India Kawasaki Motors has expanded its portfolio by introducing the 2023 iteration of the Z900RS neo-retro offering. The motorcycle costs Rs 16.47 lakh (ex-showroom). While it has the same design as the smaller Z650RS, the hardware and engine are more premium and upmarket. Having said that, let’s see what it has to offer as a whole.
2023 Z900RS design is reminiscent of vintage Kawasakis
The styling of the Z900RS pays homage to previous Kawasaki offerings. With a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a sleek tail with a ribbed pattern seat, it has an alluring old-school design. Multi-spoke alloy wheels with chrome-finished wheel rims and a chrome exhaust add to its visual appeal. The bike is available in two colours: Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red and Candy Tone Blue.
Only the essential features are included
Given the segment, the Z900RS gets only the essentials, such as KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), an assist and slipper clutch, and all-LED lighting. In keeping with the retro theme, the instrument cluster features two analogue dials for speed and RPM, as well as a negative LCD in the centre.
Its engine is shared with the Z900
The Z900RS is powered by the same engine as the Z900 naked street bike. This 948cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine produces 107bhp at 8,500rpm and 95Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. A six-speed gearbox handles transmission duties. Surprisingly, the majority of its hardware is shared with the Z900. As a result, it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and is supported by 41mm inverted front forks and a rear mono-shock. Braking is handled by 300mm dual discs in front and a 250mm single rotor in back.
Z900RS competition in 2023
Given the Z900RS’s four-cylinder engine configuration, the motorcycle lacks a direct competitor in India. The Triumph Bonneville T100 and Speed Twin are the closest competitors in terms of body style and displacement. The Honda CB1000R is also a competitor, but the latest edition of the bike has yet to be released in India.
