TMW > 2022 Motorcycle Models > 2022 Kawasaki > 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE Guide
Introducing the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE…
The Kawasaki Z900RS SE is a high-grade variation on the Z900RS. Both trace their heritage to the legendary Z1, the original hot-rod inline four cylinder motorcycle, combining traditional Z1 styling and engine configuration with modern elements such as Kawasaki’s latest electronic rider support technology, suspension, LED lighting and digital instrumentation. The Z900RS SE model adds a new Brembo front brake package and a high-grade Öhlins rear shock to deliver a plusher ride feel and even greater control. Plus it revisits another of Kawasaki’s iconic oldschool Z models with vivid “Yellow Ball” paint scheme that is sure to turn heads and pluck nostalgic heartstrings.
Reigniting the classic style of the original Z1 900 super naked, the Kawasaki Z900RS family calls upon timeless design elements with minimal bodywork for a pure retro-style look. The Z900RS family combines traditional Z1 styling with modern elements such as Kawasaki’s latest electronic rider support technology, suspension, LED lighting and digital instrumentation for a pure retro yet modern ride.
Your lifestyle has no place for fake. If you seek a Modern Classic with the heritage to deliver yesterday’s values, yet with technical features and suspension upgrades focussed on today’s roads, the Z900RS SE the only answer. An Öhlins rear unit and retuned front suspension plus other detail touches match the visceral spirit of a 1970s legend, the iconic Z1. Looks, show and go, the Z900RS SE has it all.
To further supplement the ride feel, the Z900RS SE features an Öhlins S46 rear shock. The shock is built with an aluminum body and single-tube construction, a large 46mm piston and internal air and gas chambers separated by a floating piston, the combination of components offers a superior feeling of grip and handling. The remote preload adjuster allows for quick and easy adjustment settings without tools, perfect for those tandem rides and luggage-bearing trips. With the improved movement in the initial part of the suspension stroke from both the front and rear suspension components, riders are left with an increased sense of contact with the road, further adding to rider confidence throughout the ride.
The Z900RS SE receives revised damping settings to the 41mm, fully adjustable inverted front forks, with 10-way compression and 12-way rebound damping, which help to compliment the new rear shock. The outer fork tubes are also gold for 2022 to match the signature look of the Öhlins rear shock.
Fitted with Kawasaki’s modern horizontal back-link rear suspension, the Z900RS SE allows for a high level of sporty riding potential while matching the front fork’s level of riding comfort and performance. The extruded aluminum swingarm is lightweight and helps contribute to the light handling of the motorcycle, and the linkage placed atop the swingarm allows for better mass centralization. This also allowed for the lay-down shock absorber to be moved further away from the exhaust so that its operation is not affected by any heat omitted by the exhaust. The shock has an adjustable preload and rebound damping.
The Z900RS SE features dual 300mm Brembo front petal disc brakes and a 250mm rear petal brake with ABS. This contributes to the high level of quality and sportiness. Dual opposed four-piston Brembo M4.32 calipers with resin Brembo brake pads offer a linear brake feel, facilitating control for the rider. This new Brembo brake package offers stronger stopping power and contributes to greater rider control, all while presenting an overall greater ease of use. The brake pads are complimented by a Nissin radial-pump master cylinder and stainless-steel braided lines, delivering greater stopping power and a more linear progression when operating the lever, further facilitating rider feel. For an added degree of rider reassurance, the Z900RS SE comes fully equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to help prevent wheel lock-up and assist braking in certain conditions.
Keeping with classic style, the Z900RS SE utilizes cast flat spoke wheels in a gold color that resemble traditional wire-spoked wheels while offering a unique balance of light weight and stylish looks, positively contributing to both handling and retro Z1 design. Dunlop GPR-300 tires accompany the motorcycle and further add to the iconic retro feel.
With a seamless blend of Z1-inspired styling elements and modern craftsmanship – from the iconic teardrop fuel tank to the innovative oval LED taillight – the Z900RS offers timeless good looks with an exquisite attention to detail and superb fit-and-finish. The Z900RS SE’s styling is reminiscent of the iconic “Yellow Ball,” a black and yellow version of the orange and brown paint of the original Z1. The unique colors come to life on the fuel tank, and thanks to the use of immersion graphics and rich quality paint, the design does not leave a raised surface, resulting in a high-quality finish that one would expect on a timeless motorcycle.
