OpenTube

I finally rode the Z900RS and now I’m not sure what to think!

Mid-life Crisis Motorcyclist

21,270 views

I’ve been holding out for a ride on the Z900RS for a while now, and it’s in fact the first Kawasaki I’ve ever ridden. Feels like a good place to start, and to ask the question how it compares with similar modern-retros I’ve ridden and very much enjoyed. Enough to tempt from a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 or BMW R 12 NineT? Or too expensive compared with the seemingly similar Suzuki GSX-8TT I rode recently? Join me for a ride to try and find out!

Chapters
0:00 – Intro: Z900RS background, rivals and price
2:55 – Onboard: 70s hero reborn?
3:42 – Onboard: engine, power and rival comparisons
7:54 – Onboard: electronics and rider aids
10:20 – Onboard: suspension and brakes
13:05 – Verdict: is this peak modern-retro?

Related videos
BMW R 12 S Review | 70s racer style over s...
Suzuki GSX-8TT Review | Why Suzuki’s 70s r...
Suzuki GSX-8T Review | Like a GSX-8S, just...
2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS Review | F...
BMW R12 NineT Ride Review | Worth the 10-y...
2024 Yamaha XSR900 Review | More fun than ...

Watch ad-free and support the channel over on MeeTV.net/midlife or follow me here on YouTube as you prefer – either way, thanks for watching!

For more great motorbike content don't forget to like, subscribe to @midlifecrisismotorcyclist and hit the bell to be the first to find out when a new vid drops.

Meanwhile, if you want to support me and watch the channel ad free come and join me at https://www.meetv.net/midlife for a free 14-day trial, or sign up using the code MidLife – following the trial period it costs just £4.99/month and you can cancel any time and watch here on YouTube as before but if you stick with it you’ll really be helping the channel and your support would be most welcome!

#Motorcycle #Motorcycling #MotorcycleReview #Motorbike #Motorbikes #MotorbikeReviews #MidLifeCrisis #Kawasaki #Kawasaki Z1 #KawasakiZ900RS

20 Comments

@midlifecrisismotorcyclist Creator 3 weeks ago Pinned

Hi everyone - as a few people have pointed out I seem to have been blinded by the gold anodising and assumed the Ohlins shock added to this SE version of the Z900RS was matched by forks from the same when, in fact, they are 'just' KYBs coloured to match. Honest - and somewhat embarrassing - mistake on my part but I stand by my point the suspension works really nicely on both ends of the bike, even if the front end isn't QUITE as boutique as I'd credited. Adds a little weight to the value for money argument, though.

Anyway, sorry for the mix-up but live and learn. Thanks for watching, and for all the comments.

While I'm here if anyone else is wondering why I was down in the gears and up in the revs ... it just sounds better, especially for vid. Guess I was just enjoying the revs! Thanks!

Dan

@grahamhibbert7052 4 weeks ago

It has to be the most "Handsome" bike on the market currently although beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

@stevereyes 3 weeks ago

As an owner I fully recommend it to anyone considering it - it's so smooth. It's fast if you want it to be but also great at slower speed too. Seat is a bit unconfortable after a few hours but apparently it can break in

@Goodtimesroll72 3 weeks ago

Proudly owner of a Metallic Spark Black MY2018, the first release. This bike is a masterpiece.
Greetings from Italy, really good video!

@Neller39 13 days ago

As an owner of the 1973 Z1 this bike brings back many memories!!

@tobwar7962 3 weeks ago

I bought my -26 Kawasaki Z900 rs se in may this year. And i absolutely love it. Took my motorcycle licens last year. I'm a 46 years old living in sweden.

@PommyBloke 4 weeks ago

Literally put a deposit down on a 2027 rsse this morning, they will be arriving in Australia around mid October. I test rode everything retro over the last 6 months, from all the German, Italian and Japanese options, this one just does it for me.

@ianhalliwell8604 3 weeks ago

A beautiful bike with fabulous build quality and looks to die for, plus twin clocks what's not to like worth every penny.

@halohalomotomoto 4 weeks ago (edited)

This 2026 RS SE model grabbed my attention so much that I bought it without even test riding it. I mean, how bad could it be? It’s my favorite bike so far. This is my first Kawasaki and in-line four experience. I absolutely love this bike. It is a great commuter and companion in the twisties. I’m very happy with it.

@SimonCunday 4 weeks ago

I sold my 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 to buy a new Z900RS Blackball. Absolutely no regrets, the Z900RS is much smoother round town, has a longer range and a much more comfortable seat. Plus the improved electronics package adding cruise control, has shown me this is something I can't do without. No more numb dead fingers.

@TommieTrumper-TFC1200 3 weeks ago

It really depends on what you want, buy what makes you smile every time you look at it and know that it is yours.

@Astartesknowsnofear 4 weeks ago (edited)

Hi, I own a 2022 RS. Regarding any electronics in bikes like these it's important for us to remember they are (RETRO)ACTIVE (MOD)ERN aka RETRO-MOD motorcycles. All too often rider/reviewers repeatedly call them retros, A retro is essentially an exact or near exact copy of a previous model. The Z900RS is not, and the "mod" part is often overlooked in reviews because we get caught up in aesthetics which is more or less the retro part. My 2022 is currently up for sale to be replaced by that beautiful greenish-blue 2027 RS with its new electronics including that addressed "on-off" throttle enigma and other "modern" features. Nice post sir. Take care.😊

@GarrettMaple 4 weeks ago

I’ve always liked these, and with the updated electronics it’s an even better option than it was before. I absolutely love the Kwak IL4 engines too. SO smooth. The 900 often gets overlooked because things like the Hornet are cheaper and more powerful, but IMO the Kawasaki is a premium bike where the new Hondas are more akin to the Chinese stuff.

@JohnMills-j5r 2 weeks ago

Had the original in ‘82 … saw the standard in candy tone red in march ‘26 … and told the salesman “just take my money” :) I might have been tempted by the Honda (never had one) until all the scare stories came out about its oil consumption problems !

@reverendhoover 3 weeks ago

Looks great and sounds spectacular! There's so many good bikes around, it's really difficult to keep what I've got 🙂

@jamesmcguire9155 11 days ago

well done mate - great review of a great motorcycle - the 2026 update clears up the snatchyness and adds cruise - im sold on this bike its a true UJM

@yanickmoore5146 3 weeks ago

Taste are so subjective and sometimes price is not the most important thing. Myself i fell in love with this z900rs se and just went for it (and i removed that ugly usb charger). And i am really really happy with the feeling it gives)