The introduction of the modern retro-styled motorbikes has proven to be a successful venture for local motorcycle companies. Endowed with timeless styling yet equipped with advanced safety features, these retro bikes attract not only those at the prime of their riding years, but even the millennials who were awed by the nostalgic motorcycle tales of their parents.
Back then, the Kawasaki Z1 ruled many motorcycle racing events, earning its place among the iconic Japanese production bikes. And now, almost a year after it launched the W800 retro bike, motorcycle dealer Wheeltek unleashed the Z1's grandson—the Kawasaki Z900RS, a 948cc, four-cylinder, in-line, DOHC-powered street fighter with an awesome throwback design.
This new kid on the block will come face to face with Yamaha’s retro beauty, the XSR900, which shares its engineering platform with the MT-09 and Tracer 900.
Unlike the W800, which is totally bare of electronic rider aids like ABS, the Z900RS has modern touches not only to add more fun to riding but to highlight safety as well. Among them are the assist and slipper clutch, two-level traction control, multi-function LCD screen, and a Nissin ABS system.
The Z900RS boasts of a factory claimed 111hp @ 8,500rpm and 97Nm @ 6,500rpm; abundant enough for the rider to smile from ear to ear when squeezing the throttle. The liquid-cooled engine is tuned for low to middle range performance.
Its powerplant, paired with a six-speed transmission, is specifically tuned to produce a nice-sounding intake howl. Having a meticulously polished 4-to-1 exhaust system, the Z900RS’s chrome pipe produces a low, satisfying rumble when idling or moving at slow speeds.
While there's a retro-looking double shock absorber in front, the Z900RS uses the horizontal back-link shock absorber for high-performance damping in the back. The Z900RS relies on dual front disc brakes with four-piston monoblock calipers, and a single-piston caliper with a rear disc brake for stopping power. The front suspension is comprised of a 41mm inverted fork with 10-way compression, 12-way rebound adjustability and pre-load adjustability. This allows 4.7in of suspension travel. The Z900RS’ seat height is 31.5in.
The 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear rubbers are mounted on stylish alloy wheels.
The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS is priced at P630,000, and it's available at Wheeltek dealerships nationwide.
Are you ready for a nostalgic ride with this new Kawasaki stallion?
