By Kawasaki has reintroduced the Z900RS in India. It comes with a price tag of Rs 16.47 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The 2023 Z900RS has arrived in India via the CBU route. This leads to massive import duties/taxes and it costs more than the ZX-10R superbike.
The Z900RS keeps the 948cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine from the Z900 naked bike. This retuned engine produces a max power of 111 hp at 8,500 rpm and 98.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. Power output is down by 14 hp when compared to the Z900. But peak torque remains constant and is delivered 1,200rpm earlier in the rev range.
While the Z900RS shares the same main frame as the Z900 but the subframe has been redesigned to accommodate the classic stepped single-piece seat. The fuel capacity is 17 litres, the same as the Z900. The Z900 retains the twin 300mm front and single 250mm rear disc brakes. It comes with a dual-channel ABS as standard.
The Z900RS replaces the Z900’s full-colour TFT dash with twin analogue dials with a small digital inset. While its styling is retro but some features make it a modern machine. Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red and Candy Tone Blue are the two colours available for the Kawasaki Z900RS.
The Z900RS is a pricey proposition at Rs 16.47 lakh. We expect it to sell in very limited numbers, much like it did before the BS6 era. Its closest competitor is the Triumph Speed Twin 1200, which is less expensive due to local assembly.
Kawasaki also sells the Z650RS for a much more affordable Rs 6.92 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It has similar design elements and the Ninja 650’s 650cc parallel-twin engine.
2023-03-16 15:49:41