Motorcycle specifications KawasakiZ 900 RS 2026 The prodigal son

"Where have you been?
- Just out for a walk. I squeezed in Euro5+ and did some shopping.
- Cool! Good thing you haven't changed :-)"

That's what you think...! The Z 900 RS may not have moved an inch in terms of design, but it's got a lot of new tricks up its sleeve. Compliance has been accompanied by a higher compression ratio, revised exhaust manifolds and a 5hp gain for the 4-cylinder. The Z1's distant descendant now boasts 116 horsepower. On the other hand, the engine's potency and maximum torque are higher.

And much more electronics to modulate the horses. The addition of ride-by-wire and a central inertial unit has enabled a series of upgrades and functionalities. The Kawasaki Z 900 RS "evo" is fitted as standard with an Up&Down shifter, ABS cornering KCMF and cruise control.
Interaction is further enhanced by Bluetooth smartphone pairing and the Rideology app.

One of the most successful neo-retro models

In the history of Kawasaki, certain models have a reputation that is in no way blunted by time. A decade ago, it was the H2 that the brand put back on the rails of the thrill of power. Now it's the turn of the retro segment to take pride of place, with a key bike of the '70s: the 900 Z1. It was Kawa's riposte to the famous Honda CB 750 Four. As the neo-retro segment is particularly buoyant, the greens launched their strike weapon: the Z 900 RS. And it smells of success.

The look is perfect. From a distance, it's impossible to distinguish the Z 900's manga-like, adrenaline-fuelled base. Up close... neither. Kawa's designers have done a fine job of cosmetics, constantly recalling the illustrious ancestor of the 70s. The Z 900 RS, for Rétro Sport, plunges us instantly into the past. The round headlamp, the old-fashioned meters, the wide, flat fuel tank, the added fins on the cylinder head, the long seat finished off with a full-on retro posterior, a more vintage-style exhaust, and those Z1 replica colors - everything contributes to perfecting the identity of this revival. Unlike Yamaha's XSR, which is hard to tell from the XS of yesteryear, the Kawasaki mimics its venerable inspirer very well. The only thing that seems out of place is the imposing radiator. We won't be getting the spoked wheels, but the design of the wheelset has its own cachet.

The dress will thrill many. Underneath, you'll find all the benefits of the Z 900 streetfighter , and more. The rider will have plenty of fun with a chassis that combines a steel trellis frame, inverted forks, dynamic behavior much improved since the Z 800, and a spirited engine. However, the RS has undergone a few modifications. On the braking front, 4-piston radial calipers are used, rather than the axial ones found on the old Z900 from which it was derived. The 4-cylinder engine produces a few less horsepower than the streetfighter, but enough to provide a nice trunk. Traction control was introduced before the Z 900. Gear ratios have been slightly revised to better match the spirit of the Z 900 RS.

You'll be able to attack at will with the Z 900 RS, but why not wind up old-school with a personality like that? Especially since the riding position is much less incisive than on the standard Z 900. The neo-retro benefits from different handlebars, and the footrests are positioned 20 mm lower and just as far forward. You'll have to accept a few extra kilos and a higher price tag than the original roadster.
The Z 900 RS arrived at just the right time and in just the right way. Modern performance with the look of one of the most famous motorcycles of the 70s, and fashion to match. The machine doesn't even need to show off; the aura of its older sibling is enough to turn heads.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos