Kawasaki’s sporty middleweight naked, the Z900, has a retro-looking sibling called the Z900RS, which takes styling cues from the original Kawasaki Z1 from the ‘70s. While both are based on the same platform, there are numerous differences between the two and here, we’ll break them down. For the purposes of this story, we have referred to specifications for the UK-spec models for both since the current-gen Z900RS is not on sale in India.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Z900RS: design and styling
Z900RS’ design is inspired by the Kawasaki Z1 classic from the ‘70s
Typical of modern-day sporty naked bikes, the Z900 adopts a front-heavy and angular design language which culminates in a sharp tail section. The latest-gen Z900 has a new headlight (this unit is shared with numerous other Kawasaki bikes) and tail light as well as some redesigned body panels with a brushed aluminium finish.
On the other end of the spectrum, the neo-retro Z900RS has a period-correct design with a round headlight, swooping body panels, a flatter seat and the signature duck tail tail lamp. Kawasaki started with the same main frame as the Z900 for the Z900RS but the subframe is flatter to accommodate its stepped single-piece seat. It even has a different exhaust system that the company claims has been tuned for the rider’s aural pleasure. At 216kg, the Z900RS is 3 kilos heavier than its sportier counterpart.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Z900RS: engine and output
Z900RS has lower peak output and taller final drive gearing
Both bikes share the same 948cc, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder engine but this motor is in different states of tune. In the sporty Z900, it is rated for 124hp and 97.4Nm of torque while in the neo-retro Z900RS it makes 116hp and 98Nm of torque. While both have identical internal gear ratios, the Z900RS has a smaller rear sprocket by one tooth, giving it taller final drive gearing.
Since the current generation Z900 siblings use an electronic throttle body, you’ve now got a bidirectional quickshifter as well as cruise control in addition to the existing suite of lean-sensitive rider aids.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Z900RS: features
Both share the suite of rider aids but have different displays
While both bikes share the same suite of rider aids, how you control them is a different affair. The Z900 uses Kawasaki’s latest 5-inch colour TFT display, while the Z900RS uses period-correct analogue dials with a small digital display nestled in between the two.
Since the Z900 has a TFT display, you can also connect your smartphone to the dash via the company’s Rideology app and access call/notification alerts, music playback and the like.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
