2023 Kawasaki Z900 SE Review | Daily Rider

rvz.la/3vh9Aqv | For all your motorcycling needs!
How big can a middleweight naked bike be before it’s full size? And how expensive can it be before it needs to be perfect? The answers to these questions and more, as Zack hits the DR route with Kawasaki’s Z900 SE.
SPECS:
MSRP: $10,900 ($11,400 in 2024)
Engine: 948 cc orientation/cylinders
Claimed weight: 470 lb. / 213.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. / 17 liters
Seat height: 31.5 in. / 800 mm
Claimed torque: 73.1 foot-pounds @ 7,700 rpm
Read Zack’s article here: rvz.la/3NRKghe
Zack’s gear:
Alpinestars Solano jacket: rvz.la/48KZ5KL
Sedici Marco 2 Mesh Gloves: rvz.la/48H596P
Klim K Forty 2 Jeans: rvz.la/3H6qafu
REAX Fulton WP Shoes: rvz.la/3RQP6wi
Sedici Strada II Mips Helmet: rvz.la/3S6QSL7
Thanks to Progressive for sponsoring this episode of Daily Rider. Learn more about America’s #1 motorcycle insurer at bit.ly/3VcAsCN
0:00 Intro
0:47 Our Sponsor, RevZilla
1:13 A quick walkaround the Z900 SE
3:37 On The Road!
6:02 Freeway Cruisin’
10:05 Urban Manners & Stop Sign Challenge
12:04 Lover’s Lane
15:35 At the Lights
20:48 Gettin’ Dirty
23:04 Will it Wheelie???
25:49 Instagram Questions!
30:22 On the Daily Rider Leaderboard

[@RevZilla]

Read more about the Z900 on Common Tread: rvz.la/48yLje2 Check out all of the newest motorcycle gear available: rvz.la/3tHoFBg

[@hoigari76]

Can you pleas start putting metric numbers on screen? It would be very helpful😊 thanks👍👍

[@renz7589]

I have my conversion chart on hand when watching Motobob. I still don’t know what a quid is though

[@tomeickhorst6787]

Maybe I missed it why is it limited to 8500-9000 redline when the inline 4s usually turn a lot more

[@hoigari76]

@@renz7589 guid is pound/money i quess🙂

[@Flipnred78]

No quick shifter 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@ZinoAmare]

I passed for my motorcycle license wednesday!

[@123mirc]

Congrats! Wear full gear, ride safe and attend additional moto courses. Cheers!

[@notorioussob9445]

Congrats, I wish you many trouble-free miles.

[@ZinoAmare]

@@patricksandeberg8184thank you:3

[@z-ro34]

Congrats! I got mine a few weeks ago and im picking up an Eliminator today!

[@judge831]

Dont get anything over 500 cc for your first motorcycle. Buy used if you can.

[@Cobbbler]

Despite riding all these bikes for free, you always do a great job of reviewing them as if you paid for them. Really appreciate that.

[@stmboat]

I wonder if it will do a wheelie.

[@pwnzormcduck6546]

​@@stmboatit'll do a wheelie easy.

[@TheBorre]

​@@stmboat 23:06

[@LooxJJ]

It’s a one of Japanese “do-it-all” bike. Reliable and dependable, can tour, can commute, can do-what-you-ask, and probably outlive you if you maintain it properly.

[@larryhouse3776]

In the event of buying a Do it All bike. You get a bike that excels at nothing. Trust me, you do not want to tour on anything like this.

[@csolivais1979]

​@@larryhouse3776to be fair, just because you can, doesn't mean you should. But if it's the only bike you have, needs must. Some bags and a wind screen and it probably wouldn't be ti bad for 300 to 400 mile weekend trips.

[@LooxJJ]

@@larryhouse3776 it will be hard...but doable with sheer will power.

[@JoshuaTootell]

All depends on what compromises you are willing to deal with. If the wind isn't an issue for you, then sure you can tour on it. Personally, I can't deal with naked bikes for anything more than city speeds. But as I can compromise on riding position, I can tour on a GSXR 1000 just fine.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

A generation of "sissies" cannot handle wind on a motorcycle. I say that tongue-in-cheek. But I I also say it with some criticism. If you can't deal with the wind, that's what a Goldwing is or R1250RT is for. Or put the roof up on that convertible.

[@mucho02]

I think the Z900 is one of the best value for money bikes in its category. I rode countless naked bikes in my pursuit for my next bike over the course of 3-6 months. I knew straight away when i rode the z900 that it was the one. The performance and extras combined with the price was just supreme.

[@tealchief]

What other bike makes over 120hp for around 10k?

[@SmkinBarrel]

Have you compared it to the GSX-S750?

[@chukku2175]

I think the Z900 shines most in its base (non-SE) trim. At THAT pricepoint the bike and especially the engine are absolutely awesome and you can forgive the missing CC and QS. The extra money for the SE brings the bike into a dangerous price region where the value suddenly doesn't look so great anymore.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Kawasaki would have to convert it over to throttle-by-wire to do these things. The Ninja 1000SX is fully converted and has those features, but cost is a consideration on everything.

