Kawasaki Z 900 RS Performance 2018 — Specifications

Does motorcycle revivalism still make sense when adorned with an Akrapovic exhaust and a performance pack? The Kawasaki Z 900 RS Performance poses this question with a certain boldness, dressing its silhouette inspired by the legendary Z1 with parts that appeal more to track riders than vintage purists. Beneath its classic appearance, it hides a modern lion's heart, an inline four-cylinder engine of 948 cc that delivers 111 horsepower at 8500 rpm and a torque of 98 Nm from 6500 rpm. This engine, less brutal than that of the standard Z 900, offers smoothness befitting its touring character, but retains a liveliness that recalls that the mechanics are not a collector's toy.

The Performance pack, indeed, reinforces this point. The titanium Akrapovic is not just for looks, even though its integration is discreet. It releases a more expressive sound, and provides a minimal power gain, about one horsepower, but above all a perceptible weight loss. Kawasaki also adds engine protectors and a tank protector, elements that appeal to those who use the motorcycle, not just those who contemplate it. But this version raises the price to over 13,000 euros, a sum that requires reflection, especially when the RS base already offers a complete package.

On the road, the Z 900 RS Performance stands out for its comfort. The steel frame and suspension, an inverted 41 mm fork and a mono-shock, ensure smooth but precise handling, suitable for long rides or moderate sporty outings. With a 17-liter tank and a wet weight of 215 kg, it is not the lightest, but its ergonomics, with a seat at 835 mm, remain accessible to a wide public. The brakes, two 300 mm front discs with radial calipers, offer braking power that reassures without being excessively aggressive.

Compared to competitors such as the Yamaha XSR900 or the Honda CB1000R, Kawasaki plays its nostalgic card with more stylistic conviction, but it also adds a technical touch here that can seduce lovers of beautiful mechanics. It will not be the beginner's motorcycle, due to its price and power, but it constitutes an ideal choice for the touring rider who wants to combine classic style and modern performance. What are the performances of the Kawasaki Z 900 RS Performance? They are balanced, geared towards daily pleasure rather than extreme limits, and this version with its Akrapovic simply gives a more raspy voice to an already very charismatic machine.