06-11-2019, 01:41 PM
Back in the day, the Kaw Z1 was a real competitor for the 750 Four. Lets face it, the styling and extra displacement was very appealing back then. My humble opinion however, is that Kawasaki had the chance for a grand slam with the Z900 RS, but ended up with a double. Having just put fork boots on my 2017 EX, I admit that I am biased toward the classic naked bike old school styling. I was at my local Honda dealer to look at the Monkey recently, as in the near future one of those will be keeping the CB in my garage company. That dealer is also the local Kawasaki dealer. When I scanned the sales floor I immediately located the Z900RS.
I went over and sat on it, and noted right away that it sits quite a bit higher than the CB. I suppose that I could get along with a water cooled engine, but like the Ferret, I do not care for the huge space between the rear fender and rear tire at all. That look is sport bike, so I think it is out of place on a retro naked bike. I think Kawasaki blew it by not going with a 4 into 4 exhaust like the Z1, or at the very least a 4 into 2 like my EX. Again, being old school, and although it is not 4 into 4, I prefer the balanced look 4 into 2 exhaust of the Deluxe, EX, and RS. Maybe 4 into 4 will be offered by Honda and Kawasaki from the factory in 2020?
No doubt the Z900RS is probably a great bike, but it is just not my cup of tea in its current configuration. As we all know, the differences in styling, performance, handling, riding position, and on and on, all make each persons motorcycle a very individual thing. The CB1100EX is the one for me unless Honda comes out with a modern version closer to my beloved 1974 CB750 Four. Maybe a factory White House with 4 into 4?
I went over and sat on it, and noted right away that it sits quite a bit higher than the CB. I suppose that I could get along with a water cooled engine, but like the Ferret, I do not care for the huge space between the rear fender and rear tire at all. That look is sport bike, so I think it is out of place on a retro naked bike. I think Kawasaki blew it by not going with a 4 into 4 exhaust like the Z1, or at the very least a 4 into 2 like my EX. Again, being old school, and although it is not 4 into 4, I prefer the balanced look 4 into 2 exhaust of the Deluxe, EX, and RS. Maybe 4 into 4 will be offered by Honda and Kawasaki from the factory in 2020?
No doubt the Z900RS is probably a great bike, but it is just not my cup of tea in its current configuration. As we all know, the differences in styling, performance, handling, riding position, and on and on, all make each persons motorcycle a very individual thing. The CB1100EX is the one for me unless Honda comes out with a modern version closer to my beloved 1974 CB750 Four. Maybe a factory White House with 4 into 4?