[@Carlisho]

@@exothermal.sprocketYeah getting the SE is not worth it when they have the Ninja 1000SX with both QS and CC from the factory. Either base model or go with fairings.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Carlisho It's a lot more expensive, more top heavy, insurance is a lot higher. Moment you tip it over and damage a size fairing, there goes 1 grand (hence insurance rates). Great machine, just not to be compared to a 800-900cc middle powered bike.

[@Jake-fk5zw]

Having owned and insured both a z900 abs and then next a Ninja 1000sx, the Ninja was cheaper. I remember reading somewhere the average Ninja 1000sx owner was an engineer in his 40s/50s, and that seriously dropped the costs. I'm not sure which will hold value better but I recommend the Ninja, the z900abs is a great bargain, but you feel like you're riding around on a bargain compared to every other new 950+ cc bike. @@exothermal.sprocket

[@atsernov]

@@exothermal.sprocket The dumb thing is that it's AREADY throttle by wire. There are two sets of butterflies, one set mechanical and another electronic. The entire point to mechanical throttle is moot when there is an electronic nanny controlling a second set of butterflies that only opens them 40% when you ham fist it to 100% If you are going to have electronic throttle anyway, just go full throttle by wire and give me CC and QS.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

I have a 2019 z900 and its one of the best all around street bikes I've ridden. Its very planted , balanced, fast, easy to ride, comfortable, cheap to buy, own, and mod.

[@patrickagan1071]

Zack tricked me into practicing footless stops and now i am more confident rider 😊

[@oceanNmotoWoman]

Same! On my 2015 BMW R1200RT! I did ONE the other day after trying for days 😂 But I would say Zach _challenged_ me to practice footless stops, I don't feel tricked

[@duroxkilo]

if you have access to a bicycle, any kind, try to learn and practice 'track standing'. as easy as it seems, it may be a time consuming trick to master... BUT it does wonders in terms of improving balance on two wheels at super low speeds..

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Slow speed motorcycle handling and threshold braking are the two most deficient skills in most motorcyclists. Even people who've been "riding for decades" often find themselves scared to lean a bike over at lower speeds, or don't know the limits of the braking capability.

[@Carlisho]

@@exothermal.sprocketthe problem with most riders is that they do not ever try to rev the bike at slow u-turns, literally just revving the bike solves all your problems.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Carlisho It's a lot more than throttle management. It's body position, it's clutch and brake use, it's where the rider focuses their eyes. It's things that many riders can just ride for years and never do, because of their chosen routes or moving habits.

[@vincentoconnell9094]

A 21 z900 owner here, with way too much invested in upgrades to it. You hit every quirk about it on the head, although a side note it fits 5'5 people pretty good.

[@aritradas7154]

i m 5-5 but 31.5 inch seems a little tall... i m usually comfortable at 30.5

[@Illness.og.]

@@aritradas7154I’m 5’5, have had mine for a year. No issues with reaching the ground.

[@aritradas7154]

@@Illness.og. good to know...i know for sure i won't have issues with reaching the ground, but i prefer to maintain a buffer margin...it's all good on flat ground but what if the road is banked to the left..and wet..

[@Illness.og.]

@@aritradas7154 still not an issue, I have been on gravel roads, dirt roads, uneven ass roads where they dip down. As long as you know how to utilize the one legged method you will be perfectly fine. The bikes weight surprisingly helps you stay upright.

[@Carlisho]

@@aritradas7154you lean right 😂

[@broderp]

Still loving my 2020 Z900. Love the looks, power and handling in Plasma Blue.

[@toofastnobrakes]

Would also love to see a follow up review with a new Z900RS SE. for comparison

[@MrKremsen]

I picked up a z900 abs (non se) last March for my daily commuter. Agree on the power and gearing. great bike overall. Doing a relatively long trip I managed to squeeze 190 miles out of a tank. I was on fumes when I pulled into the station. Overall a very good bike. Great bang for the buck.

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Change the rear sprocket, easy fix compared to a diff.

[@SpringfieldFatts]

I'm with you. I had a '21 and I got a Tracer 9 for doing longer miles and I regret it. The heated grips and cruise control are nice but jesus Yamaha's are ugly and feel cheap as shit comparatively.

[@atsernov]

@@perpetualgrin5804 The front. Better bang for your $. You need a fairly aggressive final drive change. The front is a cheaper part, has a greater impact/tooth and is less likely to require a new chain.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

4.5 gallon tank needs to be the gold standard for the 800-900cc class of bikes these days. All the rest run stupid 14L or smaller tanks.

[@mm93249]

Love the sound of an internal combustion inline 4!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

I appreciate how its called the Z900 but has a 948cc engine! Too often, in things like the world of AtV's, the 1000 only comes in at 952 or the 800 is a 760, you get big motor! attractive bike, fueling is so key to make a bike milder or wilder.

