Kawasaki Z900RS

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Ulvetanna, how are you getting along with the Z900's wafer-thin, rock-hard seat? Some people say that while it is firm, it doesn't bother them at all. Others say that the thicker "comfort seat" is a must, while still others hate the "comfort seat" because of the way it forces them into the tank.

Also, there is all sorts of talk on the Z900 forum about the charging system's inability to accept the addition of any heated gear whatsoever, including heated grips. Are you aware of any easy work-around there?

Is the partial-throttle fueling as smooth as most people say? You've owned a CB1100, so you have a solid yardstick there by which to compare the Z's throttle response.

Lastly, how do you get along with the Z's built-to-a-budget suspension? You're pretty picky about suspension, so you'd be the one to ask.

The seat is very acceptable to me, I don't weigh much, maybe 160 lbs with full gear. So it's been good. It's thin compared to some seats, but firm and wide enough to support most derrieres I've done a good number of long days on it, say, six hours in the saddle with a few breaks, without any discomfort.

Ulvetanna, how are you getting along with the Z900's wafer-thin, rock-hard seat? Some people say that while it is firm, it doesn't bother them at all. Others say that the thicker "comfort seat" is a must, while still others hate the "comfort seat" because of the way it forces them into the tank.

Also, there is all sorts of talk on the Z900 forum about the charging system's inability to accept the addition of any heated gear whatsoever, including heated grips. Are you aware of any easy work-around there?

Is the partial-throttle fueling as smooth as most people say? You've owned a CB1100, so you have a solid yardstick there by which to compare the Z's throttle response.

Lastly, how do you get along with the Z's built-to-a-budget suspension? You're pretty picky about suspension, so you'd be the one to ask.

Lol, I have never joined or even visited that forum! But at 336 watts I would think it would be more than ample for heated riding gear. I've used my Widder vest on many different bikes, always worked well. I cannot think that the system wouldn't accommodate a heated vest. But not much more.

Clearly one should be looking at a Ninja 1000 or similar in this type of bike if long rides in great comfort, with all the bells and whistles are a requirement.

Ulvetanna, how are you getting along with the Z900's wafer-thin, rock-hard seat? Some people say that while it is firm, it doesn't bother them at all. Others say that the thicker "comfort seat" is a must, while still others hate the "comfort seat" because of the way it forces them into the tank.

Also, there is all sorts of talk on the Z900 forum about the charging system's inability to accept the addition of any heated gear whatsoever, including heated grips. Are you aware of any easy work-around there?

Is the partial-throttle fueling as smooth as most people say? You've owned a CB1100, so you have a solid yardstick there by which to compare the Z's throttle response.

Lastly, how do you get along with the Z's built-to-a-budget suspension? You're pretty picky about suspension, so you'd be the one to ask.

The fueling is just superb on this bike. It has a secondary set of butterflies controlled by the ECU to smooth things out. Absolutely flawless, with little to no driveline lash, especially for smooth riders.

The CB1100 does not have the secondary set of butterflies so the rider just has to be very smooth on the throttle, especially with the level of torque and much heavier driveline components. That said, I had no issues with my 2013 CB1100 once it broke in, it was just fine. No problems, very fun to ride (especially at high RPM, lol!).

Ulvetanna, how are you getting along with the Z900's wafer-thin, rock-hard seat? Some people say that while it is firm, it doesn't bother them at all. Others say that the thicker "comfort seat" is a must, while still others hate the "comfort seat" because of the way it forces them into the tank.

Also, there is all sorts of talk on the Z900 forum about the charging system's inability to accept the addition of any heated gear whatsoever, including heated grips. Are you aware of any easy work-around there?

Is the partial-throttle fueling as smooth as most people say? You've owned a CB1100, so you have a solid yardstick there by which to compare the Z's throttle response.

Lastly, how do you get along with the Z's built-to-a-budget suspension? You're pretty picky about suspension, so you'd be the one to ask.

It has very good suspension for the price point, good enough for just about any street rider's needs. I did have to increase front spring preload somewhat, and the front fork is at about 9-10 out of (I think) 11 possible damping clicks, so it's near the limit of available damping. The springs are moderately stiff, soft enough to be pretty compliant but with a good hand on the brake, can be set up to not dive or rebound excessively under braking.

The shock is pretty darn good. Just a single stepless adjustment which affects both compression/rebound, but I'm only about 1/3 to 1/2 way into that, so much more damping than I need.

The issue for me is my weight, the spring is set up for a rider of about 180 lbs. So it gets a little harsh. I think for a rider closer to that weight, it would be very good. The problem is it is a linked rear suspension, and my weight does not get the suspension working deeply enough into the linkage/progressive part of the travel.

I'm planning on picking up a Nitron R2 (independent compression/rebound damping, with ride height adjustability) pretty soon which should get it where I want it. They also offer a complete set of internals for the forks but I don't think I need those.

Word has it (Adam Waheed of Rider's Domain) that the suspension on the RS is a little softer than the Z900 which makes sense. He's a pretty aggressive rider and he noticed that. But the Z900RS for the vast majority of riders is going to be great, I think, as far as suspension goes. The Z900 was intended to be edgier and sportier but more bare-bones.

So all in all, for $8799 with ABS, it's the best value in a motorcycle I've bought in decades.