KAWASAKI has unveiled its long-awaited entry into the booming retro bike class with this, the Z900RS, inspired by the 1970s Z1 and based on the Z900.
Rather than simply give the Z900 retro styling, Kawasaki has introduced a number of significant changes under the skin, including a retuned engine and redesigned chassis.
The 948cc in-line-four has been retuned for stronger low-to-mid-range torque, Kawasaki says. Peak power is down from 125hp to 111hp while peak torque drops very slighly from 72.7lbft to 72.6lbft, but Kawasaki says the pay-off is stronger torque below 7,000rpm.
First gear is also shorter than the Z900’s to make it more ‘difficult to stall when first starting to move’, while sixth is taller for reduced vibration at speed.
The steel trellis frame has been ‘completely redesigned’ to accommodate the new teardrop-style tank, and also helps deliver a more relaxed, upright riding position than the Z900’s, according to the firm.
Interestingly, the Z900RS also gets a higher-spec front brake and the addition of traction control, in what could be a sign that similar upgrades are on the way for the Z900.
As reported by Visordown earlier this month, the Z900RS has radial-mounted four-piston monobloc front calipers while the Z900 has a conventional twin four-piston set-up.
Like the Z900, the Z900RS has an assist-and-slipper clutch but also benefits from traction control where the 2017 Z900 has none.
The KTRC system offers two riding modes, one for ‘enhanced sport riding performance’ and one for ‘peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence’.
Among the many new traditional styling elements are the Z1-inspired tail cowl and analogue-style speedometer and rev-counter.
The cylinder heads now have fins to mimic air-cooling and the new cast wheels have more spokes.
Kawasaki says the note from the megaphone-style four-into-one exhaust has been specially tuned for a deep rumble at low revs.
Like the Z900, the Z900RS has 41mm inverted forks with compression and rebound damping and spring pre-load adjustability; and a horizontal back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring pre-load adjustability.
It comes in brown and orange, black or matte green paint schemes.
