[webbikeworld.com] - 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS [Model Overview]

The 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS (and Cafe): Old School, New Cool​

Contents

• Model Overview
• Specifications
• Features
• Photos
• Videos
• Links

Kawasaki has done a brilliant homage to the iconic Z1, with the styling of the Z900RS. We have seen many attempts to bring the old school cool into modern machines, often badly by the cager crowd (think Chevy SSR or Ford retro Thunderbird), but this Japanese-made modern classic really hits the mark.

Borrowing a few parts from its stablemate Z900 in the 2021 Kawasaki lineup, the Z900RS is its own animal. The 948cc mill has been retuned for better power in the lower RPM range. In Z900RS guise it cranks out 111 HP at 8500 RPM and 72 lb-ft of torque at 6500 RPM. Not meant to be a high revving sportbike, this Kawasaki wants a little more relaxed ride where you can vibe with the melodic exhaust note, but be confident in the power delivery at any point.

Hiding between the classic bullet gauges is a multi-function LCD screen, just another example of how well Kawasaki has blended old with new. A teardrop tank and well-padded slab seat merge with modern tech like the adjustable 41mm inverted front fork, ABS brakes, and Assist & Slipper clutch.

One last choice for the Z900RS owner, to Cafe or not Cafe? This is the question, well at least for the Americans. Oddly Canada is not bringing in the Cafe model. Such a shame, the added front cowl is a gorgeous throwback piece of art and function.

A final interesting tidbit on the Z900RS, for 2021 Canadians get the bike in Ebony, and those in the USA will have Candytone Green. The USA spec Cafe model comes in Pearl Storm Gray.

The 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS starts at $11,299 USD / $13,499 CAD.

The 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe starts at $11,899 USD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS in one place.

Model Overview​

General Info​

• Price: $11,299 USD / $13,499 CAD / Cafe – $11,899 USD
• Key Features:
• • Classic Modern styling
  • ABS Braking
  • Assist And Slipper Clutch
  • Tuned Exhaust Note

Main Specs

• Engine: 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC 16-valve in-line four
• Power: 80.3 kW (111 hp) @ 8500 RPM
• Torque: 72.7 lb-ft (98.6 NM) @ 6,500 RPM
• Wet Weight: 214 kg (472 lb)
• Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in)

Competitors

• Triumph Bonneville T120
• Ducati Nightshift
• BMW RnineT

2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Specifications​

From Kawasaki ​

ENGINE
Engine 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC 16-valve in-line four
Power 111 hp
Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio
11.8:1
Fuel System DFI® with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
Starter Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission 6-speed, return shift
Final Drive Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front Inverted telescopic fork with (13-way) adjustable compression and rebound (11-way) damping, spring preload (15-turn)/4.7
Suspension Rear Horizontal back-link swingarm with stepless adjustable rebound damping and spring preload/5.5 in
Brakes Front Dual 300mm disc ABS
Brakes Rear
Single 250mm disc ABS
Tires Front 120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear 180/55 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity 4.5 gal
Color
Candytone Green
ELECTRICAL
Ignition TCBI with electronic advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight LED
Tail Light LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 83.1 in
Overall Width 34.1 in
Overall Height 46.5 in
Wheelbase 57.9 in
Ground Clearance 5.1 in
Seat Height 32.9 in
Curb Weight 474.1 lb
WARRANTY
Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Features​

Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.

Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.

When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.
Dual Throttle Valves
Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.
Economical Riding Indicator
Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)
KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.

Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.
POWER MODES
Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.
Smartphone Connectivity
Clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension
Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak® rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.

A secondary benefit is that the shock unit is placed far away from exhaust heat. Because it is more difficult for heat from the exhaust system to adversely affect suspension oil and gas pressure, suspension performance is more consistent.

2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Photos​

2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Videos​

Links​

Kawasaki Official Websites

• Kawasaki Global
• Kawasaki CA
• Kawasaki EU

Social Media Links

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• YouTube
• Twitter

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