India Kawasaki Motors has expanded its portfolio by launching the 2023 iteration of the Z900RS neo-retro offering. The prices of the motorcycle start from Rs 16.47 lakh (ex-showroom). While it boasts the same design as the smaller Z650RS, the hardware and engine are more premium and upmarket. Having said that, let’s see what it offers as an overall package.
2023 Z900RS design harks back to old Kawasakis
The styling of the Z900RS pays homage to the Kawasaki offerings of the yesteryears. It boasts an alluring old-school design with a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a sleek tail with a ribbed pattern seat. Adding to its visual appeal are multi-spoke alloy wheels with chrome-finished wheel rims and a chrome exhaust. Kawasaki is offering the bike in two colours – Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red and Candy Tone Blue.
Gets essential features only
Considering the segment it sits in, the Z900RS gets just the basic features including KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), an assist and slipper clutch, and all-LED lighting. The instrument cluster, meanwhile, is in line with its retro theme and comprises two analogue dials for speed and RPM with a negative LCD at the centre.
Shares its engine with the Z900
Powering the Z900RS is the same engine as the Z900 naked street bike. This 948cc, inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine produces 107bhp at 8,500rpm and 95Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm. Transmission duties are handled by a six-speed gearbox. Interestingly, most of its hardware is shared with the Z900. So, it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels that are suspended by a 41mm inverted front forks and a rear mono-shock. Braking duties are handled by 300mm dual discs at the front and a 250mm single rotor at the back.
2023 Z900RS competition
Considering the Z900RS’ four-cylinder engine configuration, the motorcycle doesn’t have a direct rival in India. However, in terms of body style and displacement, the closest contender it has are the Triumph Bonneville T100 and Speed Twin. The Honda CB1000R can also be considered as its rival but the latest edition of the bike is yet to be launched in India.
