06-26-2019, 10:54 PM
06-27-2019, 05:08 AM
You thread title mentions the CB1100 and Kawi Z900. Your link compares the CB1100RS to the Z900RS.
I have the basic 2017 CB1100EX, not the RS, and I just bought a 2019 Z900. While I mainly compare and contrast the Z900 to my modified XSR900, I also make some comparisons between the CB1100 and Z9000...
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=14391
I have the basic 2017 CB1100EX, not the RS, and I just bought a 2019 Z900. While I mainly compare and contrast the Z900 to my modified XSR900, I also make some comparisons between the CB1100 and Z9000...
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=14391
06-27-2019, 04:08 PM
(06-27-2019, 05:08 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote: [ -> ]You thread title mentions the CB1100 and Kawi Z900. Your link compares the CB1100RS to the Z900RS.
I have the basic 2017 CB1100EX, not the RS, and I just bought a 2019 Z900. While I mainly compare and contrast the Z900 to my modified XSR900, I also make some comparisons between the CB1100 and Z9000...
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=14391
fixed.
Regarding the CB, most he comments is about build quality and smoothness, which is a "shared quality" between EX and RS models, I reckon.
06-27-2019, 08:31 PM
the only thing retro about the kawi is the paint scheme and the seat. I would rather have a CB650R. and that's apples to apples.
06-29-2019, 02:09 AM
I owned the RS last year and recently bought an EX so can compare them directly. There's not much in it IMHO. If blindfolded i reckon i could tell them apart, the EX is a touch softer and more neutral steering but its not like chalk and cheese. Its the looks that make the dramatic difference. Choose the one you prefer. The z900 is a nice bike but as others have said already, its not an authentic air/oil cooled bike is it? I do think that the arrival of the new 650 Royal Enfields could spark some interest in our CB's though, its what led me back here to my EX. Its a thing of beauty.
06-29-2019, 08:25 AM
Why did you sell the RS, Jfro?
06-30-2019, 08:57 PM
(06-29-2019, 08:25 AM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Why did you sell the RS, Jfro?
Hi cormanus. I made the sadly all too familiar mistake of thinking it wasn't powerful enough. Thats what everyone who doesnt own a CB says right? Instead of enjoying it for what it excelled at. I got vfr crosstourer. Nice bike and all that but (for me i must stress here incase i offend any vfr owners!) the engine and gearbox just wasn't as sweet and whilst it was ok at lower speeds it didnt feel 'happy' to me much below say 35mph. And its big. So tootling about down narrow country lanes around around here and just going somewhere just to see where it goes became a little frustrating. My mistake TBH because the vfr isnt built for that, its a mile munching machine. After being honest with myself about what i wanted from a bike i realised the CB was likely to be as close as i am gonna get. I have to say i was seriously tempted by the new 650 Royal Enfields but thought i would lose too much trading down so the EX became the obvious solution. Its got all the qualities of the RS but is full retro and so far i am extremely pleased with it.
07-01-2019, 02:31 AM
The Kawa would be a fun ride, but for appearances, just compare the front brake master cylinder reservoir...
07-24-2019, 10:44 PM
I just recently traded my Z900RS for the CB1100 EX.
Let me say that both bikes have their positives and both are worthy of ownership. I put just over 2k on the Z900RS before letting it go. IMHO the 2 bikes are quite different.
First, the bikes character as it relates to how they deliver power are at opposite ends. The Z900RS is "agitated" and ready to go. The RPMs come quicker and get higher as the bike nudges the rider to get to the next gear. That is not to say that gears aren't tall enough - except for 1st gear, I found 3rd-6th very usable and forgiving. The complaint of "snatchy throttle" are valid on the Z as I installed a throttle tamer which helped a bit. To me the bigger issue (or equally challenging) is the engine braking (deceleration). The bike really cut fuel out of the equation when rolling off the throttle sending you a bit forward as the bike front dips. This was the case even in 6th gear cruising at 60mph - remove your throttle hand to adjust the mirror and you were met with a nudge forward.
Secondly, height and weight distribution are pretty different. The Z900RS has a tall seat height. I am just under 5 10 with 32 inseam and opted for the shorter seat as I could really only grab the road with the toes and maybe the front part of the foot. The stock seat is comfortable - the short seat not so much - in fact I found that about after 45-60 minutes I would start cramping and need to stretch. The center of the bike seemed to be up high (just under the seat) think more "V" like. This made leaning a bit different for me as I came from a cruiser.
Lastly, I feel the materials on the Honda CB1100 are more substantial and heavy in build and design. Its not to say the Kawasaki is cheap or inferior in build quality - I just believe they designed for a light weight (470 compared to 560).
I have only had my CB for a few days and have not pushed hard on it, but I already know that the bike's center is lower, the control at lower speeds is better, the bike is heavier, much shorter seat height, there are absolutely no issues with fuel delivery (snatchiness), and I do feel some vibration thru the bars.
The Z900 was light and nimble, it took bumps pretty well with the stock seat, and I really never felt any vibrations in the grips or footpegs.
My final decision to trade was really about the bike geometry - if the z900 was about 1-1.5 inches lower, I would have sent the ECU out for a flashing to help solve engine braking behavior and held on for a bit more
Hopes this helps you
Kurt
Let me say that both bikes have their positives and both are worthy of ownership. I put just over 2k on the Z900RS before letting it go. IMHO the 2 bikes are quite different.
First, the bikes character as it relates to how they deliver power are at opposite ends. The Z900RS is "agitated" and ready to go. The RPMs come quicker and get higher as the bike nudges the rider to get to the next gear. That is not to say that gears aren't tall enough - except for 1st gear, I found 3rd-6th very usable and forgiving. The complaint of "snatchy throttle" are valid on the Z as I installed a throttle tamer which helped a bit. To me the bigger issue (or equally challenging) is the engine braking (deceleration). The bike really cut fuel out of the equation when rolling off the throttle sending you a bit forward as the bike front dips. This was the case even in 6th gear cruising at 60mph - remove your throttle hand to adjust the mirror and you were met with a nudge forward.
Secondly, height and weight distribution are pretty different. The Z900RS has a tall seat height. I am just under 5 10 with 32 inseam and opted for the shorter seat as I could really only grab the road with the toes and maybe the front part of the foot. The stock seat is comfortable - the short seat not so much - in fact I found that about after 45-60 minutes I would start cramping and need to stretch. The center of the bike seemed to be up high (just under the seat) think more "V" like. This made leaning a bit different for me as I came from a cruiser.
Lastly, I feel the materials on the Honda CB1100 are more substantial and heavy in build and design. Its not to say the Kawasaki is cheap or inferior in build quality - I just believe they designed for a light weight (470 compared to 560).
I have only had my CB for a few days and have not pushed hard on it, but I already know that the bike's center is lower, the control at lower speeds is better, the bike is heavier, much shorter seat height, there are absolutely no issues with fuel delivery (snatchiness), and I do feel some vibration thru the bars.
The Z900 was light and nimble, it took bumps pretty well with the stock seat, and I really never felt any vibrations in the grips or footpegs.
My final decision to trade was really about the bike geometry - if the z900 was about 1-1.5 inches lower, I would have sent the ECU out for a flashing to help solve engine braking behavior and held on for a bit more
Hopes this helps you
Kurt