Kawasaki Z900 RS tested at the Balkan Rally

If there's one motorcycle that bridges the gap between classic design and modern performance, it's the Kawasaki Z900 RS. Retro looks meet the solid technology of a Japanese naked bike – and this is reflected not only on paper but especially on the road. During the Balkan Rally 2024, which took us over 2500 kilometers through Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia, the Z900 RS proved to be a reliable partner. Whether in the rain, on challenging mountain roads, or during long highway stretches, the bike never let us down.

Amid the rugged, breathtaking landscapes of the Balkans, through tight hairpins and along rugged coastal roads, the Z900 RS proved that it is ready for any situation. It shone not only with comfort and power but also with a technical sophistication often missing in modern bikes of this class. Sounds too good to be true? Let's dive deeper into the details.

What is the Balkan Rally?

The Balkan Rally is not your ordinary motorcycle tour; it's a blend of adventure, retro charm, and exclusive indulgence. Originally designed for vintage automobiles, the event has opened its doors over the years to classic motorcycles and retro bikes. The rally traditionally kicks off in Budapest, from where participants ride along picturesque routes through the Balkans to the coast in the Kotor region. The organizers focus on maximum comfort, with stages ending in selected luxurious hotels. Accompanied by an espresso mobile and evening champagne and wine tastings, the rally offers a stylish program that encourages interaction with automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts. But that's not all: during the daily stages, participants must determine their arrival time by solving puzzles and mastering photo challenges. Riding too fast or too slow results in penalty points—it's all about finding the perfect balance. Despite the rally's car-oriented focus, motorcyclists feel welcome in the group, as the relaxed atmosphere and diverse tasks make the rally a unique experience that goes far beyond an ordinary tour. In 2025, the Balkan Rally will once again present new routes and challenges—an event that should be on every retro and motorcycle lover's bucket list.

More information about the rally here.

The 1000PS Crew's Gear for the Balkan Rally 2024

The entire crew relied on casual retro-style clothing from Held for the trip. Particularly noteworthy are the Sirmione Gore Tex Sneakers and the cool leather jacket Jester.

We used the same luggage solution for all motorcycles: the Legend Gear Tail Bag from SW-Motech. This offers versatile attachment options and is very affordable and compact. The bag had to withstand almost 3,000 km on 8 different bikes under adverse weather conditions!

Before the rally, we thoroughly waterproofed our clothes with PROTEX Spray from MOTOREX. During the rally, we used the small and refillable mini chain spray cans from MOTOREX.

Communication worked exceptionally well this time. The entire team was connected with Cardo Packtalk devices. The batteries lasted all day, and the devices were 100% waterproof. The sound quality was excellent, and the combination of "navigation instructions" + "music" + "communication" worked seamlessly. Even occasional phone calls didn't overload the system. Highly recommended for big group adventures!

The entire team opted for the HJC V10. The helmet offers various design options and matched beautifully with our stylish motorcycles. On the long tour, we enjoyed the high level of comfort.

For navigation, we had roadbooks from the race management. However, we tried to trace the course of the route as accurately as possible with Calimoto. On the way to Budapest and especially on the return trip from Kotor, we chose the "fastest" option, the highway, due to weather conditions. Those who want to follow the tour in good weather should set the sliders on Calimoto to "curvy" for these sections. Here is the link to the rough route.

The 1000PS Crew at the Balkan Rally 2024

• Amelie
• Mex
• Poky
• Philipp
• Carlos
• Marcel
• Wolfgang Weiß
• Micha
• Nils

The heart of the Z900 RS is the Japanese inline-four engine. An engine design that belongs to a dying breed, but in the Z900 RS, it operates at its best. The engine with 948 cc and 111 hp impresses not only on paper but especially in practice. This was repeatedly confirmed on the diverse routes of the Balkan Rally. Whether on long, straight highways or in the twisties of Montenegro's mountain roads – the inline-four impressed with its elasticity and buttery smooth throttle response.

Philipp Bednar, one of our test riders, aptly describes it: "The engine unfolds its power even at mid-range RPMs. It doesn't need extremely high revs to prove itself. Even in the lower RPM range, it is powerful and smooth-running, making it ideal for long tours." The seamless torque of the engine, combined with its linear power delivery, makes the Z900 RS a dream on country roads.

