Kawasaki reveals Z900RS
Kawasaki used October’s Tokyo Motor Show to formally unveil their new Z900RS. The retro-style companion to the Z900 naked (JUST BIKES #345) has been launched to take on Triumph’s Bonneville, BMW’s R nineT and the Yamaha XSR900.
Based heavily on the Z900 naked, the RS takes that model’s inline four-cylinder engine, six-speed transmission, ABS braking, suspension and traction control, but adds a modified frame, different handlebar and seat, as well as unique tinware, trim, instrumentation and colours inspired by the original Z1 from 1972.
Softer, Smoother
The Z900RS uses the same liquid-cooled 948cc four as the Z900, but lowers the compression ratio to 10.8:1, adds a heavier crankshaft and reprofiled camshafts for a more relaxed power delivery and focus on low- to mid-range torque. Below 7,000rpm, the RS engine actually pulls stronger than the Z900 thanks to the adjusted tuning, but the differences are minimal, with maximum output of 82kW at 8,500rpm and 98.5Nm at 6,500rpm in RS spec compared to 92kW at 9,500rpm and 99Nm at 7,700rpm from the Z900.
Appearance-wise, there are a number of changes to the engine to suit the RS’s retro look, including faux cylinder barrel vanes and heads that mimic the look of the original, air-cooled DOHC Z1, while die-cast aluminium engine covers are of a different design to the Z900.
Kawasaki says the exhaust system was a particular focus of the Z900RS’s development, with 20 different variations trialled before arriving at the final design. The stainless steel system features thinner headers compared to the Z900, which are also double-walled to prevent discolouration.
Like the Z1000 and Z900, this 4-into-1 system uses sound research to produce what Kawasaki call the ideal exhaust note. In this instance, sound tuning focused on the engine note at start-up, idle and during low-speed riding.
Allied to the engine changes are revised gear ratios. A shorter first gear makes take-offs easier, while a taller sixth gear is designed to deliver more comfortable performance at highway speeds. Contributing to easier gear shifting is a standard assist and slipper clutch.
New Bones, Same Shocks
To accommodate the slimmer fuel tank and more upright riding position that characterises the Z900RS, Kawasaki says they completely redesigned the frame.
Higher at the front and lower at the back than the Z900, with upper rails that have been moved closer together, the steel trellis frame also features a revised headstem that reduces trail from 103mm to 98mm. Despite the lower rear frame rails, the Z900RS’s seat height is 835mm (40mm higher than the Z900), but an optional ERGO-FIT seat drops that to 800mm.
The engine is rigidly mounted to the frame to reduce weight, with the lightweight (3.9kg) aluminium swingarm from the Z900 contributing to the Z900RS’s listed kerb weight of 214kg.
Suspension set-up is the same 41mm tele fork front and horizontal back-link monoshock rear as the Z900, but valving is altered to deliver less travel on the front and more on the rear – 120mm and 140mm. With full adjustability at the front, and preload and rebound adjustability at the rear, Kawasaki says the suspension delivers excellent ride comfort and “sporty riding potential”.
Rider aids are limited to KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) with two-mode adjustability and ABS. Radial-mount monobloc 4-piston calipers grip the 300m front discs (an odd move considering the sportier Z900 doesn’t use radial calipers), with a single-piston caliper on the 250mm rear disc.
Classic Style
The Z1 is regarded not only as a classic Kawasaki, but a classic motorcycle generally, so any homage to it needed to be done right. In terms of honouring the Z1, the Z900RS has done the job admirably, from the modern take on the original “Jaffa” colour scheme, to the teardrop fuel tank, dual seat and old-school twin-clock instruments.
There are plenty more retro-inspired styling touches, including the chrome-trimmed headlight and oval tail light (both of which are LED), duck tail, sidecovers, spoke-look alloy wheels, mirrors, levers and pedals.
Bullet-shaped nacelles house the analogue speedo and tacho, with a multi-function LCD display placed in between. The screen carries the gear position indicator, trip meters, fuel and remaining fuel gauge, clock, coolant temp, Economical Riding Indicator and other functions.
Accessories to be offered from launch include a flyscreen fairing, pillion grab rail, heated grips, axle and frame sliders, tank pad and centre stand, to name a few.
Cafe Style
Due to arrive alongside the Z900RS is the Z900RS Cafe, which, as the name suggests, adds café racer styling touches in the form of a headlight fairing, lower handlebars, reprofiled seat, satin-finish silencer and colour choices unavailable on the regular model.
Following its Tokyo debut, the Z900RS and its cafe racer stablemate were the stars of Kawasaki’s stand at the EICMA international motorcycle show in Milan and made their Aussie debut at a special event for Team Green members in November.
Local delivery and pricing for the Z900RS is expected in early 2018, with pricing likely to start above the Z900’s $12,499 RRP, with the Cafe version carrying an additional premium.
