Photo: Eiji Ishimura (PHOTO SPACE RS)
Demonstration Motorcycle Production reveals the degree of perfection and compatibility of functional parts
The Kawasaki Z900RS is a machine that various constructors and users continue to customize to create their own unique styles. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the most customized big motorcycle in Japan right now, and since its debut in 2017, its momentum has not stopped.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, used motorcycles were more expensive than new ones, and it was difficult to obtain a motorcycle, but recently new motorcycles have started to be distributed, there are many used motorcycles, and the price is starting to stabilize. That's why customizing it is interesting now.
Although active, the Z900RS is a machine that has been put a lot of effort into since its debut, and is constantly being modified. There is a wide variety of parts, from dress-up parts to hard parts.
This Active Z900RS in Kawasaki KR500 colors will be unveiled at the 2023 Motorcycle Show. Its appearance is not only traditional Kawasaki-like, but also has a modern classic feel. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to test ride it, so I'd like to share my impressions.
Producing a demo motorcycle requires a lot of effort and cost, but Active adheres to a style in which many staff members ride the motorcycle, exchange opinions, and iterate on the setup.
The color scheme is based on the Kawasaki factory machine, the KR500, which competed in the World GP in the early 1980s. The KR500 was equipped with a rotary disc valve square-four engine mounted on a monocoque frame. The tank was made of unpainted hammered aluminum, giving it a rugged racing impression that was simply characteristic of Kawasaki. The bikini cowl ($409.72) is an original from Active, and the windscreen can be chosen from clear or smoked. It also comes with a taillight extension kit ($409.72) and a fender eliminator kit. Here is the complete set of parts installed on this Z900RS.
Of course, the active Z900RS responded well even when ridden on a circuit.
Active manufacturing that responds to the real voices of riders
The Z900RS's distinctive feature is its luxurious suspension, which hints at its riding potential. The handling is very gentle. It's a flavor that doesn't rush the rider.
The original "mouth-shaped cross-section (not an eye-shaped or sun-shaped cross-section, but with no partitions inside the square pipes)" swingarm ensures more vertical rigidity than the stock model while optimizing lateral rigidity to give it flexibility. It's easier to create a grip on the rear wheel when opening the throttle at the exit of a corner. It's closer to the feeling of a recent supersport rather than a naked motorcycle, and it also takes into account the performance of the latest radial tires. It follows the characteristics of the press-formed swingarm that the company has been producing for some time, and responds to customer feedback that "the square pipes look better after all."
The front and rear suspensions are manufactured by Hyperpro. The front is a standard fork with springs and oil, and the rear is equipped with a fully adjustable mono-shock. The front and rear are well-balanced, ensuring smooth movement with little pitching. The Gale Speed aluminum forged wheels bring lightness, and the brakes have a good response both when braking and when releasing.
The footpegs left a good impression. The rigidity and good moderation, as well as the high grip of the footpeg bar, promise ideal footpeg work for sports riding. When changing body position at the corner, the response was excellent, especially when stepping on the footpeg with the outside foot, and the shift touch was also pleasant.
Most of the parts that make up the step are made of 7075 aluminum (most replacement steps are in the 2000 or 5000 series, and the higher the number the harder and more expensive they are), and the cost and attention to detail go beyond the realm of custom parts. The materials and design are like those used in racing machines, providing a feel that is hard to believe is for a commercial motorcycle.
GALESPEED Elaborate front 4P radial caliper [108mm pitch] SCM bolt specification ($704.43 each for left and right), Motomaster NITRO front brake disc φ300 ($158.14 each for left and right).
The front forks are equipped with Hyperpro suspension springs ($158.14), and the rear is fitted with a Hyperpro monoshock with hose and tank type HPA ($1257.92).
GALESPEED Elaborate Foot Control Kit Silver ($488.79). You can choose from four positions: "23mm back/33mm up", "23mm back/45mm up", "35mm back/33mm up", and "35mm back/45mm up".
The back of the footpeg can be cut down to the very limit because 7075 material is used. Each part is made like a racing machine. It is also available in black at the same price.
The GALESPEED Type-J forged aluminum wheel ($1926.41 front and rear) is an original design that evokes the atmosphere of classic wheels that suit the neo-classical style.
The front is the same 3.5 size as the standard, but the rear has been changed from the standard 5.5 to 6.0 size. The front is 0.73kg lighter and the rear is 1.74kg lighter. The J in Type-J stands for "Japan Classic," "+," and "Journey."
Polished square-section swingarm ($2199.55). This swingarm was created in response to customer requests. It is made from a new 95 x 36 mm square pipe. It looks more powerful than the standard model, but is also 100g lighter. It also comes with an optional stand hook plate (Black Anodized/$71.88, Polished/$107.82).
GALESPEED Elaborate rear 2P radial caliper φ34/SCM bolt specification ($416.91).
GALESPEED Elaborate Brake Master VRE φ17.5 (lever ratio 18-16mm) / Mirror Holder Clamp ($567.86). A radial master cylinder that allows you to change the lever ratio within the range of 18-16mm (in 0.25mm increments).
GALESPEED Elaborate Wire Clutch Holder Kit 32mm Mirror Holder Clamp ($388.16). This clutch holder allows you to finely adjust the lever ratio and lever position. It's also nice that you can match the design with the master.
The suspension is more reliable than the standard version, allowing for bolder throttle operation.
Pursue your ideal with fine adjustments! The fun of customization is here!
The gentle handling gives a sense of security in city areas and on winding roads, but since this test ride was on a circuit, I tried various setups. As I increased the pace, I wanted the motorcycle to be a little quicker when changing direction from near upright when braking, and I also wanted the brake touch to be less responsive.
I discussed this with Active's development team, who strengthened the rear preload of the suspension and adjusted the lever ratio of the front master cylinder.
Once again, when I got on the course, I realized that the Z900RS was closer to my preferences. If I were to be greedy, the aluminum buffed TYPE-2 subframe attached to the left and right sides of the frame seemed to stiffen the frame considerably, and I wanted to try out the performance damper specification, which is a high-quality direction that Active specializes in.
After all, customizing the Z900RS is fun. Because there are so many rivals, you want to "create your own originality," and the wide range of custom parts answers that need. Active also has a wide range of parts to meet a variety of needs.
I think that researching and developing hard functional parts such as wheels, brakes, and swing arms is really difficult. And tuning each part in a well-balanced way is even more difficult. This time, Active staff accompanied me, and when I talked with them, it was clear that they love motorcycles. They also often test ride these demo motorcycles, enjoying the changes and evolution of the motorcycles themselves. This feeling is very important in parts development.
Convertible Stem kit silver/Separate Handlebar Specification ($1150.09). A stem kit with separate handlebars that allows you to choose the fork offset from 31.5mm/34mm (OEM is 34mm).
The minimum handle angle is 119°, the droop angle is 10°, and the minimum handle end width is 692mm.
Sub Frame Buff TYPE-2 ($309.09).
The subframe was more rigid than I expected. The matte black version costs $416.91.
Akrapovic government-approved SLIP ON Silencer LINE titanium black ($1042.27). A megaphone-shaped slip-on silencer that matches the style of the Z900RS.
