Z900(RS) RIDES AGAIN
I
t’s official, Kawasaki is going to build a
retro-styled machine to ape its Z900
from the 1970s. Dubbed the Z900RS, the
new/old machine was launched at the
Tokyo Motorcycle Show. We’re not sure
what RS stands for but like to think it’s
something along the lines of Retro Scoot.
Anyway, don’t let the classic styling fool you, the
RS sports modern tech and comes with a slightly
higher spec than the modern Z900 we tested in
the September Vol.1 issue (http://joom.ag/i7CL).
While looking decidedly from the 70s, the RS
features LED lights, sports-rubber-sized wheels,
traction control, radial brake calipers and
master cylinder, and an assist/slipper clutch.
Shunting the RS along is ‘re-tuned’ version
of the motor in the supernaked Z900. To give
a more retro power delivery, the 948cc motor
gets different intake and exhaust cams with less
duration and a lower compression ratio (10.8:1
down from 11:1) to boost low- and mid- range
power. The crankshaft is 12% heavier than that
of the quick-revving Z900, to further accentuate
the retro-type power delivery. Peak power is a
little less (82kW/110hp vs 92kW/123hp) but it’s
developed lower in the revs (8500rpm vs 9500rpm)
and there’s more torque everywhere in the low-
and mid-range, and peak torque is up slightly at
98.5Nm at 6500rpm. This should make the 900RS
a grunty bike around town with an buttery and
progressive power delivery - kinda like the original.
There are no prices as yet but, as it sports a bit
more tech kit than the Z900, expect it to cost
a few shekels more.
Visit our mates at bikexif.com to see
some custom Z900RS specials here:
http://www.bikeexif.com/kawasaki-z900rs-custom-project
KIWI RIDER 13