Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 900 RS 2018 The prodigal son

In the history of Kawasaki, certain models have a reputation that is in no way blunted by time. Recently, it was the H2 that the brand put back on the rails of the thrill of power. Now it's the turn of the retro segment to take center stage, with a motorcycle from the 70s: the 900 Z1. It was Kawa's riposte to the famous Honda CB 750 Four. As the neo-retro segment is particularly buoyant, the greens launched their strike weapon: the Z 900 RS. And it smells of success.

the look is perfect. From a distance, it's impossible to distinguish the Z 900's manga-like, adrenaline-fuelled base. Up close... neither. Kawa's designers have done a fine job of cosmetics, constantly recalling the illustrious ancestor of the 70s. The Z 900 RS, for Rétro Sport, plunges us instantly into the past. The round headlamp, the old-fashioned meters, the wide, flat fuel tank, the fins added to the cylinder head, the long, slender saddle finished off with a full retro posterior, the exhaustrior, a more vintage-style exhaust system, and the Z1 replica color scheme - all contribute to perfecting the identity of this revival. Unlike Yamaha's XSR, whose kinship with the XS of yesteryear is hard to discern, the Kawasaki mimics its venerable inspirer to perfection. The only thing that seems out of place is the imposing radiator. We won't be getting the spoked wheels, but the design of the wheelset has its own cachet.

the dress will thrill many. Underneath, you'll find all the advantages of the Z 900 streetfighter , and more. The rider will have plenty of fun with a chassis that combines a steel trellis frame, inverted forks, dynamic handling that has been greatly improved since the Z 800, and a spirited engine. However, the RS has undergone a few modifications. On the braking front, 4-piston radial calipers are used instead of the axial ones found on the Z 900. The 4-cylinder engine loses a few horsepower, dropping from 125 to 111. Peak power is reached earlier, however. ABS is still present, and Akashi roadsters get a big kick out of traction control. The Z 650, 900 and 1000 all feature traction control. Gear ratios have been slightly revised to better match the spirit of the Z 900 RS.

the Z 900 RS will let you attack at will, but why not wind up old-school with a personality like that? Especially as the riding position is less incisive than on the standard Z 900. The neo-retro benefits from different handlebars, and the footpegs change position, 20 mm lower and just as far forward. You'll have to accept an extra 5 kilos and a price tag that's certainly higher than that of the original roadster.
Since the discontinuation of the W 800, no motorcycle has defended the bastion of nostalgia at Kawasaki. The Z 900 RS has arrived at just the right time, and in just the right way. Modern performance with the look of one of the most famous motorcycles of the 70s, and fashion to match. The bike doesn't even need to show off; the aura of its older sibling is enough to turn heads.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos