Z900RS

The Z900RS uses the Z900's 948cc inline four, retuned for mid-range with different cams and a heavier flywheel, in a steel trellis frame with a 41 mm inverted fork and a horizontal back-link shock. The styling is a faithful Z1 tribute: the teardrop tank, the duck-tail seat, and the round dials with an LCD insert.

Brakes are radial four-piston calipers on 300 mm discs. The 2026 update raised compression to 11.8:1 with new cams, larger valves, and downdraft throttle bodies, and ride-by-wire now feeds a six-axis IMU with cornering ABS and traction control. The SE trim brings an Öhlins shock and Brembo calipers.

The Z900RS is a modern naked in vintage clothes. The four is smooth, torquey from 3,000 rpm, and sounds glorious with its tuned airbox. The chassis handles as well as the Z900 it is based on, which is to say very well. Comfort is good with the upright bars and 835 mm seat, though the seat itself is firm.

It is the only bike in the classic segment that can genuinely keep up with modern nakeds.

Sixteen valves at 24,000 km are the price of a four, but the engine is exposed and well understood. Oil changes are easy. Kawasaki's build quality is high and the RS has a strong reliability record. Consumables are shared with the Z900.

The rider who wants a classic that is not a compromise, and who loves inline fours. Also the best classic here for real distance and real speed.