The Kawasaki Z900RS is a highly-regarded motorcycle known for its unique blend of retro style and modern performance capabilities, drawing inspiration from the company’s past while still managing to impress even the most discerning riders today. Its potent 948cc inline-four engine pumps out an impressive 109 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque, making it well-suited for both city streets and more twisty roads where its handling and agility can be put to the test. However despite its many redeeming qualities and widespread critical acclaim, some owners have begun speaking out about certain problems they’ve experienced with the Z900RS. While not exhaustive by any means, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most commonly reported issues here.
One area of concern for Kawasaki Z900RS owners is in regards to the motorcycle’s electrical system, with some reporting issues such as faulty instrument clusters and erratic turn signal operation. According to various owner accounts and dealership repair records, these problems can often be linked back to underlying wiring harness issues or poor connections within the bike’s electrical system. While in many cases it may be a relatively simple matter to diagnose and repair such problems, they still have the potential to cause a fair amount of inconvenience and stress for affected owners, particularly if they’re left stranded after a failure occurs.
Another issue some Z900RS owners have reported revolves around a tendency for the bike’s throttle to stick or hesitate, often during low-speed maneuvers such as navigating through parking lots or pulling away from stoplights. In some cases this sticking sensation can be intense enough that it causes the rear wheel to break loose and skid, potentially putting the motorcycle and its rider at risk of a serious accident. According to Kawasaki, this problem is most often the result of a faulty throttle position sensor or dirty throttle body, either of which should be relatively easy for owners or their local dealership to resolve.
In rare instances Z900RS owners may also experience issues with the bike’s suspension, such as uneven tire wear and poor damping characteristics that can seriously compromise the motorcycle’s handling and overall ride quality. It’s worth noting, however, that many of these suspension-related problems can often be attributed to improper setup or adjustment, so owners would do well to double-check their owner’s manual and consult with a reputable suspension specialist if needed.
Despite these issues, the vast majority of Z900RS owners have reported being extremely satisfied with their purchase and would definitely recommend it to others in the market for a fun and highly capable motorcycle.