Z900RS Gearing Review Update

A follow up on the gearing changes that I made, as well as the first real ride with the Pilot Power tires that I had installed.
And why I seem to piss off the Z900RS forum. It's not intentional, but myself and a few other members have had a theory for awhile now, and I ran a poll on one of them and got some interesting results. Look at it through the lens of perspective. It's not that one side is right and the other is wrong. It's merely an explanation of why I seem to have a knack for butting heads with that particular group. :-)

[@Niobium23]

My daily ride is a 245hp H2. I’m a sportbike rider for life. I just bought the 23 900rs cafe. You hit on all the correct points perfectly. I’m already turning it into that rowdy shorter geared ripper

[@johngoodman9380]

From a old multiple " Original" H2 owner thank you for the rides through the fall woods, wonderful uphill acceleration and carburetor sound.

[@Bass1923]

Loved the riding portion of the video. You keep it in the sweet spot. Your gearing reminds me of my Dad on his Z1 back in 1982. He had ridden Harley's in the '50's then got rid of his bike. Early 1970's, he rode my cousin's H2 and got a kick out of it. When he retired he bought himself a used Z1. First thing he did was gear it down to get more punch. I could hear him wind it out going up the country road. Though he was all bunged up with RA, he'd get on that bike and he was free. I'm a vintage bike guy. I've got my Dad's Z1. I think I'd like the Z900RS.

[@SquireSCA]

Its a fantastic bike, although I did trade it in on a new Tracer 9 GT. I needed something with some wind protection, heated grips and easy luggage capacity for trips.

[@razorback6098]

Thank you for a great video on the performance of the Z900RS. You assessment of the riders of this back are right on target. I am now 65 , a boomer, and have been riding for 50 years, my last bike being a 2017 Harley Dyna Lowrider. This was a great bike but the curb weight was just south of 700 pounds. I have not dropped a bike since my early riding years but I knew with my physical limitations I might have a problem with picking up a heavier bike even if I procedurally knew how to do it. The Z900RS was the way I remember bikes as a teenager and at 474 lbs and with its performance capabilities I am going to purchase a 2023 model. It is light enough so I can continue riding and at the same time gets me as close as I can get to my riding past with the retro design. It certainly has all the performance I will ever need.

[@SquireSCA]

Its a brilliant piece of kit, for all the reasons you mentioned. I might get another one some day, in fact, I likely will. But it will be the SE model with Ohlins and Brembo out of the box.

[@razorback6098]

@@SquireSCA The SE is a good choice Squire! Thank you for your response!

[@SquireSCA]

@@razorback6098 The SE fixes the only shortcomings that the base model had. Suspension and brakes.

[@tombartley6228]

I couldn't agree more!.. I tend to go one up on the rear from stock as a matter of course on a big 4 pot bike and one off the front on a Ducati. It facilitates better overtaking in top gear at 70mph motorway speeds. And allows the use of second gear in 30mph urban environments, where the use of 1st can cause the bike to lurch... I always use a good make of sprocket, particularly on the front!.. Opinions inevitably vary!.. Great vid!

[@drsmith751]

I think you nailed the market for the bike exactly. I wouldn’t worry about the folks on the Z900rs forum, I found they get their panties in a bunch on the smallest of issues.

[@SquireSCA]

They accused me of being racist and banned me the first time for saying that Asians tend to be smaller than westerners…. I even posted World Health Organization data showing the average height, weight and body mass index by country…. It was in true context of suspension setups and getting your hands into some of the tight spaces on the bike. They flipped out and the Admin said it was racist to say that different regions and people might be different.

[@damacknificent151]

I like the 900RS and you're half right. Well it can be a double edge sword like they say. If you want a gas sipper get a prius version of a motorcycle, but the same thing can be said...if you want a fast bike get a R1, Fireblade ect... I know back in the 70s this bike was a super sport bike of sorts, but now it's more of a relaxing ride with power and speed to wake you up when you feel the need for adrenaline. This bike sits somewhere in the middle. Not super fast nor slow. It's what fits me and you and many others. I came from a super sport to having a hiatus to a cruiser because I couldn't ride super sport bikes anymore 😕 then the cruiser wasn't doing it for me. I looked at naked bike's (I got the blue and silver Z900 non RS) it's basically the bike you made here with your RS. It comes with 44 tooth stock gear. I would like to switch to RS and sell this one. I hear how comfortable it is. Maybe I'll demo one. But yes and no on what you're saying. I get it though

[@gtrs4ever]

Thanks for sharing your ideas. In the late 70s I owed ‘73 & 75, I used bel ray synthetic oil didn’t have any issue. I now have a 2019 cafe, fun bike, just enough for me.

