Top 5 Upgrades for the Kawasaki Z900RS

[@nathanplayseuphonium]

Lovely content. It's clear that you're passionate about motorcycles with how you personalize your Z900RS and how you speak of motorcycling. Your mods are so tasteful and they fine tune the performance. To each their own, but I appreciate that you didn't ruin an already excellent stock exhaust note. It doesn't need to be loud to enjoy it. Bravo.

[@zzytrewq]

My 2022 SE has perfect throttle control. It also has a slightly larger radiator. Brembo front brakes and standard steel lines are superb. Best bike I have ever owned. I am planning to go up to a 16t front sprocket.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Interesting that it has a slightly larger rad - maybe due to the earlier hot running of the previous models: the reflash cures that - the bike runs richer/cooler. The SE is a lovely looking bike - congrats. Thanks for the feedback. Cheers.

[@MaceToDaFace]

The most well-spoken motorcycle KZbinr! Love your content as always!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Appreciate that, cheers.

[@kevinlong8446]

No one communicates clearer than this gentleman. It’s very refreshing.

[@brianw338]

I’ve done many mods on my RS, retro turn signals, chrome steel fenders, retro tail light, Michelin 5s, ( fabulous tires by the way), but by far the best mod is the ECU by Ivan. I already just enjoyed this bike but the ECU flash made it even more a pleasure to ride. Humongous difference. As you stated, almost like the bike is carbureted. The power-band makes me smile. Thanks for the update and carry on.

[@louis7556]

I love that you did the retro turn signals, I am doing that too, So Coooool!!!!

[@msbav8r]

My favorite mod (I have the same black spark model) was the throwback tank emblems. $80 changed the whole look. 2nd was the center stand.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes agree with the decals/emblems - much better. And a side stand is a great idea - particularly for chain lube/adjustment and airpressure on the rear with those annoying non-right angle valves! There's my next mod...:-)

[@paulwatts9910]

Center stands are a must for me. Never dropped a bike while on the center stand. Mixed results with a kickstand.

[@volodymyrbuchak1852]

Ivan is the man. I’ve had my bike for less then a week after delivery,and had to park her for the flash for a few days,despite it was in april,good weather,and you realy want to play with your new toy. But it was wort it a 100%.

[@AbsurdSpark]

1. ECU flash (get rid of decel fuel cutoff) i went with a brocks full exhaust, sprint filter, velocity stacks for better sound and performance. 2. Suspension tune (fix saggy/soft rear match the front, especially for heavier riders) may require new springs/valving 3. Brakes/lines (fix wooden brakes feeling) 4. Headlight (fix weak stock headlight, dangerously dim) 5. Better windscreen for cafe model (looks and comfort)

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Sounds like you've done most of the necessary mods. Some are changing to floating disks on the front and say they are amazing. My brakes are very good, but I may change to sintered pads for more initial feel. Cheers.

[@volodymyrbuchak1852]

Soark,what headlight did you go for?

[@bradleyb.425]

Fantastic video. The cockpit looks dynamite and love the info on Ivan's refresh. Well done.

[@markswitzer2198]

Your the reason I bought my z900rs watched one of your earlier posts . Never seen one in person until it rolled off the back of the trailer as only metallic black one I could get was in New Jersey and I live in Chicago. . I love it just the way it is . Thanks man .

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Glad you got one, Mark - she's a great bike out of the box - hope you two enjoy many miles together. Bet you can't take your eyes off her :-) Cheers.

[@markswitzer2198]

@@BlueMarbleRider first bike. So scared of dropping it 😢. She's perfect

[@BlueMarbleRider]

@@markswitzer2198 Yes, keep a hand on that clutch lever and turn on Ktric 2 until you're confident. Cheers.

[@khanawalt]

I recently got an Ivan's flash on my VN1700 Nomad, not the same type of bike, obviously, but had the same experience. I wasn't disappointed in the bike when I bought it, but after a few years finally decided to do the mod. So much more rideable. Livelier in all gears, especially the lower gears. I can use overdrive now without feeling like it's lugging and struggling. 4.2 more hp and nearly 10 lb/ft of torque are welcome. The only reason I found you on KZbin was the Ivan's video. I'm a subscriber now.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Appreciate the sub, Khanawalt: I've yet to have one person tell me that they are disappointed with Ivan's reflash - it sounds like he works hard at getting the best optimization for the bikes he does. Cheers - and enjoy the big 1.7VN - I bet that is some torquey beast now.

[@robcollinson2564]

BMR - Thanks for this. I too will be contacting Ivan. Your 'praise' of his work has convinced me. I have added the Powerbronze items, and went with their fairing as I felt the slightly higher screen was the better way to go. I might consider the brake upgrades as well, it just seems prudent. Tires though...I'm a sworn fan of Metzler's, despite being owned by Pirelli. Will stay tuned to see what's next.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes the ECU reflash is well worth it. The OEM tires are so hard and I find them unforgiving and twitchy in lower temps. The Mich Road 5 or Power 5 will probably be my next. Cheers.