[@CC-xu2yz]

It's one louder!

[@davidekpo8986]

I owned a 2017 z900, and of all the bikes I’ve ridden, it’s still one I’d love to ride the most! Awesome bike!

[@bsnyder6973]

Have a 23’ Z900 and all the gremlins are barely noticeable after a while because this bike is just SO good. Solved the exhaust issue with a full system (good excuse to get one anyways) and the sound with a full system is awesome. Tail tidy, bar ends, rear peg delete - it looks sweet. Would highly recommend!

[@Carlisho]

The beauty is you dont even need a full system, just changing the headers to remove the bread box and it turns into a completely different monster. I have my Z900 with the Yoshi muffler and M4 headers, I can confidently say my bike is 1/2 because only one other person has that same exhaust combination and its a customer of mine that fell in love with my Z. Also solved the lack of QS by installing a Power Commander (which you need anyways for a full exhaust) and getting the QS by Dynojet themselves, plug and play solution. The only thing left would be a Cruise Control but I personally dont need that one so I havent bothered. Perfect bike for a commute imo.

[@Rickmac22]

Got one of these for my Army son in Europe. Rode it for 4 weeks before we shipped it. I absolutely loved this bike after Akrapovic headers & exhaust… the bike tuned is a monster!

[@adammoore9088]

I adore my 2023 Z900 (non-SE). With the addition of some SW-Motech saddlebags, it works great as a commuter and lightweight solo tourer. Take the saddlebags off, and it's a competent track bike for the couple track days that I do every year. If you don't plan to take a passenger, it's a fantastic all-rounder that doesn't break the bank.

[@alastairtheduke]

The leg position is just too cramped for taller riders, otherwise for me, great bike

[@adammoore9088]

@@alastairtheduke Agreed. I'm 5'-8", so it's not a problem for me.

[@radicalkonrad765]

you should try a street triple

[@adammoore9088]

@@radicalkonrad765 I have, they're fun bikes. But I swore off Triumph after I had a Speed Twin that spent four months out of a year getting warranty repairs.

[@Danamaeval]

Loved this! Always super honest and informative. I'm looking forward to all of the upcoming 2024 Daily Rider videos! Happy new year, cheers!

[@motomaddox]

I upgraded to a Z900 from a Ninja 650 and couldn't be happier with it. My Z900 is a 2022 purchased new, and I've enjoyed upgrading it over the past couple of riding seasons. Full exhaust, ECU tune, tires, bar end mirrors, etc. It's a really great platform! I do agree cruise control and up/down quick shifter needs to be added moving forward. Great review!

[@yurgon]

How much different is the handling and power compared to the Ninja 650? I currently own one myself. I've been hesitant to upgrade to more power. The Ninja 650 still has more than enough to get me into trouble, and I rarely find myself wishing I had substantially more juice.

[@motomaddox]

@@yurgon It's a significant difference all around. On the power/acceleration side, the 650 has good low-end torque, but the Z900 has almost twice as much horsepower and torque. The inline 4 on the Z900 also spins up pretty quickly, so it's definitely a big change. I really enjoyed my 650, but I found myself trying to shift up a gear only to realize I was already in 6th, and there really wasn't anything left. For context, when the 650 is maxed out in 6th, that's just to top of 4th/bottom of 5th on the Z900. If you ever feel like you are outgrowing the 650, a Z900 is a great option to consider. I have a bunch of Z900 stuff over on my channel. Check it out and drop a note.

[@TheCrazyBird844]

Been looking at an aftermarket cruise control for my Z900, they’re about $800 and use a servo attached to the throttle cable, that’s my only gripe with the bike and even that isn’t so bad with just a crampbuster.

[@motomaddox]

@@TheCrazyBird844 Yeah it would be nice if the Z900 had cruise control, but it wasn't a big feature that I really wanted for this particular bike. Now a factory quick shifter, that is a feature I think should be offered on these bikes.

[@NgiamTeeEe]

Did you get the SE version or the non SE one? Which one is better?

[@peterbarron6150]

Despite really not caring for the sound or feel of inline fours or this style of bike in general, I can still appreciate a well done review. Nice Job!

[@wizardmoto]

Love the Z900!! Had mine for several months before aggressively lowsiding it. Cant wait to get back in the saddle!

[@UltraHossBoss]

I felt similar to you when I got my '23 Z900. I added an Annitori Quickshifter Pro and and Exhaust and from then on... I grin ear to ear every time I take it out now. It's a shame it didn't come with more goodies from the factory, but if you put in a little bit of work, it really is a blast.

[@Kenrock87]

I ride a 2020 Z900, not the SE, and love it.

[@elevationmoto6208]

I have this exact bike, enjoy riding it on my daily commute. I am 5' 8" tall weigh 140 pounds, bike fits me perfectly. Choose it over a SV650 because of the appearance of the bike. The materials, shapes, and colors work together so harmoniously. Thus, I have no plans to swap out mirrors, exhaust, seat. Only added tail tidy and deleted passenger pegs. Great review, Zack, as always.