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, so long as the synthetic oil is bike specific, its not caused any problems and can't hinder proper break in... It's just one of those myths that some folks can't let go of, no matter how many times its been proven wrong... oftentimes the one proving them wrong, is the manufacturer of their bike, ironically... lol It's like when a non gun person says that Glocks are dangerous because they are "plastic and ceramic and can get through a metal detector"... That has literally never happened. It's got a plastic grip, but it still has over a full pound of steel, brass and lead in it. People believe what they want to believe, because taking the time to get educated on a topic, requires more effort and intelligence than they are willing to invest.

[@b_baker]

I'm not trying to talk shit or be mean or anything of the sort, but have you ever noticed how much you smack your hand down on your leg? "Knowing this is a 135mph bike *smack* 140 mph with a little person in full tuck *smack* why gear it to do 180mph *smack*" Edit - Now that I've finished watching, I am a person who has a Harley, has owned sport bikes, and got into the z900rs as a good all around bike. I want to regear similar to yours as it seems it has a little more to offer still yet, on the other hand my father also has a z900rs. He used to own kz and such back in the day, has a Harley now and kinda wanted to feel young again I suppose but he doesn't want to touch it at all. As always keep up the good content and being yourself. I cannot wait to get your thoughts on a new rearset! I have been in an internal debate for quite some time now over wanting them or not.

[@SquireSCA]

Ok, this is funny. I almost didn’t post the video because the sound of my hand smacking my leg and making the pack of mints in my pocket rattle was driving me nuts! It was all I could focus on while looking at the video before I uploaded it, and I almost didn’t. Haha

[@b_baker]

@@SquireSCA its just a little quirk that makes you who you are no need to fret.

[@SquireSCA]

@@b_baker no, it really was driving me nuts. I was like, what is that noise?? Then I realized I had my mints in that pocket…

[@SquireSCA]

@@b_baker Just the OCD part of me that picked up on it. haha

[@jamesgregory2962]

I added the 16 tooth. This isn't the quickest bike anyway. Mostly for first gear. I ride at a sporting pace and enjoy this bike thoroughly. Hey my other bike is a 68 Bonneville. I like that one too.

[@SquireSCA]

I miss my Z900RS... I think that at some point when I decide to slow down and just have a bike for tooling around, that will be the bike that I settle on...

[@wicklowjohn]

Always love the honesty and transparency of your commentary.

[@m41210sg]

I change the front to 16t And it managed to put a smile on my face, love the new character

[@Flu_Tang_Clan]

Looks like heaven. I miss Georgia roads.

[@painsrides3616]

Even in video its clear your RS is accelerating with more authority and its rev-ing more smoothly, especially at the top end. Mucho traffic sure does sux when you're just out trying to have a good time....

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, it lets the motor not have to work as hard...

[@savedzrex1]

Keep us posted on the rear sets....I prefer the footrest back a bit more myself & I'm only 5'8" . Thanks for the videos...... :>) Enjoying my 2021 RS

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, I will do a video on the install and review. I don't need it higher, so much as I just want to move it back a tad.

[@blopbop5405]

So during the time of the mountain ride, there were no flash mods or gearing changes done to the bike? I'm new to motorcycling so I might have missed something. I'm considering buying this bike and I really appreciate your camera angle during your mountain bike ride. Perfect!!!!

[@SquireSCA]

By the time I did the gearing, the bike already had an upgraded shock, thicker fork oil, a decat pipe and air filter, plus an ECU flash and tune.

[@broc2727]

Many people on the forum think this bike has awesome power. Clearly they have never ridden a bike with awesome power. I sold my R1 in September because I found I prefer to ride the Z900RS. Its a fun bike, handles great, easy to ride at a fast pace. I was recently down at the Deals Gap area and pounded on the bike and it met my expectations. I also have done a couple mods. K-tech suspension front and rear, ECU flash and I put Michelin Pilot Power 5 tires on. I should probably change the rear sprocket as well for added quickness.

