Z 900 RS

The Kawasaki Z 900 RS is the retro naked launched in 2018 on top of the modern Z900 platform. Under the round headlight and teardrop tank sits a liquid-cooled 948 cc inline-four with a reworked tune: more low-end torque (98 Nm at 6,500 rpm) and a 111 hp ceiling, making the RS smoother and more old-school than the sharper Z900. The trellis steel frame, 41 mm USD fork and horizontal rear shock carry over from the Z900, while the handlebar, seat and chrome details quote the 1973 Z1. From 2022 onwards Kawasaki added LED lighting, a refreshed dash and a revised exhaust.

The RS is aimed at riders who would rather cruise than hunt: comfortable upright ergonomics, a low 820 mm seat and an inline-four soundtrack that defines the bike's character. It works for daily commutes and weekend rides, with the broad mid-range torque band pulling cleanly in city traffic. Period rivals are the Yamaha XSR900, Honda CB1000R and Triumph Speed Twin 1200. The Café trim adds clip-ons and a small fairing, the Performance an Akrapovic exhaust. Inspection points are mostly cosmetic: chrome, paintwork and the standard front rim scratch more easily than on the modern Z900.