[@FlesHBoX]

Yes, agreed. I've got the baby brother z400, but completely agree that the z bikes look awesome. Though, I hate the mirrors. First thing I did was swap to bar end mirrors, but that was as much aesthetic as it was functional, since all I could see in the mirrors on the 400 were my shoulders, lol.

[@chicagoui9299]

Well there goes the 10% weight loss!!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Exhaust system drops about 14 pounds on this machine. And there's a bunch of brands offering headers.

[@maybefrank8345]

Funny you were cross shopping them😂 I came off an SV650 before my Z and dang they are not in the same league. Although the SV was a ton of fun…You always remember your first lol

[@maybefrank8345]

@@exothermal.sprocketdid you get improved sound when you upgraded? I’ve seen a lot of people say they tried a slip on and it didn’t really affect sound until they went full aftermarket exhaust

[@jnault6441]

Zack always is at the top of his motorcycle journalist endeavors with these well done reviews. TBH....hard to watch in January in the deep, very northeast.

[@G3A3]

z900rs is the way i would go. nice classic looking bike.

[@petervisi5369]

I had the same feel with Kawasaki. I was not sitting on the bike, I felt being a part of it. I love the stock sound, nicely tuned - not screaming, not too loud or deep. It's a bit jerky in first gear low rev but not as much as a 650, I guess it's a Kawasaki signature. As you said, good all-rounder, but a bit generic. Maybe too smooth with its four cylinders. I was torn which one should I have, this or Street Triple. But honestly, Triumph feels higher quality, a bit more rough power-in a positive way, puts a bigger smile on my face. Ans that's where the price tag stops making sense. Great review.

[@leudwigvonshwartsenhelm3624]

Thank you for mentioning What it would be like for a tall person to ride. Too many motorcycle reviewers don't bother talking about how tall or short someone needs to be to ride the bike comfortably. I'm glad you did!

[@_scott_chegg]

Agreed! I had a test ride on one of these - a perfectly beige, friendly standard bike (though I didn't have any time to get it on some twisties). Lovely metallic rasp lower down, which egged me on around town. Love these vids Zack.

[@MrChedek1]

I've been waiting for this review for years!

[@jfess1911]

I believe that one reason that motorcycles tend to be geared a bit short is that the "top gear acceleration" tests are so popular. It tends to look good on tests but produces annoyingly high revs at sustained highway speeds. I really wish that testers would switch to a "best highway acceleration" test that could include a couple of downshifts, if necessary. It is not like the riders don't understand the concept of downshifting and, with many new motorcycles, the clutch isn't even used for it. I am a little surprised that we have not seen more transmissions that would automatically downshift, since I have seen motorcycle comparisons that strongly emphasized top gear acceleration. I am surprised that a two-speed overdrive system did not show up for this reason, even though there would have been packaging, expense and weight challenges. FWIW, in the car world, the "0 - 60 mph" acceleration test was seen as a benchmark, so it became common practice to design transmission gear ratios specifically for this test. This usually meant that 60mph could be achieved in second gear (to avoid the 2 - 3 gear shift that would increase times). The 0 - 60 time was seen as especially important for any car seen as "sporty" or "fun to drive", even though once 6-speeds transmissions were introduced, a lower second gear often would have improved the real-world driving experience.

[@diyeveryday67]

Happy New Year Zac!! Thanks for the review!

[@-AV8R-]

What a great way to start off the new year!

[@CZ65]

I would love to see you do the Z900 RS

[@xorbe2]

Basically the same except 6th gear is a big overdrive, iirc.

[@shawnmclarney3757]

Rofl I love that Zach calls out the gearing in the first 5 mins on the bike. I think I made it 200 miles on my 21 before going up a tooth on the front sprocket and it spread the gears out perfectly!

[@Carlisho]

Im looking to do the same on my Z900 now that I moved places and my commute now includes highways. Did you had to make any changes to the chain?

[@ellwoodwolf]

He has a lot of saddle time on a huge variety

[@MrKremsen]

Good to know. I may do that on my 2023.

[@shawnmclarney3757]

@Carlisho - nothing other than readjusting it. I removed the factory 15t front and put on the 16t front and just tightened it and it just made all the difference in the world in each gear without taking that much away in low end pull. Ran it like that for 2 years till I traded it in. I highly recommend it, by far the best $24 I ever spent on the bike.

[@Carlisho]

@@shawnmclarney3757 awesome thank you for the response man, already bought the sprocket and everything. Have a great day

[@frankzamperini]

Does anyone else search this channel out 1st when looking at a possible bike purchase ? Lol

[@robertalshamma-oo3sh]

I like the review style it will be interesting to see if it caries through to all the bikes in 2024. Keep kicking ‘em in the balls!!

