Remember the Kawasaki Z1? 46 years later now Z900RS

[Pat Conlon]

A lot of you young folks may not remember these, although I do....the 1972 Kawasaki Z1 ...aka: Honda CB750 SOHC killer:



Fast forward 46 years, the Kawasaki Z900RS:













For more picts and details:

https://newatlas.com/kawasaki-2018-z900-rs/51928/

What do you think?

[big r]

I think Kawi. hit the button just about on the nose. That is a sweet looking bike

[Tor-King]

I am not a huge Kawasaki fan but that is one beautiful machine.  I love the machined wheels that resemble spokes, the "ducktail" rear bodywork and the latest is electronics and suspension components... but... it sure would have been nice if they worked in the 4 into 4 exhaust of yesteryear!

[Pat Conlon]

... but... it sure would have been nice if they worked in the 4 into 4 exhaust of yesteryear!

Yep, I agree looking at these pictures it looks like there is quite a large catcon in the collector box...welcome to the age of Euro 4 emission standards.





I think an aftermarket exhaust solution would shed some pounds and clean up the lines. (for off road use only)

[Sparky84]

A lot of you young folks may not remember these, although I do....the 1972 Kawasaki Z1 ...aka: Honda CB750 SOHC killer

Used to have a CB750 not a bad bike

This Z900 looks pretty good
Should ride well also
But it does need a set of 4 into 4, Chrome of course

[PaulG]

Light years ahead in every respect obviously.... but...

Call me an olde tymie guy now, but the original I find more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  Granted the original has been restored to better than showroom condition too.  Odd because that's usually not a consideration high on my list.  But which one would I rather own now?    I just find the lines flow better on the original.  Kinda like a 1972 Sophia Loren vis a vis any cover girl today.

[Pat Conlon]

Here ya go Paul, one owner, 16k miles $8,395 and it's yours.



https://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/Re-Cycle-Sales-857250/listing/1976-Kawasaki-KZ900-Z1-5000581833

They ship internationally...

[PaulG]

Yeah... I'll get right on that, right after....    ... 

[TexasDave]

I am not a huge Kawasaki fan but that is one beautiful machine.  I love the machined wheels that resemble spokes, the "ducktail" rear bodywork and the latest is electronics and suspension components... but... it sure would have been nice if they worked in the 4 into 4 exhaust of yesteryear!

I like the look of the new Kaw and rode a dark green one my friend had. Maybe 1976? Great bike. I would like the new one better with the old four into four or even a two into two.

[FJ1100mjk]

I am not a huge Kawasaki fan.

I am.

Loving my '80 GPz1100 with the old skool Kerker on it.

[Motofun]

I like the old school stuff but don't forget what a handful they were to ride.  My CBX was the same way....OK up to about 90 mph or a twisty section, then watch out.  Those spindly fork tubes just weren't up to the task, not to mention brakes that were merely a suggestion.

[FJ1100mjk]

I like the old school stuff but don't forget what a handful they were to ride.  My CBX was the same way....OK up to about 90 mph or a twisty section, then watch out.  Those spindly fork tubes just weren't up to the task, not to mention brakes that were merely a suggestion.

Yes, I am fully aware of the limitations of my Kaw, like you are with your CBX's. But to me it's all about the ride when I'm on it, that is enjoyable just the same. Not to mention the positive comments that I get when I pull in somewhere. With CBX ownership, I am certain that you understand this.

I don't know about the CBX group, but the swapping of swingarms, wheels, and suspension front and rear, is going on in the KZ world. Whatever, melts the owners butter is fine with me, but I am staying OEM for the most part. Who knows, it may payoff when it goes on the auction block. Like your CBX, good examples of them fetch a good price when they're in good condition and OEM throughout. 

[Pat Conlon]

...I don't know about the CBX group, but the swapping of swingarms, wheels, and suspension front and rear, is going on in the KZ world.....

That sounds familiar...

[gumby302ho]

 Those ZR's and KZ's were cleaning up when I was a teenager, then the GPZ's carried the torch a little longer, that honda CX650 turbo in the early 80's had some pull, then came along the big YAMAHA FJ that stomped on almost everybody! Shhhhhh, dont wake up the suzuki guys.

[giantkiller]

My older brother had a z1r