The Z900 is an excellent all round naked bike made for the roads in the real world. I can’t think of any bike that I would rather have - at least not without spending a ton of extra money. I even tried the new MT-09 before buying the Z. Maybe I’m just old school, but I care more about how the bike rides and handles than I do about electronics. And the Z900 just felt sharper and more planted. Even took mine touring in Germany for a week. When you spend that much time in the saddle you really appreciate the smooth inline 4 engine, you know “characterless” and all.

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more! I've now ridden loads of other bikes and wouldn't swap any of them for my Z900.

@Steve-motorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

I have both the new MT09SP and a Z900. Both great bikes but the MT09 is a tad quicker and sharper handling. Maybe the extra weight of the Z900 and the longer wheel base does make it feel slightly more planted. Can’t say which is outright better but I normally choose the MT09 for a spirited ride.

@MachoMadness69420

2 жыл бұрын

@@Steve-motorcycles Fair enough. I have to admit that I did suspect that the dealer had forgotten to check the tyre pressure, because it felt like it had too little air in the front - like when you go around a slow corner and the bike is kind of reluctant to straighten out again.

@MachoMadness69420

2 жыл бұрын

Well, I’ve just bought a new MT-09. Funny how our perceptions change as we gain experience.

Got this bike a month ago and hopefully get my drivers lincens in a few days. This channel have been fantastic for me, thank you for that. Also you have a great down to earth way talking about all this stuff. Thanks and hope to see alot more from you.

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comments, I really appreciate it. Hope you are enjoying the bike.

@lovelessissimo

Жыл бұрын

This is your first bike?

Great review. Loved the vid! Almost made me want to get a naked sports bike.

Great review, thanks.

What an honest, down to earth review. I ride the same one, not as nearly many miles as you did, but I agree with everything you said. Awesome bike, and would buy it again for sure. I did install a larger visor from Kawasaki and it helps considerably. A lot of power when you want it, you can do touring, commuting around town, looks a beast, all in one. I never had any problems, runs like a clock. During a winter time, it sat for 4-5 months, first click, turned on no problems. Just an amazing machine.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. I love the bike and it's always good to hear what mods people do to their Z900.

Hi mate, just stumbled across your video. I have this bike. I found some SHAD soft luggage frames that bolt between the tail tidy and the bike. It's approximately £90 and means you can how soft luggage on it. I've also added the slightly bigger kawasaki screen... its a little better but not night and day different.

great review! I am tempted actually by RS version.

Pertaining to accessing the ECU, there's a good number of places in the States that do this regularly, and that includes the Z900. Woolich Racing has software for tuning.

@evans4you

Жыл бұрын

How much more power can you get out of it

@exothermal.sprocket

Жыл бұрын

@@evans4you On average (depends on a hundred factors of course) you can restore about 10 hp and about 5 ft-lb. The engine is already capable of that power but the secondary butterflies are programmed to close down at low and high rpm, restricting airflow. It's noise and emissions purposes.

Nice real work review. I test rode one and found the gear box needed a lot of kick to change gear. Missed twpo up shifts. how has it been for you?

of all the kwackers this is the one i like the best..I do miss four cylinders but to be honest I went with a lightweight twin, duke 890r and it's by miles the best road bike I've ever owned..absolutely nuts

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Never heard a bad thing about those Dukes! I really need to try one but I sat on an 890 and it didn't feel like my old bones were going to like it so I never bothered. Regretting it now.

Bought a '22 Z900 black with blue trim last February. Loved it so much, I just bought a '22 Z900RS. Both are a blast. Don't know which one I prefer. At least my brother can ride with me now. RS is more comfy, but I do like the Z's aggressive looks. Even with the radial front brakes , I can't tell any braking difference. Every test says how the RS pulls harder at lower rpm, but again the Z pulls just as strong. I love smooth 4 bangers. Had an MT09 and don't miss it. The stainless on the exhaust is typical. My '19 DL1000 got pretty ugly in 10k miles.Can't see myself selling these great bikes. Thanks for the video.

