Kawasaki Z900 Owner Review
Introducing the passionate story from Newyorkstake who rides the Z900, from Webike Community's "My Beloved Moto" campaign.
He shares his reviews of the Z900, including the advantage and the disadvantage, which he understands well because he is the owner.
Brief self-introduction
Motorcycle history
At the age of 16, it was common knowledge that healthy young men should ride motorcycles.
How I enjoy my motorcycle on a regular basis?
I usually ride mainly for touring. If I'm going solo, I may stop at some of the sights, but basically, I like to ride around and flush the winding roads.
Motive for purchase and use
Despite the 3-night workout, I got my moped license and bought a Kawasaki AR50, which was said to be the fastest moped at the time. After that, I bought a Yamaha FZ400R, which had just been released, and a new YSR50, which reminded me of the fun of two-strokes.
After riding the RZ250R and TZR250 that I got from a friend, my wife begged me not to ride motorcycles because they were dangerous, and I decided to stay away from them for a while. Even though I've become an old man, I still can't forget the fun of riding a motorcycle, so I returned.
I rode Kawasaki Estrella and ER4-n, but there were not many options for medium-sized motorcycles, so I decided to get a large-sized motorcycle while my body was still getting used to it.
I bought the MV Agusta Brutale 800RR on impulse, but I was tired of the trouble and maintenance, so I decided to buy a new motorcycle after less than a year of riding, thinking that a Japanese motorcycle would be more reliable and easier to maintain. I decided to buy a new motorcycle after less than a year of riding. The Z900 was ideal for me because it had good foot grounding, lightweight, good design, and low price (←this is important).
Satisfaction
For applications
For touring use, the position is not too tight, so you can ride for a long time without much fatigue. And the clutch is unusually light! It's because of the assist and slipper clutch, but I seem to have gotten better at it with little or no shock when downshifting, even if I'm not revving a bit. It also helps that the fuel economy is so good that you can drive for about 300km without refueling.
Also, the engine is very smooth and comfortable, and the tenacity to accelerate normally from 2000 rpm in 6th gear is a big deal. The Agusta couldn't be used below 3,000 rpm and always had a feeling of a three-cylinder thumping revolution, so when I first rode in the Z900 after delivery, I was so comfortable I said, "What is this?".
For riding
It's so nimble and easy to handle that it's hard to believe it's a motorcycle with 950cc. It has more power at over 6000 rpm and it's hard to turn it on the street. 125PS and this is what happens to SS with over 200PS.
For appearance
It is a Typical Street Fighter. The upturned tail and crouching style are what Kawasaki calls the "Sugomi" design. The black body and green frame are also very stylish. It's a rare motorcycle, so it gets a lot of looks when you park it. It's good that I rarely see the same motorcycle because I don't like to ride with others.
Dissatisfaction
For applications
As a touring application, it is a hopelessly nigh-on unloading capacity. There is almost no storage capacity. The sprung-up tail and small pillion seat is not suited to attaching a large seat bag.
There is a vibration in the grip at certain rpm ranges. My hands are numb after a long ride as I use them a lot when cruising. When I changed the bar end from stock, the vibration was greater. It's destined to be a streetfighter, but even if you swap out the wind protection for a larger screen, it still catches the wind from the shoulders up, so it's not very good at high speeds for long periods of time.
For riding
The so-called "thumping" of the low RPMs is a concern. Also, the stock suspension is too hard for my 60kg body weight. Despite this, the rear preload cannot be adjusted without removing the dampers. The front brakes also feel like they need a little more initial braking than the Brembo brakes on the Agusta. At first, I was like, "The brakes don't work!"
For appearance
The meters are shoddy and the screws in prominent places are cheap, probably due to the cost savings. I wish the lights were LED, or at least the headlights were LED. I can't get away with cheap stock mirrors and a license plate bracket that stretches like a beetle's horn. I replaced it immediately.
Also, in general, it seems to be a minor motorcycle in Japan, so I'm not satisfied with the lack of custom parts.
Summary
If you're new to riding a big motorcycle, or if you're not sure about your size, don't worry, you can ride the Z900!
If you're tired of heavyweight motorcycles and you've been away from them, this is a great place to start.
Also, the starting price is low, so if you like customization, you can use your budget for customization. The disadvantage is that there are not many parts available for this minor model.
Thank you, Newyorkstake, for a narrative that shows so much love for the Z900!
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