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

I have the 2021 standard version. The negatives are that the seat is hard, and anything over an hour or so becomes uncomfortable. It's also heavy, moving it around the garden is arduous. It is geared short but accelerates like an animal. It does scream for a quicksilver. Positives are It's a very good all rounder and will sit in the company of more expensive bikes comfortably on rideouts. I bought mine new for £8400 in May 2021. They've gone up considerably now, though. In all honesty it's as fast as I will ever need.

[@AndrewElwell-ss7vb]

Zack is the best reviewer of bikes on YT imo. Liked the video before I even watched it

[@eLGaraheRides]

I think you forgot to mention full adjustability for the front suspension which is really a great upgrade from the base model z900.

[@rayhan4502]

Like the WP Apex in KTM?

[@1MrBryn]

The comfiest bike I've owned was a Kawasaki ZRX1100. Absolutely glorious engine coupled with all day comfort for my six foot two frame. Sadly since then, all Kawasakis have had a definitive height limit where they just torture anyone taller than six foot. Which is a shame, because when I was shopping for my current bike the Z900 was right up the top of my on paper list.

[@MrEquequ]

z900rs has more room.

[@stuartandzoe]

I still ride a ZRX1100, re-jetted etc. with a Corbin seat. I've tried to buy a newer bike but I can't find anything as comfortable with so much useable power.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Kawasaki "Ergo-fit seat" option is 1-inch taller than stock, and is a factory accessory option.

[@andrewearly4589]

Thanks Zack! I have a z900RS and really love it. The styling gave it that X factor for me. For what it’s worth, the RS may address the leg room and gear ratio spacing.

[@MrEquequ]

I went up a tooth on my z900rs front sprocket when I had it, I much preferred riding after that.

[@disekjoumoer]

The Z900RS is about the only Kawasaki bike I would consider buying these days. Kawasaki just doesn't care anymore.

[@xb5883]

The RS is just an expensive body kit

[@ellwoodwolf]

Rs is a body kit ???? Hahahahaha no.

[@mjcmustang]

​@xb5883 not true. Z900 owner here

[@bryanyoung8927]

Great to see this review. My 1st bike is a z1000 and its great.

[@NickH94]

I have a 23 Z900 and love it. I'm a taller rider at about 6'5 and still feel very comfortable on the bike. The foot hitting the exhaust was my biggest complaint, but swapping to new slip on solved that. I've had it for just over 1 year now and absolutely love it. Of the small handful of bikes I've ridden it's easily my favorite for daily commuting and fun.

[@aumkar2]

The Alpinestars Solano is a great jacket. Happy to see Zack wearing it!

[@FlesHBoX]

I think that the one thing it does really well is look sexy. Personally I just prefer the headlights on the Z bikes over the MTs. It's a part of why I went with the Z400 over the MT-03 (that and the MT-03 was even harder to find anywhere near me when I was buying, and I had to drive 250 miles to find a Z400). And as a guy who wears size 13s, yeah, it weirds me out when I can feel my heel touching the exhaust. At least it seems like the mirrors aren't completely useless on my bikes big big brother. I couldn't see anything other than my shoulders on the 400, so the first mod I did was replaced them with bar end mirrors. Admittedly, I would still do it on the 900 as well, because I hate the look of those mirrors, and the Z bikes just look badass with bar end mirrors.

[@guitarmike4ever]

Fun way to start the year Zack! I got a chance to take a 2023 Z900 out for a Good Times Roll Kawasaki ride last year (highly recommend if you get a chance to sign up). That bike was all that you said - I had one major issue, the subframe was perfect distance to wedge my boot between the heel guard, foot peg, and top of my boot through my riding jeans...and I could not for the life of me get in a position to free my boot. Literally stuck there for about 25% of the ride until I did a stoppie to free it. I'm a big guy, 6'6" and 270 at the time so I'm sure that had a lot to do with it but I've never had that happen on another motorcycle. I left my right leg out a lot farther on the peg than I normally do to keep it from happening again. The rest of the ride was awesome. Few things worse than feeling trapped on a bike because the geometry. Maybe they fixed that issue but it doesn't look like it from the pictures or the specs. I hope no one else has that problem and it's just my Hugh Jass.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You'd fit better on the GSX-S1000.

[@michaelgilliar56]

Review the MT09 and or the new XSR900! You've got the best overall reviews in my opinion well done!

[@locks3711]

Love my 2020 900, im 6'1 and plan on addressing the knee bend issue with a seat. Rather spend $300 on a seat than 2k on another bike. I dont do long rides, just commute around 60 miles a day. Great for my type of riding.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

The seat is a great place to start. On some bikes that adversely effects the handlebar position but still a relatively inexpensive.

