Kawasaki Z900RS: A Refreshed Retro Ride

When it comes to neo-retro motorcycles, the Kawasaki Z900RS stands out as the most retro in terms of style and design. Its minimal use of plastic parts, analog gauges, and silhouette that closely resembles the original Z1 all contribute to its vintage appeal.

For the 2024 model-year, Kawasaki has given the Z900RS range a refresh. While the updates are minimal, fans and enthusiasts of Team Green will surely appreciate them. The 2024 Z900RS is available in three trim levels: ABS, Cafe, and SE. All three models share the same 948cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, inline-four cylinder engine, which produces 111 horsepower and 72.3 pound-feet of torque. They also feature what Kawasaki calls "authentic retro styling," including a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, circular LED headlight, and stainless steel exhaust system.

Let's take a closer look at each model's unique characteristics. The Z900RS ABS, priced at $12,149 USD, comes in a new Metallic Diablo Black paint scheme and offers a neutral setup. With its upright seating position, this bike strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort, making it a versatile choice for all types of riding.

The Z900RS Cafe takes things up a notch with a sporty headlight cowl, lower handlebars, and a cafe-racer inspired saddle. This model, priced at $12,899 USD, offers a more aggressive seating position and shares the same Metallic Diablo Black color scheme as the ABS version.

Finally, the Z900RS SE is the most performance-oriented version of the Z900RS. It pays homage to the iconic Z1 with its Yellow Ball-inspired paintwork and features high-performance components typically found on supersport motorcycles. These include an Öhlins S46 rear shock with a remote preload adjuster and Brembo M4.32 radially mounted calipers. The Z900RS SE is priced at $14,149 USD.