[@g.g.6362]

Best review seen,to date...... I take delivery of a 900rs this week,and have already purchased lower,black handlebars, black 'dog leg' clutch and brake levers,and a 'tail tidy' kit. Future plans are for a set of de cat header pipes and ecu tuning. Ivan's work and products gets a lot of positive revues,and has a very informative website. Great vid and upgrades.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks GG, and congrats. What a lovely riding bike it is. Then there's the looks! Sounds like you're going to get it sorted the way you like it. Enjoy!

[@rtzzz9772]

This is really a very serious, through review, like few others have have seen (and i watched about 20 of them). Thanks very much for your insights, the fairing is an absolute must, or you are just a sail on the highway (any naked is like that). But the brake line idea, is brilliant, never occurred to me that the pressure was being lost in the lines.

[@rochmel1409]

Personally I don't particularly like the cosmetic changes but that may be because my Z900 RS is in Candytone Green which is more of a throw back to the 1970's and the chrome I think suits it but hey as you say it is you who has to look at your bike and that is what I love about biking everybody is free to do what they like to their own bikes which makes them all so much more interesting to look at. Thanks for the video. Safe riding.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

What a great perspective - nicely put. I agree - the green/yellow & root beer are much better suited to the chrome for the reasons you mention. I would love Kawasaki to bring out the Z1B blue and yellow... surprised they haven't done that yet. Cheers.

[@julianjmillner810]

I have the Z900RS SE, yellow/Black! Interesting to watch, surprised by how low the BHP was in standard, mega impressed by the power increase. Hmm…👍

[@fredzuccarelli]

Wow...wow....wow!!!!! Super nice ride. In the market of adding this to the garage!

[@onerider808]

I’m excited to run my new z900rs at the Sturgis rally drags. Ran my KLR last year...against a Hayabusa 3x. I’ll have to re-think my camping gear and loadout, but once I get there, the Black Hills are made for a bike like this. My first fast bike was a 1978 KZ1000A2 (fastest in the world at the time), and I learned to rip mountain twisties on it, as a young Army private. Thought I was freakin’ king of the world, lol. Guess I was.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

It's funny how Kawasaki's do that to us. I have a friend who had th esame bike (KZ1000) - and he said the same thing: he was King of the road. The black hills is a destination I'll get to one day. Cheers.

[@RickyJr46]

Ivan's + 16T sprocket + Wilbers 640 rear shock = WOWZA! It's really come to life, and I reckon it is even quicker with the more usable 1st gear. No downsides whatsoever, a complete transformation. The Wilbers really helped tame this beast too, as a good chunk of the abrupt throttle manners came from the stock shock's inability to cope with bumpy pavement and the resulting jolts to the rider. Together, these three items changed my chagrin to a big ol' grin. BTW, I ran Bridgestone S22s since day one and will take 'em off in favor of Metzeler M7RR. Those have a more compliant carcass and a less "noisy" road feel. After that, put my wallet back in the pocket for awhile! Good thing I got a nice deal on the bike, because refining it has cost a few bucks...hey, it's all good eh?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Nice, Ricardo. I am becoming more tempted by the 16 tooth - as you say first gear is short. Glad the wilburs worked out. Yes the stocker shock has trouble with bumpy pavement - my local road is very rippled and pot holed and Z doesn't like that. 3 more refinements for me to ponder. Thanks.

[@philsince59]

I love it! I want one so bad! I have a fully tricked out 2020 vstrom 650 xt adv but I'm absolutely in love with the z900 RS. So much reminds me of the good old days when I was in my twenties riding my 1983 Suzuki GS 1100. I thought for sure and Olin rear shock would be on your list. I totally dig your content!

[@Corkoth55]

First video of yours that I've seen I like the way that you talk and handle yourself. You sound like a smart guy. Thanks for all this help. I had Ivan tune the ECU on my last bike (kawi Vulcan vaquero 1700) and he did phenomenal work. Night and day. I would definitely trust him on a Z900RS

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I appreciate that. Cheers.

[@fhicks6]

Great video and your setup is exactly what I'm going for when I get a z900rs.

