Kawasaki Z900RS details leaked ahead of launch

The Kawasaki Z900 RS is the modern-classic version of the manic Z900, drawing styling from the iconic Kawasaki Z1.  Although details reveal that most of its main components are shared with the standard Z900, the RS is built to have an identity of its own. 

The Z900RS will use a detuned version of the Z900’s 948cc in-line four engine. This engine will now produce 110bhp as compared to the Z900’s 123bhp. Although torque figures are unknown, peak revs have dropped to 8500rpm from 9500rpm, suggesting a wider spread of torque. It is also likely that the RS will have a different gearing.

The Z900RS has a more relaxed riding position and has a longer wheelbase at 1470mm, a 20mm increase over the Z900. The overall length of the bike has also increased from 2065mm to 2100mm, because of the new tail design. The Z900RS also gets wider and taller handlebars increasing both the width and height of the bike. The bike is also 5kg heavier with a 215kg kerb weight.

Team Green will launch the Z900RS on 25 October at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The modern-classic will go up against Triumph’s Street Twin and Bonneville T100 along with the Yamaha XSR900. We may see the bike in India by 2018.