The Best Neo Retro Motorcycle / Kawasaki Z900 RS Review

[@sidxmetal]

Moin! Very nice bike and video! Just one thing: You mentioned the SE version has got the semi active suspension like the Versys 1000 SE has got. Thats not the case. The SE version got a rear shock from Öhlins and an optimized front fork. Both manually adjustable. Greetings from Hamburg!

[@FreeMilesMC]

Oh, Thank you for the corecction. Werd den Kommentar anpinnen ☺️

[@eyemallears2647]

Actually it’s the same front fork! It’s the front BRAKES that see upgraded to brembo,

[@sidxmetal]

Actually Kawasaki says they did optimize the front fork for the SE version. Of course are the brakes a major difference also 👍

[@eyemallears2647]

@@sidxmetal if you say so 🤷🏼‍♂️ I was told it was only a cosmetic difference on the front forks… anyway, the bike is awesome :-)

[@harunsolmaz8082]

Thumbs up for a natural guy who makes reviews with a spoon

[@harrienelle6471]

I'm a simple man. I see the spoon, I pay attention.

[@kevinlindberg2220]

Great review. I completely agree with you on the turn signals. Round amber ones would have really made the motorcycle look better. I also think the mirrors were an afterthought too.

[@axlsane427]

That bike is a masterpiece. Stylish beyond beautiful.

[@RollWithSoul317]

Awesome bike and excellent review! How lucky you were to have a dealership provide flat tire service to you on a Sunday!!! Kudos to them because that’s hard to find in the States! I just put together a tire plug kit with a rechargeable small air compressor to keep in my saddlebags or backpack because you never know!?! Kawasaki and Suzuki were the go to street bikes in many middle class neighborhoods in the States back in the day! If you had one of those bikes in 750cc or larger, you were the man!!! 😎🇺🇸👍✌️

[@FreeMilesMC]

Yes it was really cool of them and all in all it’s such a great bike, i thought ablut repairing it myself but i was worried with the security deposit from the shop

[@RollWithSoul317]

@@FreeMilesMC Actually I was giving a little advice to anyone to put together a tire plug and small air compressor kit to keep with them on the bike just in case. A lot of bikers get stranded due to flat tires because they didn't have one. 😎🇺🇸👍✌️

[@giostisskylas]

​@@RollWithSoul317I drove hundreds of kilometers with these tire plugs. The prerequisite for a successful tire repair is that the hole is widened just right with the reamer. Otherwise you won't be able to get the plug into the tire. These things are really great. I can only recommend that everyone put a set under their seat. Please do not use them on holes on the side.

[@RollWithSoul317]

@@giostisskylas Absolutely. Also using a good quality tire plug glue adds to having a better seal of the plug. It’s not a difficult thing to plug a tire, and there are plenty of “how to” videos on the subject. Thank you. 👍

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

He had a lot of luck, but also now... we all know how kind they were. :)

[@gabrielseher193]

One of the best reviews I have seen. Gute Arbeit, mach weiter so ! 😉

[@thehaggiscatcher]

Many thanks for the video. I now have one of these parked up in my garage. Stunning looking machine for sure. 😍

[@jimthompson717]

I bought a brand new 1975 Kawasaki KZ900 when I was 18. It was bad ass.

[@ManishK-l3b]

Haha, i loved your use of a spoon to aid mic set-up. Lovely review too :-) Greetings from far land - New Zealand. Danke Schön.

[@eyemallears2647]

I have the z900rs se, I bloody LOVE it.

[@captainbanana2099]

I have a 2021 version in candytone green, definitely a looker, still get compliments from other drivers, also people come to take a look at it at filling stations. The exhaust sounds beautiful, being a tuned exhaust to match the original sound of the Z1. The digits on the instrument cluster are the same they used on the original bike in the 70's. The first part they designed was the fuel tank (also a throwback to the original), and built the bike around that. The fuel consumption is about 4,0-4,1L/100 km, and I use premium fuel. Never had any issues (mileage is around 15 500 km), and I don't really understand the complaints I've read about this bike. The throttle is not THAT snatchy, get used to it or drive a car/scooter. No problems with overheating even on hot days ( 34 grade Celsius), and the brakes are fabulous. I love my machine (worth every penny) and plan to buy another one, the SE version, while keeping the current one.

[@alan_2056]

I like big bikes, and i cannot lie. I like where you're going, from that CB650F 4 cylinder Honda to this Kawasaki 4 cylinder, there is just nothing like an inline four. Items like blinkers and mirrors are often dictated by government regulations of the country where a bike is sold. Most manufacturers will just pick from approved items in their parts bins. I'm happy to hear this is not geared as a sportbike, I had not heard or read that anywhere else. Was that flat your first time? Tell us a little about that experience in a video sometime.

[@dorstefan]

This bike is a future classic. The following issues can be solved: 1. The excessive heat. It needs a tune in order to make the fan come faster. 2. It's snatchy. A tune will also solve this, or you can just get used to it. I didn't find this to be an issue, but some people are complaining. 3. The stop light is too dim, and the others can't see sometimes when you brake. There are aftermarket kits that fix this issue. This is mandatory. Good video and awesome bike.

[@captainbanana2099]

I don't really get the heat issue, even on hotter days, the indicator on the dash is never higher than 3 bars on mine. One reason for the problems others may experienced is that some dealers don't fill enough coolant into the system pre-purchase (and later on), no wonder why the engine overheats. Snatchiness: just use the clutch and grab the throttle lightly, ease into it.