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, great comments. I'm going to try and get a ride on a Z900 RS very soon, I'm just hoping I don't regret my choice of the Z900. Z9 or RS? I suspect it comes down to which one you like the look of!

@TrustyZ900

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz Thanks for the reply Mark. You'll love the sound of The RS.I got hit by a woman last September and broke my elbow and dislocated my left shoulder. That's why the RS bar position is much more comfy. I'm still wired up. But the regular Z seems like a turbine powered little rocket. I know it's not the fastest on the road, but how much do you need? I remember way back when, riding my CBX and thought it was the ultimate. The Z would blow it away. If It wasn't 105 degrees fahrenheit, All my gear would have been on. Live and learn.

@TrustyZ900

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz P.S. If you're going to keep the Z for the foreseeable future, check out the Hepco and Becker Sportrack. So important for longer jaunts. Replaces the pillion with a turn of a key. Looks cool and so useful.Return to the puny pillion in seconds.German quality.

Really enjoyed your review and the ride through the village. Nice work!

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

I like both 4 cylinders and v-twins

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I generally agree with that, but with v-twins I reckon it depends on the bike, some I like and some not so much.

btw what tyres are you using ? I changed the original Dunlops for Bridgestone 016 pro's which apparently people don't rate at all but I have had no probs

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

I've got Metzler Roadtec 01. They seem to be a very well rated tyre but at a decent cost. So far, so good.

Man I've been cross-shopping this and the Street Triple, have a hard time making my mind up haha!

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Tough one! I think the Z is smoother, more comfortable, easier to ride and better looking. The Triple is more nimble, feels alot lighter and comes with more gadgets. Good luck with your decision.

Mark have you tried the 2022 xsr900 yet? I was just curious what your opinion of the XSR900.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Sadly not, but it's on the list. I really need to start trying out some more bikes!

My dad racked up over 100K miles on the first-gen model KZ1000. His bike lasted longer than his marriage--they divorced shortly after he bought the KZ. heh

And I thought I was picky😂 I’m going to see about buying one of these today

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Ha Ha, I try to be objective! So did you get one?

Gr8 vid, mark. I have not yet 2 experience your string of repairs, but keeping them in my mind, thanks. You might want 2 try the integrated lights with your tail tidy, that should allow u to add side luggage. As good as my z900 is, I would never rid my chicken strips on public roads. And of all engine configurations, I still believe the in-line 4 is still the smoothest and vibration free for big bikes. I am already looking 4ward 2 your next 10k review. Ride safe, god bless u.

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Zedi Master. I've been looking at the integrated lights but they aren't legal in the UK (indicators have to be a certain distance apart). OK, so no cop is going to pull you for them but the MOT annual test might be a challenge and if there's an accident the insurance company will use it as an excuse not to pay out. I do like the look of them even so.

@ZediMaster

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz U r right, if they are not legal, I do not recommend the mod. I didn't know they are illegal in UK, my bad.

I have a 2022 model and trust me , even with the stock tail , I had mud hit the back of my helmet. Looking for some options but cant find any that would work without spoiling the look.

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

That's good to know it's not just me. I had considered putting the tail back on but maybe not after reading this - thanks.

are handlebar vibrations a thing with this bike? i'm looking at this to replace my street triple which gives me numb hands after long rides

@bikerevz

10 ай бұрын

That's my point really, I don't experience any vibrations in the bars or anywhere else, so I've kinda fixed a problem i didn't have!

Hi mate any problems with the gear box I hear some people have issues

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

I can't say that I've noticed anything bad. A few people have commented on the fact that it feels a bit soft which can lead to false neutrals, as opposed to the usual sport bike with a shorter and more defined movement.

Is it possible to achieve 65uk mpg at 45mph in 6 gear easy relax constant trottle on the open flat nice asphalt road??

