Kawasaki Motors has released a teaser video of the
2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS. The Japanese brand will unveil the modern classic at the
2017 Tokyo Motor show that opens October 25.
The 2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS draws inspiration from the
Kawasaki Z1 from the 1970’s. The bike was introduced in 1972 and drew power
from a 903cc in-line four air-cooled engine. Its chief rival was the legendary
Honda CB750. Coming to the present, the Z900 RS is the modern classic iteration
of the naked sibling, the 2017 Kawasaki Z900. MotorcycleMagazine.com has
revealed some of the finer details of the bike.
The Z900 RS shares many components with the Z900,
but there are some changes to suit the bike’s character and dynamics. As per the
website source, the wheelbase of the bike is 20 mm longer than the Z900, at
1,470 mm. The relaxed steering head angle and the lower rear suspension has
resulted in a 35 mm increase in the overall length, to 2,100 mm. The bike gets
wider handlebar, which is likely to be more ergonomic than the naked version.
At 215 kg, kerb, the weight is up by 5kg compared to the Z900.
The website reports that the 948 cc in-line four
engine with liquid cooling makes 110 PS as compared to the Z900’s 123 PS. At
8,500 rpm, the peak rev-limit has gone down by 1,000 rpm. This suggests that
the bike is tuned for more low-end torque than outright power. Expect the
transmission ratio to be optimized.
Going by the teaser images, the bike gets LED
indicators, which flank the circular LED headlight. A twin-pod cluster with
chrome rings adorns the headlamp. More details about the motorcycle will
surface at the motor show. When launched in the international market, the
bike’s primary competitor would be the Triumph Street Twin and Bonneville T100.
