New Kawasaki 900 Retro

[postoak_imp]

I'm not a purist. As long as the engine has fins, I'm happy. Besides the old bikes weren't just air cooled; they were air/oil cooled. You could look at it this way, the new bikes are air/water cooled (as long as they have the fins).

What I don't understand is why Kawasaki is determined to compete in the retro class when Honda can't sell its one retro in any numbers.

[LongRanger_imp]

I really like the Kaw, if nothing more than for sentimental reasons. Looks like they're using the paint codes from the '73 Z1. Very nice. I like the spokes too, but I am not fond of the black rims and I think aesthetically the seat looks too thin. Is this a new engine?

[alphonsus_imp]

Good points. I suppose the W never had the characteristics to be popular in the US market. While it is certainly a BSA knock-off originally, Kawasaki started making the W series in 1965, so it does have a bit of a history of its own. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_W_series

In Europe (and presumably in Japan?) it does have a cult following, just ask Wisedrum here who has one and loves it. Also a very popular bike platform for café/custom builds. Personally I think that 70hp, and 44lb ft @ 2,500rpm is plenty enough for a retro bike, but I know that many have differing views on that...

[glenridgerich_imp]

That new 900 looks great...I have found in the past that the artist rendering often looks better than the actual finished product, kinda like the Yamaha XSR900 which although a very nice bike it is not as nice as I had hoped. If it does look that good, I might have to seriously consider it. Does anyone know if the bike will be available here in the US and if so, when?

[Capo]

I'm not a purist. As long as the engine has fins, I'm happy. Besides the old bikes weren't just air cooled; they were air/oil cooled. You could look at it this way, the new bikes are air/water cooled (as long as they have the fins).

What I don't understand is why Kawasaki is determined to compete in the retro class when Honda can't sell its one retro in any numbers.

Well, I do hope they market the bike better than Honda, who basically just dumped the CB1100 in dealerships. Lessons learned? And, the retro modern market is hotter than ever, perhaps Kawasaki will catch the wave at the right time, with the right bike, and the right combo of marketing and accessories. Or not, in which case there will be crated Z900's in warehouses for years to come!

[LongRanger_imp]

As cool as this Z900 is, I love the idea of a reintroduced Suzuki GS1000S, in the same white-and-blue livery as before. Wonder if they'll do it?

[physics-teacher_imp]

This bike may look good to some, but to me it misses the retro look. Real retros didn't have paper thin passenger seats that most women over 30 would refuse to ride (not to mention the driver). There needs to be less space between the rear fender and wheel, and definitely no monoshock as this always screws up the passenger accomodations. And forget the Captain Zoom mufflers.......upswept like that means real trouble carrying even soft bags. And definitely no water cooling........everyone and his brother has a water cooled bike these days, Harleys excepted. The bikes of the 70s and 80s had good performance and they were practical. Good seats, water protection, ergo handlebars, and they just plain looked like serious motorcycles, not alien lifeforms. Hey, wait! I've got a bike like that in my garage right now. No, two, counting my 1981 GS650G, which is, as they say, real, not retro.

[kmoney_imp]

Should put the H2 motor in it. Make it a true monster like the old H1.

[aschem_imp]

Not everyone has water cooled....Moto Guzzi

[Offroad]

I only have one question, are the exhaust baffles removable ;-)