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

That's something I will need to try! Currently averaging 53 MPG but I'm sure I could do better if I rode like an angel 😉

Im going to meet with a guy that js selling a 2022 50th anniversary used one Wednesday. Anything i should look for? Has 4k miles

@bikerevz

7 ай бұрын

Nothing really out of the ordinary. I always watch for unusual Mods like LED strips or straight through exhausts and power commanders that might suggest it had been ragged about! Also 2 X keys, service history, V5 and do a vehicle check for finance and insurance.

@HauntedTapes

7 ай бұрын

@@bikerevz alright thanks a lot

I haven't had any of the issues with my z900 that you've had, I'm wondering if it's a UK problem? As dumb as that sounds, because my bike has been unutterbally reliable the whole time I've had it.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Probably a UK Weather problem! The bike has been faultless for the past 18 months+ so I shouldn't really complain.

I just finished a 3000 mile trip through all the western United States on my z900. The Shad 3P hard panniers were great and held all the stuff I needed, including camping gear. The panniers fit even with my tail tidy (just barely). CRG Arrow mirrors will solve your elbow-view problem while also looking even more Sugomi. The Akra headers are worth the purchase as they both look fantastic and also make the bike sound like a zx10r. The fuelling is even set up so you can insta headers without a flash or a power commander.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you've done everything that I want to! Got any pics of your bike? Some great tips, thank you so much for sharing.

@lovelessissimo

Жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz I do have pics, but I am not sure how to share pics on YT.

I have been riding around on 2019 z900 in the UK for the past 3 years one of the best bikes I have owned no problems at all the only thing was my hands getting frickin cold in winter on my commute sorted with a set of hand guards from Powerbronze I traded it in today for a 50th Anniversary model picking it up in the next couple of weeks

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

I love the colours on those 50th Anniversary models. I know what you mean about cold hands, I solved it with heated gloves.

@yellowseven48

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz lol I seem to have bought a rare motorcycle without realising It there are only 50 z900 anniversary models in the UK turns out the one I bought is a performance model It hadn't had the parts put on it yet even the salesman didn't realise until he asked the workshop ! . Just hope that doesn't affect the insurance too much !!

Heya Mark iv been watching your videos for a while now while I'm waiting for my licence to be processed. There's a backlog here in Ireland since covid which has given me some time to look for a bike. There's a z900 for sale , its 2018 has just over 4000 km and he wants 7,800 on. There's only a couple for sale and that's by far the cheapest. I would jump on it at that price but the fact it hasn't sold in over 2 months makes me think there's something up with it. He has a quick shifter on it, it's been remapped, billet levels, abs, and full system decated, he says the bike is like new. I don't know anything technical about bike's but the fact its not selling tells me theres something not right with it, any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comments. I would say to be very careful of this bike. It might be that he loved it and just wanted to do lots of customising but if that was the case then the price would be high. Much more likely that it has been raced or thrashed which makes it a gamble. OK, so it looks like new on the outside but what about on the inside. Time to ask lots of questions and hope you get an honest answer.

@uuutwohere

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz Tx for the reply Mark, I think I'll stir clear for now. Stay safe and keep making your videos, very enjoyable.

@uuutwohere

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz Tx for the reply Mark, I think I'll stir clear for now. Stay safe and keep making your videos, very enjoyable.

Great video ! .. I got around 27500 miles on my Z900 2018 :D still runs great ! Seems like there are quite many that have all sorts of "electric" problems with the "newer" models .. I never had any problems with my 2018 but I see lots having problems with traction controle and wierd engine lights on the newer models

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know you've done so many trouble-free miles. Hopefully I'm going to get that many without any further problems. Main thing is the engine and gearbox are bullet-proof on these.

nice video mark! You got some really good points both in likes and dislikes! I recently bought one, and I just made the 1000th km so I'm taking it to Kawasaki to do the first service :D I can't wait to hear how it roars over 6000 rpms xD I have the 70kw version downgraded at 35 kw because of A2 (I have yet to be 24 dammit) and it still feels great See you in the next video Mark!

