Kawasaki Z 900 RS: Longing For Back Then

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Oh, those were the days. The VW Beetle was the measure of all things automotive when it came to cars. And the Kawasaki Z 900 is the object of desire among motorcycles.

The seventies were also the time when Japanese motorcycles caused a sensation in this country and BMW increasingly made competition. Those were the times when children and adolescents, still uncontaminated by the computer, looked wide-eyed at the technical marvels that came to us across half the world.

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Today's adults and dignified gray people carry these memories around with them and are now fulfilling their longings from back then. One of the objects of desire at the time was the Kawasaki Z 900, which was a hit at the 1972 IFMA motorcycle fair. 82 hp from four cylinders, over 200 km / h top speed, zero to 100 km / h in 4.2 seconds - you had never seen that before and certainly not driven.

Overloaded chassis

That the chassis was overwhelmed with these forces - a gift. A legend was born, which also made quite a difference with its beautiful, teardrop-shaped tank and a perky tail end. So what could be more obvious than to revive these today, in times of the retro boom?

No sooner said than done: As the Z 900 RS, the classic Kawa is experiencing a second birth this year, and of course a lot of modernity is gathered in it. Not only that the teardrop-shaped and style-defining tank is larger than the original; Below and in front of it there is a lot of modern technology. Like the engine, which still has four cylinders with a few shiny ribs.

But it is no longer cooled by the airstream, but by a fluid circuit, the cooler of which is placed in front of it and is the most obvious distinguishing feature. The second widely visible difference is the four-in-one exhaust system, in keeping with the spirit of the times; In 1092 four exhaust ends peeked out from the rear wheel.

20 HP less power

Back to the engine: Its basis is the current power unit of the Z 900, but it has been adapted for the new task with tamer control times of the camshafts, lower compression, more flywheel and a power reduction of 20 hp. Which of course does not lead to less sovereignty, but to a low-vibration drive that grabs early and can be driven lazily.

Added to this are the precise gears and a smooth clutch, so that you feel comfortable on the classic from the very first minute. Of course, there is no question that the stoppers also meet modern requirements and are equipped with ABS. And the 180 mm sport skins on the aluminum rims at the rear provide much more grip than the narrow tires from back then.

It is also natural that the chassis has been adapted to today's demands. At the front there is a fully adjustable fork that more than meets the requirements and ironing out almost all unevenness, at the rear it is a little tighter, whereby the monoshock strut also does a good job. In this way, the lady, trimmed to old = , can be kept on course at any time, even when things are a little faster around the corner.

Well adjustable traction control

But it doesn't encourage you to do so. Her thing is relaxed gliding in sixth gear, enjoying the wind and reminiscing about times past while looking into the round mirrors or the two round instruments above the high handlebars. The speedometer and rev counter are classically designed, with a display in between for the most important data, which can be called up at the push of a button on the handlebars. The traction control can also be adjusted from there.

The upright sitting posture and the wide and comfortable bench, together with the rear bumper, not only replicate the horizontal design line of the original Z 900, they are also suitable for tours for two. There are two hooks below the seat to secure luggage. Retro and modern meet most clearly in the headlights, which are round and large, but also equipped with modern LED technology. Classic fans will also enjoy the two-tone design of the tank and the rear apron.

Criticism? Is really difficult with the Z 900 RS. Perhaps that no spoked wheels are offered, the idling speed is too high for too long after a cold start, a main stand is missing or the maintenance intervals of 6,000 kilometers are quite tight. Because the consumption is impressive with 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers. The price is quite steep at around 12,000 euros. But you not only get classic beauty, but also modern technology. But in 1972 it was no different. (SP-X)