[ACTIVE Z900RS Test Ride] Pursuing the ideal Z900RS! Changing up the main parts and having fun tuning!

• Z900RS CAFE
• Z900RS

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The perfection and compatibility of functional parts that can be seen by building a demo bike

The Kawasaki Z900RS is a machine that various builders and riders continue to customize to create their very own style. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the most customized big bike in Japan today, and since its debut in 2017, its momentum has not stopped.

During the Covid pandemic a used Z900RS cost more than a new one, and there was a period of time when it was difficult to obtain one at all, but recently new bikes have begun to circulate again, used bikes are plentiful, and prices have begun to settle down. This is why customization is so hot right now.

The Z900RS is a machine that ACTIVE has had their hands on since its debut and they are constantly making modifications. They have released a wide variety of parts, from dress-up to hard parts. This Z900RS by ACTIVE in Kawasaki KR500 colors was unveiled at the 2023 Motorcycle Show. It has a modern classic look in addition to the old-fashioned Kawasaki style. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to test ride it, and here's what we thought.

ACTIVE's manufacturing responds to the real opinions of riders

This Z900RS features a luxurious suspension system that foreshadows its ride potential. The handling is very gentle and does not rush the rider.

The original "hollow" swingarm (made of square pipe with no partitions inside) is made more flexible than the stock swingarm by optimizing lateral rigidity while maintaining vertical rigidity. It is easier to create grip on the rear wheel when opening the throttle while exiting a corner. The feeling is closer to that of a recent supersport bike than to that of a naked bike, and this is in consideration of the performance of the latest radial tires as well. The new swingarm is in keeping with the characteristics of the press-formed swingarms that ACTIVE has been producing for some time, but was created in response to feedback from customers saying that they still prefer the look of a square pipe.

The front and rear suspensions are by HYPERPRO. The front is equipped with stock forks with the springs and oil changed out, while the rear is fitted with a fully adjustable monoshock. The front and rear are well balanced and promise flexible movement with little pitching. The forged aluminum wheels by GALE SPEED bring a lighter feel, and the brakes also by GALE SPEED had good response characteristics both during braking and release.

One of the biggest impressions was the step. The rigidity, moderation, and high grip of the step bar ensure ideal foot work for sport riding. When moving your body back after leaning into a corner, especially when pushing down with the outside foot, the responsiveness was outstanding, and the shift touch was pleasant.

The majority of the parts that make up the steps are made from 7075 aluminum (most aftermarket steps are in the 2000 or 5000 range, and the larger the number, the harder and more expensive the material is), so the cost and attention to detail go beyond the realm of usual custom parts. The materials and design are something you would expect to be used for a racing machine, and they provide a feeling of control that one would not expect from a production bike.

Pursue your ideal bike with precise adjustments! The fun of customization is here!

The gentle handling leads to a sense of security on city streets and winding roads, but since this was a test ride on the track, we tried various setups. As I increased my pace, I wanted a little more quickness in the movement of changing direction from near upright during braking, and I also wanted to reduce the response of the brake touch.

I discussed this with ACTIVE's development staff and asked them to increase the rear suspension preload and adjust the lever ratio of the front master cylinder. When I went back out on the course, I could tell that the Z900RS was getting closer to my tastes. If anything, I would say the buffed aluminum Subframe TYPE-2 installed on either side of the frame seemed to stiffen the frame considerably, and I would like to try a Performance Damper version, especially since this is one of ACTIVE's specialties.

The Z900RS really is a fun machine to customize. The fact that there are so many rivals makes us want to create our own originality, and the abundance of custom parts responds to that desire. ACTIVE is a brand that provides a wide range of parts to meet a variety of needs.

I think it must be really difficult to research and develop hard functional parts such as wheels, brakes, and swingarms, and even more difficult to tune each part in good balance. ACTIVE staff members accompanied us for this test ride, and when talking with them, you can tell that they love motorcycles. They often test ride and enjoy the changes and evolution of the bikes for themselves. This feeling is very important in parts development.