Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
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Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new ... 900rs-se-/
Kawasaki are gunning for the retro bike top spot after revealing a new Z900RS SE model for 2022 featuring beefier suspension components, uprated brakes and a striking 'Yellow Ball' 70s tribute paint job.
Based on the standard 948cc four-cylinder roadster that’s been with us since 2017, the Euro5-compliant SE is immediately distinguished by its new colours inspired by the 1972 Z1 Super Four model.
This is then finished off with new red RS badging below the rolled seat, golden spoked rims, and a black FI cover, and radiator side covers.
It’s not all about cosmetics though and Kawasaki have gifted the SE an Öhlins S46 rear shock – replacing the preload and rebound-adjustable standard horizontal unit.
Complete with a remote preload adjuster for some added bling-factor, the Swedish component features an aluminium body, with single-tube construction. Separate chambers for oil and gas are also said to provide an improved feeling of grip and handling – with the standard bike previously criticised for feeling floaty when pushed.
Whilst on the topic of suspension, the old school Zed also gets a pair of fully-adjustable golden 41mm upside down forks. Although the same diameter as the USD units on the standard RS, they feature revised settings – said to create a more balanced ride.
Away from the springs, the new bike also gets an improved braking set-up, with new front Brembo discs and calipers. M4.32 radial monoblocs bite onto 300mm rotors and are served by a 1.6mm smaller, 17.5mm Nissin radial master cylinder, plus stainless steel braided lines.
The limited run-machines are set to be priced at £12,499 and are expected to arrive between January and February 2022. Bikes will only be allocated to dealers once a customer has placed a deposit. Keep an eye on MCN for updates and an in-depth review coming soon.
Kawasaki are gunning for the retro bike top spot after revealing a new Z900RS SE model for 2022 featuring beefier suspension components, uprated brakes and a striking 'Yellow Ball' 70s tribute paint job.
Based on the standard 948cc four-cylinder roadster that’s been with us since 2017, the Euro5-compliant SE is immediately distinguished by its new colours inspired by the 1972 Z1 Super Four model.
This is then finished off with new red RS badging below the rolled seat, golden spoked rims, and a black FI cover, and radiator side covers.
It’s not all about cosmetics though and Kawasaki have gifted the SE an Öhlins S46 rear shock – replacing the preload and rebound-adjustable standard horizontal unit.
Complete with a remote preload adjuster for some added bling-factor, the Swedish component features an aluminium body, with single-tube construction. Separate chambers for oil and gas are also said to provide an improved feeling of grip and handling – with the standard bike previously criticised for feeling floaty when pushed.
Whilst on the topic of suspension, the old school Zed also gets a pair of fully-adjustable golden 41mm upside down forks. Although the same diameter as the USD units on the standard RS, they feature revised settings – said to create a more balanced ride.
Away from the springs, the new bike also gets an improved braking set-up, with new front Brembo discs and calipers. M4.32 radial monoblocs bite onto 300mm rotors and are served by a 1.6mm smaller, 17.5mm Nissin radial master cylinder, plus stainless steel braided lines.
The limited run-machines are set to be priced at £12,499 and are expected to arrive between January and February 2022. Bikes will only be allocated to dealers once a customer has placed a deposit. Keep an eye on MCN for updates and an in-depth review coming soon.
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
The Z900RS is a bike I really want to like, but I don't, it just looks a bit wrong, and this one is no better.
I know it's a new bike pretending to be an old bike, but it looks like it, it looks more like a 550 Zephyr than a 1970s Z900
I know it's a new bike pretending to be an old bike, but it looks like it, it looks more like a 550 Zephyr than a 1970s Z900
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
That's nice, the standard one was good if a bit wallowy and weavy but looks like they've cured that
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
It's a firm like from me.
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
I'm from the era of the original Z1 and I owned a Z1A in 1975,so there should be a nostalgia thing going on for me,but there isn't. I quite enjoy looking at them,but I don't want to ride one ever again. When I sold the Z1 and bought a GS1000,it was a better bike in every way,maybe aside from looks.
Anyway,perhaps the RS target market is those who wanted a Z1 back in the day,but for whatever reason didn't get to own one. If you'd ever ridden one in anger it might cure the nostalgia trip.
I don't mind the visuals of the RS,but it doesn't blow me away either.It's nearly right...
When I was looking at new bike last year,I could have bought one,but I much preferred the Z1000R to ride. The RS is very small and it is largely form over function,with a safer nod to the old Z1 in the handling department. I kind of wanted more of a sportsbike with higher bars.
The new shock will help for sure,Kawasaki use some shitty budget stock shocks on a lot of their bikes,which lets the whole package down.
7.5/10 from me.
Anyway,perhaps the RS target market is those who wanted a Z1 back in the day,but for whatever reason didn't get to own one. If you'd ever ridden one in anger it might cure the nostalgia trip.
I don't mind the visuals of the RS,but it doesn't blow me away either.It's nearly right...
When I was looking at new bike last year,I could have bought one,but I much preferred the Z1000R to ride. The RS is very small and it is largely form over function,with a safer nod to the old Z1 in the handling department. I kind of wanted more of a sportsbike with higher bars.
The new shock will help for sure,Kawasaki use some shitty budget stock shocks on a lot of their bikes,which lets the whole package down.
7.5/10 from me.
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- Mr Moofo
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
Is that Zephyr in wolf's clothing?
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
What about one with all the Yoshi bits?
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
It's better, but the frame shape is what reminds me of the 550 Zephyr, it's something I only realised today.
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
Should have been a twin shock really, but I still like it, just less than i could have.
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
I saw one of these in the traffic tonight. Looked very nice indeed!
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
Very nice!
Yoshi kit pays homage to Wes Cooley's 1977 Z1
https://www.rideapart.com/news/538116/y ... cooley-z1/
Yoshi kit pays homage to Wes Cooley's 1977 Z1
https://www.rideapart.com/news/538116/y ... cooley-z1/
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
I think I'm the same as a lot of people, I really want to like it and I do, to a point, but there is something that doesn't quite make me drool over it.
A brief go up and down the road confirmed it, for some reason it's almost there but not quite.
I have no idea what they could do to make it more desirable, perhaps it's just one of those bikes that I think I like but in reality I prefer pictures of them than the real thing.
A brief go up and down the road confirmed it, for some reason it's almost there but not quite.
I have no idea what they could do to make it more desirable, perhaps it's just one of those bikes that I think I like but in reality I prefer pictures of them than the real thing.
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
My brain won't quite accept " Brand new retro"
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Re: Kawasaki reveal Z900RS SE with uprated suspension and 70s tribute paint
I’m in the same place. Lots of retro styled bikes catch my eye and I think ‘hmmm that’s nice’, but I can’t see me taking the plunge with one.