Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe [RAW Onboard]

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Crap bikes don't exist any more. All new models are basically good machines. So is the Kawasaki Z900RS. It's why I won't go into detail explaining all the things which work well. I rather have a look at the bike's purpose and see if it fulfills all the needs for that purpose.
The Z900RS gets sold as retro/vintage-bike. A "modern classic". From these kind of bikes I expect worry-free handling. But not so great performance when it comes to quick riding. The Z does just that.
It is very easy to handle. Takes no effort at all. The engine offers tons of torque from the low-end. You could perfectly do the road from the video in just one gear basically.
To me it looks astonishing. And it creates a lot of attention. I had it for one week and got approached by many people (unfortunately exclusively by male ones) who asked questions about this "beautiful bike".
Most of the bike's drawbacks I would not criticize. Its suspension setup is on the soft side (could be improved since its adjustable though) and as you could hear the footpegs (the hero blobs underneath actually) touch down very early. I'm not criticizing those points though because I don't expect a vintage bike to perform great in the "sports department".
The only thing I didn't like was its torque delivery. Many people would love this I'm sure since especially for an Inline-4 it delivers so much torque already at the very bottom. The modern Z900 engine indeed is incredible. But in my opinion for this kind of laid-back bike the torque curve is a bit too extreme actually. The bike pulls hard. Which means you actually have to be a little gentle when hitting the throttle in first gear otherwise you'll get jerked around quite a bit.. And I don't want to be that careful when I aim to go for an easy cruise. But as you can see this is a minor flaw and also it only exists in my opinion. If you for instance decide not to use first gear at all you don't have to be that gentle on the throttle. But still, also in second gear you can see that the throttle response is not as smooth as it could be. In my opinion the engine suits the more aggressive Z900 (without the RS) better.
Overall the Z is a stunning vintage bike though which performs very well. Definitely a bike with looks from the past and technology of today. Well done, Kawasaki!
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editing: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
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[Schaaf]

Enjoy and make sure to tell me how you like the sound! :)

[mat]

The whine of the intake is basically an eargasm for me

[dwnforcemedia]

Dear god, this is by far the best recording of a bike I've hear yet. All of the moto journalists need to take a page out of your book. Well done mate!

[tylerburgess]

I like this video a lot. Most reviews are blabbing about something nobody else cares about. This is how it should be. A written summary and a video of you feeding it the beans. 10/10.

[steveszalontay]

Just bought this bike about 3 weeks ago, absolutely love it! I’d have to say it’s one of the best sounding stock bikes I’ve ever heard. Great video!

[enut]

I pulled the trigger on a 2021 z900rs cafe in pearl gray a week after watching this video. I'd been interested in them for awhile, but seeing how it could be ridden and how it sounded in your video sold me on it. 100% love the bike. Subscribed.

[The_Z_Brah]

This is the best audio I've heard so far for the Z900. You even captured the intake noise well, which is a part of what makes it so good!

[sreechithc]

The intake sound of the engine is awesome and is nicely heard. Good job with new recording setup!!

[Robnoxious]

This is the best bike review I have ever seen and he didn’t say a word! Picking mine up next week.

[hopper]

Great video! I started with a '77 KZ650 and put many miles on it. Had to sell it nine years ago (had some hard times) and I'm now stuck (got a good deal) with a '98 Sportster. I wish I could afford a Z900RS because your video brings back so many happy memories of my old Kawasaki.

[gmv]

I’ve got a Z900RS, not the Cafe, but the original 2018 model in orange and brown. Love it! And yes, your video sound is great, no wind noise.

[MikeBikeOriginal]

This video was one of the main reasons for me to buy a used rs cafe recently (apart from its looks). Awesome sound, easy Handling, comfy ergonomics. Got to ride it a few 100km before winter kicked in - can't wait for spring to come. Keeping my xsr700 though, its just too much fun as well

[markmitchell]

I've watched a bunch of videos on this bike and you're the first one to actually push the bike a little. Thanks

[MUGSY]

I have been watching some of your other videos since the accident. You look and sound like your almost back to your old self. And the pegs scraping across the ground bring back the good times. Keep it on two wheels man! We are all cheering you on!!

[NabilKarsheh]

All foot pegs sound the same in you videos. Do you bring your own for every trip? :)

[santo]

Really appreciate the unique aspect of the raw mechanics you successfully manage to capture. I recently test drove the 2019 MT09 and while I loved all the performance and other things everyone raves about, I could not ignore (or get out do my head) the loud, high pitch engine noise that bike makes. I wish I would have seen a video such as this one of that bike... would have saved me about 3 hours of my day. :-). Keep it up!

[Xpertgamingtech]

Hey Schaf, so did you change your old recording method (under the seat)? If so can you explain or make a video on the new method? Good driving as always

[miller]

I have watched this specific video 5 times. I wish I could ride half as good as you. Do be safe and keep the videos coming.

[Kerleyfryd]

🤯 HOLY MOLY!!!! I've got a new favourite sounding bike.

[MrKiddoMoto]

What a great raw video! 😍 Even if the Z900RS isn't the best bike for those mountains roads, it's actually very videogenic for Schaaf-style raws: beautiful old-school clocks, gorgeous sound, quickly scrapping pegs... 😉