Turn off the traction
control and the RS is up
for shenanigans
So with reports of the new machine being all-new
and up to the task has tickled our collective fancies
– we’ve been looking forward to testing it out.
We’ll get our hands on the new bikes for a more in
depth review in the next couple of weeks, but for
now this is a seat of the pants assessment of both
bikes after a couple of laps of the Pukekohe track.
Z900RS
I’m going to start with the new 900 machine
because, well, just ‘because’. A quick look at the
power numbers - 82kW, or 110hp, at 8500rpm –
shows it’s not a rev’er, and if it was it’d not be much
of a nod at the original machine. There’s a rather
substantial 98.5Nm of torque at just 6500rpm.
Kawasaki has something of a reputation for solid
and powerful motors, and this is a motor that’s
just going to continue the reputation Kawasaki
has earned. Sure, it’s not a revvy supersport engine
that makes 200hp but has to reach crazy revs to
do it – this thing has got some good ol’ fashioned
wallop, and grunts hard from as low as 2500rpm.
40KIWI RIDER
There’s none of the typical modern rush of revs
building into a power crescendo. Nope, there’s
just a huge amount of shove. The engine just
whooshes you forwards at any revs, pretty much
any gear. Short shift and enjoy the torque Tsunami
pushing you forward. Sure the peak power number