There’s no place for fake in the lifestyle you choose. Kawasaki alone has the heritage to deliver yesterday’s values to today’s riders in a truly authentic Modern Classic bike. The visceral spirit of a 1970s legend – Kawasaki’s original king of cool Z1 – finds expression in the Z900RS, to satisfy the very essence of the rider you are now.
In addition to the standard Z900RS, the Z900RS CAFE, a model fit with a number of unique features will also be available, offering riders a second way to enjoy the rich vintage bike life offered by a retro sport model.
Like the Z1, the Z900RS features a 900cc-class In-Line Four – an engine configuration that inherently offers a great balance of power and manageability. Tuning focuses on the low-mid range. Revs build in a measured, but very determined manner, giving the rider a sense of connectedness between the throttle and rear wheel.
Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two functions not available on a standard clutch. When the engine is operating at normal rpm the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull when operating the clutch. When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and help prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding.
Complementing a light overall weight (noticeable as soon as the bike is lifted off its side-stand), frame rigidity and chassis geometry tuning were selected to deliver light, natural handling. Like the engine, the chassis responds to rider input predictably, going where the rider wants it to without resistance. In keeping with its retro sport model character, the Z900RS’ stance is less forward-leaning than the Z900.
Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer dials are complemented by a multifunctional LCD screen, balancing retro-style looks with modern functionality. The LCD has an easy-to-read, negative (white letters on a black background) display.Bullet-shaped dial cases are a fitting touch for a retro sport model, while a spindle finish on the dial faces adds to their high-quality design.
When designing the exhaust system over 20 variations were considered before arriving at the final design, one that emphasises the presence of the In-Line Four engine. Double-walled header pipes give the exhaust a more powerful appearance, while making it more difficult for the headers to become discoloured over time. A lack of connector pipes or exhaust devices ensures clean lines. A short megaphone silencer contributes to the Z900RS’ retro sport image. The header pipes, pre-chamber and silencer are all formed from high-quality stainless steel, and are treated to a buff finish.
In addition to the standard Z900RS, the Z900RS CAFE, a model fit with a number of unique features will also be available, offering riders a second way to enjoy the rich vintage bike life offered by a retro sport model.
Like the Z1, the Z900RS features a 900cc-class In-Line Four – an engine configuration that inherently offers a great balance of power and manageability. Tuning focuses on the low-mid range. Revs build in a measured, but very determined manner, giving the rider a sense of connectedness between the throttle and rear wheel.
Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam), offering two functions not available on a standard clutch. When the engine is operating at normal rpm the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever pull when operating the clutch. When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and help prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding.
Complementing a light overall weight (noticeable as soon as the bike is lifted off its side-stand), frame rigidity and chassis geometry tuning were selected to deliver light, natural handling. Like the engine, the chassis responds to rider input predictably, going where the rider wants it to without resistance. In keeping with its retro sport model character, the Z900RS’ stance is less forward-leaning than the Z900.
Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer dials are complemented by a multifunctional LCD screen, balancing retro-style looks with modern functionality. The LCD has an easy-to-read, negative (white letters on a black background) display.Bullet-shaped dial cases are a fitting touch for a retro sport model, while a spindle finish on the dial faces adds to their high-quality design.
When designing the exhaust system over 20 variations were considered before arriving at the final design, one that emphasises the presence of the In-Line Four engine. Double-walled header pipes give the exhaust a more powerful appearance, while making it more difficult for the headers to become discoloured over time. A lack of connector pipes or exhaust devices ensures clean lines. A short megaphone silencer contributes to the Z900RS’ retro sport image. The header pipes, pre-chamber and silencer are all formed from high-quality stainless steel, and are treated to a buff finish.
| DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 2,100 mm |
| Overall width | 845 mm |
| Overall height | 1,190 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,470 mm |
| Road clearance | 130 mm |
| Seat height | 820 mm |
| Curb mass | 216 kg |
| Dry mass | |
| Fuel tank capacity | 17 litres |
| PERFORMANCE | |
|---|---|
| Max. power | |
| Max. Power with Ram Air | |
| Max. torque | |
| ENGINE | |
|---|---|
| Type / Valve system | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder |
| Coolant System | |
| Bore x Stroke | 73.4 x 56 mm |
| Displacement | 948 cc |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel supply | Fuel injection: ø36 mm x 4 with sub-throttles |
| Lubrication system | |
| Starting system | |
| Ignition system | Digital |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
|---|---|
| Driving system | |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Primary reduction ratio | |
| 1st Gear ratios | |
| 2st Gear ratios | |
| 3st Gear ratios | |
| 4st Gear ratios | |
| 5st Gear ratios | |
| 6st Gear ratios | |
| Final reduction ratio | |
| Clutch type (Primary) | |
| FRAME | |
|---|---|
| Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel |
| Front Suspension | ø41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Rear Suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Front Wheel travel | |
| Rear Wheel travel | |
| Caster (Rake angle) | |
| Trail | |
| Steering angle (left/right) | |
| Front Tyre | 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) |
| Front Type Brake | Dual semi-floating ø300 mm discs caliper Dual radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
| Caliper (Front) | |
| Rear Type Brake | Single ø250 mm petal discs caliper Single-piston |
| Caliper (Rear) | |
