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| Z900RS – the technical details What Kawasaki’s teaser doesn’t reveal is much in terms of technical details. Fortunately we’re here to help on that front. We’ve seen official documents that reveal key facts and figures about the machine, long before they’re supposed to be made public. As the Z900RS’s name suggests, it’s heavily based on the new-for-2017 Z900. Where that bike is an aggressive-looking, modernist machine, the RS gains a completely different look, with a Z1-inspired tank and tail unit to go with its large, LED-lit headlight. But the changes go much deeper than a set of body panels; Kawasaki has put some real effort into getting the retro style right. Notably, the water-cooled, 948cc engine is restyled to suit its new home. The sides of the cylinders are refinished with faux cooling fins, while the head gets polished covers over each of its two camshafts, just like the original Z1. The technical details we’ve seen also confirm that the engine has been retuned for the Z900RS. Where the Z900 makes 123bhp at 9500rpm (92.2kW, 125PS) the Z900RS is angled towards lower rev punch. Peak power dips to 110bhp (82kW, 111.5PS) at only 8500rpm. The changes are in part due to mods to the fuel injection, but the bike also sports other alterations including a new exhaust arrangement. Our Japanese sources say that the pipes mimic the original Z1, with chrome headers snaking into two collectors before splitting back into four again for the tail pipes. The result isn’t just a distinctive look, but a louder, more characterful exhaust note as well. The frame is the same lightweight steel trellis as used on the Z900, and the suspension is also carried over to the new bike, including the upside-down forks and monoshock rear end – it might be a retro bike, but Kawasaki isn’t going so far as crippling its handling potential with twin shocks and spindly forks. The brakes are similarly modern, with ABS-equipped petal discs. The Z900RS’s geometry is slightly more relaxed than the Z900’s, with a longer wheelbase – 1470mm vs 1450mm. Its bars are also higher and wider, while the whole bike is a fraction heavier at 215kg wet, compared to 210kg for the normal Z900. |
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Originally Posted by v12
(Post 4280026)
I am a bit confused on how Kawasaki is going to position and price the W800 and the Z900RS. |
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Originally Posted by dkaile
(Post 4280451)
Interesting... |
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Originally Posted by mobike008
(Post 4280768)
They are so busy doing that they are completely oblivious of customer related issues This looks like a fusion product with looks borrowed from a Scrambler and a Bonnie |
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Originally Posted by dkaile
(Post 4293295)
Z900 RS unveiled |
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