At the Tokyo Motor Show, Kawasaki has introduced the upcoming Z900RS, which is stylistically and emotionally oriented on the Z1 of 1972 and is launched in 2018. All about the retro Kawasaki learn it now
This article in video form (see below)
Kawasaki Z900RS – Retro design, new technology
[sam id=”2″ codes=”true”]Kawasaki Z900RS, the RS stands for “Retro Sport” and the design and technology department took this literally. In the Retro Z the latest technology has been installed and thus is not necessarily a conflict, because it has been adjusted accordingly visually.
The engine has, for example, cooling ribs to remind the old Z1, but the cooling is taken over by a water cooler.
The round headlights, the turn signals and the taillight use new LED technology. The coating, on the other hand, is designed to support the retrolook. Three variants are available here. Brown / orange (as tribute to the Z1 of 1972), black with gold / silver and pinstripes or matt green.
The seat position is more upright than at the Z900 and should allow a relaxed driving. For this, the handlebar compared to the z900 has changed somewhat. It is 30 mm wider, 65 mm higher and 35 mm closer to the driver.
At the tachometer unit one can also see very beautiful as new technology and retro styles were fused. Tachometers and speedometers are analogue round instruments connected to an LCD display. Speed, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, outdoor temperature and time are displayed in white on a black background.
The drop-shaped tank, which should also remind the Z1, was an important design element because it had a great influence on the frame.
Kawasaki offers a variety of accessories to tailor the Z900RS to your own needs. For example, there is a small wind shield or heating handles.
The Engine
The engine is based on the Z900, but has been adapted in the characteristic. The 948 cc four-cylinder has more power in the lower and middle speed range. It provides 111 bhp at 8,500 and 98,5 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
The Exhaust
This is not a classic 4-in-4 system but a 4-in-1 system. The sound of the old Z models was legendary and Kawasaki used sound tuning to get a similarly good sound. It was specially adjusted and optimized to get a nice rumble in the lower speed range. This is more or less the first time Kawasaki has designed the sound. They have already gained experience with the Z1000, however, it was only about the intake noise and not the sound of the ultimately coming out.
The exhaust system is made of stainless steel and double-walled to prevent discoloration by heat and to maintain the polished look.
The Chassis
The completely newly developed frame was built for a good handling and weight reduction. The main attraction here was the tank, which served as the starting point. Only after the ideal position was found for it came the seat length – for a good balance.
The upside down fork has a diameter of 41mm and is adjustable in compression and rebound.
In contrast to the retrocharacter, no twin shock absorbers are installed here. A horizontally mounted spring strut provides for a sportier driving behavior with good comfort. It is also adjustable in compression and rebound
The Wheels
The rims have been chosen for cast wheels, but the shape is reminiscent of wire-spoke wheels. This is the compromise found between retro look, light weight, good handling and design.
17 “tires are fitted on the front and rear. Front with 120 and rear with 180 width.
Brakes: Front mounted 4-piston brake calipers and brake discs with a diameter of 300 mm. At the rear, a 250cc brake disk is used.
The Data of the Kawasaki Z900RS
- Length: 2,100 mm
- Width: 865 mm
- Height: 1,150 mm
- Wheelbase: 1.470 mm
- Ground clearance: 130 mm
- Seat height: 835 mm
- Weight 215 kg 6-speed gearbox
- 111 hp at 8,500 revolutions
- 98,5 Nm with 6,500 tours
- 4 cylinder
- Bore and stroke: 73.4 x 56 mm
- 948 cc
- injection
- electrostarter
- Traction Control
- Slipper Clutch
This article in video form:
https://youtu.be/X4rycdEsGL4
[amazon box=”B01CSOI7VO”]
