Kawasaki Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe

Late arrivals to retro game make up for lost time

Perhaps having realised the name of their zingy inline four naked sounds a bit like a model from their history, Kawasaki have done a retro job on the Z900. Styled ‘in homage’ to the Z1 of 1972, the new Z900RS retains much of the contemporary model but with changes that’ll revise the way it feels, as well as looks. The 948cc motor is retuned from a claimed 123 to 111bhp, and has slightly lower first and sixth gear ratios. And the polished stainless steel exhaust is the first that Kawasaki have ever made where they’ve put research into getting a just-so sound. The chassis has a less attacking stance, with slightly more relaxed geometry and upright riding position. Modernity sits alongside tradition, with an LCD screen next to analogue dials. There’s traction control, ABS, and an upside-down fork and radial brakes are alongside new cast wheels designed to look like spokes (surely it would have been easier to just to fit spoke wheels...). Tank and seat unit are inspired by the Z1, and there’s Z1-style two-tone paint as well, but to us it looks a bit... well, a bit too much like a 750 Zephyr. We prefer the classy black and gold shown here. There’s also a Lawson-tastic Cafe version, carrying a headlight fairing and using a slightly dropped handlebar and different seat. Only available in Vintage Lime Green with white stripe. Obviously.