2014 CB1100 Standard ride review/XSR900 comparo

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After sitting on a 900RS Sparky was surprised that it was just as tall as her V-strom and after 10 years and two V-stroms, a tall bike is something she wanted to avoid. The Kawasaki does feel light coming off the side stand but they should have altered the suspension to allow a lower seat height. Lack of a center stand was another minus.

Yours Truly Wrote:The U.S.-spec Z900RS comes standard with their much thicker, taller seat. In other markets the Kawi comes standard with the optional shorter seat, and that's the seat Kawi uses to achieve their claimed 31.5" seat height. The U.S. version is nearly 33".
Just order up the shorter seat from the accessories catalog. A center stand is also a factory option for the Z900RS.

Yours Truly Wrote:The U.S.-spec Z900RS comes standard with their much thicker, taller seat. In other markets the Kawi comes standard with the optional shorter seat, and that's the seat Kawi uses to achieve their claimed 31.5" seat height. The U.S. version is nearly 33".
Just order up the shorter seat from the accessories catalog. A center stand is also a factory option for the Z900RS.
Her initial draw to the 900RS was the weight, about the same as her V-strom but after riding the CB on dirt she found the weight of the Honda no problem.

I explained these options to her.
Optional center stand... "Looks like an after thought, poor design and ugly."

Lower seat.... "Not going that route again, expensive and too thin to be comfortable."

Optional rear lowering link...."The Honda needs no modification to make it right and new 2014's selling for $7000 to $8000."

I liked the idea of having the Kaw as well as the CB but her mind is now set on the CB and being together now near 40 years, I know not likely to change.