Z900RS Dyno run

[davidsargee_imp]

I got my first look at the new Z900RS today, it certainly looks like a really nice bike, that's for sure. Having owned a Z-1 back in the day, ('74 model), I have been anxious to see this bike in person.

I like the RS, but I was surprised about a couple of things, for one, it seems to be a much smaller bike than the Z-1, yet the seat height is a little bit of a stretch for me. I'm a short guy, but I am almost flat footed on my CB1100, I was on tip toes on the RS, no big deal I guess, just an observation. In my opinion, the RS, while it resembles a Z-1 in some ways, is never going to be mistaken for one.

I like the 4 into 1 exhaust on the RS, but to me, the 4 into 4's on the original Z-1 were the most attractive OEM exhausts ever. I understand why they went with the 4 into 1's, weight savings, etc., sure, but part of me wishes they had recreated the original exhausts.

I am considering a new bike, and have narrowed my search to 3 bikes, the Z900, (not the RS), the Versys 1000 LT, or the new Honda CB1000R. I'm going to wait until the Honda comes out, unless the price information says it's too much. The Versys 1000 is probably my front runner, I like to go on road trips, and the Versys offers a whole lot of touring/sport touring capability for the money. I like the RS, but I also like the Z-900, if the RS wasn't so much more expensive, (there are a few differences, but I don't see $2400 worth of electronics and styling), it would definitely be in the conversation.

I am intrigued by the Z900, it has scored very high in every review I've seen, offers great handling and performance, and seems to fit me like a glove when I sit on one, it has a lot lower seat height than the RS, it's the same engine except for some tuning differences, the fueling is actually smoother than the RS, and it is a much better buy at $8799 for the ABS version. A tank bag, tail bag, and perhaps a Dart screen would make it an acceptable road bike. All of the reviews I've seen compliment the bike for it's comfortable ergonomics. There were a couple of testers that said the foot pegs are a little too high, but I have short legs so it's not a problem.

I think the RS is a really nice bike, it promises to be a good performer, and it's an attractive bike. There will be a lot of happy RS owners with real good reason. For me, it's priced higher than it should be, I would rather spend the money for a Versys 1000, or save money and buy the Z-900.

Of course, there's also the new Honda, if it is reasonably priced, (in the Versys' range), the decision will be much more difficult.

Cheers!

hmmm 101 rwhp. 2 more hp than I figured (I figured 99) and about the same max torque as a CB only at 1500 rpms higher.

Don't beat yourself up too much about that, I doubt anyone will notice, lol!

Besides, you could do a run on another dyno and be right, or the same dyno, different day.

About 100 is real good number.

My buddy owns one (yep, he's an old fart like the rest of us) and says it real lively.

If the Kawi lost that radiator there would be one in my garage. Rootbeer and orange please.

They could but the bike wouldn't run very long.

I bet there is more power locked up in that Euro4 tuning just like Brock said. After riding the 900RS, I can't say I'd be wanting for more. It would absolutely stomp a CB1100 at any RPM. There is certainly more to a motorcycle than a dyno chart, but I am pretty dang hot and bothered by this new Kawi.

True indeed.

This looks like a pretty nice bike. It sounds great, 70 pounds lighter than a CB, about 20% more hp and the same torque. All good.

Technically though, other than a retro paint job, this bike mechanically will compete with the new CB1000R Neo Sport. Wonder how it will stack up against that? Ie if the CB1000R weighs the same, but has 40 more horsepower, has modes, amd costs the same, will people buy it or because of the paint, buy the Kaw?

True indeed.

This looks like a pretty nice bike. It sounds great, 70 pounds lighter than a CB, about 20% more hp and the same torque. All good.

Technically though, other than a retro paint job, this bike mechanically will compete with the new CB1000R Neo Sport. Wonder how it will stack up against that? Ie if the CB1000R weighs the same, but has 40 more horsepower, has modes, amd costs the same, will people buy it or because of the paint, buy the Kaw? I don't think so. The Z900R is the direct competition to the CB1000R, but without the electronic nanny.

I think overall, being a Z900R owner myself, the Honda will be the better overall real-world bike in terms of spec-sheet features (as in commuting, touring, and hard-core sport riding) but it is a LOT more money.

The Z900R is (as we already know) $8799 with ABS (which is excellent, by the way). The CB1000R will probably come in at about $14,000. It's more of a direct competitor with the FZ10.

So in this case Kawasaki has been pretty smart, manufacturing in Thailand, making a killer engine and great handler but keeping costs down.

No doubt the CB1000R is a premium motorcycle in every respect but where the rubber hits the road, it's going to be a tough sell with any cost-conscious buyer.

I'll be the first to take a look, though. I like the bike a lot, based on the numbers and images.

I bet there is more power locked up in that Euro4 tuning just like Brock said. After riding the 900RS, I can't say I'd be wanting for more. It would absolutely stomp a CB1100 at any RPM. There is certainly more to a motorcycle than a dyno chart, but I am pretty dang hot and bothered by this new Kawi.

Yep, but let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

They are two very, very different kinds of motorcycles.

Getting back to whether the CB1100 is or could be a good sport bike, I still say yes and think I demonstrated that once or twice before I sold mine, at least to myself, lol.

The Z900RS is actually a real sportbike with an upright riding position, wrapped up to look mild-mannered. The engine, suspension, brakes, and cornering clearance say "sport bike".

Once more, look at the "superbikes" of the late 1970s and early '80s. There's your DNA for the Z900RS.

Are you referring to the Z900? Or the Z900RS? The Z900 retails for $8799 (ABS), but the Z900RS is $11,199 if you want the "candytone brown/candytone orange" colors.

The extra money is mostly because it's "Made in Japan" instead of Thailand.

I guess I should state that while the Kawasaki website calls the supernaked the Z900, it's actual model name is the Z900R. Not to be confused with the original Z900.

The extra money is mostly because it's "Made in Japan" instead of Thailand.

I guess I should state that while the Kawasaki website calls the supernaked the Z900, it's actual model name is the Z900R. Not to be confused with the original Z900.
I'm considering the Z900, how do you like yours?