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-   -   Homecoming! 1990 Kawasaki KB100 RTZ (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/175557-homecoming-1990-kawasaki-kb100-rtz-3.html)

Thanks for the information Shankar �� do you have any photos of your KB?

A slight correction - based on what I came across when I was researching about the AX100. The AX100 came first in 1984, post which Escorts Yamaha launched the RX100 in 1985 and then Kawasaki Bajaj launched the KB100 in 1986. The RX100 was a hot selling cake and the KB100 even with its better equipment and longer wheelbase was no match for it. Bajaj then launched the KB100 RTZ in 1988 (since I have come across one such bike) but that too couldn't beat the RX.

I tried looking out for some high resolution pictures of the KB100 and KB100RTZ, but couldn't get much info on the difference.

Sadly I have no photos at all of my old KB 100 RTZ

Yes you are correct that KB100 came along in 1986. They had some decent ads in India Today those days.
About the utility as a commuter bike and versatility for other uses too - one of the ad lines was ‘You can also ride it to the Club’. While showing the KB100 on a dirt road in the ‘countryside’.

The KB100RTZ indeed came in 1988. I clearly
Remember the launch event outside of Cisons Complex in Madras where multiple professional riders were going around and round on these snazzy new bikes and creating a sensation. Khivraj Motors of Madras was the main dealer and was behind this popularisation event.

And they were taking bookings on the spot and were handing out brochures and pamphlets and price lists and proforma invoices too. The then price was Rs 11000 plus taxes and insurance etc and the total came to Rs 15886 or something like that. I collected all that info and being about to get into college was very keen to get one. But my Grandma vetoed any ideas I may have had of getting a bike when in College. In hindsight I am happy she put her foot down then.
As I said I finally got one with my Dad’s active support, after my Post Grad when I went to work. Mine was a deep Maroon 1993 model (with an FRP tail carrier storage box in the manner of those touring bikes) which I bought from a friend, slightly used, for Rs 23000/-. I sold it in 1996 for Rs 18500/- when I got my First car - a red 1984 model Maruti 800DX.

Usage has reduced a bit due to a situation. Waiting for my mechanic to become a little free and hence service before getting back onto the saddle.
The KB100 & RTZ were pretty much the same, though:
1. RTZ came with a resonator/power box with gave it a little more power.
2. The seat was longer, and thus became suitable for two people. The KB100 seat was a little short & two people would find it difficult to ride.
- This also meant that one fibre trim behind the seat & above the brake lamp became smaller.
3. The rear grab handle was made taller/longer and gave more support to the pillion +better to hold.
4. Decals did change, obviously.

RTZ was also '100' cc, while the 125 was .. 123 :). RTZ gave way to the 125, the change being done to meet the revised emission norms. Along with the increased engine capacity the supporting changes internally were there. The decals changed. But all 3 versions had 12v electricals, a separate oil tank, the tachometer in the console, and all were 4 geared.

All correct! I remembered the 12V.
Now I remember the resonator.
And don't forget the white fuel filter catch can sitting there behind the engine block.
Being tall, I preferred the KB 100 RTZ because of its Longer wheel Base and hence greater stability.
I loved the RX always, but the KB (for me) was the more practical as well as pragmatic choice.
I was never a top notch bike rider. Always vastly preferred the stability and comfort of a Jeep.
If I had been able to wangle it I would have bought the green estate jeep that my dad was using as my
first 4 wheeler but ended up going for the red maruti instead. (It was a good choice in hindsight because it had AC and that is indispensable in the heat of Madras.)

You know what Shankar! You may have been right in your previous post that the RTZ was launched in 1990. Look at these 2 ads of the KB100 RTZ.




The first ad seems to be one of the first ads of the KB100 RTZ when it was launched in 1988. Whereas the second ad is from the 90's. Look at both the ads carefully. The bike in the first pic does not have the powerbox under the fuel tank. And it comes with Kawasaki Bajaj decals on the engine covers. The bike in the second pic has the "power box" under the tank and has "Delta Super Tuned Engine" Sticker on the engine cover.

Which could mean that 2 version of the RTZ were launched. And the second one is the one that was referred to as the " Delta".

All this is just my assumption. But I did search for pictures of pre 1990 KB100 RTZ and they did not feature the powerbox where as post 1990 models had them.


Thank you very much Condor for this wonderful information. I can't wait to get my hands on one.

