Kawasaki Z900RS

[VLJ_imp]

To me, nearly every major difference between the Z900 and Z900RS lands in favor of the basic Z900. The only advantages I would give to the RS are its better instruments, far superior passenger accommodations, luggage-mounting points, traction control, more adjustable suspension, and radial-mounted calipers. I suppose its seating position is more comfortable, as well.

Okay, I guess that's a decent number of advantages.

Still, I'd give it to the Z900 on motor, fueling, handling, price (by a huge margin), seat height, and simply by virtue of not pretending to be something it isn't.

I realize that most people feel the RS looks a whole lot better than the Z900, but I'm not a fan of the RS's looks. I don't think the Z900 looks all that great either, particularly that ridiculously high tail section and the giant piece of plastic scaffolding covering up that beautiful green frame, so I view the looks battle as a wash.

Overall, I'm sure I would rather ride the Z900, and I know I'd rather pay only $8700 rather than $11,199, or $11,525 with the lower seat, which I would definitely want.

If my XSR was stolen or totaled or whatever, I'd probably replace it with the Z900. I'd prefer the Ninja 1000, but the price difference and insurance difference are so substantial that I'd probably just opt for the cheaper, smaller, more manageable, much more fun Z900.

The CB1000R would be the other obvious option, but the seating position and huge price tag will likely preclude that one for me.

Yeah, methinks a '17 CB1100EX and Z900 combo sounds just right.