The Z900RS has been one of the most talked about bikes of the last 12 months. Having seen it in the flesh it is certainly a handsome beast. The tail section and paint job harking back to the legendary Z1. Here in the Philippines I have seen several so it would appear to have impressed some. It has plenty of power, good handling and retro looks. All the test seem to be full of praise except for a snatchy throttle. This seems to be an increasingly common issue with newer bikes and is down to meeting Euro emission regulations. There are many Z1 details apart from the Tail and paint, there are also the dials, the mirrors, the fake fins, the alloys that look like spokes, the seat but elsewhere the bike has all the latest electronic aids that are now considered mandatory.
I also really like the Z900RS Cafe but I am not sure that it will be sold here in the Philippines. Shame!!
Specifications: Kawasaki Z900RS
Engine
948cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-cylinder (Z1 was 903cc air-cooled)
Power
110bhp (82kW) @ 8,500rpm (Z1 made 81bhp)
Torque
72.6lb-ft (98.5Nm) @ 6,500rpm (Z1 made 54.2lb-ft)
Bore x stroke
73.4x56.0mm (Z1 was 66x66mm)
Frame
Tubular diamond with extruded aluminium swingarm
Front suspension
Fully adjustable fork
Rear suspension
Single shock adjustable for rebound damping and preload (Z1 had twin shocks)
Front brakes
2x267mm discs with radially-mounted four-piston Monobloc calipers and radial master cylinder (Z1 had one 290mm disc with a single-piston caliper, but the option of a second disc and caliper on the right, though the master cylinder had to also be replaced for it to work properly)
Rear brake
216mm disc and single-piston caliper (Z1 had a 200mm drum)
Tyres:
120/70 ZR17 front, 180/55 ZR17 rear (Z1 had a 19” front and 18” rear wheel)
Seat height
835mm
Tank size
17litres (Z1 was 18litres)
Kerb weight
215kg (Z1 was 246kg)