Kawasaki Z900 Goes Retro

Rumour mills were abuzz with news of Kawasaki working on a modern classic model, which is based on the new Kawasaki Z900. And now, Kawasaki has finally put all speculations to rest by teasing a retro-styled Z900. It will be called the Kawasaki Z900RS, and will be designed on the lines of the Kawasaki Z1, which was launched in the 1970s.

In the very brief teaser, we can see that the RS sports a complete retro look with a round LED headlamp, slim LED indicators. We can also see twin pod dials, chrome handlebars and circular mirrors. The Z900RS will flaunt the classic orange-black paint scheme as an homage to the 1970 Kawasaki Z1. 

The 1970 Kawasaki Z1 was powered by a 903cc engine which produced 82PS of power and 73.5Nm of torque at 8500rpm. However, as the RS will be based on the existing Z900, it will be powered by the same four-stroke, liquid cooled, 948cc inline-four engine. The Z900's engine produces 125PS of power and 98.6 Nm of torque at 7500 rpm and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

The modern classic will go toe to toe against its retro-styled competition, the Triumph Bonneville T120, the new Ducati Scrambler Mach 2.0 and the Indian Scout. It is expected that Kawasaki will reveal the RS at the Tokyo Motor Show, on October 25, 2017. The bike is expected to be launched in India sometime next year and will carry a premium over the Kawasaki Z900 which is priced at Rs 7.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

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