TOKYO MOTORCYCLE SHOW – YOSHIMURA KAWASAKI Z900 RS CUSTOM
Now, this is what a well-built custom should look like!
KAWASAKI'S Z900 RS has been turning heads since it's press launch thanks to the mix of iconic retro styling and update engineering.
So much so our man at the launch had this to say: "As I said at the beginning, the Z900RS receives very high levels of approval in reader comments. I can see why. The styling is exquisite. More than that, it faithfully reimagines a real bike that means somethings to many riders. If you’re one of those riders to whom it evidently appeals, I have good news: the Z900RS is as rewarding to ride as it is to look at."
It’s built around the bones of the Z900 but it’s been redesigned to the extent you wouldn’t recognise it, with styling inspired by the Z1 of the 1970s.
It’s the 948cc in-line-four from the Z900 too but detuned. Instead of 125hp, it now makes a claimed 111hp, while peak torque is down very slightly, from 72.7lbft to 72.6lbft. And it makes those peaks lower in the range: power at 8,500rpm instead of 9,500 and torque at 6,500 instead of 7,700.
To read the full launch review of this bike, click here.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