[@tms372]

Hello. I'll detail the mods I made and how they affected my Z9000RS. First was the re-flash, the first shop I took the bike to did a terrible job, bike was worse than stock. Took it back and told them why so they re-flashed it again, it was better but not great. Found another shop to do a re-flash and it's better now but I'm out nearly $1000.(cold RPM here in North America was 2000 from the start.) I went with a slightly higher handle bar as it suits me better, feels more comfortable, cables etc did not need to be modded. Could not find a black riser handle bar unfortunately. I kept the stock mirror's as they look a tad goofy but there the most functional of any bike I've owned, can't see my shoulder's at all. Safety before aesthetic's for me. Changed the seat to a Mustang, much better on long rides. Still not sure what to do for a windscreen. In the past, either the screen was small and did little or big and caused helmet buffeting. Still on the fence about that. Be well.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks Maxx - it sounds like you had a heck of an experience with the ecu reflash: check out the kawasaki z900rs forum for windscreen choices - many of the riders of tried all sorts and have described their experiences. There seem to be a few that satisfy. Cheers.

[@nbrider7235]

I am definitely going to get the re-flash done next winter, outside of that I need to finalize my plan for what luggage set-up I am going to go with for touring. Right now I'm, leaning towards the Shad system that Saddlebags 73 has on his Zed. I like everything you have done to your bike just not necessarily things that I would do. I am contemplating the Chic fairing as it is nice looking but I am quite attached to the naked look so more introspection is needed before I make that decision. Ride safe and I look forward to the next video.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi, NB: yes I like the shad too - seem to keep the sporty ethos of the bike. The Chic is 5 mins off and on, but it is big outlay of cash, and like you say, unless you're sure...Cheers.

[@nbrider7235]

@@BlueMarbleRider I didn't realize it was that easy to take off...that changes things. Do you happen to recall if there was an option available with the pin stripes on it to match our colour scheme? Yours is solid black, correct?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes mine is solid black, but they do the pin stripe option. Also they have all the colour matches for present and past colour schemes. They also do a blank, which you can get painted. 18-20C this week (sorry!) Cheers.

[@nbrider7235]

@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks for the info but it seems I have squandered my accessory budget this month on new Klim dirt bike pants and jersey, the Chic will have to wait. It was 13°C on Friday so I got my first proper ride of 165km on the Z900RS.

[@louis7556]

I ordered the z900rs-SE with the brambo brakes, steel braided lines, new suspension, should be in Calif. March? Covid Crap slowing delv. In the mean time, at least I can watch you having fun!!!!!!!!!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Congrats, Louis - Haven't seen on in the flesh yet, but am looking forward to hearing about yours. Cheers.

[@louis7556]

@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks, I will tell Ivan you sent me, when I do my flash, thanks for the heads up!! Also, I really enjoy your mountain rides, so beautiful on Vancouver island or Oregon?, Please tell us where you ride? Thanks Again, keep those video's going, hope your make some retirement coin:)

[@malibu-ken]

@@louis7556 did you ever get your z900rs and do the reflash, if so how do like the reflash?

[@stevengieseck635]

Thank you for all of your videos, I grew up on the Z1, H1 and H2. This is my bucket list bike. I like the look of the new handlebars. I don't think I would like the lean forward so I don't think I would do that. You are most likely a lot younger than I am. My wife wants another touring bike. We had a Electra Glide for 9 years. She wouldn't have a seat on the 900, or what she would call a seat. I have watched all of your videos on this bike. The seat was my favorite but I don't think it was yours. lol

[@allanmoger1838]

Two years ago when I bought mine I immediately bought a Power Commander. The fueling was so bad it reminded me of a 1990s injection bike. It was…. “Disappointing”. With the PC it’s a different engine, much smoother, and I can flash for various configurations myself. It was not cheap though. Brake mods make sense. EBC HH and braided hoses here I come!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I agree, Allan - the stock FI on the bike is about as bad as I have experienced (digital, snappy, lean and jerky). A lot of folks have changed to the Power Commander or reflashed. I hope that Kawasaki address this in future years, if they haven't already. Cheers.

[@jensensphotography4570]

If you go the fall route with the ecu flash you can get some very good gains. I seen on his website the dyno sheet has it at 121.x Hp not bad at all

[@Jonathanmoguel]

I have a z900rs as well 2018 model, 23k miles of riding on it. So far my best mods were the ecu flash from ivan , higher foot rearsets(over racing) ,annitori quickshifter, the roadcomet fairing and different tires than the oem dunlops

[@BlueMarbleRider]

What did you change your OEM Dunlops too?

[@Jonathanmoguel]

@@BlueMarbleRider replaced them with diablo rosso 3

[@BlueMarbleRider]

@@Jonathanmoguel Nice and sticky. Got to do the same soon.

[@robcig]

WOW! I listened from start to finish, and was very impressed. You communicate so well. I noticed this is a few years ago, do you still have the bike? How many kilometres have you done?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, I still have the ZRS. It has about 15000 on it. I have 4 bikes, but have not intention of letting the Z900RS go. Out of all my bikes, its the one I feel most at home on. Cheers.