[@SquireSCA]

Yeah, it's certainly fast and capable, even more so with some mods... But there are so many faster bikes out there these days...

[@TrustyZ900]

@@SquireSCA So why did you buy this bike in the 1st place? You knew it wasn't the ultimate handler or the rocket powered bike of your dreams. Yeah it's somewhat retro styling is appealing. I'm happy with mine. You tried to turn it into something Kawasaki wasn't aiming for. It still looks great and is a lot of fun. You'll never be satisfied for too long. Keep seeking the pinnacle of achievement and I'm sure it will exceed your riding ability.

[@SquireSCA]

@@TrustyZ900 Why did I buy the other 31 bikes I bought? Because they are cool. I am currently on a 2022 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and a 2022 Kawasaki ZX14R... As far as turning it into something it wasn't meant to be... Enough people like me asked more out of it, to the extent that Kawasaki listened and issued the new SE model, that comes with revised damping up front, Ohlins shock, Brembo brakes, etc...

[@stevefendrick1821]

I ordered an SE on Saturday and can’t wait for it to get here. Here are my reasons for doing this: 1. My last two bikes have been adventure bikes but I am 54 years old and have eight bulging disc‘s and one ruptured disc in my back so my body doesn’t want to take the pounding of off-road anymore. 2. The vibration from the thumper makes my hands go numb within five minutes of riding now. 3. All of the reviews that I have heard about the 900 RS see how smooth and vibration free the engine is and I know some of them are exaggerated but it’s got to be a hell of a lot smoother than a thumper. 4. Although dreaming of going on a cross-country adventure ride is nice, reality doesn’t give me enough time off to do so anyway. I am an air conditioning technician so can’t get time off during the summer to visit the northern half of the US and Canada when it’s possible to do so on a motorcycle anyway. 5. All the reviews also mention linear power delivery and no surprises (at least after the ECU get flashed) which appeals to me because I have to realize that my reaction times are not as fast as they used to be. 6. Comfortable seat and seating position. 7. I want a bike that has enough power to give me a thrill every once in a while and keep me interested because it will probably be the last new bike I will ever buy. 8. With some Shad luggage, a plexistar windshield, an air hawk, and a sheep skin it can be a comfortable enough touring machine (and a fun one) if I ever get a chance to do so. Yes, I know adding all that stuff will take away from the looks of the bike but it’s only on when I’m using it for that purpose and besides, one of the advantages of getting older is that you don’t give a care about what anybody else thinks anymore! 9. Most importantly, the bike is so beautiful it gives me a chubby! I’m not a speed demon. I just love to ride.

[@mikehrynyk434]

Did your dealer tell you when your bike might appear next year or what month

[@mikehrynyk434]

How much deposit did you provide to obtain your new 2022 Z900SE RS and what month Are you expecting your bike to come in next year

[@vintagetrk]

If ya wanted a Z900RS Cafe why not have just gotten the Cafe? I used to road race when I was a teen ager and had an Eddie Lawson replica that I road raced. So I now have a 2019 Z900RS Cafe and a 2019 Harley Street Glide. I ride the hell out of the Cafe to work and track days. Love the stock set up of the Z900 RS. I love the gearing If ya wanna change the acceleration ya need to do the ECM mods it's not the gearing!If ya want a full on sport bike ya shouldn't ride this bike it's a retro bike made to be better than the old KZ's but give ya the same thrills but they' arent GP bikes.

[@SquireSCA]

Well, a few questions in your post for me to unpack... As for why I didn't get the cafe... at the time they didn't have one, and the only one in the area was lime green, and I honestly don't care for that color. The stock gearing was fine, but 6th gear was way too tall and frankly, kinda useless for anything other that droning down the interstate... I might decide to go down a tooth or two in the back to only 1 or 2 up from stock. It's an oddly geared bike. 1st comes geared very low, but 6th is more like a 7th, or overdrive... I did the ECU flash and tune, but I didn't do the headers. Perhaps that is the answer here... if I pick up another 10hp up top, then maybe 6th would have been more useful.... As for the lower bars and things, that was for handling and comfort. I am 6'4" with long arms, so the stock bar had my bolt upright and it wasn't that comfortable... I need to stretch out a little and lean into the wind a bit, and those "beach cruiser" bars just didn't lend themselves to that. The Rizoma bar I have fitted gives me better handling and is more comfortable, for me... I know this isn't s superbike. I have a new R1 for my superbike needs, but I didn't see a reason why I couldn't have a comfy retro bike, that can also play with the sportbikes up in the mtns, at the same time... :-)

[@loathing138]

I fit into the cruiser rider who wanted something a bit sportier, but also comfy.. category. The retro styling really appealed to me as well (2020 Cafe). Also, is this the Ozarks? Beautiful place to ride. We don't have anything as lovely as this out here in AZ. Thanks for sharing.

