Kawasaki Z900RS

Kawasaki’s entry to the retro movement is this, the Z900 RS. It harks back to the Z1 but with modern touches. It is based on the Z900 street bike, which means it has all the reliability of modern technology, but the engine has been tuned for less power and more torque over a larger rev range. The figures stand at 110bhp and 98Nm, and a slipper clutch is standard. Interestingly, the Z900 RS gets radially mounted brake calipers, which the street bike does not.

Like the Z1, the seating posture is upright and easy on the rider. A single seat is the norm, and retro touches like a two-tone paint scheme and a round headlamp contribute to the theme. Switchable ABS is present, as is traction control with three modes, including an off-setting. The instrument console follows the twin pod school of design, but with a twist “There is a central digital display that shows the rider a wealth of information. The riding position is quite upright, meaning that the daily commute is a real possibility with this seating position. The Z900 RS has been launched with an astronomical price tag of over Rs 15 lakhs, as it is imported as a CBU from Japan. As such, it is significantly more expensive than its direct rivals like the Triumph Bonneville T100, Ducati Scrambler, and BMW RnineT.