Retro Kawasaki 900 threadfest

[kirkemon]

While looking at the new Goldwing I saw this:
https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2018-kawasaki-z900rs/

[oldbike54]

 Not bad  Although I really wish we got the W 800 here , clue a pic of your 650 Kirk 

 Dusty

[Two Checks]

If they want retro then the rear fender needs to be near the tire instead of having all the space between frame and tire.

[kirkemon]

If they want retro then the rear fender needs to be near the tire instead of having all the space between frame and tire.

Agreed.

Dusty: I posted the picture of my W so many times, I wore it out.

[G12W650]

As if by magic, Dusty, a W800 appears.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Wonder what the seat height is? If the tire is 28" high, then that seat height is waaay up there. 

[oldbike54]

As if by magic, Dusty, a W800 appears.

 Very cool , wasn't aware they are available in OZ . Best looking retro bike built , how is the performance VS the 650 ?

 Dusty

[Sasquatch Jim]

 Now that w800 is a good looking motorcycle.
 And the frame looks like it could easily carry a hack.

[rtbickel]

I'd have to have a Windjammer to go with that one!

[bpreynolds]

If they want retro then the rear fender needs to be near the tire instead of having all the space between frame and tire.

Visually, I agree with you, but it seems like most manufacturers are making retro bikes with so called modern performance which generally includes suspension that puts it up there.  Look at the Scrambler, XSR, etc.  Maybe only Guzzi and Triumph are making retros that really look the part so to speak. 

As per the Kawi here, I really like it.  The space between the tire is not what surprised me nor the first thing that caught a bad eye; rather, it was the chromed radiator edges that brought my otherwise not greatly noticed attention to the wide radiator.  Even pictures of the bike on the road, the first thing I notice is that water box sticking out.  If not for this, I really don’t think I would have noticed it any more than on the other “retro” water cooled bikes.  Nothing a good can of black spray paint can’t solve 

[Guzzistajohn]

Nice lookin’ rig, I’d ride that!

[Huzo]

Just the look of that badge on the side cover, gives it "class".

[Steph]

Good job Kawasaki!

https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/Z900RS/2018/Z900RS/overview?Uid=0830WFFaXVgMXVBbDVlaXApYUAkOWVsKXlgOUVEMC15QXlg

[twowheeladdict]

I like it, but no room for that style bike in my garage. 

[Frulk]

My CB1100 has the retro UJM slot covered. But if it didn't I'd be 'compelled' to go for a test ride.

[ohiorider]

My CB1100 has the retro UJM slot covered. But if it didn't I'd be 'compelled' to go for a test ride.

Like what you've done to the CB1100 ...... flyscreen, tankbag, saddle, and softbags.  Looks good.  I think I may finally be getting adapted to my 2014 Standard CB1100.  Still have some suspension tweaks to do, but that can wait until next spring.  Our weather is starting to fall apart for this year.

I do like Kaw's new offering for 2018.

Bob

[Psychopasta]

The big Honda is great but a little bland, the Kwak is more your rip-snortin' beast. It's just like the Seventies again!

[Huzo]

The big Honda is great but a little bland, the Kwak is more your rip-snortin' beast. It's just like the Seventies again!

Hondas in the seventies were a "little bland"

[Psychopasta]

erm...my point exactly?

[ohiorider]

Not bad  Although I really wish we got the W 800 here , clue a pic of your 650 Kirk 

 Dusty

What Happened?  You forget I had a W650 for 8 riding seasons? 

[oldbike54]

What Happened?  You forget I had a W650 for 8 riding seasons? 

 Nope , show us a pic 

 Dusty

[bad Chad]

My opinion, the Honda looks lacking compared to the Kaw.  I wanted to like the Honda, but something about it just doesn't do it for me.  Insert a Chuck <shrug> here.

[DaSwami]

Love the Kawi, but I just can't do liquid cooling.....can I?

[Phang]

I will keep my 1993 Zephyr 750 after seeing the new Z900RS 

[TalbotMatra]

For me the Kawa Z900RS is one of the uglies retro-motorcycles I`ve ever seen (OK, the Yamaha SCR 950 and XSR700 also have a very bad design) . Compared to the elegant and light design of the Z1 it looks fat and compressed. The rear part does not fit at all with the front part.

Best
Lars

[twowheeladdict]

For me the Kawa Z900RS is one of the uglies retro-motorcycles I`ve ever seen (OK, the Yamaha SCR 950 and XSR700 also have a very bad design) . Compared to the elegant and light design of the Z1 it looks fat and compressed. The rear part does not fit at all with the front part.

Best
Lars

I wouldn't call the new Z900RS a retro motorcycle.  I would call it a retro inspired modern motorcycle.  It is a very modern motorcycle with a look that harkens back to the hey day of Kawasaki UJM bikes. 

The Retro bike from Kawasaki is the W800. 

[Chesterfield]

Looks good but these are far better.

[webmost]

For me the Kawa Z900RS is one of the uglies retro-motorcycles I`ve ever seen (OK, the Yamaha SCR 950 and XSR700 also have a very bad design) . Compared to the elegant and light design of the Z1 it looks fat and compressed. The rear part does not fit at all with the front part.

Best
Lars

Eggs Ackley.