Kawasaki Z900RS

Overview

The Kawasaki Z900RS is the company’s answer to the modern-retro styled segment and has the timeless designing up its sleeves. The motorcycle was made available in the Philippines market this year (2018) and challenges the Yamaha XSR900 directly.

It is priced at around PHP 630,000 in the domestic market and is packed with features at all ends. It is powerful from within and the same can be felt on the throttle as well. And with this comes the dual approach of being like a custom built retro-bike with everything from the modern world, forming the perfect Scrambler-like motorcycle in the sub-1000 cc segment.

Design

For the retro-inspired motorcycle that the Kawasaki Z900RS is, there is no doubt that every bit of the styling would be utmost attractive. The first and foremost thing that you should know about is the usage of a lightweight chassis. The frame is very rigid and the chassis geometry is designed to make for a very light and natural handling performance.

The bike may appear to be very big, but once you take it for a spin, you will realise how flickable and zippy it is. The headlamp up front is rounded, followed by the dual-analog instrument meter. However, there is a small digital display between the two dials. It rides on 17-inch wheels at both the ends.

Ride & Handling

Unlike the common notion that encompasses retro-themed Scrambler bikes, the Kawasaki Z900RS is very powerful on the throttle. It is a complete joy to ride on all road conditions. Just push the engine till the tachometer points northwards from 5,000 rpm and you will feel the motor roar.

The way the accelerator bar is powered will just amaze you, leaving you wanting to twist it more and more. The roar is routed to the exhaust pipe like a throaty beast. However, considering the feel on the accelerator, the exhaust does appear to be a little mute.

Take into consideration the 120 mm front and 180 mm rear tyre and you will have the perfect combination to make for a very sporty ride where you can even lean deeper on a sharp corner.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Kawasaki Z900RS is powered by a monstrous engine that is more powerful than many other cruisers and adventure bikes. There is a 948cc liquid-cooled engine that has the inline four-cylinder setup. The motor can churn out a maximum power of 108.76 hp at 8,500 rpm along with peak torque of 95 Nm, coming at 6,500 rpm.

The produced power is delivered to the wheel via a 6-speed manual gearbox with the assistance of a super light slipper clutch. This setup helps the plates and clutch hub to be apart and decreases the torque to the rear wheel, preventing any skidding.

Braking & Safety

The Kawasaki Z900RS is not another retro-looking motorcycle on the block, it is something different. Besides taking you into the nostalgic thoughts of the yesteryears of the motoring world, the Z900RS does pack a lot of safety for the riders.

To start off with, the front wheel gets dual disc brakes up front, but not without the four-piston callipers. Plus, the rear has a single disc brake with a single-piston calliper. Together, the setup is capable of offering tremendous stopping power.

It has an assist that helps in increasing the pressure that is applied to the clutch plates, which lightens the spring. Moreover, save yourself for the last as it has ABS on all the disc brakes, something that can boost the safety single-handedly.

Verdict

The Kawasaki Z900RS is an amazing amalgamation of retro design with the modern approach to features. And with such a combination, it poses to be one of the best-selling and most preferable two-wheelers in the segment. And even if Ducati has its Scramblers thrown in at competition, the price factor and the excess power will take the Kawasaki into a higher league.

Hence, for a price of under PHP 650,000, the Z900RS is the perfect fit to take you into the nostalgia of the old motoring age.