Test Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe - retro, but really fun

Test Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe - retro, but really fun

ergonomics

Yes, it is very comfortable to sit in the saddle of the Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe. The classic tubular handlebars are shaped more like the seating position with clip-on handlebars, but are more relaxed. You have the retro bike well under control. The pulpit is beautifully made, the view of the two round instruments is impeccable. The wind protection is right. The round mirrors offer a good view to the rear. For my taste, handlebar end mirrors would have to be installed. The footrest position is pleasant, discreetly sporty, and could even be a little further back. The knee angle is slightly acute but not uncomfortable. I feel very comfortable in the saddle. Ready to drive, with a full tank, the Z 900 RS Cafe weighs 215.6 kilograms. 

Handling

Looks old, but drives – in all respects – like a modern motorcycle. That means: light, neutral, natural. The Kawa poses absolutely no problems for the driver when it comes to handling. They are characterized by neutral steering behavior, tracking and line stability. At some point the footrest drags on the asphalt. Late enough to drive around the corner more quickly. Early enough not to feel the tire's grip limit yet. The step in the saddle to the pillion wedge is well shaped. When loading, you can comfortably support yourself with your butt. The faster you get, the more stable the retro bike becomes. It's wonderfully simple and self-explanatory. I am full of praise. 

Engine/transmission

In a nutshell: cream engine. The 948 cubic four-cylinder engine runs silky smooth, cultivated and spontaneous on the gas. With a lot of torque (maximum 98.5 Nm) in the lower and middle speed ranges, you can cruise wonderfully through the opposite direction without shifting gears. If you turn the tap properly, something else comes out of the top. Even very decent. For me, however, the Z900 RS is not a stoker's bike, but a sporty retro bike with charm. And that's exactly how the engine presents itself: the 111 hp nominal power actually feels subjectively more powerful. That pushes well and full. In every lifetime. The gearbox shifts smoothly and precisely. Somehow I would still have liked an automatic switch. Not because it's missing, but it would have gone well with the silky, spontaneous engine. As a safety feature, Kawasaki has given the retro bike a two-stage traction control (KTRC). But since the engine hangs so cleanly and linearly on the throttle, you won't need traction control. With a little feeling in the popometer and the right wrist, the electronics become completely unnecessary. The loss of power is simply far too predictable for that – in a positive sense. 

Undercarriage

Thankfully, despite the retro look, Kawasaki didn't skimp on the chassis and installed a fully adjustable 41 mm USD fork at the front. And it has a very serious performance. Paired with the slightly sporty seating position, there is a very good feeling for the front wheel. This means you can enter the curve late and on the inside line. A good, consistent vote. The fork is neither too tight nor too soft, but rather forms a very good basic set-up for sporty country road riders. If you brake really hard and always drive very quickly, you could perhaps readjust it a bit towards being tighter. But I already praised the Z900 for its suspension setup and I have to agree with its retro sister. The chassis can do something. Even if the mono shock absorber in the rear is “only” adjustable in rebound and spring preload. In my opinion, the chassis is spot on for 99 percent of Z900 RS riders.

Brakes

Here, too, I would like to congratulate Kawasaki on making the right decision: the 4-piston radial brake calipers at the front, in combination with the radial brake pump and 300 mm double brake discs, result in a sporty brake system combination with a pleasant bite, fine control and serious deceleration. Fortunately, the fork can handle the hard braking maneuvers and the Z900 RS can be anchored precisely. Only the ABS intervenes somewhat noticeably and with medium-long control intervals. Since I mostly drove the Z900 RS with a focus on momentum, this didn't bother me at all during the test period. The rear stopper, which does and can do everything it is supposed to, is also fine. Thanks to the wheelbase of 1,470 millimeters, the retro bike can even be decelerated very violently - when using the front and rear wheel brakes at the same time - without causing any unrest. Fine. 

Noticed 

How many looks it gets – even from non-motorcyclists. How beautiful the finish of the entire motorcycle is: high-quality components, very good workmanship, beautiful, loving details. This is exactly how retro should be. An eye-catcher: one of the most beautiful series exhaust systems of all time and the wonderfully sparkling manifolds – what a feast for the eyes. 

Failed

That's tough for the Kawasaki team now, but: the price. At 15,190 euros, the motorcycle is - in my opinion - simply too expensive in relation to the Z900 (around 10,990 euros). Despite better features and nice details, the price is just a tad too high. The price won't shock hardcore Kawa fans, but above 14,000 euros the group of buyers becomes dramatically thinner. 

Test verdict: Kawasaki Z 900 RS Cafe, by p.bednar

More information about Kawasaki Z900 RS Cafe

With kind support from  TOTAL Austria

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