only 300 miles on that for first service. The Z does feel a lot lighter than it’s stated weight. Enjoy!

[@erikroberts1899]

You've got a real Beauty of a Bike there Andy. Pleasant Riding.

[@GJS-live]

Glad you're enjoying the bike AND getting our Scottish weather down in Englandshire too! We've had rain pretty much every day since July 1st. Still out on the bike though! Cheers!

[@Beanerds]

Love it ! , a local older rider has one and we run into each other every now and then when I am out and about on my RE 650 Interceptor in Orange Crush so we kinda gravitate , and his Kawasaki Z900RS is such a beautiful bike . Sweet review and thanks . Oh yes the Orange Kawasaki chose here is stunning !

[@toluwole]

It sounds so delicious. Thank you for taking the time.

[@rickparkinmoto]

Stunning machine. A beautiful update of a timeless classic. I wish manufacturers (and this is not unique to Kawasaki) would make their paint finishes more scratch resistant. The only thing that would really niggle me though is the side stand. I want a side stand to be over-engineered. I started riding in the seventies, and it was common for side-stands to bend or completely fail under the weight of a bike, so maybe I still get a bit paranoid over that. I was seriously considering a Z900RS as my next bike but my heart has been won over by the new Guzzi V100. Oh for the garage space and spare cash to have both!

[@scottw550]

You can now Vinyl Wrap motorcycles for a reasonable cost.

[@williamharling9604]

Saw that exact model at a biker cafe in Hampshire today.Caught my eye as it Rode in..Got to say its the dogs! You've chosen a beauty....

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@Matt43]

You are absolutely right on the varied break-in procedures out there... some engines get broken in on a dyno and some by a conservative rider never going beyond 50% RPM to redline at 1/4 throttle... Someone needs to science this once and for all!

[@paulbarnes6124]

I am happy with throttle response on my 22 z900rs as standard. I put fender extenders on and a headlight protector as they are extremely expensive to replace !! I put a chrome grabrail and put zip tie with dog collar type clip to hold helmet temporarily at servo etc

[@karlj1717]

Such a beautiful machine even the brackets that hold the front mudguard on looks awesome.

[@ditto1958]

My favorite motorcycle you own, and it’s a close run thing because your other ones are to die for, too- Gold Wing, Triumph, Royal Enfield… wow. But this one just has it. Good choice.

[@JezNashMusic]

Superb stuff, as ever. Great to see how much you love the new bike. And the scenery through which you ride is stunning and, it has to be said, well-captured! Having tried to make a few vids in the past, and now starting again, I’m realising the amount of thought and effort which goes into the productions. Genuinely appreciate the quality of your work, sir!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Many thanks!

[@scottashdown3686]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@TheMissendenFlyer Hello again, Andy. Scotty from San Diego here. 2 subtle, but very nice (exclusive?) features and conveniences the z900rs offers is the positive neutral and the key popping out automatically when you press down on the gas cap, preventing you from bending the key 😊 I am also able to comfortably squeeze my knees on the plastic panels directly below the gas tank, whereas my knees were hitting engine parts on the Speed Twin. I still love the parallel twin engine, so instead, I bought a used 2017 Triumph Bobber as my 2nd “run around town” bike. I love these modern retros! Having way too much fun than any 65 year old should be having 😎🏍️

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@scottashdown3686 Yes good feature that positive neutral isn't it - why don't more manufacturers do that I wonder?

[@patwoodrow7306]

I put pyramid plastics fender extenders frount and back on mine made a huge difference. Plastic polished the scratches off the dash and put on screen protecters (pyramid) again. Found the same problem with the paintwork black seems to show the scratches worse than other colours. I did a full machine polish /paint correction job on it and now dont touch the paint with any cloths. I also fitted a center stand which makes chain cleaning dead easy and multiple bike in a small gararge storage a lot easier. From your last video you were looking for luggage i found nice ones from sw motech. I also had the suspension professionally set up which made it handle and feel even better than it allready did if that is even possible. Good luck

[@cunningpunt]

All the Evotech stuff I've had has been spot on. British company, parts designed and made in the UK and really nice quality stuff. Works great, looks great I'd recommend. This July and start of August has been terrrible. Lets face it, you expect foul weather Sept to April but damn it seems every weekend it's been non stop rain. I'll ride in it but it's not such fun and then you've to clean the bike if you want it not to rust :(

[@brulaapgaapmeester8052]

Congratulations with your new purchase. It is my kind of bike too. 🙂

[@seaninness334]

After all the talk, I'm pleased you gave us your take on the "snatchy throttle"/reflashing thing. I had followed what you had to say about the speed twin. I'll be interested in what you decide about the prone to scratches issue.The look of the fender extensions. All good stuff Andy, thanks.

[@johnvodopija]

The z900 looks and sounds amazing! Looking forward to more content. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺

[@markwroblewski3821]

great bike, I've had 2 ! Got to say a remap will transform the bike ( BSD Peterborough ) noticeably , and set up the suspension. And enjoy !

[@sgbroadphotography4534]

Weather has been flippin awful….but we’ve got a week or 2 of dry coming up apparently so I plan on riding as much as possible. Beautiful bike. Enjoy!

[@N269]

1st addition - CENTER STAND.... (Sorry to yell 😷🤐) It's probably the best tool you can have on a bike. Those Z900s are fine, fine looking machines. You're making alot of people envious. Safe trails. 👍

[@oggyoggy1299]

Evotech radiator guard is brilliant. Delete the rear mudguard - it makes the tail look awesome! Get a 16 tooth front sprocket, to replace the 15.

[@orlandoberry4031]

You could ask the service centre about the ‘run in oil’ and then you will have your answer regarding wether it is thinner than the recommended usual oil. Then you could inform us of the answer.

[@richardho5955]

My humble opinion on running in. I have it from an honest and reliable source, an importer & distributor of Hondas, Kawasakis and BMW motorcycles. His recommendation…get it out the showroom, warm the motor up properly. Ride it hard through the gears for a hundred kms and then drain the oil and replace the oil filter and oil. Ride it as you would any motorcycle you own, until you’ve done 1000kms/600 miles. Let the Dealer change the oil and oil filter, stamp your owner’s service book then ride it hard. It’s worked for me for 30 years and none of my bikes have ever smoked or used excessive oil. 🏍️👍🇿🇦

[@snakeman9902]

I absolutely love this bike, great call, I would love this as a second bike.. If I had a garage, I probably would Beautiful looks. Beautiful sound.. 👍👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!