KAWASAKI REVIVES SPIRIT OF ICONIC Z1
Parked up outside my regular morning coffee stop, Kawasaki’s Z900 RS attracted a large amount of interest from passing locals – especially blokes of a certain age. That’s because it draws heavily on the heritage of the Japanese firm’s 1972 Z1 – an iconic and ground-breaking machine.
The Kawasaki Z1 was instrumental in popularising large-capacity, in-line, four-cylinder, four-stroke engines. At 130mph, it was the fastest production bike on the planet at the time and was voted Machine of the Year from 1973 to 1976 by Motorcycle News.
So this Z900 RS has a proud history behind it.
And it certainly looks the part – a beautiful modern take on the old Z1. That includes the flat top-line of the almost horizontal tank, seat and duck-bill rear cowl, the distinctive four-into-one pipes, the twin clocks – now with an LCD screen – the upswept chrome bars and the round mirrors.
The ride position is spacious, comfortable and relaxed. There are no ride modes, although it does have adjustable traction control and ABS.
The engine is the 948cc from the Z900 – slightly less powerful (109bhp), but tweaked to give more low and mid-range torque. The Kawasaki boffins worked hard on the exhaust note and the deep throaty roar is music to the ears.
Riding the RS, my one gripe is that, at low speeds, it tends to be rather snatchy. Open the throttle slightly and it jerks forward, close it and power fades instantly.
Get the speed and revs up, however, and it’s like a different bike – smooth, linear power delivery with plenty of mid-range and more than enough at the top.
Whizzing through the gears is a doddle thanks to the assist and slipper clutch.
Handling is effortlessly silky smooth and reassuring, aided by 41mm fully adjustable USD forks and horizontal back-link rear suspension.
Braking is powerful yet sensitive.
The RS is simple and easy to ride, making it a good choice for new-ish riders, but with enough grunt to keep more experienced riders grinning.
And, of course, it looks fantastic.