After unveiling the Z900RS at the Tokyo show, Kawasaki revealed a second version called the Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe at EICMA in Milan this year.
The additional model didn’t come as a surprise because emissions documents had already given away the fact that a bike wearing the Z900RS Cafe name was coming.
Changes over the normal Z900RS are just what you’d expect from a bike with that name.
Mechanically it’s identical, with the same Z900-based four-cylinder engine and steel trellis frame. Both versions of the Z900RS achieve 82kW rather than the Z900’s 92kW as they’re tuned for midrange. Power peaks 1000rpm
lower at 8500rpm.
The Z900RS Cafe gets a bullet fairing, humped seat and lower ’bars, but is otherwise much the same as the naked Z900RS. That means its frame is similar to the existing, modern-styled Z900, though not identical. The upper rails have been moved to suit the teardrop fuel tank, it’s raised at the front and lowered at the rear. That gives a less aggressive steering angle, while revised triple clamps reduce the trail and bring back some lost sharpness to the steering.
Weight is up a fraction to 215kg for the Z900RS and 216kg for the Cafe, compared to 210kg for the normal Z900.
