Back to the 70’s With the New Kawasaki Z900RS

Back to the 70's with the new Kawasaki Z900RS 1

A modern classic bike for Kawasaki’s line-up

After teasing us with a video a few months ago, Kawasaki brought back the legendary Z900 for the 2018 line-up. The bike was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show today, and the Japanese manufacturer claims that it shares the true spirit of the famous Z1. It's a retro roadster based on the Z900 with a bit more attitude and a generous spec sheet.

The teardrop gas tank is the central piece and gives the bike the 1970’s look. Kawasaki carefully placed it to add up to the bike’s authenticity. The rear cowl is also in the same tone with the old Z1. The headlight keeps the round shape, but now comes fitted with a LED headlamp. The clocks are almost identical to the ones on the Z1. Two analog style clocks and a multifunctional LCD screen blend together. The bike even has an eco riding marker that lights up when the fuel consumption is favorable.

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The engine is a 945cc in-line four borrowed from the Z900 that was a bit tamed to deliver more low-range power. Unlike the standard Z900, the RS also gets a traction control system (KTRC) to contribute to the riders reassurance. The KTRC has two modes, and it can be switched off. Kawasaki also fitted the Z900RS with assisted slippery clutch for smoother downshifting.

The frame is a lightweight steel trellis unit that was tuned to deliver a natural handling. To offer a higher level of sporty riding potential the classic twin shocks of the Z1 were swapped with a horizontal back-link rear suspension. The braking system features 300mm brake discs, radial calipers, and a radial master cylinder. The mandatory ABS system is also present.

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The guys at Kawasaki did a great job, and we tend to think the Z900RS will become a favorite in the retro modern class. There’s no clue about the price, but we intend to think it will be a bit more expensive than the Z900. You can check our Z900 review in the window below or directly on our 

“>YouTube channel.

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