The recently-launched Kawasaki Z900RS is the Japanese brand’s only modern classic for the Indian market. One of its primary rivals is the Triumph Bonneville T120 in the retro-modern motorcycle segment.
While both the bikes have retro design, the Kawasaki Z900RS draws inspiration from the legendary Kawasaki Z1 of the 1970’s. The underpinnings are based on the naked Z900. The Triumph Bonneville T120 oozes charm of the legendary 1959 Bonneville from Britain. The two bikes are tempered with modern mechanicals, which makes nostalgic riding an exciting and a safe affair.
| Specifications | Kawasaki Z900RS | Triumph Bonneville T120 |
| Engine | 948 cc in-line four DOHC mill with liquid cooling and fuel injection | 1,200 cc parallel twin SOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection |
| Maximum Power | 111 PS at 8,500 rpm | 80 PS at 6,550 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 98.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm | 105 Nm at 3,100 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with assist and slipper clutch | 6-speed with assist clutch |
| Front Suspension | 41 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork | KYB 41 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Adjustable horizontal back-link monoshock | KYB twin shock absorbers with adjustable preload |
| Front Brake | Dual 300 mm discs with radial callipers, ABS | Twin 310 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 250 mm disc with ABS | 255 mm disc with ABS |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17 litres | 14.5 litres |
| Weight | 215 kg, kerb | 224 kg, dry |
| Front Tyre | 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) | 150/70-R17 |
| Price | INR 15.3 lakhs, ex-showroom | INR 9.27 lakhs, ex-showroom, pan-India |
Compared to the Bonneville, the Z900RS is a whole INR 6.03 lakh more expensive, thanks to the fact that it takes the CBU route from Japan. The locally assembled T120 wins scores higher when it comes to value for money. The Z900RS is high on power, whereas the T120 has a torque-biased output from its low-revving twin cylinder mill. The cycle parts of the T120 are also not as sophisticated as the Z900RS.
The Z900RS features Kawasaki Traction Control, whereas notable features of the the T120 include traction control, 2 riding modes, immobiliser, USB charging socket, and heated grips. All in all, though the Kawasaki has Japanese precision and sophistication, its high price may steer the customers towards a more affordable and equally feature-laden T120.
