This last Christmas Santa brought me a 2019 💚 Z900RS CAFE 💚 I've been a good 62 year old kid no switches and coal this year . I'm in love with a living legend ,growing in lore and reputation itself. Sure to be another Kawasaki time capsule of looks sound and power. 42 years of riding over 2 dozen motorcycles, and this is without doubt my new favourite 💚🎯😁

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

So cool! I want a green one. Cheers!

There's a guy on YT that races an RS in Retro class. He's putting 130 hp to the wheel with Z900 cams. Cleans up on R9T's, Speed Twins and various Ducatis. He says his RS pulls XSR 900's in the straights. He has raced it in tons of events and has yet to have a failure. Great bikes.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

15 күн бұрын

Right on!

I drool 🤤 over my neighbors Z900RS... but he won't let me ride it. 😢 *maybe ur video will help(?), I'll give it a shot

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Good luck, Jason 🤞!

I owned a 2021 Z900RS in the green/yellow color combo- just stunning. It's the ultimate modern UJM and the most beautiful bike built by any manufacturer in the last 2+ decades. It's just gorgeous from every angle. Outside of enjoying its overall performance, I could just sit in my garage and stare at it. The stock exhaust was fantastic sounding. The bike's only flaw was that it lacked cruise control but a Kaoko throttle lock was a sufficient replacement. I modded it into a lightweight ST and loved every minute of ownership. Sadly, it was not a good 2-up bike and had to go, but I had tears in my eyes when selling. Of all the bikes I've owned in the last 45+ years of riding, this is the one I wish I still had. Perhaps in the future another will occupy the limited space in my garage.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experiences withthe Z900RS, Levi! Cheers!

@leviefrauim1425

15 күн бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 in regards to the choppy throttle opening, a simple ECU flash from 2 Wheel Dynoworks cleared that up instantly.

This and the Triumph 1200 twins are great modern takes of older bikes 👍🏻

@leviefrauim1425

17 күн бұрын

Nothing sounds better than the Speed Twin exhaust! When I was shopping UJM style bikes, it was down to the Z9000RS and the Speed Twin. The Z won out but I could see my way thru to ownership of the Speed Twin.

@anxiousappliance

16 күн бұрын

The triumphs are more of a style exercise.This has modern chassis geometry, a monoshock, and the engine isn't neutered. Kawasaki was very clever in the design.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

I have a friend with the Thruxton 1200 that he loves, so maybe a future review...

Great Review, how would you compare this bike Z900 against the ZRX 1200 that you use to ride, from the standpoint of power and handling on both bikes

@leviefrauim1425

17 күн бұрын

I've owned both and they're both terrific bikes. The ZRX is supremely dated in comparison but you won't find me saying anything negative about the ZRX as it was a fantastic bike. It's bigger, heavier and more powerful but if given my choices, I'd take the Z900RS over the ZRX.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Great question, Chris! I love the lightness, 6-speed, roomier ergonomics, and suspension of the Z900RS. I like the torque of the ZRX1200R and the styling. Both are great bikes. Cheers!

@ricardoberterame5950

15 күн бұрын

HolanJhon. Excelente prueba..el disen̈o es fantastico.la mezcla entre lo clasico y lo moderno..Acá en Argentina vale mucho dinero. Cuantos dolares vale en EEUU? Un abrazo Jhon y gracias de nuevo

Beautiful machine , I would argue with myself whether to install KERKER or Supertrapp exhaust .

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

I really like the Delkevic 4-into-4 exhaust that looks like the original Z1 exhaust. I'm sure any exhaust system would sound great. Cheers!

@felipedourado5721

15 күн бұрын

​@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I'm with you on that Jon. If I have to complain about any style feature of the Z900rs it is the exhaust. Nothing compares in looks to a good set of 4 into 4 chromed exhaust pipes just like the ones on the '70ies bikes. Since the RS is a homage to the legacy of the mighty "Zed" of yore, Kawasaki should make an even more retro looking version of the present bike using that kind of pipes and rounded chromed blinkers as well as something like a "Special Edition" or "New York Stake" edition. Regards from Brazil. 🛣🏍

I'm glad you reviewed this one, because I've been really curious about it for a while now. I like that they did this as a blend of the old athletics aesthetics with modern technology actually, with a modern mono shock rear suspension and water cooled engine. I'll probably stick with my '79 Yamaha XS 11 for a good long time, but if there was one new production bike that is tempting to me it's this one.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Right on!

Really like that model as well as the Z650. Tell your buddy to get a G2 Throttle Tamer for it. MUCH more affordable than a remap of the ECU, and an easy install. It will completely transform the abruptness of the throttle. Trust me on that! And they make them for most bikes.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Thanks for the tip, Roland!

