Kawasaki Z900RS

[jedd]

I dedicate this clip to all the KAWASAKI Z1 lovers
PS, I ff'd this video to the good parts...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfehPpXR...be&t=8m52s

[The ferret]

Cool vid

[Cormanus]

Haven’t watched it yet, but there’s one on Honda as well, https://youtu.be/hx2HjxT12nk

[the_undecider]

I got to take a Z900RS for a short ride today after a customer who commited to buying the bike backed out. So, I knew that might be my only shot for a while to ride one. We only ordered one of these and we have had a ton of inquiries, so I don't expect it to last long.

When the bike first hit the showroom, I couldn't get over the proportions, especially the tank. It was much wider than I expected, but compromises are to be made when constructing a modern interpretation of a classic. Same goes for the single shock rear end and large gap between the tire and rear fender. It isn't as accurate an interpretation of a 1970s UJM as the CB1100, but it started to grow on me. There are some nice nods to the 1970s, like the gloss black swingarm and frame, cross laced-like cast wheels, and tuck and roll style seat. The bike is thoroughly modern in how it performs, which is really what impressed me most.

It's an upright sporty standard with a lot of sporty. It rides very nice, better than the regular Z900. I would love to fiddle with the suspension settings. It handles light and is well balanced. The engine has way more than enough stomp. It makes a delightful intake howl. The ergos feel great. The only nitpick I have is the tank feels ever so slightfully wide between my legs. I can't find any other faults so far.

I want one, but it comes down to not being ready to spend the money when I have a perfectly good and paid for CB1100.

[The ferret]

Good report un. Do you know why the buyer backed out? Were they getting retail for it?

[the_undecider]

(01-03-2018 07:45 PM)The ferret Wrote:  Good report un. Do you know why the buyer backed out? Were they getting retail for it?

He was trading his nearly new 2017 Triumph Tiger Explorer which would have been an even trade, so we were getting retail for it. He flipped flopped on it twice and ended up saying he didn't think it would work for him as his only bike.

[The ferret]

Older or younger fella? Wondering about the demographics this bike is appealing to.

[the_undecider]

(01-03-2018 07:57 PM)The ferret Wrote:  Older or younger fella? Wondering about the demographics this bike is appealing to.

He was 60ish. Most of the folks who have come by to look are in that general age group. I'm one of the few younger guys who digs it.

[The ferret]

So a lot like the CB 1100. Was wondering if young guys were going to dig it cause it looked old but had modern underpinnings, or if it was just going to be attractive to 45-60 guys that might remember the Z-1 and want to relive that.

[Banned]

(12-31-2017 03:30 PM)Cormanus Wrote:  Haven’t watched it yet, but there’s one on Honda as well, https://youtu.be/hx2HjxT12nk

I've watched both the Honda and Kawasaki videos - both quite good.

Just Suzuki and Yamaha left for the "Big 4".