Kawasaki Z900RS Arrives In India: How It Differs From Honda CB1000R
India Kawasaki Motors has finally introduced its much awaited bike – the Z900RS in the country for Rs 15, 30,000. The Kawasaki Z900RS has been inspired by the company’s Z1 and Z900 bikes.
Result of the hard toil by a Takumi (Japanese term meaning an artisan), the Kawasaki Z900RS will have Honda CB1000R as one of its potential competitor in India.
During the launch of the bike, Managing Director of India Kawasaki Motors, Yutaka Yamashita, said “We decided to launch Z900RS, as there is eagerness and excitement among our smattering Indian customers for this high range premium product. We hope that Z900RS will create a league of its own. Kawasaki believes that Z900RS is ideal for riders those who search for a bike with character and a rich history.”
In the bike, India Kawasaki Motors for the first time has introduced the company's first tuned exhaust note. With Z900RS, Kawasaki has conducted sound research to craft a model's ideal exhaust note, mentioned the company in their official press statement.
Before going any further, let’s take a look at how and what grounds the newly launched bike differs from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CB1000R.
Kawasaki Z900RS
It is powered by a 948cc 4-stroke, in-line, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valves engine that churns out maximum power of 82kW @ 8500rpm and peak torque of 98.5Nm @ 6500rpm.
Z900RS overall measures 2100mm X 865mm X 1150mm, with 1470mm of wheelbase, 130mm of ground clearance, 835mm of seat height and 17 litres of fuel capacity.
Unlike the twin rear shocks of the Z1, the Z900RS features Kawasaki’s Horizontal BackLink rear suspension. This choice of suspension is also featured on Kawasaki’s supersport and supernaked models for a sporty riding experience.
With its design elements and styling cues derived from Z1, the Z900RS comes fitted with the iconic teardrop fuel tank, and the innovative oval LED taillight. In contrast to the sharp, edgy design of the Z supernaked models, the Z900RS uses rounded elements.
Its dual-dial instrumentation (analogue-style speedometer and tachometer dials) comes with multi-functional LCD screen. The LCD has an easy-to-read, negative (white letters on a black background) display.
In India the Z900RS will be available in candytone brown/ candytone orange colours.
Honda CB1000R
Equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), the bike is available for Rs 13, 38,093, and in three colour options – Black, Pearl Sunbeam White, and Sports Red.
It comes equipped with 998cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 16-valve, DOHC, inline 4-cylinder engine that gives out 92kW of maximum output at 10000rpm and 99Nm of peak torque 7750rpm.
Dimensions wise the CB1000R measures 2105mm X 805mm X 1095mm, with 1445mm of wheelbase, 825mm of seat height, and ground clearance of 130mm.
Some of its main features are – the thick aluminium handlebar, and front light array having a triangular multi-reflector headlight integrated into a compact bikini cowl, and a 7-bulb LED position light.
