Video, photo gallery, more details: Kawasaki Z900 RS

We’ve already told you the Kawasaki Z900 RS debuted at Tokyo, and shared a few details.

Overall, the Z900 RS seems to be aimed at real-world practicality; it’s flat-out bonkers like the original Z1 900 was when it came to market, but should provide enough performance to keep a modern customer happy, while also offering retro aesthetics.

Here’s a bit more information we’ve gleaned, along with 18 photos of the new motorcycle., and of course the video featured above.

• We’ve seen output rated at 110 hp at 8,500 rpm, down from the Z900’s 123 hp. Supposedly, that’s to give more torque for street riding, with more grunt below the 7,000 RPM mark. Peak torque is 98 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
• One of the traction control modes is basically a rain mode, and the other allows more aggressive riding. Traction control can also be turned off.
• The Z900 RS gets the same 41 mm adjustable (compression and rebound) upside-down forks as the Z900 it was based on. The rear shock is also adjustable for compression and rebound.
• Up front, there are 300 mm dual disc brakes, with ABS.
• Curb weight is 215 kg.
• The bike has 17-inch wheels front and rear, to allow for sporty tire selection.
• The Z900 RS will be available in five colours, supposedly titled Candytone Brown, Candytone Orange, Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Matte Covert Green and Flat Ebony.
• The Z900 RS will come with slip-assist clutch.
• Fuel tank capacity is 17 litres.
• The frame is slightly different from the standard Z900, mostly to accommodate the revised fuel tank and bodywork.
• Seat height is 835 mm, but there’s a lowered seat option that drops another 35 mm.
• The bars are closer to the rider, higher and wider than the Z900, and the footpegs are lower and further forward, meaning the riding stance is more upright and less sporty than the bike it was based on.
• Along with the groovy ’70s-style analogue gauges (tach and speedo), there’s an LCD panel in between the clocks with even more information, such as dual trip meters, odometer, gear indicator, fuel gauge, remaining range, fuel consumption and more. But if you don’t find that information useful, or you just want to remain stuck in the past, you can block off that LCD gauge with an accessory panel.

Like we said earlier, we don’t have a Canadian availability date, or MSRP yet, but we’ll share those when we get them.

GALLERY

Check out all the pics that go with this story!

The Z900 RS has a fairly upright seating position, with the rider canted a bit forward.