Kawasaki Z900RS 2026 — Specifications

"Where were you? – Just went for a ride. I’m Euro5+ compliant and made a few upgrades."

"That’s what you think, buddy...! The Z 900 RS may not have moved an inch in terms of design, but it has quite a few new arguments in the engine. Compliance came with a higher compression ratio, revised exhaust headers, and a 5 hp gain for the 4-cylinder engine. The very distant descendant of the Z1 now has 116 horsepower under the hood. In return, the peak torque and maximum torque are higher up."

"And a much more comprehensive electronics package to modulate the horsepower. The addition of ride-by-wire and an inertial unit allows for a series of evolutions and functionalities. The Kawasaki Z 900 RS "evo" is equipped as standard with an Up&Down shifter, cornering ABS, KCMF, and a cruise control system. Interaction will also be facilitated by smartphone pairing via Bluetooth and the Rideology app. It is also said that it would be nice to introduce its talents to young license holders, and thus will be offered in a 70 kW detuned version for A2."

"In Kawasaki's history, some models have a reputation that is not diminished by time. A decade ago, it was the H2 that the brand put back on the rails of the thrill of power. Now, it's the retro segment's turn to be honored, with a motorcycle key to the 1970s: the 900 Z1. It was Kawa's riposte to the celebrated Honda CB 750 Four. The neo-retro segment being particularly buoyant, the greens are launching their weapon of choice there: the Z 900 RS. And it smells like success."

"The look is perfect. From afar, it’s impossible to distinguish the base of the Z 900, which is very manga and adrenaline-inspired. Up close... not anymore. Kawa’s designers have done a very beautiful cosmetic job, constantly recalling the illustrious ancestor of the 1970s. The Z 900 RS, for Retro Sport, instantly plunges us into the past. The round headlight, the old-fashioned instruments, the wide and flat tank, added fins on the cylinder head, the long seat finished with a retro rear end, an exhaust in a more vintage style, and these replica color schemes of the Z1 – all contribute to perfecting the identity of this revival. Unlike the Yamaha XSR, where it’s hard to see the family link with the XS of yesteryear, the Kawasaki imitates its venerable inspiration very well. Only the imposing radiator seems out of time. We won't have spoked wheels, but the design of the pair of wheels still has cachet."

"The robe will make more than one tremble. Beneath, it’s all the advantages of the Z 900 streetfighter; and even more. The rider will generously be able to have fun with a chassis combining a steel trellis frame, inverted fork, noticeably improved dynamic behavior since the Z 800, and a fiery engine. However, the RS has been given a few modifications. At the braking level, we find radial 4-piston calipers and not axial as on the previous Z 900 from which it is derived. The 4-cylinder engine produces a few horsepower less than the streetfighter but enough to have a nice low-end. In terms of traction, traction control appeared on it before its Z 900 sister. Gear ratios have been slightly revised to better suit the spirit of the Z 900 RS."

"You can attack as much as you want with the Z 900 RS but why not roll old school with a personality like that. Especially since the riding position is much less aggressive than on the standard Z 900. The neo-retro benefits from a different handlebar and the footrests change position, 20 mm lower and as much forward. You will have to accept a few extra kilos and a more expensive price than the original roadster. The Z 900 RS arrived at just the right time and in a very beautiful way. Performances are as modern as can be with the look of one of the most famous motorcycles of the 1970s, and the fashion to wear all that. The machine doesn't even need to show off; the aura of the elder will be enough to turn heads."

M.B - Photos constructeur