[@shaboum]

To 1: The radiator is slightly bigger since MJ 2021. No issues at all. To 2: I sit in todays boring cars with automatic gear. For me the direct throttle response is a gift, not an issue 😂. Learn your gear! It is all in your right hand. To 3: Really the first time that someone complained the stop light.

[@DerpEye]

I have this exact bike, colour too. Very fun and fast, but it's also pretty comfortable for what it is.

[@giostisskylas]

Awesome moped. The Kwaka Z1 900 cc was my dream in the 1970s. Only cool desperados drove around on it. Unfortunately I was far too poor for it and couldn't even afford a mofa.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I can Unterstand that struggle wanted a xsr700 a few years ago and found a very cheap one for 5000 new at a dealership but still did not have the Money

[@grimmbartrides]

Really an awesome and beautiful bike. I got to demo it 2018, the same day I first test rode a Street Triple. In the end I picked the Streetie and never looked back, but I fully agree the Z900RS is probably the single best "Retro" bike on the market. The only thing I didn't like about it were the handlebars. I can't tell if they changed them by now, but back then they had a weird upward crop, certainly felt very "70s-like" but I'd probably replace them with a more modern flatter set. Apart from that, great build quality, great engine, lovely sound, the works. Pro tip, if you want a very rideable bike with all the looks but more affordable, check out the old Zephyr 750. One of the most beautiful production bikes ever built. Ofc these don't have ABS, but the real reason I'm not getting one of those to scratch my Retro itch is that the Zephyr is so super low - just around 77cm seat height, so I'm kinda struggling where to put my legs.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I did not notice the handle bars they must have improved them. The speed triple is also super super cool I especially love the older once with the completely round headlights

[@jfv65]

Ofcourse this bike looks like the z900 from the 1970's but it also reminds me of by own Kawa Zephyr 1100 from the retro period of the early 1990's. Nice review!

[@FreeMilesMC]

I think they are very cool I am now stuck on eBay wanting a zaphyr 1100😂

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

@@FreeMilesMC Zephyr 1100 drinks like a whale 🐳

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

The Zephyr was/still is a nice classic bike. Can check my content when you can. Cheers.

[@pookiewookie7679]

Beautiful bike and great review! Did you get a job or just dress up for the video? Love the references to Against All Odds and Modern Talking 😅 I like wall with "Huren Söhne!" behind you 😂

[@FreeMilesMC]

Cool that you noticed the movie☺️. It’s hard to find a wall in a quiet area without that sprayed on😂

[@Morkindie]

I really like the display.

[@donperry8627]

Thanks for the height and size reference. I’m looking at these and want some neutral perspectives. Looks like it will be a good fit for me.

[@tsoliot5913]

This is the one i keep drifiting back to when I pretend to myself that i can finance a bike.

[@funkmixer7767]

That’s my next bike !!

[@lauraiss1027]

Great bike, would consider as next one if not for the price.

[@login1226]

It’s not throttle by wire , it’s cable, but is electronic fuel injection, which is the main gripe with this bike……. I test rode one last week after 32 years not riding - and it was a pain in traffic 😊 and it’s a shame the noise is all airbox and not exhaust , but I’ll still buy one I think 2025 colour though 😊

[@Jack0Ward]

hey, it got same 4 cylinders as cb650r that you reviewed before, looks bigger yet slimmer

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

Suits you, I also want one 😉

[@nedflanders4699]

Fancy boots👍

[@MontanaBernd]

Geile Review

[@chr11sf]

👍

[@LiviuXSA]

How would this compare to the honda cb650r?

[@dorstefan]

This is different animal. It's not about the horsepower but about the torque. This is a beautiful engine.

[@LiviuXSA]

@@dorstefan i know its different, im just curious how. i know he rode both recently so i was curious about his opinion. theyre both inline 4 so i guess he has some thoughts about it

[@andybolam6639]

⁠@@LiviuXSAHey, AJ here from the UK…..check out KZbin channel “TheMissendenFlyer”…… really great channel, and a really nice bloke….he does loads of bike reviews ( as you’ll see if you watch his videos)….he owns a Kawasaki Z900 RS SE, and has recently done a great review of the Honda CB650R with the E Clutch, but also did a review a while back of the bike without it…..that should answer some of your questions….all the best mate, AJ, UK

[@tomasperhac2753]

What is a song name from 2:55?

[@DagnisCC]

Harry Keyworth - Never Over

[@tomasperhac2753]

@@DagnisCC thank you 🙂

[@cptntwang]

Beautiful machine. Too fast for this boy.

[@Jackal9405]

In my opinion z900rs is worst looking of neo retro bikes, both XSRs(7&9) and cb650r are much more "NEO" retro, Z900RS and z650RS for that matter just looks old like they were taken straight form 80s production line, while the bikes I listed Look modern , but retro inspired. Everyone I ask about this bike agrees . Kawasaki could have done soo much more with this machine , but everyone likes something different.

[@caveman3959]

Kawasaki IS a neo retro, they intentionally designed it to pay tribute to their motorcycles from the 70's.

[@caveman3959]

In my opinion, most Neo retro just looks like regular naked bikes with round headlight. Im a 20 year old student and Id pick the z900rs from the rest