06-14-2019, 09:10 AM
So, my 2017 CB1100 EX has a new garage mate. I just traded in my 2016 Yamaha XSR900 for this thing...
![[Image: cee3a2b324b16c4b34867907fc7ba511.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201906/cee3a2b324b16c4b34867907fc7ba511.jpg)
![[Image: aefb157a205dfa33ec72ea4fc43b0e61.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201906/aefb157a205dfa33ec72ea4fc43b0e61.jpg)
![[Image: 46fef62f4abb75b886cbf1db50ad4459.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201906/46fef62f4abb75b886cbf1db50ad4459.jpg)
![[Image: dd42dd614ee135ad1e782e6f9171bff7.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201906/dd42dd614ee135ad1e782e6f9171bff7.jpg)
![[Image: 799721ec633c1c9b1c3fab83731701a7.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201906/799721ec633c1c9b1c3fab83731701a7.jpg)
(That last picture is just a generic shot of the 'Z'-shaped tail light. I don't have a fender eliminator kit on mine.)
Very Jekyll and Hyde bike, this Z900 ABS. Puttering around town, keeping it below 5K RPM, she's not only smoother than the XSR, she's smoother than the CB1100. Similar to the CB, however, albeit at a higher RPM, the Z then becomes a bit buzzy in her upper midrange. In fact, she becomes buzzier than either the CB or the Yamaha once she's in the 5,500-8K RPM range. Again similar to the CB, once she clears her buzzy patch in the midrange, she smooths right out again.
I've only managed an initial two hundred and fifty miles on her so far, with one Mosquito Ridge rip, but I haven't redlined her yet. I've zipped her up to about 9K, very briefly. I'm trying to do a decent break-in procedure, mainly avoiding freeway droning.
The overriding impression so far is one of polished refinement. Surprisingly so, really, as Kawi was never known for Honda-like attention to detail, but everything I'd read about this bike mentioned how smooth and refined it is, and those people were correct. All its systems are very Honda-like in their operation; much more so than the rawer Yamaha.
I prefer that type of refinement. I like for the clutch engagement, fuel delivery, and throttle response to be basically invisible, as they are on the big CB1100, and this little Kawi manages it quite convincingly.
Another similarity between the Z900 and most Hondas I've owned and ridden is that this Kawi hides its weight very well. Although it's a good forty pounds heavier than the Yamaha, one would never know it from the saddle. It turns more quickly and easily, and the handling is lighter everywhere. Part of this is due to the much lower seat height and sportier bars. The handling is significantly sportier, yet also much more user-friendly at parking-lot speeds. That's one area where the Z really outshines the Yamaha, along with its plusher suspension. The Kawi is much more confidence-inspiring, and much happier simply putzing around at city speeds. She doesn't seem angry and impatient when forced to go stoplight to stoplight at slow speeds. She seems perfectly content to be used as a city commuter.
Very CB-like, that.
She's just a bit different from the CB, however, once you grab some throttle...or stick her in front of a mirror.
(That last picture is just a generic shot of the 'Z'-shaped tail light. I don't have a fender eliminator kit on mine.)
Very Jekyll and Hyde bike, this Z900 ABS. Puttering around town, keeping it below 5K RPM, she's not only smoother than the XSR, she's smoother than the CB1100. Similar to the CB, however, albeit at a higher RPM, the Z then becomes a bit buzzy in her upper midrange. In fact, she becomes buzzier than either the CB or the Yamaha once she's in the 5,500-8K RPM range. Again similar to the CB, once she clears her buzzy patch in the midrange, she smooths right out again.
I've only managed an initial two hundred and fifty miles on her so far, with one Mosquito Ridge rip, but I haven't redlined her yet. I've zipped her up to about 9K, very briefly. I'm trying to do a decent break-in procedure, mainly avoiding freeway droning.
The overriding impression so far is one of polished refinement. Surprisingly so, really, as Kawi was never known for Honda-like attention to detail, but everything I'd read about this bike mentioned how smooth and refined it is, and those people were correct. All its systems are very Honda-like in their operation; much more so than the rawer Yamaha.
I prefer that type of refinement. I like for the clutch engagement, fuel delivery, and throttle response to be basically invisible, as they are on the big CB1100, and this little Kawi manages it quite convincingly.
Another similarity between the Z900 and most Hondas I've owned and ridden is that this Kawi hides its weight very well. Although it's a good forty pounds heavier than the Yamaha, one would never know it from the saddle. It turns more quickly and easily, and the handling is lighter everywhere. Part of this is due to the much lower seat height and sportier bars. The handling is significantly sportier, yet also much more user-friendly at parking-lot speeds. That's one area where the Z really outshines the Yamaha, along with its plusher suspension. The Kawi is much more confidence-inspiring, and much happier simply putzing around at city speeds. She doesn't seem angry and impatient when forced to go stoplight to stoplight at slow speeds. She seems perfectly content to be used as a city commuter.
Very CB-like, that.
She's just a bit different from the CB, however, once you grab some throttle...or stick her in front of a mirror.