2018 Suzuki GSX S1000Z vs Kawasaki Z 900RS

Рет қаралды 186,530

6 жыл бұрын

They’re both Open-class Japanese transverse inline four-cylinder standard bikes, a pair of motorcycles that have followed that divinely ordained orthodoxy since Saint Soichiro carried the streetbike tablets down from Mount Fuji nearly 50 years ago. One of them wants to transport you all the way back to relive that era; the other wants to take you back only ten years with its 2005 GSX-R-derived long-stroke engine. Many MO readers (and some MO writers) have already pledged their undying love for the Kawasaki Z900RS, and all of us agree the Suzuki GSX-S1000Z is no slouch. In fact, if horsepower is your measuring stick, the Suzuki buries the retro Kawasaki - but you have to work for it a bit more. Our question becomes, then, just how much performance are you giving up if you go retro, and is it worth it in the real world?
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Пікірлер: 288

@paparuas 5 жыл бұрын

I just bought the Z900RS, its the most beautiful timeless machine ever built... You just can´t compare it to any other, this is a sucess bigger than the first v-max full power. absolutely unique...,f#"#, I LOVE IT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

@69FOSTER 3 жыл бұрын

The Z900RS is so beautiful and looks so much more comfortable that I would sacrifice a slightly less performance and choose this Kawasaki all day long.

@7Scarecrows 2 жыл бұрын

"a sucess bigger than the first v-max full power" I own a Vmax Gen and I'm looking to but the Z900RS SE. Because after a Vmax the world of motorcycles looks dreary. The Kawasaki Retro Z900RS SE gave me hope. Your comment is spot on.

@BigMoeFo 6 жыл бұрын

Kawasaki knocked it out of the park with the Z900RS..

@rodanderson1922 5 жыл бұрын

I am old enough (60) to remember when the original Kawasaki Z1900 appeared on the market here in New Zealand, and how much I wanted one. I have owned numerous GSX Suzuki's in the 45 years I have been riding, including an original Katana 1100, a GSXR 1100, and most recently a Hayabusa. If I were to choose between these two bikes, I would go for the Kawasaki every time, primarily because of the way it looks, but also because it's a well sorted motorcycle that does most things that are needed in real world riding.

@gm16v149 6 жыл бұрын

Give me the Z900RS any day. In fact I liked it so much I bought one.

@aeror115 6 жыл бұрын

gm16v149 congratulations mate! An amazing bike I saw it today...just amazing Team AeroR

@Twinspinner 6 жыл бұрын

I'm jelly

@filthymcnastyazz 6 жыл бұрын

gm16v149 qq for ya. How are the ergos. I cant tell from any of these reviews if its a smallish bike, cos sometimes it looks like smallish riders. How tall are you please, and how much do you weigh if thats not to personal.

@gm16v149 6 жыл бұрын

I’m 6’0”. Both feet touch the ground..just. It feels bigger than my HD 1200 Sportster because the fuel tank is wider. I wouldn’t call it a small bike at all, it’s a lot bigger than a Triumph Thruxton or Bonnieville.

@gm16v149 6 жыл бұрын

It’s got plenty of real world power. It pulls strongly from 2,000 to 10,000 RPM. I rode a Z900 and the Z900RS seems stronger below 5,000 RPM. It depends if you want to rev hard all the time or ride relaxed with plenty of power when you feel like it.

@PNW_Sportbike_Life 6 жыл бұрын

You absolutely do not have to "spool up" the GSX-S1000...rolls eyes.

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 3 жыл бұрын

True.

@rbheaven1969 3 жыл бұрын

It oozes torque

@777geeman 5 жыл бұрын

I'm obviously hyperactive then. i got my Z going into corner at approximately 140 kmh into a low slide due to fine gravel. TC kicked in and it all came straight back (actually i was sling shot into the other side of road briefly ). It gave me a fright but i kept pushing albeit a little wiser to potential problems of adverse road conditions. I tried the bike once with TC off and after about ten minutes of wheel spin and power stands i turned it back on. I wont be turning it off anytime soon, if at all. Thanks for your fair review.

@PASTRACING 6 жыл бұрын

The suzuki looks like a street fighter which nothing like the retro styling of the kawasaki. I love the new Z900

@CyberGasty 6 жыл бұрын

It is nice as a comparison, but not sure that they target the same niche of customers...z900rs vs XSR900 would be interesting.