[@SquireSCA]

Not the Ozarks... North Georgia... I live about 45 minutes from the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mtns, which grows into the Appalachian Mtns... Great part of the country when it comes to riding.

[@leviefrauim1425]

Nope, at 61 I'm no sport bike/hooligan rider. I've purchased the 16t and can't wait to install it and help smooth out the bike's ride. To each their own.

[@SquireSCA]

So if you can, explain to me what you think the stock bike has, that isn't smooth? Maybe I am just a HP junkie at times, but I ride the RS and I always want more. Gearing up, reduces acceleration and softens the throttle, etc... And I think that is where the idea of perspective comes into play, in my "opening monologue"... haha I think that in this particular community, I am the oddball. I am for sure in the minority...

[@leviefrauim1425]

@@SquireSCA I am the direct opposite of you. I'm not an HP junkie. My belief is that once you've surpassed 125 RWHP and 80 ft/lbs of torque, the rest is pretty meaningless on a street bike. I'm looking for a bike w/enough power to get my 230 lb. arse moving along but doing so in as smooth a manner as possible. I haven't yet had the ECU flashed (it's on my list) but even w/out that flash, I can tell- after 4+ decades of riding- that the throttle will not be smooth enough for my riding needs. I ride like a grandma most of the time, nowhere near the speeds/aggressiveness that you ride, so it's more of a comfort issue for me. Like I said, to each their own. I'm not being judgmental. Heck, I couldn't keep up w/you if I wanted to!

[@SquireSCA]

@@leviefrauim1425 Don't get me wrong, HP isn't the only factor... But it puts a bigger grin on my face when I twist the throttle and the bike lunges like its been shot out of a cannon. That said, I am currently on the RS and a ZX6R, and enjoying them both... But there are times when I wish I had a bit more power. Not so much to go faster top speed, but to get to my desired speed just that much quicker.

[@-thirteen]

"Well, that makes you a dick. Whatever. We all have our own personality quirks" Hahaha, hilarious. This made me feel happy for some reason

[@crjlife_9082]

Yeah I’m with you on that. I’ve done a header and tune and it still feels like I need to go up a couple teeth in the rear.

[@SquireSCA]

I am fine with 1-5... But 6th needs to be lower...

[@jadethompson5269]

Amen brother!!! Question. What effect does the sprocket change have on the speedometer?

[@SquireSCA]

Nothing. Any modern bike with ABS and traction, pick up the speed from the wheel speed sensors... so changing sprockets doesn't impact the speedo like it did in the days when they picked up the speed from the countershaft....

[@CityNDN]

great review. you seem like a straight forward guy. all points valid.

[@davidcracknell2008]

The way you have geared that makes perfect sense. Stock pipe? Sounds just lovely 👍

[@SquireSCA]

Decat link pipe with stock headers and muffler.

[@Deano_77]

@@SquireSCA Hi. Mine runs great without the snatchy throttle some report, would you say the decat and remap is worth the money or just stick with lowering the gearing?

[@SquireSCA]

@@Deano_77 decat and remap is worth it, but I went back to stock gearing…

[@Deano_77]

@@SquireSCA Thanks

[@albertschneider5978]

Hi Dave just watched and I must say roads are very nice glad to see gearing worked out woul d

[@francoism3356]

Nice! I would do the same -1front -2rear, as i said before geography (road types), usage, experience is mandatory. Do what you like and don't overthink it. I can see that you nailed the right sweetspot rpm for your's road ;)

[@SquireSCA]

Another thing is that I am usually riding on roads that are anywhere from 1,500 to 3,500 feet above sea level... so my bike may be making less power than other folks at lower elevations like Florida...