[@KZ900R]

I’ve got a 2017 z900 done over 100,000 kilometers on it. The exhaust drove me nuts straight off the bat not only hits your right heal the heat soaks through your boot. It was the first thing to go, it was bloody heavy too

[@Snotroggel453]

Holy shit 100k miles?? Has that been reliable along the way? I have one too with 25k miles and to me thats already a high mileage 😅

[@KZ900R]

@@Snotroggel453 no 100,000 kilometers

[@KZ900R]

@@Snotroggel453 100,000 km and it runs like a metronome starts first time every time has never let me down in 7 years

[@gordonsmithsa115]

Great review, after selling my Nuda 900R some years ago, I moved on to enduro riding. I am looking at getting back on the road again, the Nuda was a fantastic wheely bike, and the Z900 SE could be my next bike…

[@adamg7270]

Now you've got to do a Z900RS, preferably SE version. Arguably a better daily rider, as far as ergos and midrange torque go.

[@dbarnholdt]

Great review! Would love a review of the z900rs too.

[@6speed636]

I rode a stock z900 3 years ago when I owned an FZ-07. It felt very planted, and loved to lean. For 5 figures tho, you're right. It should have cruise control at the least, and probably a quickshifter to go with it. Great review as always.

[@Tiaan90]

In Sweden, when something is not too much, not too little it's "lagom" 😄 A word very few languages have a version of. "It's lagom powerful", like saying it's powerfull enough, but can be used in any situation.

[@ryann6919]

I own one of these. Awesome bike

[@oramac7237]

5:20 At 6'4" myself, the single most bothersome thing about the Z900 is the high footpegs. I rode one at a demo day and I really wanted to like it, but with the peg/seat ratio, it was a no-go from the beginning.

[@metalsadman]

probably consider the rs

[@oramac7237]

@@metalsadman I actually bought a Ninja 1000sx instead. Believe it or not, it has considerably more leg room.

[@88888888Rocket1]

I am 6‘2“ and have absolutely no problem with the foot pegs. However, I’m pretty skinny and flexible. The only issue I have is with the seat. Other than that, an absolute gem of a motorcycle.

[@ehiggins7476]

At your height most sport naked bikes are going to feel cramped, I say that because I’n 6’2” and feel cramped on most naked bikes.

[@Otterplus]

@@oramac7237the 1000sx has been on my shortlist for a couple years now. Inventory is surprisingly sparse on my side of the country so my next will either be that or a 22 Tracer 9, whichever I find first.

[@glorious.warrior]

I really enjoy these middle class naked bikes especially after getting the 23 650nk. They’re just fun for cruising and most importantly revving.

[@Viking_G]

Great vid as always! They are a good way to pass the time while I wait for the new season of the Highside Lowside podcast. @RevZilla On the Kawi's if you hold the up arrow on the trip, it will reset it without using the buttons on the dash.

[@tommyfan6911]

Hey Zack, always love your videos! Could you do a Daily Rider review on the Yamaha Zuma 125 scooter one day? Cheers!

[@Nomad_Briggs]

The 10% question is one one the best I've heard in a long while.

[@chiliboom6140]

I remember exactly where I was when I first saw one of these. It was a little side street in Paris. I was walking to the corner shop and it was the only thing parked on that street. It was like slo-mo with accompanying music in my mind. It was so gorgeous. I thought, “It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.” I’ve never been into super sporty bikes, but dang.

[@leobender2910]

Best motorcycling channel on youtube, hands down. P.S. What's wrong with that dude in the white SUV?

[@underwaterwatchesunderwater]

Love this show! My favourite on KZbin, here's to another year of great reviews. Thanks, Zak and thank RevZilla =)

[@arjaitheoriginal]

I have a 2023 z900 RS, I love it! Torque-y engine, comfortable and good looking. I get lots of comments and I have yet to see another one, aside from an Anniversary model at my dealer last year. I could wheelie it, if I were to turn off the TC but, being a bit older, I don't need to wheelie to have fun. just turning the throttle in third gear is thrilling enough, hell, fourth gear will pull you off the back! I money shifted from 2nd to 3rd, last week and it spun the tire, got a little better than a chirp. That was with the traction control on. It really sounds good with the Akrapovic slip on, that came w/ the performance package, at about 3500 it starts to sing. The RS is kinda modeled after the old Z1, from the 80's and 90's, which I had back then. That thing had no nannies and would wheelie on the freeway if you weren't careful passing, one had to make sure you were lined up in your lane before giving it the beans! Anywho, I love my RS, don't really like the looks of the SE.

[@anthonycoffey6565]

As a fellow 6' 2" individual i find daily rider the perfect motorcycle content, id like to see your opinion on the Vulcan S 650, but then again i already bought the 2023 base model & love it 😅

[@bilboswaggens2975]

I have 20k miles on my blue 2020 z900. I’ve been waiting for you to ride a facelift z900. These are amazing bikes. I like it more than my old mt09. I can get just over 210 miles a tank. But you are 100% correct about being cramped. I’m 5 foot 8 and I feel cramped on it.

[@judge831]

Why do you like it better than the MT09?

[@jasonmeador124]

Thanks for the review! Any chance of looking at its retro twin - z900rs? And one piece of constructive criticism - what's going on with the camera - sort of a fish eye effect? It sort of takes away from the walk around at the beginning of the video.