[@gatorguida4483]

Great video. I had a Power Commander installed on mine to tame the on-off throttle snatch. It worked and didn’t void my warranty. The hard decel is still there. I talked to Ivan a few months ago about a reflash. I’m probably gonna do it as these bikes are pretty bulletproof. I like your mods. I’ve got the cafe and yeah it feels like you’re in the bike not on it. Set your suspension and it’s even better. Thanks for the video.👍

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks Gator. As I said the vid, I'm really happy with Ivan's reflash, and nothing untoward has raised it's head in nearly a 1000km now: so I'm fairly satisfied that it's a great fix: it feels like a real 4 cyclinder smooth and powerful. If you don't mind, what settings do you have on your suspension, particularly the rear shock (I'm 195lbs with gear). Cheers.

[@gatorguida4483]

@@BlueMarbleRider I had it done by professionals. I’m 200 lbs and the guy who set it is the same. He said it was way off. Went from 2 to almost 4. Whatever that means.

[@tombailey6342]

Hey BMR! Great Video yet again about the Z900RS. You might want to consider changing the brake and clutch levers next, i would go for the standard over the short ones. I needed to return my short ones for the standard ones in the end. Standard ones are only an inch or so shorter than OEM. They give a more substantial positive feel, are easier to use with two fingers and look great! Also, its time you did the headers, changed the air filter and released the beast hiding in there!! Good luck

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks, Tom. Yes the next winter's project might be a few performance upgrades for sure, although I like the nature of the beast right now. Have thought about the levers, but pads first - just to see what change they make to bite. Loving the bike right now - and a full week of sun coming up...Cheers.

[@lautarocuttica9581]

I am pretty much convinced to flash the ecu on mine.. but i dont want to do any hardware mods like u said; exhaust, headers ext. Does that also apply to the airbox in your case?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

No airbox, no exhaust, no headers. I did not change anything, just got the stock Ivan flash and it cured the hot, lean rough burble it got. Smoothed it right out. Cheers.

[@Xavier.B.33]

the fairing is gorgeous, looks amazing. And as everyone speaks about flashing the ECU (even in Europe), I guess that's a must do. I'm just concerned about any insurrance issue. Do they check it if case of big problems ?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Insurance will look at tire condition, brakes and any obvious hazards, but it's very unlikely they'll scan the bike's ECU. A reflash will impact the warranty though, so best to do it after that has expired. Cheers.

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

sweet upgrades blue marble! i made a couple of fine tuning shorts for newer z900 riders, tell me what u think ?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Very nice! Love em. Like the way you get the point across asap.

[@jean-pierrefernandez2460]

@@BlueMarbleRider I really need to make a longer video explaining a little better, but those shorts really get some viewage, like the way KZbin used to work in the old days, like 300 views my long videos get like 12 haha

[@carlosalbertoruizleon7738]

Ey friend, would you be so kind to give me the name of the brand for those reaviewmirrors, or the link to buy them, 🙏, thank you so much

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Gladly, they are OKSTNO Motorcycle 7/8" Handle Bar End Rearview Side Mirrors from Amazon. The best part - they're about $25/pair. Cheers.

[@doughoffman9463]

Windshield looks like it does a good job of protecting the instruments from the wind.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, they're mint.

[@MrBudge72]

Great review! I really want one of these for my second bike. I currently ride a 2019 BMW F750GS which is great for touring and offroad. But it doesn't give me a thrill to ride. It's a modern-day SUV instead rather than a retro sports car. Anyway, I'd like to know what gloves you're wearing and where you got the polished aluminum Kawasaki plate with turn signals on your dash?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks. The gloves are made by "Five" - they are called Kansas, brown. The kawasaki plate is from kawasaki - who produce it as an accessory for the bike. Cheers.

[@negenelf123]

I love that brown seat !

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Video of the install... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaWXcqiKj7-sf5o

[@simonaerts2926]

Hello everyone, I have a question for the z900rs riders 😊 I have just purchased the SE version with 2000km, I have this "issue" that on a cold start when you put the first gear and put some gaz, the bike "shakes" a lot, and it disappears as the bike warm up. Do you have the same thing?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Likely it is clutch chudder which is caused by cold oil - normal on many bikes if you try to ride them from cold. Quite normal, and nothing to worry about. My Husaberg is much worse and needs a few minutes to warm up. My Z cluch is grabby unless I allow it warm up to 3 bars before going, although if I ride it from cold it clears up very quickly after a few clutch butterflies. Cheers.

[@simonaerts2926]

@@BlueMarbleRider Thank you for the answer! It really makes me feel better, I thought something was wrong with my bike :)

[@MrAndrew1953]

I’d change bars for thruxton style bar risers, the Kawasaki fairing probably resprayed. Change of master cylinder,sintered pads. I’ve never used bar ends. Not a fan of the brown seat.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, I like those Thruxton style bars too. Brown seat divides opinion: I think I like the black version of the diamond pattern better, and perhaps I will go that route sometime. Cheers.

