Kawasaki has re-launched the Z900RS in India at Rs 16.47 lakh (Ex Showroom, India). The 2023 Z900RS continues to arrive in India via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route, attracting massive duties, which is why its price tag is higher than the Rs 16.15 lakh ZX-10R superbike.
- Uses retuned Z900 engine and the subframe also revised
- Has traction control, all LED lighting, slipper clutch
2023 KAWASAKI Z900RS: DETAILS
The Z900RS continues to use the 948cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine from the Z900 naked bike, but on the RS it's been retuned for more mid-range power. In this application, the big-bore inline-four mill makes 111 hp at 8,500 rpm and 98.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Compared to the Z900, peak power drops a good 14 horsepower, but peak torque remains the same and is delivered 1200 rpm earlier in the rev band.
While the Kawasaki Z900RS uses the same main frame as the Z900, the subframe has been significantly reworked to ensure it can accommodate the classic stepped single-piece seat. Fuel capacity is the same as the Z900 at 17 litres. Dual 300mm front discs and a single 250mm rear disc are also inherited from the Z900, with standard two-channel ABS.
The Z900RS uses twin analogue dials with a small digital inset, instead of the full color TFT dash of the Z900, which matches the new retro look of this machine. While its design is from the last century, features like LED lighting, a slipper clutch, and traction control make it a thoroughly modern (and safe) machine. The Kawasaki Z900RS is offered in two colors, Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red and Candy Tone Blue.
At Rs 16.47 lakh, the Z900RS is undoubtedly a pricey proposition, and we expect it to sell in very limited numbers, just like when it was on sale before the BS6 era. Its closest competitor is the Rs 11.09 lakh (ex-showroom, India) Triumph Speed 1200 Twin, though it's a good deal and is more affordable thanks to local assembly.
Kawasaki also sells the Z650RS at a more amenable price of Rs 6.92 (ex showroom, India), and that bike features similar design elements while using the 650cc parallel-twin engine from the Ninja 650.
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