Another great video as always. I've always been a fan of the older Big bore Kawasaki and many years ago owned a 78 LTD 1000 and 80 LTD 1000... I think they've done a nice job with blending modern technology with the earlier styling as much as they could.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

I agree!

Beautiful bikes, on my wish list for the future…

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Right on!

thanks for the review, about the only newer bikes that spark my interest.and sure its ALOT better than my old magna in every catagory.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Very true. They are nice bikes. Cheers!

Couldn't have said it better myself. My '22 blue RS is about 5 feet from me in the foyer- no more room in the garage. Took it last August on a 2500 mile ride to the Sierras with just a tailbag and my brother on a VStrom packed to the gills. All in all everything I want in a bike. It only has about 10k miles on it but never a problem. My friend's RS has 60k on it and runs perfect. These bikes have unbelievable low end grunt for a 4 banger. Come around a corner in 4th at 10mph and pulls away so smoothly. All in all very happy and it gets more compliments than my HD Low Rider S 117.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

15 күн бұрын

Right on!

Nice looking bike, Jon. I would love to hear the sound of a Kerker or Delkavic. Enjoyed the video,Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Thanks, Henry!

looks are everything awesome review and motor great perfect for the road ! thanks

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

You're welcome, Douglas. It was a fun review to make. Cheers!

Great review on an retro classic, I would like to hear your thoughts on the 2014 Honda Cb 1100. Thanks for showing

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

I have owned the 2014 CB1100 and the earlier 5-speed CB1100. They are nice retro bikes for general riding. However, when the pace picks up, the suspension and brakes really let it down compared to the Z900RS or even the ZRX. The 6-speed CB1100 is the one to have if you get one. Cheers!

perfect for road twisties performance 130hp max for road to use all of it ! thinking getting one -Quick light and fun .. all you need great

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Right on, Douglas!

This is a really beautiful bike. Eventually I'll have one, some day... The cafe version with the little head fairing, dark grey with green stripes is my favourite. Though the naked version with dark blue colour looks amazing as well. Thanks for the review... will you ever go back on an 80ies bike after this?

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

If this was the green Z900RS Cafe, it would be seriously tempting for me. I still love my classics, though. Cheers!

I have the z900. The looks grow on you. But for the life of me I don’t understand why Kawasaki didn’t use the same tune z900 engine in the z900 RS? They detuned the RS engine and charged several thousand more for the RS. Great bikes.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

I like the tune of the RS since it has more power in the rev range you use on the street. Cheers!

@michaeltrivette1728

15 күн бұрын

z900rs engine is better that z900 engine. EVERY day of the week

@blipco5

15 күн бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 There is a chart somewhere out there that shows the z900 putting out more power than the zx10R up to 8000 RPM. It is very torquey. Kawi gave the RS the dreaded "tuned for torque" which doesn’t show up in any chart.

@FrankBonessa

15 күн бұрын

@@michaeltrivette1728 Not quite. I have both and the Z is smoother and has more grunt everywhere. The Z will take off from a dead stop in 5th, the RS in 4th without grumbling. Both are impressive.

@FrankBonessa

15 күн бұрын

@@blipco5 Very true. The Z900's power and smoothness are uncanny. Had a '19 MT09 and I prefer the Z's engine any day. Gets with the program.

I've seen them at the dealership. They're nice. I wonder what would happen if they built the original Z1 900 again. I bet people would buy it big time. 6/22/24.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

I think you're right, but sadly, I think government regulations would prevent that 😕. Cheers!

I have the 2018 z900rs. Stock they are horrible with twitch throttle. Ive had my ecu reflashed and 16t front sprocket. Its rides somewhat better but still not great.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

A throttle tamer might help. It's just a hand grip with a different cam. Quite effective, though.

Hey Jon, I've been really looking forward to this review. This bike has been on my short list for awhile. My thoughts were leaning more towards an upright sport-tourer to add to my collection, but I know that I would love to see this in my garage as well. I enjoyed the review and video. 👍 Eric in NC

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Thanks, Eric!

Would be great to see how you rank all these bikes to one another.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Which bikes specifically?

If they made them with dual rear shocks, I would have bought one, when first released.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

One ride should convince you otherwise. The monoshock performs so nicely 👌. Cheers!

good job Jon , thx for sharing

@BiGDeE3

17 күн бұрын

does it feel faster than the CRS1k?

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

You're welcome!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

@BiGDeE3 The fueling is more abrupt on the Z900RS, and it feels quite aggressive. It's also a bit quicker 40-80 mph top-gear roll-on. Performance wise, the Z900RS is more equivalent to the Eliminator 900. Cheers!

@BiGDeE3

15 күн бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 👊👊

Sounds like an excellent rendition of the original !

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Right on! Kawasaki did a great job on the Z900RS. Cheers!