[@marcjohnson7734]

Ive gone 17T ill stick to halcyon riding 🙂

[@jerzx648]

I have a ‘21 zx6r but i love seeing this z900rs

[@hawkslayers1]

lets be honest the kawasaki z900rs cant be classed as a fast motorcycle its just a lovely retro bike thats a pleasure to ride its my 65th motorcycle in 47years of riding what i can tell you is its a beautiful motorcyle to look at and own i have the z900rs se yellow ball and i wanted to slow down from my gsxr1000 and hayabusa days its not all about going fast its about enjoying the experience of being on 2 wheels.

[@SquireSCA]

I tend to agree, but it's a properly quick bike, and with the right suspension upgrades, it was a lot of fun on track. The gearing rations are a bit weird... 1-5 is fine but 6th is more like 7th or 8th... Its kinda useless and it was holding me back on track... But to be fair, that's not really where this bike was intended... I may get another one some day...

[@mikehrynyk434]

I put a deposit on the 2022 yellow ball, dealer said l get the first one delivered to the dealer.

[@jimsbarg]

What about a 14 tooth with a stock rear sprocket

[@SquireSCA]

Honestly, after playing around with it, stock was the best setup. It made gears 1-5 where they should be, and you have to just write off 6th as a limited overdrive. In order to make 6th truly useful, you almost have to ruin gears 1-5...

[@edmervyn1428]

Hey we both have a Triumph bobber and a z900RS, its a coincidence!

[@SquireSCA]

Still have the Bobber, but the Z900RS has moved on and been replaced with a Tracer 9 GT.

[@edmervyn1428]

@@SquireSCA Ha ha, one life and so many bikes to ride :-)

[@tombailey6342]

I am on the RS forum too. I get exactly what your saying about the gearing. I also get exactly what you are saying about the oil debate too. Alas, unfortunately it is often human nature for groups of men to 'gang up' on, or 'otherise' another individual or group. It might be because they feel more secure in a group of strangers that at least have some common ground..OR they feel threatened by the individual or group because they are suggesting something different from the status quo. Either way, i wouldn't let it get to you.. keep up the videos, we love em'. One question.. I have standard sprockets on my Z900RS and would like to change the rear for a nicer looking one, plus have the gearing advantage. Is it ok to just go up one tooth? I mean isn't there some engineers maths that states the correct jump up?? Seem to remember, somewhere in the depths of my biker experience that the two sprocket tooth numbers (front, rear) have to conform to some ratio or other??? Regards

[@SquireSCA]

That forum is a bit whacky. Some nice folks there, but the Admin is so uptight, and some of the people there you know are just gumpy old men... they know what they know, even if its been proven wrong a thousand times over the past 40 years... haha It's not a knock against being older, but it is a knock about being close minded and not accepting that things change. Technology, materials, manufacturing tolerances... The one guy claiming that synthetic oil hinders break in, despite so many bikes and cars coming with it from the factory... Never been true. He also got hot under the collar about the 1,000 mile break in process, despite many manufacturers putting hours old motors on the dyno at the factory and revving the piss out of them. He asked where I heard that, and I sent him a video from the History Channel, showing exactly that, from Kawasaki where they discussed that they do this to every sportsbike they make, to record the power output to that VIN and ensure it is within spec and doesn't have any problems... He ignored all of that, and chose to insult me instead, and the mod gave me the boot. LOL

[@SquireSCA]

And yes, you can just go up a tooth... I did 3 because I really wanted to make 6th more usable, but you can go up 1-3 in the rear quite easily. Do the 520 conversion while you are at it, unless you don't want to replace the chain

[@tombailey6342]

@@SquireSCA Sorry if i sound a bit dim but, whats the 520 conversion?

[@tombailey6342]

@@SquireSCA r.e The RS forum.. Oh, I thought you had gone quiet for a bit.... Thats a little unfair, i would say.

[@SquireSCA]

@@tombailey6342 That's the chain pitch. It comes with a 525 size, which is heavier. You can drop it to a 520, which is lighter, so less rotating mass. 520 chains are also a bit cheaper and easier to find at most cycle shops. If you do the conversion, you will want to do it as a kit, so that it all matches up. I got mine from Sprocket Center for $198 for a new gold 520 chain, and the 15/45 steel sprockets. What country are you in?