[@imthatguy1878]

Ivan's flash is in my cafes future

[@cyrilbuchs5158]

I'm looking into doing the same mod. You're talking about the cracks and pops, do you still hear them when you decelerate? Or are they completely gone? Because imo they sound pretty nice, I don't want them gone with the stock exhaust haha

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Less cracks and pops, it runs richer - smoother. I do love the sound of cracks and pops, but they're still there - just less common.

[@cyrilbuchs5158]

@@BlueMarbleRider thanks for the precision! Yeah that would be a shame to not hear them anymore.

[@leviefrauim1425]

And Ivan's for the win!

[@patriotrising6214]

Well said an explained, much appreciated 👍

[@bluedragon4339]

Great Video 😃💪🏼 thanks I would like to buy a Z900RS SE so perfect time for Information like this. I already made a list for a changes and first I went to get rid of the Chrom as much as possible (specifically bar). I think this bike is great but can be made much greater, specially “Yellow Ball” 😍

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Good choice, that's a great looking bike. Cheers.

[@Ringer1982]

I think that maybe you had air in your break lines before, cause with the original break lines I don't have any of that (on Cafe version). I always use 2 fingers for the break and clutch. One finger is also enough for the break in my case, it's just not ergonomically natural for me to modulate preasure very precisely with one finger. So yes, I'm pretty sure the only thing you needed to do is to bleed the break lines replacing the fluid...

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I thought that too. But I have a speed bleeder and bled them several times - it made no difference. I came from several bikes with very sharp brakes (one brembo etc), and I just felt it needed too much pressure which removes feedback for me. Still, it could have been "a my bike" thing. Cheers.

[@jerryhess5564]

After watching this video I went with the Ivan’s reflash and I am not disappointed. I have an Akropovic header with the stock can and had a similar experience, thanks for the heads up.

[@tomvoss2131]

Liked and Subscribed.I have the little brother of this bike Z650rs do you think reflashing would work? Is Ivan close to the GTA?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I don't see a Z650RS listed on Ivan's page. I'm sure he'll get to it. If you give him a shout, he'll let you know. Cheers.

[@bradleyb.425]

From which company / manufacturer did you acquire your fairing? I looked up exactly what you wrote in your blue mods screen ("Chic Design Road Comet fairing") and many different manufacturers pulled up. Thanks for your help, I'm new to this.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi, Bradley - I got the Chic from Samurider in Japan, however they are out of stock right now. Try www.samurider.com/?p=28024

[@bradleyb.425]

@@BlueMarbleRider Thank you and appreciate the link. You have a great channel and following your mods.

[@fredthebarber]

Glad to hear that the Ivan’s reflash worked so well! What was the turn around time like? I’m in Burnaby, so I’m guessing it would be similar for me.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

About 2.5 weeks because of the COVID thing. Ivan does it in one day and it is sent back registered, insured and the same day he gets it, and comes back far more quickly to the border... so basically it's...good old CANADA POST! :-) Cheers.

[@PaulJones-wj3sg]

Hi - do you have a link for the brake reservoir please? Great videos you produce. Pick my 2022 version up in July.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi, Paul: Rizoma Front Brake reservoir: CT027 Silver; Mounting kit for Rizoma fluid reservoir CT457 (22mm handlebar). Cheers.

[@colindeans5972]

Which mirrors do you have on the bike?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

They are from amazon - very cheap, and if you use locktite on the threads of the lock nuts stay wonderfully stable: OKSTNO Motorcycle 7/8" Handle Bar End Rearview Side Mirrors $32 CDN on Amazon.ca Cheers.

[@threecats8219]

I agree with you about the faring in all aspects. I don't like the green Kawasaki cafe faring. It's OK, but not my thing. Neither do I like the lime green colour of the cafe bike. (I wish Kawasaki would ditch lime-green full-stop, from all their bikes.) .. Whereas your faring is quite cool. When I saw it I was a bit, "Oh small faring", not much a of a fan of them. However yours looks good, especially from the side, and from the rider position. Not liking that light brown seat though. I like the black bars, since like you, I thought the chrome ones aged the bike somewhat. Not sure I would have gone for lowered bars though; maybe a bit but not much. Loving the front mudguard extender. It should keep garbage out of your radiator, as well as you say protecting the pipes.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for the feedback. The brown seat is certainly one that divides opinion: I find it garners better reviews in the flesh rather than in the pictures; the bars are difinitely a matter of taste - like you say - but give me a better feel on the bike: certainly my favourite mod is the screen. Cheers.

[@Jagshemasher]

Why does the rest of the world have to put up with the EURO 5 nonsense.

