Kawasaki Z900 RS vs. Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 vs. Yamaha XSR900

During the Balkan Rally 2024, the Kawasaki Z900 RS, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, and the Yamaha XSR900 were subjected to an intensive 2500-kilometer test. This comparison reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the three retro-inspired naked bikes under real-world conditions.

What is the Balkan Rally?

The Balkan Rally is not your typical motorcycle tour; it's a blend of adventure, retro charm, and exclusive enjoyment. Originally designed for vintage automobiles, the event has opened up over the years to include classic motorcycles and retro bikes. The rally traditionally kicks off in Budapest, from where participants travel through picturesque routes across 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 completing photo challenges. Driving too fast or too slow results in penalty points, so it's all about finding the perfect balance. Despite the rally's automotive focus, motorcyclists feel welcome in the group, as the relaxed atmosphere and diverse tasks make the rally a unique experience that goes far beyond a regular tour. In 2025, the Balkan Rally will once again feature 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 opted for casual retro-style clothing from Held during the trip. Notably, the Sirmione Gore Tex Sneaker and the cool leather jacket Jester are worth mentioning.

We used the same luggage solution for all motorcycles: the Legend Gear Tail Bag from SW-Motech. It offers various 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 chose the HJC V10 helmet. The helmet offers various design options and matched our beautiful motorcycles perfectly. On the long tour, we enjoyed the high wearing 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 journey from Kotor, we opted for the "fastest" option on 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

All three motorcycles combine retro elements with modern design in their own way, but with different approaches.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS presents itself in a classic retro style, strongly reminiscent of the legendary Z1. Its design exudes timeless elegance that appeals to both nostalgics and modern riders alike. The craftsmanship and choice of materials are consistently high-quality, making the bike not only visually but also tactilely attractive.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 takes a more modern approach. Its angular design with the sleek rear frame gives it a futuristic look that still reveals subtle retro influences. The Svartpilen 801 stands out with its unique appearance, drawing attention wherever it goes.

The Yamaha XSR900 positions itself between these two extremes. It combines classic elements like the round headlight with modern lines, creating a bridge between retro and contemporary. Its design is reminiscent of the supersports of the 90s and 2000s, but reinterprets this aesthetic in a contemporary way.

The three test motorcycles differ significantly in their engine concepts, leading to varied riding experiences.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS is equipped with a 948 cc inline-four engine that delivers 111 hp at 8500 rpm and a torque of 98.6 Nm at 6500 rpm. This engine is characterized by its smoothness and linear power delivery. It offers balanced performance across the entire rev range, making it ideal for country roads and longer tours. The engine's flexibility allows for relaxed riding even at low revs.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 features a 799 cc twin-cylinder engine that puts 105 hp at 9250 rpm and 87 Nm at 8000 rpm on the road. This engine exhibits a sportier character with strong power delivery in the mid to high rev range. It develops impressive power, especially between 5000 and 8000 rpm. However, it is less comfortable at low revs, which can be noticeable in urban environments.

The Yamaha XSR900 is equipped with an 889 cc triple engine that delivers 119 hp at 10,000 rpm and a torque of 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm. This engine offers a combination of power and smoothness. It is characterized by linear power delivery and a silky smooth run, which is advantageous for both long-distance rides and sporty riding.

On the long highway stretches between Budapest and Belgrade, the Kawasaki Z900 RS and the Yamaha XSR900 showed their strengths in terms of comfort and long-distance suitability. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, on the other hand, felt particularly at home on the twisty roads of the Durmitor National Park, where its agile engine could play to its strengths.

The chassis of the three motorcycles show clear differences in their setup and characteristics.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS features a fully adjustable 41mm USD fork with 120mm travel at the front and a monoshock at the rear, where preload and rebound can be adjusted. This suspension offers a balanced mix of comfort and sporty stability. It allows for pleasant riding even on longer tours without sacrificing agility.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 relies on WP suspension components with a 43mm USD fork (140mm travel) at the front and a monoshock (150mm travel) at the rear. The setup is sportier and firmer. In twisty sections, this provides a high level of precision and control. However, on long, straight roads, this firm setup can be less comfortable.

The Yamaha XSR900 comes with a non-adjustable USD fork with 130mm travel at the front and a Kayaba monoshock with 137mm travel at the rear, where preload and rebound can be adjusted. The suspension is sportily tuned. It allows for precise handling in corners without becoming uncomfortable on longer rides. However, combined with the hard seat, it feels relatively stiff overall!

The Kawasaki Z900 RS offers an upright and comfortable seating position, ideal for long distances. The saddle is well-padded and remains pleasant even on longer stages. The ergonomics are designed for long-distance suitability and are also suitable for taller riders. Here, you are riding a very classic Japanese naked bike!

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has a sportier, more active seating position. This is advantageous on twisty roads but can be tiring on long, straight stretches. The wide handlebars offer good control but demand more from the rider on the highway.

The Yamaha XSR900 feels a bit like a superbike from the 90s or 2000s. Its seating position is slightly sporty but remains comfortable on longer rides. It offers a good compromise between a sporty riding feel and long-distance comfort. In terms of wind protection, all three motorcycles provide the typical naked bike experience with minimal wind shielding. The Husqvarna features a small windscreen, but it is mainly for aesthetic purposes.

Which motorcycle did we choose when we had to ride a grueling stage with a pillion: The Kawasaki Z 900 RS! Which motorcycle did we choose to transport additional luggage without compromising handling: Husqvarna Svartpilen! Which motorcycle was highly favored when a duel was imminent: The Yamaha XSR 900!

Each of the three tested bikes has its own strengths and caters to different target groups:

The Kawasaki Z900 RS proves to be the most versatile. Its classic design and the refined four-cylinder engine make it an attractive choice for riders looking for a balanced bike for various purposes. The engine feels flawless yet still exciting.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 stands out as the liveliest bike in the test. It is particularly suitable for riders seeking a dynamic riding experience and are willing to make compromises for it. Its modern electronics and unique design are additional advantages.

The Yamaha XSR900 positions itself as a successful compromise between sportiness and everyday usability. With its powerful triple engine, extensive electronic features, and good long-distance comfort, it appeals to riders looking for a versatile bike with modern technologies. It rides very fast but is overall more sporty and not as comfortable as other retro bikes.