Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

The Kawasaki Z900 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 are both naked bikes with similar technical specifications. They both have an inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 948cc and a liquid cooling system. The engine power for both models is also similar, with the Z900 producing 125.4 HP and the Z900 RS producing 111 HP. The torque is the same for both models at 98.6 Nm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. The suspension on both models can be adjusted for preload and rebound. The rear suspension is made of aluminum for both bikes. The chassis for both models is made of steel, but the Z900 has a double cradle frame while the Z900 RS has a tubular frame.

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 300mm and four pistons. They also have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front and rear tire width and diameter. The wheelbase for the Z900 is slightly shorter at 1450mm compared to the Z900 RS's 1470mm. The seat height for the Z900 is 795mm, while the Z900 RS has a higher seat height of 835mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly higher for the Z900 RS at 215kg compared to the Z900's 210kg.

The Kawasaki Z900 2020 has several strengths, including its powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. On the other hand, its weaknesses include somewhat tiring menu navigation and the absence of a quickshifter option.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 also has several strengths, including its powerful and smooth engine, good looks, comfortable seating position, and easy-to-ride nature. It also has balanced handling that is neither nervous nor ponderous. However, it has some weaknesses, such as the lack of a shift assistant, being heavier than other retro bikes in its class, a seat that may be too soft on long tours, and the absence of wind protection.

In summary, both the Kawasaki Z900 2020 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 are powerful naked bikes with similar technical specifications. However, the Z900 2020 offers better handling and equipment, while the Z900 RS 2018 has a more comfortable seating position and balanced handling. Both bikes have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2020 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2020
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore36 mmThrottle Bore36 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular
RakeRake65 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail98 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth865 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,150 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

In terms of price-performance, the Kawasaki Z900 is hard to beat at the moment. With the perfectly tuned engine, the high-quality chassis components and the electronics added for 2020, this naked bike offers everything that sporty riders will be looking for. There is really nothing to complain about, even if the option of a quickshifter would have been a nice extra. Apart from that: great shot, Kawasaki!

powerful four-cylinder

great handling

good equipment

aggressive looks

value for money

Menu navigation somewhat tiring

missing quickshifter option

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Its four-cylinder is silky smooth while delivering enough power to make you grin under your helmet. It is also very easy to move, which should make it a great commuter bike in everyday life and serve as an iconic fun bike at the weekend. The looks find the perfect straddle of classic design and modern details to form a coherent retro package that is also a worthy tribute to Kawasaki history. It's a great naked bike with a snazzy look.

Powerful and smooth engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

easy to ride

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

no shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours

no wind protection

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2020 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 is about 37% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 34 compared to 28. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 124 days compared to 154 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS since model year 2018. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 63,700 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS published on 9/6/2017.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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