It was only a few years ago when I first had the pleasure of riding the ‘modern’ z900, not to be associated with their two highly desirable retro models, which is the RS range. Oh no, this z900 was a lighter version, and better version, of their long-standing z1000, so to speak.
In fact, when I rode them together (z1000), the z900 was superior in all areas besides giving away a few horsepower. However, and for some reason, riders preferred to own the bigger, and fatter, z1000 option. Obviously ‘they’ never rode the z900, or, ‘they’ are also of larger proportions, if you catch my drift?
Anyway, I made the z900 the most underrated bike of the year and it was also one of our most impressive bikes of the year. This accolade was awarded for many splendid reasons. Agile, wonderful fun package, easy to ride and live with on a daily basis, and a grin enhancing wheelie machine of note, which was the best part in my case.
There’re also rider modes, traction control and other things to press and fiddle with. Which all combine in a sweet fashion with the TFT dash and LED headlight, which is as bright as a Hollywood actors heavily whitened teeth, well maybe not as much.
The bike stays the same for 2023, so Kawasaki say, which means an in-line, four-cylinder, 948cc engine, with a claimed 125hp and 99Nm of the torquey stuff. A wise choice as there’s no point in changing an engine that’s nigh on perfect anyway. As for a quick-shifter that everyone wants, there isn’t one. At no point did I think it needed one though, because the six-speed gearbox is a peach, both up and down, so don’t fit one if you buy a z900, waste of cash dudes.
Talking of cash this can now all be yours for only R165,995 (was R184,995), which makes it exceptional value, even though it’s been around for a while, in this competitive naked class around this ‘cc’. Any rider, of any age, will adore how easy this relatively big motorcycle is to ride as well…
Super light controls for the throttle, clutch and of course that gearbox makes every ride a pleasure. Turn off the traction and you’ll have a wheelie beast that will lift in first with no effort and clear off into the distance with the number plate facing the floor, highly addictive, and a bit childish – fun all the same, right?
These antics are controlled with a taught tubular steel chassis and, Nissin brakes, and KYB suspension, again quality components from a bike still made in Japan. Kawasaki says there’re no chassis changes but the suspension does feel more controlled than the first z900, especially at the fork end.
So, once again I applaud the z900 ABS and there should be more on our streets as it’s an often-overlooked motorcycle. If you want something cool looking, fun, infinitely reliable and now at a very tempting price, check out the z900.
Images: Sudoku.
Visit: www.kawasaki.co.za for more technical information and dealer locations.