[@Floyd-df2uq]

Biggest market dictates policies.

[@craftingwithclay1255]

@@Floyd-df2uqbiggest market would be Asia

[@markparham1316]

Can you tell me exactly which handle bar that is?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, LSL Superbike Low X Bar (Z128AXN1BL)

[@ericchabot1059]

Blue marble, is the LSL handle bars have the same sweep back as the original? Looking for a lower and straighter bar. Thanks and you made yourself a nice ride👍

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi Eric, the sweep back is almost identical, and you can adjust it by rotating the bars if need be (watching for placement of the throttle and cables re tank). I have a lower seat, so I don't find them too low - they are markedly lower than stock though. Hope this helps.

[@miguelquinones1496]

What model are the handle bars? Great looking bike & review by the way .

[@BlueMarbleRider]

The handlebars are LSL fat bar superbike 128anx1 black.

[@bshortt4244]

nice.... I have zero mods after now riding season. I have a 2020 model, the candy green metallic color. I'm not a fan of the front cowling, but that's me. I like the look of the brake reservoir, so that's likely going to make my list. The ECU might be a this winter thing , riding season starting and still under warranty... :> I have the stock seat height I like that. The brake linear also high on my list, as are speed bleeders... When the tires are due, I'll look at Michelin Road 5's, I hear they are really good, not that the stock are bad. Otherwise a nice looking ride you have there.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes - best to wait for the warranty as you say before you shoot the ECU up. Love the green yellow - would've likely got that if it had been available in 2018/19. The road 5s are excellent - have them on my suzuki - 18000km and plenty of life left - never a squirm and rock-solid in the rain. Best tires I've ridden on and they will be a huge upgrade to the stocks - especially in lower temps. Cheers.

[@postersm7141]

I’m looking at the same American bike 2021 Z 900 RS. I’m starting to rethink whether I should purchase it or not? Is the factory ECU mapping a dealbreaker? Please let me know thanks

[@BlueMarbleRider]

For me it wasn't noticeable in cooler weather, and it certainly wasn't a deal breaker and most owners don't reflash, but I think you're going to find with the majority of new Euro 4/5 bikes out there, that they all suffer the same digital throttle response. Get a test ride if possible. The worst that can happen is that you pay 250 for an Ivan (don't go anywhere else...) reflash. The bike is smooth and quick before, but it is a radical step up afterwards - the torque and acceleration is mind-blowing and the bike is creamy smooth in all temperatures. Hope this helps.

[@bleak0218]

Is the ECU reflash done with the "Woolich" equpiment?

[@Jay-hr9ci]

No, woolich can't do half of it. Ivan runs his own software.

[@berndmutschele8844]

What has the ecu flash done to your fuel consumption?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Nothing significant, as it produces more torque low down too - so running at lower revs is easier, smoother and more responsive. I find myself at 3k rpm when just cruising, which is something the bike wasn't really comfortable with prior to the reflash. If you ride the bike hard - which the reflash encourages as it is far smoother, then, of course, the fuel consumption increases. However, overall, the bike's range and L/100km is the not significantly noticeable. Hope this helps. Cheers.

[@faraztabatabaie2255]

Where can i find this Ivan dude??? its driving me nuts looking through the comments for a clue

[@BlueMarbleRider]

www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/z900rs.htm

[@texmex3755]

Morning, 16T front sprocket (OEM) must be the most cost effective/improvement I have made to the RS to date. There has been a few recent comments on the Forum that the warm idle was non existent after having Ivan's flash done, any problems with yours? Also as I understand it as part of his Flash, Ivan disables the Pair valve (adds air the the CAT to burn off particles) over time will the CAT become clogged? Or is this something you can ask to be left on, just wondering... I can ask Ivan directly. Cheers Tex

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi, Tex: I've had no problems with my warm idle - so far it is great. As for the Cat - pair valve rumours, only time will tell. I may end up removing it eventually anyway. 16t is a good mod, and I have thought about it, but she is basically a short trip bike for me, touring being done on the Suzuki. Did you have to increase the chain by a link or two, or just snug up the rear wheel? Cheers.

[@texmex3755]

@@BlueMarbleRider Hi, thanks for the info. I guess the rear wheel is a 1/4 increment closer to the engine at most... no chain lengthening needed. I did the sprocket change mainly to get a more usable 1st/2nd gear for slow speed stuff, the -500rpm in 6th was a nice bonus. (I would stick to the Kawasaki made sprocket, rubber coated as the original.... just to be safe $38us).

[@BlueMarbleRider]

@@texmex3755 Sounds like a plan, Tex. I might give that a whirl. Cheers.

[@gatorguida4483]

My mechanic wants me to lose the CAT as well.