[@southend26]

Looks fun!

[@timcooper2893]

Have this exact bike. (‘22) Owned a (‘18) SV previously. The SV is as joyful as you say-and more flickable than the Z900 (largely because of the larger tires on the Z). But the seating position on the SV 😖 was a deal breaker. The Z900 is more of a Swiss Army knife than the SV. As you say it does a lot of things very well-including being a better daily ride than the SV, I’d argue.

[@JibsMotoVlog]

The pipe doesn't do justice for the Z900. You need to change it to appreciate the full sound of inline 4. I have the 2019 version with SC Project pipe and it was awesome

[@1970cutlassS]

Great review. Now see if you can get your hands on a ZH2 to review this year.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Love your content. Would love to see a review of the HD Sportglide (Still available in the UK) if you can get a recent model year?

[@nbowling10trio]

I'm 52 and i remember the old z900. Can't get with the futuristic look. I like old zl900 eliminator and the old old z900

[@ceajay11]

These should include a reliability/common issues segment. I think knowing common issues people have reported is important if a bike is gonna be a daily rider.

[@ehiggins7476]

Can’t talk about reliability when they get the bikes for a week. That’s what long term reviews are for. Plenty of channels do em

[@88888888Rocket1]

I have a 2020 Z900. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong. I have not had to do anything except sit on it and twist the throttle. Unbelievably reliable. I think if you’re looking at Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki, it is a moot question.

[@ceajay11]

@@ehiggins7476 I see where you're coming from but I'm talking about issues people on the internet like forums have mentioned, not from Zack's limited time with it. Essentially I'm too lazy to look it up and just want them to do the research for us and tell us during the video 😅

[@JoshuaTootell]

I feel like you can get that information pretty well through Google. I don't like journalist "long term" testing. Insanely rare they are going to put tens of thousands of miles on a bike, so they'll never find the problems.

[@ehiggins7476]

@@JoshuaTootell MCN just to mention one does exactly that, testers get a bike to ride for a year and put thousands of miles on them. They discuss the bikes pros cons and reliability at the end of the year. Better than any google search, because the testers use the bikes to commute to work, touring, and track days. They are the reason why didn't buy an HD PanAm last year. They don't test every single bike every year but the have tested plenty of the most popular bikes over the years.

[@SirLucien]

Nice to see this bike, I have a 900 RS Cafe, pretty much the same, though I like my aesthetics more

[@francispost9484]

Great review. Would love to see the BMW S1000XR on your list since it fits in that small space between a true ADV and sports bike.

[@northernlefty5412]

Looking forward to all the daily rides in 2024! I have a bmw m1000r coming in April; I think we need a review!

[@terrellgarren7125]

Excellent review. One of the few 'non owner' reviewers that will cover the shortcoming of a bike. Most offer gushing reviews for future preferential treatment. MotoBob never met a bike that was not top of class.

[@ellwoodwolf]

Yeah there’s a few reviewers who act like something is better than sliced bread- only to bash it 6 months later

[@terrellgarren7125]

@@ellwoodwolf That is so true. They will give high praise to a bike, then once the next year model arrives, it is the perfect bike that corrected all the shortcomings of the prior model.

[@CalvinHeath-lm4ve]

Fellow Vermonter here. I had to do a double take and rewatch… doing 70 in a 45 but barely passing people. California speed limits are just a recommendation.

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

gosh this motorcycle is a smooth machine, good and quiet exhaust at speed too and sporty looking

[@alzeebum]

I have one of these and for the record, your right foot isn't hitting the exhaust pipe, it's hitting the rubber bushing for the exhaust hanger. I replaced mine when doing the peg delete.

[@StreetfighterBrah]

I ride a Z800 but looking forward to the 900 soon. Probably the Z900RS, I love the modern retro bikes.

[@jenniferaltizer4434]

That looks like a fun bike for an everyday rider..... I am not a Kawasaki woman but I think I would be happy with this bike!!!!

[@Don8789]

I rented the regular version last year. As a regular trackday rider I too constanly put my heel in the exhaust. Would be better with a slip-on I reckon. Druyff Racing makes Kawasaki race bikes in the Netherlands. They also do a Naked bike cup version of the Z900SE. And I believe they actually raise the rev limiter with over a 1000 revs.

[@thomasneedham1512]

Hunchbacked with that tank and seat. They look a little better in person than on video though. That 4 cylinder sounds nice! Disappointing that there is no Quick Shifter unlike my GSX-8S.

[@zx10danny1]

Hey Zach, now that we’re in football playoff/championship season have you ever thought about you and Ari and maybe Spurg doing a championship ride where you ride the top 3 bikes at the end of the year in a heads up challenge? You know each of you spending time on all three, trading back and forth on the same day to see which is the best Daily Rider. Love your videos, keep up the great work. I look forward to more. -Dan

[@tonyk7899]

Love the looks and I loved my previous Kawi but for what you get for the money I just haven't found a reason to leave my GSX-S 750Z.

