Another bike manufacturer has joined the ranks of the retro styled modern machine with Kawasaki releasing the new Z900RS. To celebrate this, and to dip its toes into the custom world, Deus set about two of these new bikes to flex their creative muscles and show the world some of the first custom Z900RS.
Announced earlier this year much to the excitement of the motorcycle media and enthusiasts alike, the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS was created as a homage to the Z1 which was first released in 1972. The new Z900RS features that famous retro look with a very clear nod to the previous Z1. Powered by a liquid-cooled 948cc In-Line four, this machine is a marriage of heritage and soul with modern technology. This is something more and more bike manufacturers are having their own take on, as the modern classic and retro inspired machines feed the ever wanting riders.
Quite naturally, and wisely, Kawasaki passed two of these bikes on to Deus Ex Machina in Camperdown and into the remarkably capable and passionate hands of head tech and creator Jeremy Tagand. From here two very unique machines would be created, an aggressive tracker and a very retro Mad Max styled machine.
Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to have a test ride on these new bikes just yet. Probably a good idea as well since there was free flowing wine and beer. What we can say however is that these new heritage inspired bikes definitely have a very relaxed, neutral riding position. Or maybe we should say sitting position for now.
There will be two models hitting our shores in 2018, with the Z900RS and Z900 RS Café Edition giving buyers a couple of options. The standard model comes in a very retro (heaven forgive our gratuitous use of the word ‘retro’) Candytone Brown paired with a Candytone Orange. The Café Edition comes with a very sporting cowling, and two colour choices. A Vintage Lime Green, and a more subdued Pearl Storm Grey.
These new machines boast a strong, smooth In-Line Four engine, Kawasaki’s first tuned exhaust note, KTRC traction control and a lightweight Trellis frame. Despite being somewhat late to the game in releasing these style bikes, these are certainly a remarkably attractive option and we’re keen to get our bums on a seat to put it through it’s paces. We feel they’ll live up to the excitement.
Standard
Engine Type – 4-Stroke In-line 4 Cylinder
Displacement – 948cm3
POW./TORQ. – 82.0kW / 98.5Nm
Transmission – 6-speed
Curb Mass – 214kg incl fuel
Seat Height – 835mm
L X W X H – 2100 x 865 x 1150
Fuel – 17L
Brakes (F) – Dual Semi-floating 310mm discs
Brakes (R) – Single 250mm disc
Tyre (F) 120/70 ZER17M/C (58W)
Tyre (R) 180/55 ZR17M/C 973W)
Café Edition
Engine Type – 4-Stroke In-line 4 Cylinder
Displacement – 948cm3
POW./TORQ. – 82.0kW / 98.5Nm
Transmission – 6-speed
Seat Height – 820mm
Curb Mass – 215kg incl fuel
L X W X H – 2100 x 845 x 1190
Fuel – 17L
Brakes (F) – Dual Semi-floating 310mm discs
Brakes (R) – Single 250mm disc
Tyre (F) 120/70 ZER17M/C (58W)
Tyre (R) 180/55 ZR17M/C 973W)