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

I occasionally ride mine in rain mode, which I think is 55% power and it's not that noticeable until you get right up the revs and it kind of goes a bit flat. 70KW is more than enough to enjoy yourself, take care and have fun.

Honest review Mark good to listen to your honesty. Could you tell me what phone mount you have. Thanks Martin

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Hi and thank you for the comments. The phone mount is a very cheap Grefay, which is less than £20 on Amazon. It has never let me down but I'd be nervous to recommend it and I only use it with an old phone.

@martinpower3290

2 жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz Thanks for your reply that's what I bought just struggling to find the right space for it.

Too short of the gearing have to rev up to get any kind of power. Welcome 4 cylinders 1980 style gonna keep mine though. Put too much work in to it. England's tiny roads like isle of the man racing the speed feels like warp speed. Here in Colorado it feels like waking 80mph open spaces around Denver

@bikerevz

2 жыл бұрын

Ha ha, yes at this time of year we get real close to the hedges and it feels alot faster. Hadn't really thought about that before you mentioned it!

Never heard them called front pipes lol Downpipes

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

🤣 Oh well, at least you knew what I was talking about!

You have to buy a special harness for our bikes. Woolich racing is the best.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

great vid mark! i joined the Z club too! the pipe is a beast, nearly 50lbs luckily theres a home grown solution for you! black widow makes a full system for less than 450, probably even less for you since u dont have to mail it to virginia! check my channel for the look and sound of it (i will definitely chase down my oil sensor and grease the piss out of it to avoid that issue!)

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, I'm going to have a look at that black widow, I've always liked those pipes and the colours go well with my bike!

@jean-pierrefernandez2460

Жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz it's been several weeks since i wrote this, the bw pipe works and I saved a lot of weight (50 lbs breadbox) but three quarters of the power you get is always going to be from The flash, so the pipe is basically you get where you pay for, those really expensive ones do add more power, also check out "KB" channel and his hindle exhaust, wow!

A Kawasaki Vulcan s A 2015 With 10000 miles And I've had no problems

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear, I'd love to have a go on a Vulcan.

The headers really are terrible quality! Ask me how I know haha. Also have to love the lazy way they tried to cover the breadbox with those two chintzy little plastic trim pieces! 😉

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Yep, can't argue with any of that. A nice new set of headers would be a great Christmas present.

Great Z900 review! I am thinking about the front tyre at the end of the video clip. I am not a tyre expert and not sure what brand you have, but the tyre rotation may not be correct.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comments. The front rotation is correct and the new tyres are now on and look similar. It's because the rear wheel needs grip to accelerate and the front needs grip to brake so they kind of work in opposite ways. Loads of stuff on Internet about it but check out the RevZilla explanation here - kzread.info/dash/bejne/aYqNsbd_c67KndY.html

@mireknemet3313

Жыл бұрын

@@bikerevz As I said I am not tyre expert. I love my Z 900 so fair. What I don't like is a seat or saddle, too hard for me and I have to do something about the during a winter.

I love my z 900 and did a test on the super duke r 1290 evo and I have to say waw that is te next best thing it’s the z on steroids with better electrics on everything… maybe you’re next to what’s out … k know I do

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that Duke R 1290 evo looks like a beast. Maybe one of those next :-)

@lovelessissimo

Жыл бұрын

If the Super Duke was japanese, I would be all over it.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

@@lovelessissimo Ha Ha, I know exactly what you mean!

cat is nowhere near the bread box.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Yep, thanks, I know it's in the pipe further along. It just came out like that when I started talking!!

It's a machine made for twisties.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Ha ha, definitely is!

My z has more power than I'll ever be able to use, putting around with an extra 80+ hp like these hyper nakeds using MAYBE 20% of the power would seriously annoy the crap out of me.

@bikerevz

Жыл бұрын

Can't argue with that, there's certainly plenty of power.