[@Carlisho]

Regular Z900 is the fastest bike under $10k MSRP, incredibly underrated. Love my 23 Z900, commute everyday on it here in FL

[@ehiggins7476]

How fast is it? Compared to what?

[@Carlisho]

@@ehiggins7476 It has the highest power to weight ratio of any bike under $10k msrp, basically compared to anything under that price the Z is faster, it will do around 154mph (could do more if it wasnt a naked) and 0-60mph in the low 3s

[@ehiggins7476]

This one is not under $10k, it’s $11,300. KTM Duke 890 R has a W/P of 3.02 and the Kawi 4.1. Where do you get the top speed figure, my fully faired 2022 Ninja 1000 SX tops at 156 mph as tested by Zack Courts on a Revzilla video. Google doesn’t know everything

[@wizardmoto]

​@@ehiggins7476I've had 155 indicated, 154 is the stock governed top speed.

[@Carlisho]

@@ehiggins7476 well I was talking about the regular Z900 which is under $10k and its the same engine as the SE. The 154mph is my personal top speed on my Z900, granted I have a full exhaust, power commander and K&N air filter on it so it has a bit more power than stock but I may have like 2mph extra top speed if that. The Ninja 1000SX is 40lbs heavier but only making 15hp more than the Z900, thats why it tops out at 156mph.

[@gypo_gault]

When did a 948cc motorcycle become a midsize

[@ellwoodwolf]

When triumph made the speed triple 1200

[@joeplem5329]

When motorcycles started making 200 hp would be my guess, 125hp= middleweight smh

[@danam0228]

You've convinced me to try Total

[@k3y155]

Would love to see the moto guzzi v100 mandelo and stelvio reviewed! And given some of the sentiments about the price point I think a review of the Suzuki GSX-S750 would be nice.

[@xpllmmff]

It is impossible to add a cruise control to an old school ride-by-cable throttle body bike like Z900. Those fancy electric gadgets, such as CC, Traction Control, launch control, downshift auto-blipping, etc. are all based on latest ride-by-wire platform.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Ninja 1000SX has all that, and has the RBW throttle. Yes you could get quickshifter UP-only, and cruise control but you'd have to have a separate cable-tugging module tied into the main throttle, which was a trick some older bike touring bikes had. Cars and trucks had that as well, before throttle by wire.

[@danielleclare2938]

I have a 2015 Z1000 in Green it is a fun bike. The 900 is the same engine sleeved down.

[@gsm_liv8980]

This is the bike I tested that surprised me the most last year. I did not expect an inline 4 bike to have that much low-down torque, and for a bike that is supposedly heavier than the MT-09, I don't feel that it's that much more weighty. I still prefer the MT-09 overall as it's just more fun, nimble and comfortable, but this might come close.

[@monkmoto1887]

very fair analysis, im a z1000 fanboy been riding mine for years and youre right about the gearbox, in fact you put it perfectly, it betrays the versatility of the engine

[@elevationmoto6208]

Z900 would be fine with a 5 speed transmission.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Hogwash. 1st gear is nice and low for town/parkinglot/traffic/crawling/launching duties and 6th gear at redline gets you over 150 mph. What else could you ask for? Stick a 16tooth front sprocket on it if you find 4,000 rpm cruising at 60mph to be too busy.

[@christopherking9338]

ECU flash will get rid of fueling jerkiness. Did for my '20........ Don't need quick shifter or ride by wire (rider is the quick shifter) Team Green Forevah!!!

[@Wattorok]

I own the last model before TFT/traction control update (2019) and I think it's a great bike. There's plenty of power and the delievery's smooth, it's decently comfortable for me (1,85m) up to 2-3h of non-stop riding, I use it mostly to get to work. The turn radius could be better - all the plastics in front are limiting it. I'm not pushing the bike too hard so the stock brakes are fine for me.

[@brandon4984]

Would love to see a new mt09, street triple, and duke 990 this year to see how they all rank up

[@nicksokolis6343]

Me too. Interestingly those 3 bikes are about 20kg lighter than this.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Z900 does NOT feel heavy, does NOT handle heavy, is NOT hampered by a few extra pounds. People make too much of this.

[@nicksokolis6343]

@@exothermal.sprocket. Weight is everything in sports riding and driving. All you do is managing mass. A lighter bike will always feel and be more agile, efficient etc. Even Zack said it should be lighter. Added weight is only beneficial when it comes to comfort as, most times, a heavier bike can be less unsettled. For cruising and leisure riding, and for heavier riders a heavy bike is fine. For anything else it isn't. It's literally the law (of physics).

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@nicksokolis6343That's all great on a spec sheet. Have you put your butt on one and ridden it?

[@nicksokolis6343]

@@exothermal.sprocket Yes, I have. A nice bike in isolation but a 765, new MT09 or Duke are all much much better and agile. Sometimes spec sheets matter. Especially for things like weight