2023 Kawasaki Z900RS [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Is A Modern Classic

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
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For 2023, Kawasaki has expanded its 2023 lineup to include several retro options like the Z900RS which is a fusion of modern performance and retro styling that embodies Kawasaki’s rich motorcycle heritage and delivery of top-of-the-line motorcycles. The Z900RS pays homage to the legendary Z1 of the 1970s, while incorporating the latest technology to give riders a thrilling experience. The 2023 Z900RS’ timeless design incorporates a classic teardrop gas tank, round LED headlamp, and retro-styled tail cowl to pay tribute to the original Z1. Looking to go full cafe style? Look no further than the cleverly titled Z900RS Cafe which adds a front cowl to for a small increase in price and even smaller amount of wind protection.

At the heart of the Z900RS is a 948cc inline-four engine, delivering a balance of power with 111 horsepower and smoothness that any rider can appreciate. The motorcycle’s advanced electronic systems, such as the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and the assist and slipper clutch, help to harness this power and offer a refined, yet exhilarating riding experience.

The Z900RS has a high-tensile steel trellis frame that provides a lightweight and rigid platform. Combined with the fully adjustable suspension, it ensures that the Z900RS remains nimble and responsive on the road, providing exceptional handling characteristics. Braking performance is an essential aspect of any motorcycle, and the Z900RS comes equipped with dual 300mm front disc brakes and a single 250mm rear disc brake, coupled with an ABS system, providing powerful and controlled stopping power. The radial-mount front brake calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder ensure a consistent and progressive brake feel.

The ergonomics of the Z900RS are designed with rider comfort in mind. The upright riding position, combined with a slightly raised handlebar, ensures long-distance comfort and excellent control during spirited riding. The seat is comfortable and supportive, making it perfect for extended journeys. This all ties in nicely with the theme of the bike and the era where this and other Japanese motorcycle brands made their start.

The 2023 Kawasaki Z900RS starts at $11,949 USD/$15,999 CAD

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Kawasaki Z900RS in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $11,949 USD/$15,999 CAD
Key Features:
- Retro Styling
- Tuned stainless steel exhaust
- Analogue dials
- LED headlight

Main Specs

Engine: 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
Power: 111 horsepower
Torque: 48.5 lb-ft
Weight: 412 lbs (186 kgs)
Seat Height: 31.5 inches (800 mm)

Competitors

2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	948cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power	111 Hp
Bore x Stroke	73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio	10.8:1
Fuel System	DFI® with Keihin 36mm throttle bodies
Starter	Electric
Maximum Torque	72.3 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, Return Shift
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	Inverted telescopic fork with (13-way) adjustable compression and rebound (11-way) damping, spring preload (15-turn)/4.7
Suspension Rear	Horizontal back-link swingarm with stepless adjustable rebound damping and spring preload/5.5 in
Brakes Front	Dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear	Single 250mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Tires Front	120/70 ZR17
Tires Rear	180/55 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.5 gal
Color	Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI with electronic advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	83.1 in
Overall Width	34.1 in
Overall Height	46.5 in
Wheelbase	57.9 in
Ground Clearance	5.1 in
Seat Height	32.9 in
Curb Weight	474.1 lb* (50-State Model)
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, 36 or 48 months

2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.

On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Kawasaki has long had a reputation for building great-sounding bikes – a characteristic inherent in the Kawasaki engine architecture – but it is only recently that effort has been put into crafting a specific auditory experience through careful sound tuning of either the intake or exhaust system.

Designed specifically to allow riders to enjoy their motorcycles aurally as well as physically, the carefully crafted auditory notes can be the key components of the street riding exhilaration offered by models that have benefitted from sound tuning. Sound tuning can include conducting sound research, designing intake and exhaust system components based on an acoustic test carried out in a sound room, and careful consideration of every detail of a system’s components to ensure a balance of performance and the desired sound.

Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.

Proper fit is key for rider comfort and control. However, the ideal fit varies from rider to rider, depending on their physical dimensions and riding style.

ERGO-FIT® is an interface system designed to allow riders to find their ideal riding position. Various points of the chassis interface (the handlebar, footpegs and seat, etc.) can be adjusted through a combination of interchangeable parts and parts with adjustable positions. This enables a wide range of riders to find a riding position that offers both comfort and control. Feeling at one with their machine, they will be able to experience how Kawasaki machines are fun and rewarding to ride.
*Adjustable parts and their range of adjustability vary by model.

Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak® rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.