2020 Kawasaki Z900RS/Café

A modern throwback to the 1973 Z1.

2020 Kawasaki Z900RSKawasaki

Throwing it back in terms of styling is commonplace among many of the manufacturers nowadays, just look at all the retro and café racer renditions out there. Retro sport motorcycles like the 2020 Kawasaki Z900RS and its café sibling, the Z900RS Café, are a couple samples from Team Green. While it is true the Z900RS pays homage to the 1973 Z1, that doesn’t mean it is remiss of modern features. Take the 948cc inline-four engine, for example. It’s the same powerplant found in the Z900, but optimized more for low to midrange power where the Z900 encourages a higher-rpm operation, the manufacturer says. And let’s not forget the host of electronics (LED lighting, ABS, and traction control), and adjustable suspension as examples of its modern machinery. Collect miles between your local haunts or up and down the winding roads, either way, do so in modern/vintage style.

2020 Kawasaki Z900RS CaféKawasaki

2020 Kawasaki Z900RS/Café Reviews, Comparisons, And Competition

In his 2018 review, Morgan Gales, stated, “From the classic paint scheme to the iconic tailsection, the Z900RS harkens back to the glory days of superbikes while still looking and performing like a modern motorcycle. We love the aesthetics and think this bike has incredible potential once the engineers work out that twitchy throttle!”

Kawasaki Z900RS/Café Updates For 2020

The 2020 Z900RS sees an updated TFT with smartphone connectivity and a new Candytone Green paint. MSRP starts at $11,199. The Z900RS Café adds a front cowl, drop-style handlebars, café racer seat, brushed silencer, and a Vintage Lime Green/Ebony paint scheme for a café aesthetic at $600 more than the base model.

2020 Kawasaki Z900RSKawasaki

2020 Kawasaki Z900RS/Café Claimed Specifications

Price: $11,199–$11,799
Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC four-cylinder
Displacement: 948cc
Bore x Stroke: 73.4 x 56.0mm
Horsepower: N/A
Torque: 72.3 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Seat Height: 31.5 in. (base)/32.3 in. (Café)
Rake: 25.0°
Trail: 3.9 in.
Front Suspension: 41mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7-in. travel
Rear Suspension: Preload and rebound adjustable; 5.5-in. travel
Front Tire: 120/70ZR-17
Rear Tire: 180/55ZR-17
Wheelbase: 57.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.
Wet Weight: 472 lb. (base)/474 lb. (Café)

Cycle World Tested Specifications (Café)

Seat Height: 32.4 in.
Wet Weight: 479 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower: 94.65 hp @ 8,590 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque: 63.51 lb.-ft. @ 6,040 rpm
0–60 mph: 3.5 sec.
1/4-mile: 11.85 sec. @ 116.54 mph
Braking 30–0 mph: 34.6 ft.
Braking 60–0 mph: 132.1 ft.