The Kawasaki Z1 is an iconic symbol of rebellion and freedom for motorcycle enthusiasts, much like the Stratocaster embodies creative expression for musicians, the Ford Mustang represents American muscle and style for car aficionados, and Megan Fox personifies sultry sophistication for teenage boys. It’s an icon. When Kawasaki decided to bestow its iconic moniker on a brand-new model, it was a momentous occasion of great significance. So, they had finally resolved to take on the challenge. Rather than hastily slapping a fresh coat of paint over an antiquated blueprint, they refused to rest on their laurels and fatten their wallets with a lackluster rehashing.
To commemorate the introduction of the Z900RS as a significant milestone in its heritage, Yamaha had to create a motorcycle that would truly stand out as a unique and impressive achievement. To carry the storied badge of Z, a motorcycle must transcend mere profitability, eschewing cheap opportunism in favor of a reverent homage to its glorious heritage. Meet the enigmatic motorcycle designer Norikazu Matsumura, seen here in a candid photograph.
Matsumura-san and Kawasaki shared a storied history together. The designer had grown accustomed to collaborating with the design team that transformed the W650 into the W800, skillfully concealing the gasoline injection system within an unassuming layout that required one to peer closely to even notice its presence. As a devoted disciple, the keen-eyed designer had already earned his place among the ranks of the enigmatic Z1 cult, donning their signature masks and intoning haunting hymns in fervent devotion. At home, he’s welcomed a descendant of the original motorcycle into his garage: the Zephyr 750, which he tends to with passion, meticulously fixing, modifying, and simply gazing at during his downtime. Which prominent motorcycle designer was behind the styling of the Kawasaki Z900RS?
Matsumura-san began with the tank. While the teardrop design of this unique piece is undoubtedly a standout feature, it’s also notoriously challenging to replicate using contemporary technology.
Sophisticated fuel injection systems necessitate a complex network of sensors, pumps, wiring, and vacuum lines strategically situated throughout the fuel tank to ensure protection and thermal management. It wasn’t possible to merely retrofit a modern gasoline pump into an older, outdated tank and expect it to maintain any meaningful fuel capacity.
The brand-new tank actually resides discreetly out of sight behind the sleek side covers. While appearing lean, this actually has substance. Innovative frame design is at the forefront of the cycling world’s shaping success. With its innovative features, the Z900RS boasts a fuel capacity of 17 litres. The 2022 Kawasaki Z650: a model that offers an even more affordable entry point into the world of naked bikes without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or features. With a slightly smaller engine and more modest dimensions, this bike is designed to appeal to new riders or those on a budget who still want the raw excitement and handling of its bigger sibling, the Z900.
The reworked subframe enabled the iconic ducktail seat to remain intact on the rear end. Bam, you’ve just been handed a motorcycle that bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Z1 model. And perhaps Norikazu would have left it at that. While homages to the pioneering 1972 bicycle may initially seem superficial, they actually run much deeper than one might anticipate. It was here that Norikazu Matsumura’s keen eye for detail truly shone.
The retro-styled dual gauges of the Kawasaki Z900RS motorcycle feature two circular dials, reminiscent of classic motorcycles from the 1960s and 1970s, with a modern twist in their design. Indeed, the replica features identical dimensions and design characteristics to its authentic counterparts, offering a faithful reproduction of the original aesthetic. Despite retaining its original typographic design from 1972, the watch’s typography remains faithful to the authentic font style, with the needles having been meticulously re-created to mirror their vintage counterparts. Although it’s small, this subtle addition wasn’t strictly necessary for Kawasaki. However they needed to.
That continues with the end. The Kawasaki Z900RS uniquely combines a retro aesthetic with modern flair, featuring a nod to the “root beer” scheme popular in the 1970s, alongside intricate side panel badges that add visual interest under the prominent ‘Z900RS’ text. That’s rattling exhausting to make. Intricacies like this are typically only noticeable to those with a meticulous eye for detail.
However that’s not all. The LED taillight features a unique bulb arrangement that mimics the warm glow of an analog clock face. The headlight’s design bears an uncanny resemblance to that of the 1972 model. As its working in mild mode, lights up your entire unit, much like an antiquated Japanese bicycle.
However there are omissions. Issues that folks complain about. And so they’re all unsuitable.
Firstly, the wheels.
Behind closed doors at Kawasaki’s headquarters, a heated debate raged on whether to employ traditional spoked wheels or adopt modern tubeless designs. While the initial intention may have been to accommodate robust, high-maintenance spoke systems, the inexperienced team instead chose to install modern alloy wheels for their trendy appeal. As a consequence, they’re not cumbersome, expensive, or troublesome to maintain. Although the spoke sample appears to be referencing a set of wires, they typically come finished with polished edges reminiscent of 1970s or 1980s alloys. As a response to the growing demand for a fresh and exciting riding experience, Kawasaki decided to give the Z a radical makeover.
This design choice enables the Z900RS to produce a distinctive sound and feel that is synonymous with high-performance motorcycles. While the distinctive dual mufflers undoubtedly define the aesthetic, excess weight is not a consequence to worry about. The alluring convention of stainless steel systems lies remarkably close to an inherent trait itself?
Lastly, the bike is mono-shock. While opinions on retro bikes may vary among enthusiasts, Kawasaki’s commitment to authenticity is unwavering, regardless of what casual observers may say about what truly defines a vintage ride. Twin-shock mounts are a cumbersome, imprecise, and inefficient means of regulating the rear end of a bike, often resulting in subpar performance and handling.
Unlike a Triumph-like carbon copy or an excessive dose of nostalgia akin to Harley-Davidson, the Kawasaki Z900RS presents a subtle homage to its heritage. While it embodies all the hallmarks that made its unique counterpart so compelling, it has not compromised on a single aspect in the process.