Nice to see another KB 100 RTZ thread. Coincidentally, just last week I found one of the few pics I have of my own 1995 KB 100 RTZ, which I owned from 1995 to around 2003 (still regret selling it - would have loved to let it stay and grow as a classic).

My surdy friend (not in this pic), who’s clearly wiser than me, held on to his beautiful Yezdi Roadking which is also in the pic. I’ve spent innumerable miles on that bike as well during our college years.

This pic must be from around 1996 maybe, somewhere in Pune. Please don’t judge our TERRIBLE attire from the 90s. We were still a work in progress in becoming cool. 25+ years later, still remain WIP on that front. lol:

I clearly remember the KB 100 RTZ in that 1988 Madras publicity event by Khivraj Motors.
And yes, because of your post, I now clearly remember the Delta engine piece. That was indeed a talking point then. A friend of mine in college had bought one in 1991. It was nice to see those old print ads. Lots of nostalgia. I love that rear three quarter picture, that was the most flattering angle for the KB 100 RTZ.

Hello Axe, thank you very much for that pic. Since yours is a 1995 model, it definitely must be the KB100 RTZ Delta (the 2nd RTZ) which came with the powerbox under the tank. Can you share move photos of the bike if you have them? was it black or grey?

If it was 1988, then it would have been the regular KB 100 RTZ.
same here, love those old print ads.

A little late but I am sure this post will brighten a few of my fellow Tbhpian's day. Here are a few of my KB100 (RTZ) '88 model restored with lots of love and passion just 3 yrs ago. Proud to say that this is my regular commute to the office and back.

A minor correction, I would like to make. I disagree that KB couldn't beat an RX. (No Offence!) Even today, I get a few RX riders inviting me for a race, and they befriend me after the race wondering what I ride. Discussing KB post-race becomes the hot topic over Chai & Smoke. :)

Not to boast but KB was not simply called as the cheetah of the era. Although it takes a few seconds more to take off than an RX, once it takes off, there's no looking back.

It's not only about the ride or the rider, it's all about the perfect duo! ;)

Cheers
Bhaskee

Mine was black. At that time, I think it came in only two colors - black and red. I don't have very many pics. Might have a couple more from old physical pic archives - will see if I can find any more.

Thank you very much for the detailed photos Bhaskee! One question though - Isn't this a 1990 or later KB100 RTZ - since this is the Delta version which came with the powerbox under the tank. Or have you added the powerbox to your model?

Nevertheless amazing restoration and I love the gun metal grey color with these decals. The one I am looking at is a wine red color with the same decals - although it should be with the red orange white color decals.

:thumbs up thanks Axe, no worries take your time.

Thanks for the appreciation. My RC book says 1988 and when I bought this from its junk state, it already had the delta box under the tank and the special inlet from the delta box to the engine was also present on the engine case. I presume the RTZs were launched somewhere in the 88s and I vaguely remember a facelift to these variants in the later years (with additional colors) slightly before the official launch of the 125cc. I was just a 12 yrs old kid back then. :p

Thanks for clarifying digitalblood. I believe then your bike must be using the tank from the later KB100 models which came with the powerbox. AFAIK, the first RTZ models did not come with the powerbox / Delta engine - that's why it was not a highlighted feature in their advertisements.

I have finally acquired my 88 KB100 RTZ and am just waiting for the paper work to get completed. It's a single owner original motorcycle - except that it has a later model tank (with mounts for the powerbox), a missing speedometer, Pulsar indicators and mirrors.

Trying to source these parts and get a service done (including changing the tyres) - post which I will start a dedicated thread.

I am also trying to get some old pictures of the bike I bought so i can get it restored to its original state. The original RC book mentions the color as Red - the 88 model came in a Cherry Red and Wine Red color. Trying to figure out what color was mine, so i can paint it accordingly.

Here is a humble & sympathetic restoration of my 88 KB100 RTZ. This is the first iteration with a new cherry red tank / panels. The bike is originally wine red, but just thought of playing it with cherry red and I am loving it. The new tank has a lot of leaks and paint defects , so will be fixing and repainting my old tank.

Although my original plan was to keep the bike with the original decals, I am more biased to the decals from the KB 4S Champion. What are your thoughts?

Will be starting a new thread soon to share updated and costs and the story behind this purchase.

The original color


The cherry red color


KB 4S Champion

:thumbsdown

Please keep the original decals style. The decals from the 4S will remove the aura of the KB100. I have a '87 and glad that @SChakravarthy managed to put the same style of decals when he had restored it. Though the decal doesnt have the golden border on the colors, it still looks like the original KB100