Great bike. I don't like chrome handlebars or clocks, that's all for the negative stuff.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Right on!

ECU flash fix the low rpm abruptness -- fix averthing ecu flash hp++ and smooth

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Right on!

8.2 seconds, from 40-80? That bike is "injected" I'm sure, you've riden/tested some of our "OLD" favorites that were quicker that that, weren't they? (i.e. Yamaha XS1100)?

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

The XS1100 and GS1100E I tested recently both ran 7.9 second 40-80 mph top-gear roll-on times on a 70-degree day. The Z900RS was tested on a 90-degree day. I think it would perform better on a cooler day. So, similar midrange performance to some of the quicker classics. No contest with the 6.3 second FJ1200, though. Cheers!

180 what I want for rear, and that bike is fantastic, the problem with old standards is the mushy weak brakes and in this age especially I want serious brakes.

@paulscountry456

16 күн бұрын

Funny but those tiny flyscreens can help out..lol

@paulscountry456

16 күн бұрын

Watch for deer, looking at it I bet you have many there, morning is bad followed by dusk..

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Right on!

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

@@paulscountry456 The deer are thick around here!

@paulscountry456

16 күн бұрын

​@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538And the farmers kid stared in envy as you cruise by mesmerized by the howl...lol.That is light at 472 that is great as I expected more, only a little more than some 600s..

great vids jon and superb bikes you are reviewing, but theer is a "missing link" betwin the original z1 and the z900 rs and this is the ZEPHYR, i'd like to see your opinion about it( wich i own of course) greetings from france

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

3 күн бұрын

@@harryhaller21 Thanks for the feedback, Harry! I would love to ride and review the Zephyr when I get the chance. They are quite rare here. I would love to have one, though. How do you like yours? Cheers!

@harryhaller21

Күн бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 sure i do like my 1100 zephyr , it's a beautiful girl, a sexy bike to my eyes . the ride is smooth and comfy , the handling is not bad even at high speed . dowside i'ts quite heavy and the fuel consumption high . and again very well designed ,she's a beauty !

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

Күн бұрын

@@harryhaller21 Very cool 😎!

It look squeezed together.

Good review. Is the 'abrupt throttle response' @3,200rpm a lean spot due to emissions?

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Maybe? It isn't nearly as bad as on a Yamaha FZ09, but Kawasaki improved the fueling on later models of the Z900RS. Cheers!

A Power Boost will fix that problem.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

10 күн бұрын

Is the Power Boost similar to a Power Commander?

to turn off KTC you will need to come to a complete stop.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

Interesting. I switched from 2 to 1 on the fly. Maybe they want you to be REAL sure before turning it off. Cheers!

@gtrs4ever

16 күн бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 with it off just like the old days, no traction control😁

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

@@gtrs4ever Right on! I would never feel the need to turn it off on the street. Cheers!

Iuuuhhhh it’s actually 109HP.

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

4 күн бұрын

@eyemallears2647 May I ask the source you're quoting, and is that rear wheel hp or crank hp? Depending on the source, the dyno, and the day the bikes get tested, there can be variations on hp numbers. Cheers!

@eyemallears2647

4 күн бұрын

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 all I know is that the official spec for the stock bike is 109HP (111PS)

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

4 күн бұрын

@@eyemallears2647 That is probably a crankshaft hp number. Mechanical losses result in a lower hp rating at the rear wheel. Cheers!

Sorry Jon, but for me the radiator kills it . I remember Zephyrs coming out in the 90's .....thought back then "why ride retro when you can ride the real thing" .....same feelings now. It's probably a great bike , but to me it's just a pale imitation . There was only one Munroe ....copying icons is kinda naff and shows how lazy bike marketing has become . Looks better than Suzuki's 2019 "Katana" tribute nonsense , about best I can say .

@SlabCityNews

17 күн бұрын

You weren't riding the real thing if you were riding a zephyr. The real bike is the KZ1000

@guyk2260

17 күн бұрын

@@SlabCityNews Exactly - thought Zephyrs were fake too when they came out .

@SlabCityNews

17 күн бұрын

@guyk2260 yes sir. I have a 1981 KZ1000 LTD that I'm restoring

@gtemnykh

17 күн бұрын

A lot of guys would consider your mk II ‘81 not a “real” KZ either. See how that works?

@jacobvanhalteren7452

17 күн бұрын

they are making retro style bikes because I'm assuming there is a large group of people who don't like the alien looking weirdness like ktm and the z1000 are

Mono shock rear end, inverted front forks ain’t very retro 😅

@liberals_destroy_everythin2497

17 күн бұрын

And thank gawd for that. It doesn't wear archaic Dunlop K87s either. 😀

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

16 күн бұрын

One ride back-to-back with a CB1100 will tell you which is the right choice 😉. Cheers!