[@gryphongryph]

Beautiful bike, really like the mods you have done, I am 188cm and 90cm inseam, would the Z900RS be comfortable for me? I find most bike to be very small, except of course off road bikes. Love your videos.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks, G. I'm 183cm and 84 cm inseam with the low seat. It works for me, but I don't use it for long distance touring; it's an island scratcher - an hour or two at a time. It will appear low compared to Husky or ADV bike though: there will be leg bend. If you're going to use it for local rides, then I'd think it will work, but for long distance (wind, leg and more upright posture -with stock bars) it may be tiring. Cheers.

[@MrDobsDane]

Hey man Any chance you'd be making a DL650 vs a DL1000 review anytime soon? :) Im in the frustrating process of tyrying to decide on a 2018 DL1000 vs a 2021 DL650. I REALLY cant make up my mind :) Terrific content!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I've had lots of requests for that, and am likely to do a ride and natter on that soon. I have owned both, although my DL650 was a 2013 model and the Vstrom is a 2014 model. The DL650 has not changed much since 2012 and DL1000 is basically unchanged through 2014-2019 apart from electronic tweaks and a clutch basket mod.

[@danielkramer8586]

Howdy. Love your videos! Waiting patiently to buy one of these bikes. An Ivan's reflash of the ECU will be done almost right away. I don't know if I could wait for a year to reach engine perfection. Does the reflash void the warranty? I saw someone mention that the Power Commander does not, so I'd be inclined to think the same for a reflash. Do you know? Also, wondering how slow you can get the bike to plod along in 1st without having to pull in the clutch after the reflash. I'd assume it's much better, but I'd like to hear your reaction. I love tractable engines and my Z750s is the best I've ever experienced. Slow speed riding isn't amazing, but 6th gear down to 35mph and back up to 60 is very nice. Will have to part with her before I can justify buying a 900RS. I hope the 900RS is even better. Cheers and thanks!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

A reflash will void the warranty, that's why I waited; the power commander is a band-aid, but not as good as a reflash. The bike is fine down low in first gear after the reflash, no clutch needed. Prior too, it wasn't too bad, unless hot... The RS has always had good traction in the lower RPMs in top gear - no bucking or hesitation: it's not a v-twin torque-monster, but it will pull without complaint. Cheers.

[@yamforlife]

Hhhhaa I remember driving to work On my 78 z1R early morning with a Kerker Header……work the whole city up going to work!!!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

That'd do it! :-)

[@mikejohnson9118]

Oxford/Cambridge? I can't remember the exact phrase: A Lord let loose among the Louts....Quite.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Neither, sir. Dad was Cambridge, but he left the nest when I was 2 (bit like Kim Philby :-). But I've always been a lout. Cheers.

[@mikejohnson9118]

@@BlueMarbleRider I had English(Britain>>Canada>>US) neighbours growing up. So the various accents always intrigued me.

[@iansians6703]

Thanks again BMR - good presentation. Agree with your mods. I put a Givi screen on mine which I like very much, similar to the one you have. I had the seat remade as it was too uncomfortable standard and tipped me foward all the time, which didn't suit the standard bar position. I would very much like to change the bars to a flatter style but it means trashing the bar warmers in the transfer, that or buying a new second set to allow two sets of bar warmers, one on each set of bars which I can then swap when needed. I am interested in exactly what size and make of bar you put on, if you are able to advise. Other mods, I put a fender extender on the front which made a big difference in the crap that gets on the exhaust and engine. Fitted an Akro header with a Scorpion pipe (I might have already mentioned this in my previous responses to your other vids on the z so apologies if so) which fit nicely together, make a great sound (ECU flashed to match) and produce about 4 more HP and some smoother torque. As you say, the flash makes it run richer and cooler at the same time. Aftermarket levers and pegs (lowered for comfort), standard frame sliders, radiator cover, plus Givi luggage for touring and the bike is now as good as I can get it except for the bars. Cheers.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks, Ians. That quite a lot of mods - sounds like you've almost got it where you want it. The Bars are LSL part number: Z128AXN1BL "LSL Superbike Low X-Bar" black. For silver, just remove the BL on the end and replace with SI. They fit perfectly. Cheers.

[@iansians6703]

@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks for that, I should have read the earlier posts. Much appreciated.

[@fatihk.8896]

Why do you have a weed grinder on your steering?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I like gardening?

[@fatihk.8896]

@@BlueMarbleRider or do you roll joints while riding😂. Very sweet bike mate.👍🏼

[@Jakep54903]

Do you have a link to the handlebars?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi, Jacob - I got them from a Canadian distributer - but the model is LSL. They come with various names: LSL Superbike Low X-Bar (Z128AXN1 ). They come in Aluminum or Black - slightly different part numbers.

[@Jakep54903]

@@BlueMarbleRider thank you, I just ordered a set for my Z900RS Cafe!

