Kawasaki Z900 RS vs Kawazaki Z1000: Sibling rivalry

The Kawasaki Z900 RS graced the Indian market this month, but with a price tag that astonished the motoring fraternity. The Z900 RS is the modern retro variant of the Z900 which is also a CBU unit but from Thailand. The Z900 RS is so expensive that it is positioned close to Kawasaki’s own litre-class streetfighter, the Z1000. We take a look at how these bikes of two different genres stack up against each other. 

Design

The Z900 RS is Kawasaki’s only modern retro motorcycle. So the styling dates back to 1970s but with a modern touch. So chrome has been used on the headlamp and the instrument units, the wheels have a shiny touch and minimalistic body panels have been used. The Z1000 on the other hand, shouts aggressive across the bike. The sleek headlamp, drop-down fuel tank and sharp tail makes the Z1000 a looker. The all LED headlamp, the first Kawasaki to get that, increases the overall appeal of the bike. 

Engine

The Z1000 uses a 1000ccc inline-four cylinder motor produces 142bhp and 111Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Z900RS uses a revised version of the 946cc inline-four engine that powers the Z900. This heart has been retuned to offer better mid-range torque. The engine delivers 110bhp and 98Nm of torque, and is mated to a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch.

Features

In terms of features, both the bikes are equally equipped. The Z900 RS gets a switchable ABS and traction control system with two modes. It also gets LED lights, including LED DRL. The instrument cluster is a mix of modern and classic style. The speedometer and odometer are part of round dials whereas the fuel level indicator, gear shift indicator and riding modes are a part of digital display. 

Being a litre-class bike, the Z1000 misses out on riding modes. It just gets an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS). But with features like Separate Function Forks (SFF) and LED headlamps, the Z1000 manages to show its feature-rich side. 

Price

Being the most powerful, the Z1000 is still the affordable of the two at Rs 14.49 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The Z900 RS is priced at a whopping Rs 15.30 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). Kawasaki India says that the RS has a heritage and customers who genuinely want to such a bike at home, don’t mind shelling a few extra lakhs. So if you’re in the market for the Z900 RS, make sure you have the full money ready. If not, chances of getting the Z900 RS home is bleak.