All-new Kawasaki Z900 Retro Spirit revealed at Tokyo

Kawasaki has re-entered the retro market with its hotly anticipated Z900RS, which was today debuted at the Tokyo International Motor Show.

The Z900RS pays homage the iconic Z1 Super Four 900 of 1972 – while taking advantage of the best of modern technology, with a new lightweight trellis frame and new engine tuning that means the liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 948cc in-line four-cylinder power plant has a completely different character to its supernaked counterpart’s and delivers strong low to mid-range torque. The Z900RS also incorporates Kawasaki’s first tuned exhaust note, with a deep rumble during the engine’s initial roar to life, at idling and low-speed riding.

The Z900RS is also equipped with a distinctive LED headlamp, LED indicators and tail light, distinctive spoke-style cast wheels. But, its retro touches are met with a host of modern features including radially-mounted front brakes, a high-grade adjustable upside down fork, plus two-mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) and an assist and slipper clutch.

The Z900RS successfully blends past, present and future even down to the polished cam cap covers on the cylinder head and highlighted cylinder fins just like the original Z1. Plus it’s got a 17 litre teardrop tank, Z1 and Z2-styled round mirrors, Z inspired duck-bill tail cowl and stylish two-tone seat with double-stitching. It’ll be available in three colourways – including an homage to the 1972 Z1, a classic looking black with gold and silver pinstripes plus the contemporary urban cool of matt green with accentuated 900 graphics on the side panels.

The new Kawasaki Z900RS will be available from dealers in late November/early December 2016. For more information, click HERE.