Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Kawasaki products in Malaysia has teased the Kawasaki Z900 RS in its Facebook page.
The Facebook post shows a circular LED headlight, with the caption ‘Ready for a surprise? Coming soon (to) Malaysia’. The headlight is the same unit that is found in the Kawasaki Z900RS, thus indicating the bike’s impending launch. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS is an evocative mix of traditional design and modern technology. The design of this motorcycle is a nod to the iconic Kawasaki Z1 Super Four 900 of 1972. The lighting systems are all-LED. The teardrop fuel tank, alloy wheel design, and the tail cowl are all reminiscent of the Z1. The motorcycle features a twin-pod instrument cluster with analogue speedometer and tachometer.
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Kawasaki has borrowed the Z900’s engine for this motorcycle. The 948cc in-line four-cylinder engine produces 111 PS at 8,500 rpm and 98.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The engine mates with a 6-speed transmission.
For suspension, the Z900 RS employs a 41 mm upside down front fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability. The rear comes with a Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability. Brakes include dual 300 mm discs with Monobloc radial callipers, and a single 250 mm disc with single piston calliper. ABS is standard as well.
It is likely that the bike will command a slight premium over the Z900. Expect more details about the upcoming modern classic in the weeks ahead. The primary competitor of the Z900 RS would be the Triumph Bonneville T100.