[@crstephens]

Hey, I'm enjoying your videos as i prefer to ride my z900rs in the same manner you do. I remember your poll about rider types and can not remember how i responded, but i believe i was in the minority. Not a boomer, not new, not a hipster, but i wanted a retro aesthetic standard i could ride like a comfy sport tourer. I'm really intrigued by the idea of going up on the rear sprocket, as i never understood those guys who went up on the front. The bike is plenty smooth and i barely use 6th as it is. 4th and 5th are so much more fun! I've been going back and forth on the flash decision for three years now as the throttle is only intrusive in aggressive cornering after trail braking. I like the pep. I'm really hesitant to follow the mob mentality and do Ivan's flash. What are your thoughts?

[@SquireSCA]

I did that poll, and you and I were part of 9% of respondents. We ride that bike like a sportbike, but like the retro charm. As for Ivan's flash, if you are gonna do it, do all the mods. Air filter, airbox mod, headers, etc... His flash with those mods should get you 120hp at the wheel, which will make that bike REALLY fun. So much that you might not feel the need to change the gearing. You will have an extra 20hp up top, making 6th pull harder.

[@crstephens]

@@SquireSCA 9% makes me laugh! I'm going to go for it and do the whole thing. It'll be a blast! I know you don't have the bike anymore, but i like seeing your mods. Thanks for the input!

[@alexpatacchiola9361]

@@crstephens can attest to doing the works. Definitely a 9%er here also! I just got the ecu back from Ivan after installing Akra headers and airbox mods. Only thing I didn't do was drill the holes- spoke to Ivan about it and he recommended not to do that, and that it only adds 1 HP at 9.5k plus- he did it to get 1 extra HP than Brock's number 😂. Said it's not worth the extra noise. Anyway, the bike truly came alive and definitely pulls in 6th. Do it!

[@markcomisky7106]

Sounds like your a sport bike rider why did you the buy the Kawasaki 900

[@SquireSCA]

Because its a sportbike, in retro clothing.

[@twowheelswede]

Wow... the roads are so nice. :D :D :D How much does it change the speedometer???

[@SquireSCA]

Doesn't change the speedo. Newer bikes aren't changed by sprockets. The new bikes with ABS and Traction Control, have individual wheel speed sensors...

[@twowheelswede]

@@SquireSCA Good to know... thanx for the info. 😁😁😁

[@mikeduffy1330]

I had the Ecu flashed, air box mod and delkevic header with oem can. My first gear improved greatly and so did the other gears. My 2 cents is do the performance mods first before changing gearing. Those mods increase top end pull.

[@SquireSCA]

@@mikeduffy1330 I did all of those things other than the header. That's next I think, and perhaps if I pick up that extra 8-10hp on top, I can maybe raise the gearing a wee bit and not have 6th feel like a lethargic overdrive gear... But for this level of tune and power output, dropping the gearing helped significantly... More drive in every gear, and a bit more hooligan, which suits me.

[@albertschneider5978]

Dave would love to ride with you can’t find guys in Florida have to disagree on 130 mph I have the cafe model and tested it Sunday 134 5th gear 155 est clock stock gearing how is you 6 gear now wide open

[@SquireSCA]

Maybe with the cafe fairing and 2 miles of straight flat road, at sea level, etc... Mine has the ECU flash and custom dyno tune and it just isn't a high speed bike. No way it will do 154mph unless shot out of a cannon. Too heavy and 103hp just isn't enough to push a bike like this to those speeds.

[@albertschneider5978]

@@SquireSCA you are rite about 2 mi straight thinking about going 1 tooth up in rear I need 200 rpm to hit red line 6th another thing check your remap poss not set in 6th gear have a good nite loose those secondary plates it worked for me

[@SquireSCA]

@@albertschneider5978 I checked with Brock this week and he confirmed, no need to remove the flies if you have the ecu flashed. Also; you are at sea level and I am not, and that makes a difference. Same bike with same mods and tunes, and yours will make more hp due to elevation.

[@albertschneider5978]

Makes sense on sea level class dale walker site he has 116 hp and very high alt also my brothers rS has 108.66 bone stock Mobil 1 motorcycle oil and broken in carefully

[@SquireSCA]

@@albertschneider5978 dales dyno chart is showing corrected, not actual. The dyno will show “what it would be” at sea level. His actual power is a good bit less than that.

[@beepbop6697]

The stock gearing was a selling point for me. I like that it has a true overdrive 6th gear. I didn't buy the bike to go 160mph, I bought it because: 1) its got standard controls 2) its a naked bike without all the plastic fairing crap 3) it has a true overdrive (which equates to relatively low RPM at highway cruise speeds) and plenty of power to have fun. If you want to go 160mph, this is not the bike for you.