[@sv650nyc7]

Very nicely customized bike. I would love to own this bike with the same mods (in 2021 Green/yellow). I just don't get all the cold idle complaints people have. 2,700 RPM is still below the rev range you have when riding carefully to warm up your bike. If it would idle in the upper third of the rev range cold, it would be a different story, but it's obviously far from that. I don't see the big difference between a 1,700 or a 2,700 RPM idle. Best way to warm up your bike is to ride it gingerly, and not idle in place anyways (which will annoy the neighbors much more) .

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I see your point, particularly for crude two strokes where the oil is generally integrated into the fuel (older bikes, weed eaters, chainsaws). And I agree there are two bodies of thought on this. The other argument is this. There is a huge body of thought and experience which shows that the more gentle the warm up, the longer your engine will last. Typically, most bike riders I know - at least for the first ride of the day, allow the bikes to come up to almost full warm before riding as this is the best solution for small engines which need to rev higher to produce the power they need. The best way to warm up a small four stroke (as is found in nearly all motorcycles) is slow enough to enable oil to get around the engine (but fast enough for the pump to do its job - over ~1100rpm), warm up and allow the parts -rings, bores, bearings, valve guides etc to expand and come to within tolerance and spec. The faster you move them when cold, the more wear there is. Maximum wear occurs at engine start up from cold. The Kawasaki 2700rpm warm up is a hack job, designed to pass Euro 4 and 5 regs and to get the engine to burn as cleanly as possible as quickly as possible: as a short term environmental solution it works; as a long term environmental solution is leads to quicker disposal of parts as they wear more quickly. It is crude solution rather like a choke used to be when I was young - although for different reasons (engines back then had such poor tolerances they wouldn't run or idle without an enrichener from cold at all). But with modern tolerances and ECUs you can run an engine from cold at 16-1700rpm with no stall or stutter - and without enviro regs - this is what the RS would be doing - that's half the wear. I think that is the argument and I get it. Of course, like you say, getting out of the neighbourhood as fast as possible is also a good way to appease the neighbours. Cheers and thanks for your feedback. BTW. Love the SV650 - what a great bike - that has to be the most adaptable bike on the market from hightly tunable racer to off-road tourer (I've read a couple of books where people took their SVs down to Ushuaia from Canada. Incredible!

[@sv650nyc7]

@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks for the interesting reply. While the SV is versatile I wouldn't take it to Ushuaia. That's what the V-Strom is for. 😏

[@tombailey6342]

Have you tried giving it the berries on your fav road yet, with the traction control off? Thats the beast, in there!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, but not on camera. She's very lively indeed :-)

[@frankstocker5475]

I think you said Kawasaki 900 RS over 50 times I sort of got it after 3.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Well thanks for the feedback.

[@darenwithoner]

Which gloves are you wearing? Nice!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

They are Five Kansas gloves. They come in black or brown. Cheers.

[@kevinlong8446]

Very nice !!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@keithbarrell9963]

Love your blogs. I have fitted a chic fairing on my candy tone z900rs. Having seen your video I just had to have one. Not disappointed at all with it. Now considering flashing of the ECU. Got to find a good person in UK to do it. Keep up the good and interesting videos

[@stuartmiller9648]

Nice mod's....would definitely have to get a tail tidy tho and lose that ugly rear section.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree - and already done. Video here. What do you think? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3Ktgqh9ab2peNk Cheers!

[@orobiller1]

I think you should sell me this bike and treat yourself to that Royal Enfield Himalayan!! 😉

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I want both :) Tough choice. Probably find room for an RE sometime for sure.

[@88kjt]

Seems all he talks about is “ wee handlebar colours “. And not much else, didnt see the speedo going up much. Maybe better off with a nice wee scooter

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for your feedback generated by your wee mind. I’ll file it where other wee minded tripe goes. Cheers.

[@andrewpardoe7269]

Best way to reduce engine revs on start up is to close the throttle down on start up the engine doesn't need a reflash engine will recognise engine start up map best mod is swap tyres for Michelin road 6 that makes it a different road feel completely that's the number one mod

[@BlueMarbleRider]

You don't want to close the throttle on start up - you will damage the throttle position sensor according to many comments below...I know: that's what I suggested in the video before getting my reflash. The reflash is amazing well worth it for the extra power and much smoother running. Cheers.

[@796andy2]

no cans ??? toecutter disapproves

[@BlueMarbleRider]

sooon....

[@marcjohnson7734]

Not liking the alooooominum

[@Scott-sb1xi]

#4,5 are not to my liking. At all.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Hi, Scott: have you tried these and decided against them. I always ask, so that I can pass this info on to other viewers if they ask about potential downfalls. Thanks for the feedback.

[@dblr3000]

You lost me at 18 mins......🥱

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes it was a long one. Thanks for the feedback.