Markus "Mex" Pinter, who was also riding the Z900 RS during the Balkan Rally, praised the engine's running smoothness in the highest terms. Especially in wet and challenging conditions, the engine showed its true strength. "The inline-four impressed me in wet conditions. Even at slow speeds in fifth or sixth gear, the engine remains always smooth and controllable." Mex emphasized that he rode the entire day in the upper gear range, and the engine never showed signs of being overwhelmed – a testament to the performance of this power unit.

A great engine alone does not make an outstanding motorcycle. This is where the chassis of the Z900 RS comes into play. With a 41-mm upside-down fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, the Z900 RS offers a balanced combination of comfort and sportiness. The suspension is adjustable, but even the stock setup shows impressive performance. During the rally, it was particularly highlighted that the chassis creates an excellent balance between responsiveness and progression—especially during spirited riding.

"The chassis is really well done. Even at high speeds, the bike remains stable and secure without sacrificing comfort," I noted in the log. However, some riders found that the rear shock reacts somewhat harshly to short, rough bumps, while the front consistently impressed. This does not mean that the Z900 RS is not rideable on uneven roads—quite the opposite. On the twisty roads of Durmitor National Park, the bike felt right at home.

The wide naked bike handlebar setup of the Z900 RS also plays a significant role in the overall package. With the upright seating position and wide handlebars, you always have everything under control, no matter how challenging the roads are. The seat height of 835 mm also allows taller riders like Mex, who is 1.90 m tall, to ride the Z900 RS over long distances without any problems. "The ergonomics just fit. Even after several hours in the saddle, the feeling remains pleasant," praised Philipp.

The riding performance of the Z900 RS leaves nothing to be desired. It handles tight twisties just as confidently as fast highway stretches. Even under adverse conditions, such as rain, poor roads, and long highway stretches, the Z900 RS offers impressive stability and safety. Mex experienced a particularly challenging day with heavy rain and poor road conditions: "The Z900 RS proved to be absolutely reliable. Even on wet and dirty roads, I always felt safe. The bike remains calm and can be steered precisely."

A highlight of the Balkan Rally was undoubtedly a night ride through the pitch-dark Durmitor National Park, which put us to a tough test. The roads were narrow, twisty, and partly littered with rocks. Additionally, one motorcycle had to carry two people because the battery of another bike was dead. "It quickly became clear that only the Z900 RS was up to this job. No other bike offers this combination of stability, comfort, and safety," emphasized Nils. The pillion ride for over two hours at night impressively demonstrated how good-natured and reliable the Z900 RS is—even under extreme conditions.

Another highlight was the tires. The Z900 RS is equipped with Bridgestone S23 tires, which deliver excellent performance even in wet conditions. "The grip was consistently convincing, even in heavy rain and on slippery road surfaces," explained Mex. Thanks to these tires, it was possible to maintain full control over the bike even in the most challenging situations.

Visually, the Z900 RS is a real eye-catcher. The retro design strongly resembles the legendary Z1 from the 70s, without sacrificing modern technology. The gauges are a perfect mix of nostalgia and functionality. You get all the essential information without being distracted by unnecessary gimmicks. The lack of excessive electronics also contributes to the purist riding experience that makes the Z900 RS so special.

One feature that proved particularly useful during the rally is the traction control. It can be set in three levels (1, 2, and off) and was especially helpful on wet roads. "The traction control is a practical feature, especially in difficult weather conditions. It is easy to adjust and provides additional safety," explained Bednar.

Another plus is the high riding comfort achieved by the well-padded saddle. Even on long tours, the seating position remains comfortable and offers enough freedom of movement.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS impressed us in every aspect during the Balkan Rally. Its silky-smooth four-cylinder engine, balanced chassis, and classic looks make it a bike that excels not only on long tours but also in everyday use. Whether in the rain, on bad roads, or during night rides – the Z900 RS never let us down.

Its versatility and high level of comfort, in particular, make it an ideal companion for any experienced rider looking for a reliable, powerful, and stylish bike. So, if you're looking for a motorcycle that combines nostalgia with modern technology and doesn't fall short on any tour, you should definitely check out the Kawasaki Z900 RS.