[@SquireSCA]

In retrospect I would agree. Gears 1-5 are perfect, but 6th is useless for anything other than highway cruising. The acceleration in 6th is abysmal. I am probably not the average person they designed the bike for. I took a poll on one of the Z900RS forum, and we got well over 100 people to respond. More than 90% were either aged riders, guys that were 60+ that wanted a bike that brought them back to their childhood dream bike... or, new riders, hipsters that liked the current retro vibe... Less than 10% were like me, current sportbike riders that wanted a sportbike that just looked retro and cool. On the street I found the gearing fine, but on track the stock 6th gear has holding me back... I geared it down to get 6th more usable, but in the end it made the lower gears too short and I went back to stock...

[@jakester4810]

New sprockets woke it up a lot compared to your road a video. People whod gear this bike up need help

[@chantalrubino337]

This bike has nothing to do with the Z1, the only thing it has in common is the name Kawasaki. Alloy wheels, single exhaust, water cooled engine, modern suspension & brakes. It's a great bike but it's not a replica of the Z1.

[@SquireSCA]

Its how they are marketing it. Of course they didn't make a bike from the 1970's with 1970's materials and technology... They made a modern version OF it. I would think that is obvious, no?

[@TheBritfrog]

I think you have totally missed the point of going to a 16t sprocket, it is not just for fuel consumption , it is to have a rideable bike currently the stock bikes first gear is useless the bike is massively undergeared, unless you like to pull childish wheelies , and how many times these days do you try to get an unfaired bike over 120 it is pointless, so do what you want with your bike buit dont criticise those that have different ideas that conflict with yours

[@SquireSCA]

The gearing on that bike is weird... First 5 gears are geared fine for acceleration... It's 6th that is useless... It's way too tall, like an overdrive for the highway... It was horrible on track... It all depends on how you ride... If you ride it like a cruiser versus a sport bike, the gearing makes a difference...

[@SquireSCA]

So, question... How old are you and what type of riding do you do? Legit question, genuinely curious.... See, I have talked to people who said they did it for fuel economy. As if a 6% increase in fuel economy on a motorcycle makes a difference. I am also coming from the position of a sport rider; We did a poll on one of the forums or FB groups, and only 10% of the Z900RS owners were current sport riders. Most were older riders who used to ride sport bikes, and wanted it as a cruiser for the nostalgia factor before they hung up their leathers for good. The others tended to be new riders. And that's why this bike was marketing and designed for. Older riders who were slowing down and wanted a comfortable cruiser bike that brought them back to the Kawasaki's from the early 70's, from their youth. I am in between. I still do track days and ride at a sport pace, and the first 5 gears are fantastic for that. I have track videos here of me railing on it on track. It was a hoot! Except for 6th gear, which simply had no pull, being geared too tall to overcome the wind resistance at 130mph... So gearing up +1 in the front, means that 6th gear is now more like 8th gear. Pretty much unusable, and, acceleration in the first 5 gears is lessened. That won't bother a slower rider looking to cruise in style. If you ride it fast and want to do a couple track days, you likely will hate it.

[@nigelporter8374]

I am now 71 I have also a suzuki thou and an 850 yam, in the 70's i raced all over europe and last bike was a TZ750 the kwacker is far from being a sports bike even with the ohlins suspension so for me the next step is a 16t sprocket @@SquireSCA

[@SquireSCA]

@@nigelporter8374 It's far from a sport bike, but you can still ride it LIKE a sportbike when you upgrade the brake pads and lines, upgrade the forks and replace the shock, proper sport tires(the OEM tires are garbage), replace the bar with something lower, narrower and more aggressive, a pipe and a tune, etc... I found it to be excellent on track, the only issue was the top end speed and the super tall 6th gear... You would be pulling till around 120 or so, shift to 6th and it just didn't have the grunt to keep pulling very hard... The jump from 5 to 6th, felt more like 5 to 7th. Its totally useless for anything more than an overdrive gear on the interstate...

[@Mr4321aldo]

Six minutes in and for Gods' sake man - spit it out!!!! 😅

[@SquireSCA]

So fast forward dude. Not everyone has the attention span of a fruitfly... lol

[@PsGetSid_]

beatuy of a bike