Last Update: 15 October 2025
Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Retro Styled Wrapped In all Today’s Best Performance Features (Photo Credit: Mondo Lulu)
Over the past and recent years, the cafe racer styled motorcycle has made a huge and affectionate combat and Kawasaki responded to that trend with its Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe. Retro styled yet also modern – that’s the Z900RS Cafe! And even before throwing a leg over this Zed I was beaming. It is a stunning bike with a historic reputation – if you know motorcycle history – packed with clout. Kawasaki have hit the retro bullseye with this one!
Great Styling Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
If you really look at this bike in detail, you’ll discover its beautiful elements. For example, look the cooling fins on the engine block, the four into one chrome exhaust system, the nearly horizontal rear shock absorber, and the classic clock shop. Even the crisp rear LED lights glow like a 70s bulb. Everything is right and the finish is completely high level. Kawasaki has clearly done a good job on the Z900RS Cafe!
Underneath the retro outfit is a great performing and fun motorcycle with all state-of-the-art electronics:
- Assist & Slipper Clutch.
- Dual Throttle Valves.
- Economical Riding Indicator.
- Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC).
- Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
- Ergo Fit.
- Horizontal Back-Link Rear Suspension.
Z900RS Seating / Ride Position
The view of the road from the seat, and the Z900RS’s sit position are purely of a naked style bike. There’s no lean forward – just comfortably upright. I found this ideal as was relaxed yet “felt” sporty!
Statement Front Cowl Typical Cafe Racer
Driving on the expressway is a solid, confident feel. The real fun is in the corners. Turn the Z900RS in, turn around – it’s so easy. The simplicity of operation is top notch! The Z900RS looks like a muscle bike but when on and in control, the control is easy to attain. And for an advanced rider, there is plenty of challenge left as it has the necessary power reserve to keep you entertained!
Good Vibes!
The Z900RS Cafe that I tested is stock, including its exhaust. And really, there’s nothing to change here! It looks great and the soundtrack coming out produces amazingly good vibes! Above 6,000 rpm it emits a natural hoarse and full sound from that very chrome exhaust pipe. Kawasaki has truly succeeded in making theZ900RS cafe sound like the bike it is originally based on – the infamous 1972 Kawasaki Z1.
Z900RS Photo Gallery
Economical
Kawasaki built in a 948 cc four-cylinder with a power of 111 hp at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 98.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. A great power source that turns out to be very economical when used with an easy twist. It’s 17-liter tank, gave me + 350 kilometres to the tank with a combined city and expressway riding.
On The Instrument Panel
- Digital Instrumentation
- Clock
- Tachometer
- Trip Odometer
- Trip Computer
- Speedometer
- Temperature Warning Gauge
- Fuel Level Gauge
My Favourite Five Features:
- Iconic looks.
- Ease of operation.
- Comfort in ergonomics including accessible controls/ground control (820 mm seat height).
- Soundtrack!
- Solid to the ground feel in the corners.
Sum Up: The Z900RS Cafe
Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is a bike that’ll keep you happy and offer you an iconic look! It is a beautiful blend of nostalgia and modernity.
I did find the seat to be a bit wide, and higher than anticipated. As I’m 167cm in height (5ft 6in), after a few hours distance riding, the stretch around the large fuel tank to the handlebars added some strain. You’ll have to see if you have the same challenge.
I think it’s great value for the price and will keep you happy for many years. Great city, touring and sporty fun.
Colour: Available only in Vintage Lime Green / Ebony.
Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Specifications
| Price: | $13,899. CAD |
| Engine: | Liquid-cooled DOHC; In Line four-cylinder |
| Displacement: | 948cc |
| Horsepower: | 82 kW {111 PS} / 8,500 rpm |
| Torque: | 98 N·m {10.0 kgƒ·m} / 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Final Drive: | Chain |
| Seat Height: | 820.4 mm / 32.3 in |
| Rake: | 25.0° |
| Trail: | 3.9 in. |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7-in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Preload and rebound adjustable; 5.5-in. travel |
| Front Tire: | 120/70-ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tire: | 180/55-ZR17M/C (73W) |
| Wheelbase: | 57.9 in / 1470.7mm |
| Fuel Capacity: | 17L / 4.5 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 215.Kgs / 474 lb / |
Geared Up In:
- Helmet: Arai Regent-X Sensation Helmet; blue.
- Jacket: Alpinestars Stella Women’s Eloise Air Jacket
- Pants: Alpinestars Riley Tech Denim Ladies Jean
- Boots: HD Footwear: Women’s Dalwoods.
- Gloves: REV’IT!
Visit your local Kawasaki retailer to test ride a Z900RS Cafe!
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