Kawasaki Z900RS: how beautiful is the modern classic! [ROAD TEST VIDEO]

You remember the mythical one Z1 from 1972? 45 years later Kawasaki brought it back to life with this Z900 in the RS version. Someone at Kawasaki must have thought that the old Z750 and 800, with the change in displacement last year, had reached the cubic capacity of the first Z1, the one produced from 1972 to 1976. So why not pay homage to it with a special version, especially at a time historical period in which cafe racers became popular and we see more and more of them being born?

The video test of our tester Gianluca Cuttitta

On paper it all seems easy and almost obvious, but the challenge was tough, because the risk was not being able to properly honor such a noble ancestor. The new Kawasaki Z900RS, on the other hand, is a great product, capable of garnering widespread consensus since its first static appearances, at the 2017 editions of the Tokyo show and then at Eicma, but above all very pleasant to ride, as we were able to discover during the our road test.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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The retro look of the original Z1 combines with a good dose of sportiness: how charming!

Beauty is subjective, at least that's what they usually say, but for the Z900RS it seems to be something very close to objectivity. As mentioned, she was one of the queens at the two main two-wheel shows a few months ago, and she also confirmed herself in the eyes of the many onlookers who at the traffic lights or in front of the parked motorbike expressed their approval, some with a look, some with a compliment. The Z900RS is inspired by the 1 Z1972, you can clearly see it from the many details that recall it, such as the iconic rear tail, the line of the saddle and tank, but without giving up modern elements.

Analyzing it in detail we find one analog instrumentation, combined however with a modern multifunction displays, LED headlights, vintage only in their appearance, but it is the longitudinal line that passes from the iconic and wonderful drip tank, through the saddle and up to the tail, to give that retro look in homage to the legendary Z1. The sportiness shines through instead from the details of the chassis, with a front end taken exactly from the funbike from which it derives, with a 41 mm up side down fork, double 300 mm disc with 4-piston radial calipers and a rear monocle with Back-link horizontal, fully adjustable.

The exhaust is a 4 into 1, perhaps the only big difference to its progenitor, which featured a 4 in 4, but above all it has a really well-studied, full-bodied and tasty sound to listen to, to the point that you give it more gas than necessary to enjoy it. It seems that this time Kawasaki did a great job, precisely with the aim of giving the right voice to the Z900RS. Finally, the rims, some would have wanted them with spokes, we don't mind the solution adopted, with a look that simulates their lightness in appearance, but does not give up the advantages of the alloy rim, decidedly superior in driving handling.

Engine and performance:

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The 900 in cafe racer version is perhaps even better

Finishing the parenthesis on the look of the Z900RS, really taken care of down to the smallest details, too the cylinder fins they recall the appearance of their predecessor, although in reality the engine cooling in this case is by liquid and not by air. The 4-cylinder in-line architecture and 900 displacement of the Z1 are similar, but the Z900RS adopts the modern Z900 engine “standard” 948 cc, subjected to substantial modifications to change its character, less pushed at the top and fuller at the bottom, with the curve shifted by around 1.000 rpm. The power of 111 CV (compared to 125 for the standard) it thus reaches 8.500, at 2 thousand rpm less it delivers the maximum torque value, 98.5 Nm, in this case almost identical to its funbike sister, but delivered 1.200 rpm lower.

THEdisbursement it's really how it should be, doughy, always full right from the lows and with great character as the revs rise. The engine is practically free of vibrations, it also has the right amount of electronics, like the two-level traction control (absent on the standard Z900 instead), with the least invasive one which even allows you to wheelie in complete safety, without therefore making it necessary to exclude it, although this is possible. The cut can only be heard by the ear, like on MotoGPs, with the engine telegraphing, while its action produces constant acceleration, without any hesitation. Given the challenging temperatures of these days we have been able to see the really praiseworthy operation. Where without electronics we would have caused the rear tire to slip, the KTR extension it causes the 4-cylinder to "clutter", but the bike grinds meters and raises the front in first and second gear, if it opens completely.

Also worth mentioning is soft clutch, also perfect for city use, thanks to power assistance and which enjoys theslipper. The engine is therefore the second big ace up the sleeve, after the decidedly successful appearance of the Z900RS, which also has great quality in the details.

Ride and handling:

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Almost as sporty as the standard Z900, it offers much more comfort

Get into the saddle of discovers a very current and effective chassis, with good braking bite, capable of stopping i 215 kg in running order without any problem. Comfortable driving position, which is almost initially surprising the height (almost excessive, until you get used to it), not so much for the 835 mm from the ground as an absolute value, but why are you sitting "on the bike”, just below the tank e not "in the motorbike", as happens more and more often. Different in setting compared to the Z900 standard, the RS is less loaded on the front, but the taste of a sporty and fun-to-ride motorbike remains, with the plus of greater comfort, although still without aerodynamic protection.

Cycling odds are changing, having a trail of 98 mm (-5) and a wheelbase of 1.470 (+20), while the saddle, as mentioned, it rises by a good 40 mm, otherwise the front and rear end are the same as the Z900, just with a slightly different calibration.

However, the result is obviously different, because if the RS is more comfortable and less aggressive in its setting, it loses something in terms of reactivity, while remaining a truly pleasant bike to ride. Few other cafe racers can offer so much to those who drive them.

Price and consumption:

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The transformation into a cafe racer costs around 2.500 euros, but it's worth it

Not that many will make a direct comparison between the two Z900s, which are aimed at quite different customers, but from the 9.190 euros of a Z900, we move on to 11.790 of the Z900RS. All things considered, they are around 2.500 euros more, but in addition to the change in look, the RS shows off greater quality and attention to detail, fundamental in this segment, without forgetting elements such as traction control and more, fully justifying the difference. If we look at the competition's price lists, the Z900RS is positioned decidedly well, especially in light of what it offers from all points of view, not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of engine and chassis. It must be said that it is the only one that can combine a history and roots that arise from an iconic progenitor from 45 years ago, with such driving pleasure, and moreover at a more attractive price, just to give an example, that of the nineT range of BMW.

The version with this black color is then accompanied by the “ConvertGreen"(+ 200 euro), but for us i 300 € additional for the iconic Orange livery they are absolutely well spent. The Z900RS also marks the debut of the Kawasaki's Moder Classic range, Together with sister Z900RS CAFE, which mounts a Cafe Racer style screen, low bend handlebars and a dedicated saddle. Available in Vintage Lime Green color only, this version has a list price of 12.290 euros.

As for consumption, from the 5.5 liters per 100 km declared by the standard Z900 it goes to 5.3, thanks to the fact that the "cafè racer treatment" makes it run lower, making it more efficient. If you get carried away the average value approaches 15 km/l, but when you enjoy the quieter soul of the Z900RS the threshold of 17-18 km/l it is easy to reach. The tank changes in shape, but remains unchanged 17 liters of capacity, with a range therefore over 300 km.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Really successful look, engine and chassis
We do not like it:
Grip of the first supply tyres, high position in the saddle

Kawasaki Z900RS: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:
Jacket Dainese HF D1 Leather Jacket, retail price of approximately 470 euros;
Safety shoes Dainese STREET ROCKER D-WP, retail price of approximately 170 euros;
Glove Dainese BLACKJACK, retail price of approximately 70 euros;
Pants Dainese BONNEVILLE SLIM, retail price of approximately 190 euros;
Helmet: Scorpion Exo Combat, retail price of approximately 230 euros;
Heated vest Capit Performance WarmMe, retail price of approximately 200 euros.