Kawasaki Z900RS

Kawasaki2025

When Kawasaki launched the retro model Z900RS in 2017, there was no doubt that the heritage came from the 900cc Z1 from 1972. The Z1 was originally developed to "park" Honda CB750Four, and others that rose up in the fight for the heavyweight throne. With the Z900RS, the old giant is paid homage, and I've taken a closer look at the retro classic.

Kawasaki's 900cc bikes were the "King of the road" in the 70s.

Photo: Hallgeir Muren/ Kawasaki Motors LTD/Norsk Motor Import AS

And let's be clear, the retro does not disgrace its origins, quite the opposite. The soft, teardrop-shaped lines are as if taken out of the 70s. The same can be said about the instruments, of course round and with chrome rings against an analog background. The headlight with a chrome ring is another and significant detail, which points back in time.

Z900RS and Z900 RS SE

The Retro comes in 2 versions. The base model is the Z900RS. For those who want that little extra, which consists of Brembo front brakes, a rear shock from Øhlins, and the color combination Metallic Flat Spark Black / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, the Z900RS SE is the right model choice.

Z900 instrument from the 70s; analog, simple and informative.

4-1 exhaust system

The Z1 from the 70s had the massive 4-4 exhaust system in chrome, the Z900RS has a 4-1 system. That's "inside", because after all, there were quite a few owners who switched to a 4-1 system on their Z1 to make it a bit sportier. It is also possible to obtain a 4-4 system in chrome from Delkevic for those who want to put more of a 70s touch on their Z900RS.

The Z900 had a 4-4 exhaust system, and Delkevic offers the same type of system for the Z900RS

Classic accessories

Kawasaki offers options, of course, so that customers can add even more nostalgia. The accessory package includes a retro emblem for the fuel tank, a chrome passenger bar, and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. A lower seat, called Ergo-fit, is also available, making the bike more user-friendly for those who need a lower seat height.

The chrome passenger bar that was on the "original" is available as an accessory on the Z900RS.

Several models in the retro segment

I'm guessing that the Z900RS will be in Kawasaki 's sales brochures for years to come, in addition to the other retro models they offer. For those who want more affordable versions in this segment, there are the Z650RS, W800, W230 and Meguro S1. We would love to dream back to the 70s, when Kawasaki ruled the traffic lights under the slogan "Let the good times roll". With the Z900RS, that dream can "almost" become reality.