The Z900RS SE features a large-diameter LED headlamp with a convex lens and chromed headlamp ring, adding to the iconic retro feel of the motorcycle. LED lighting is used to illuminate not only the headlamp, but the position lamps, taillight, and license plate lamp as well. The turn signals feature bulb-type lighting.
The Z900RS SE utilizes a dual-dial instrumentation panel with a multi-function LCD screen, balancing retro-style looks with modern functionality. A negative display (white letters on a black background) adds to the instrument cluster’s sporty, modern appearance, and the highly visible gear position indicator helps to increase shifting precision and confidence.
One of the unique features of the 2022 Z900RS SE is its relaxed riding position, giving riders the retro feel of other iconic motorcycles from the past. The upper-triple clamp is 40mm higher which allows for a higher handlebar position and a more upright riding position compared to the Z900, and the wide, flat handlebar contributes to the retro style while offering a wide grip to facilitate control. Handle grips are 30mm wider, 65mm higher, and 35mm closer to the rider which contributes to the upright riding position, and a wide 35-degree steering angle facilitates low-speed maneuvering. Rubber-mounted bar ends help to dampen vibrations in the bars, and both the clutch and brake levers are 5-way adjustable to help accommodate a wide variety of hand sizes.
The slim fuel tank is narrow at the rear which allows for easy knee gripping, and a low seat height, combined with a slim overall design, add to the rider’s ability to firmly place both feet on the ground when stopped. A stepped seat offers a wide, comfortable sitting space for both the rider and passenger. The seat is slimmer in the front to help with the rider’s ability to touch the ground and can be removed without tools, allowing for easy access to the battery, fuse box and tool kit.
Footpegs are 20mm lower and 20mm farther forward compared to the Z900, further enhancing the relaxed riding position. The footpegs come adorned with rubber pads to help reduce vibration transmitted through the feet, and rubber-mounted weights on the undersides to further dampen vibrations.
The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 948cc inline four-cylinder engine offers impressive power and strong torque. Designed to complement the chassis, the lightweight engine provides plenty of torque, and the 73.4 x 56.0 mm bore and stroke create an engine design that embodies the thrill of acceleration.
Four individual 36mm throttle bodies offer ideal mid-range power and the sub-throttles ensure smooth, sensitive throttle response. The downdraft throttle body layout creates the shortest distance possible for the fuel-air mixture, contributing to the engine’s overall performance.
A full range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are available at authorized Kawasaki dealers for the Z900RS SE, giving retro riders the option to add to the motorcycle’s iconic, old-school feel. Returning accessories for the Z900RS SE include a tank emblem set, premium bike cover, black, gold or silver oil filler caps, grip heater set, front axle slider, ERGO-FIT® reduced reach seat, tank pad, frame slider set, center stand, side grip set, passenger grab bar, smoke wind deflector, and an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust.
Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.
Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.
While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.
Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions.
Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.
KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.
In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.
Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.
Kawasaki has long had a reputation for building great-sounding bikes – a characteristic inherent in the Kawasaki engine architecture – but it is only recently that effort has been put into crafting a specific auditory experience through careful sound tuning of either the intake or exhaust system.
Designed specifically to allow riders to enjoy their motorcycles aurally as well as physically, the carefully crafted auditory notes can be the key components of the street riding exhilaration offered by models that have benefitted from sound tuning. Sound tuning can include conducting sound research, designing intake and exhaust system components based on an acoustic test carried out in a sound room, and careful consideration of every detail of a system’s components to ensure a balance of performance and the desired sound.
Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.
Proper fit is key for rider comfort and control. However, the ideal fit varies from rider to rider, depending on their physical dimensions and riding style.
ERGO-FIT is an interface system designed to allow riders to find their ideal riding position. Various points of the chassis interface (the handlebar, footpegs and seat, etc.) can be adjusted through a combination of interchangeable parts and parts with adjustable positions. This enables a wide range of riders to find a riding position that offers both comfort and control. Feeling at one with their machine, they will be able to experience how Kawasaki machines are fun and rewarding to ride.
*Adjustable parts and their range of adjustability vary by model.
Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.
A secondary benefit is that the shock unit is placed far away from exhaust heat. Because it is more difficult for heat from the exhaust system to adversely affect suspension oil and gas pressure, suspension performance is more consistent.
Engine 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled Displacement 948cc Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0mm Compression Ratio 10.8:1 Fuel System DFI® with Keihin 36mm throttle bodies Ignition TCBI with electronic advance Transmission 6-speed, return shift Final Drive Sealed chain Maximum Torque 72.3 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel Inverted telescopic fork with (13-way) adjustable compression and rebound (11-way) damping, spring preload (15-turn)/4.7 Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Horizontal back-link swingarm with stepless adjustable rebound damping and spring preload/5.5 in Front Tire 120/70 ZR17 Rear Tire 180/55 ZR17 Front Brakes Dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers, ABS Rear Brakes Single 250mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Frame Type Trellis, high tensile steel Rake/Trail 25.0°/3.9 in Overall Length 83.1 in Overall Width 34.1 in Overall Height 46.5 in Ground Clearance 5.1 in Seat Height 32.9 in Curb Weight 474.1 lb (50-State Model)* Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal Wheelbase 57.9 in Color Choices Metallic Diablo Black Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional) 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
POWER Engine 948cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0 mm Compression Ratio 10.8:1 Fuel System Fuel injection: ø36 mm x 4 with sub-throttles Ignition Digital Starting Electric Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump Transmission 6-speed, return Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual Final Drive Chain
PERFORMANCE Frame Trellis, high-tensile steel Front Suspension / Wheel Travel ø41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability / 120 mm (4.7 in) Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Horizontal Back-link, Öhlins S46 gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability / 140 mm (5.5 in) Rake / Trail 25.0° / 98 mm Steering Angle (L/R) 35° / 35° Front Tire 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) Rear Tire 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) Front Brakes Dual semi-floating ø300 mm Brembo discs with radial-mount, Brembo M4.32 monobloc, opposed 4-piston calipers Rear Brake ø250 mm disc with single-piston caliper
DETAILS Dimensions (L x W x H) 2,100 x 865 x 1,150 mm (82.7 x 34.1 x 45.3 in) Wheelbase 1,470 mm (57.9 in) Road Clearance 140 mm (5.5 in) Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 in) Curb Mass** 214 kg (472 lb) Fuel Capacity 17 litres Instrumentation Analogue-style speedometer and tachometer + multi-function LCD screen with gear position indicator, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, remaining range, current and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, external temperature, clock and Economical Riding Indicator Warranty 12 months Kawasaki Protection Plus 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months
Engine Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four Compression ratio 10.8:1 Valve system DOHC, 16 valves Bore x stroke 73.4 x 56 mm Displacement 948 cm³ Fuel system Fuel injection: Ø 36 mm x 4 with sub-throttle Starting System Electric Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump Gear Performance & Transmission Maximum torque 98.5 N•m {10 kgf•m} / 6,500 rpm Maximum power 82 kW {111 PS} / 8,500 rpm Fuel consumption 5.2 l/100 km CO2 emission 124 g/km Transmission 6-speed, return Clutch Wet multi-disc Primary Reduction Ratio 1.627 (83/51) Gear Ratios 1st 2.917 (35/12) Gear Ratios 2nd 2.059 (35/17) Gear Ratios 3rd 1.650 (33/20) Gear Ratios 4th 1.409 (31/22) Gear Ratios 5th 1.222 (33/27) Gear Ratios 6th 0.967 (29/30) Final drive Sealed chain Final reduction ratio 2.800 (42/15) Suspensions Brakes & Suspension Brakes, front Dual semi-floating 300 mm discs. Caliper: Dual Brembo M4 radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston Brakes, rear Single 250 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston Suspension, front 41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability Suspension, rear Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability Dimensions Frame & Dimensions Frame type Trellis, high-tensile steel Trail 98 mm Wheel travel front 120 mm Wheel travel rear 140 mm Tyre, front 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) Tyre, rear 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) L x W x H 2,100 x 865 x 1,150 mm Wheelbase 1,470 mm Ground clearance 140 mm Fuel capacity 17 litres Seat height 845 mm Curb mass 215 kg
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