2021 Kawasaki Z900RS/Café

Retro classic fever caught on big with the motorcycle industry in the latter half of the past decade, but no one has done it better than Kawasaki with its Z900RS and Z900RS Café models.

It’s the best combination of old-school design and modern tech, with good, usable, everyday performance coupled with great styling that closely replicates the original ‘70s Z1. And it’s even the least expensive bike in its class… What’s not to like?

The Kawasaki Z900RS and Café have been two of the best retro classic motorcycles in the market since its debut in 2018, and the 2021 models continue that tradition. Based upon the Z900, the Z900RS recalls the styling cues of the original ‘70s Z1, while the Z900RS Café harkens back to the original ‘82–83 KZ1000 Eddie Lawson Replica. Both bikes offer good, usable performance with retro styling that can’t be beat.

There are no updates for 2021 for either the Z900RS or the Z900RS Café. Available colorways are Candytone Green for the Z900RS, and Pearl Storm Gray for the Café model.

The 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS retails for $11,299. The 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Café has an MSRP of $11,899.

This category is chock-full of throwback models, including the Honda CB650R, Triumph Bonneville T100 and T120, Yamaha XSR900, Ducati Scrambler Café Racer, Royal Enfield Continental GT, Suzuki Katana, BMW R nineT Racer, and even Kawasaki’s own W800 Café.

The Kawasaki Z900RS Café even became Cycle World’s pick in this comparison with the Yamaha XSR900 and Honda CB1000R.

Using the same basic liquid-cooled DOHC 948cc inline-four engine from the Z900 but retuned for low-end and midrange power, the Z900RS Café punched out 94.65 hp at 8,590 rpm and 63.51 pound-feet of torque at 6,040 rpm when CW ran the 2020 model on the dyno. Morgan Gales complained about a “twitchy throttle response” on the first version of the Z900RS that he rode in 2018, but Kawasaki apparently has tuned that issue out of the later versions. There’s plenty of good acceleration for any situation in the city and highway, but if you’re looking to really play hard in the canyons, the flaccid top-end power will disappoint.

The Z900RS comes with older-generation Dunlop GPR-300 tires that provide quick and responsive handling with adequate grip, and the somewhat soft suspension rates (the front fork is fully adjustable for spring preload, rebound, and compression damping, while the rear shock is spring preload and rebound-damping adjustable) absorb most of the pavement imperfections you’ll encounter while keeping the chassis balanced and planted

Radial-mount four-piston Monoblock calipers biting on 300mm petal-style discs up front provide excellent stopping power with a communicative feel, according to the Cycle World UJM comparison test including the Kawasaki Z900RS Café. ABS comes standard on both models.

There is no current fuel economy for the Z900RS models.

Keeping in line with its original Z1 retro styling, both the Z900RS’ and the Café's ergos are in the normal upright standard vein. A wide, flat seat and rubber-mounted handlebar and footpegs keep everything comfy and vibe-free, and the passenger accommodations are decent as well.

Both models come standard with ABS. Kawasaki’s three-step adjustable KTRC traction control is also standard on both machines.

The Z900RS and Kawasaki Z900RS Café come with Kawasaki’s usual 12-month limited warranty. Extended warranty options are available for 12, 24, 36, and 48 months.

The paint on both models is superb, with a deep, metalflake finish that is a cut above most production bikes. The chrome bezels on the round and legible analog tachometer and speedometer are a nice touch. Kawasaki definitely paid attention to details on these two.