@threethrushes 6 жыл бұрын

Yes, my thought exactly. I wonder which would win!

@fyorbane 6 жыл бұрын

Easy. Z900 RS.

@CyberGasty 6 жыл бұрын

+Boz in terms of looks for sure. Nevertheless, would like to see the motor, brakes, suspension, road behavior etc. comparison.

@Nick_R_ 6 жыл бұрын

Z900RS is much better for the longer legged...

@philclarke7712 6 жыл бұрын

Disagree, like the fact that there are comparisons of bikes that don't have incremental differences. I mean, I know riders who buy bikes because of a dreamy image in their head but are completely unsuitable for there needs and skill set. Give people options they hadn't considered I say!

@Curry3659 4 жыл бұрын

one of my favorite videos they have done. Feels like a vlog more than a review / comparrison

@karljay7473 5 жыл бұрын

Gotta love the retro look of the 900RS. I've got the Honda 919 and it has the retro look too.

@Guitarooster52 Жыл бұрын

Saw a Z900RS a few days ago and I’m still drooling!

@scottstambaugh8473 5 жыл бұрын

The Z900rs is beautiful. The Suzuki...? Yeah, it has a great personality.

@aeror115 6 жыл бұрын

Great comparison I would go with the z900rs! I saw it today and I have to say it’s just an amazing amazing bike! Team AeroR

@Banditmanuk 6 жыл бұрын

Probably my age but the the Kawasaki looks like a proper bike. Pull up at any bike meet it will get attention simply because it looks gorgeous. I would be happy to give up a little ground clearance to ride the Kwak. Honestly I would be amazed if many viewers preferred the Suzuki.

@gm16v149 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, every time I pull up on mine people want to talk about it.

@SeasideStrangler 6 жыл бұрын

The Suzuki is awesome, I highly prefer it.

@fhansen 5 жыл бұрын

The kawi is gorgeous, true. Really captures the spirit of the zephyr, which is also a beauty. That said I’ll probably go for the gixxes as my go-between to work up from my starter bike (sv650) to the gixxer :)

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 3 жыл бұрын

The Suzuki GSX engine is the best inline four there is.

@garycorde994 6 жыл бұрын

Great review. But what I really wanted to comment on is the quality of the video. The camera work from the various platforms was excellent as well as the editing. Further, the dialog is natural as you guys weren't trying to force in suggested language.

@ralfybaby 5 жыл бұрын

This is true

@tonyk7899 6 жыл бұрын

Z900rs definitely the best looking and put together package in the retro category. Love my 750z as an all around 1 bike though.

@matthewroy5076 4 жыл бұрын

I've been looking at retro bikes and the Z900 RS is my front runner. I'm past the street fighter style and the Kawi offers what I am looking for.

@HarryBunnGRVOTV 6 жыл бұрын

The z900 is a classic look and still will be 10 years later, I doubt that the Suzy will. I chose the triumph street triple but the z900 was a close second.

@kretonslovechild7999 5 жыл бұрын

When I dropped my Connie off for service yesterday I saw these, and they look even better in person. If I were to get a retro bike, they (probably the cafe model) would be at the top of my list.

@dixienormous3262 5 жыл бұрын

Z900RS is so much sexier. No comparison.

@deegan727 6 жыл бұрын

I remember when the Z's were currently popular as well as the CB's,GS's.My dad had a group of friends that all had Z900's and Z1000's He was a painter so seeing custom painted drag Z bikes were common for me so I think I'd prefer the Z900.

@MotoScoutOut 6 жыл бұрын

Love your comparison videos, thanks!

@czierwo 6 жыл бұрын

Hopped on the RS at expo earlier this year, and oh boy is it a sweet machine. Worthy mention, the seat was just soo nice and soft, I did not want to get off! Sure enough, flat black is nowhere as sexy as dual color. RS takes it home for me over gixxes too!

@TheRavinoth 6 жыл бұрын

Back when Kawasaki originally made that design, they created a classic look that is still relevant today as seen in this refreshed design. At the time, no one really knew if it would still be relevant 40 years later in the same way that we don't know what these naked bikes like the Suzuki GSXS will be thought of. I expect that there are going to be a lot of people that will get nostalgic for 2010-2020 era of bikes in the same way that people are nostalgic for previous eras. If you're 40-70 years old, it makes a lot of sense that you would feel a stronger affinity to the Kawasaki. There's nothing wrong with that. And there are many younger folks that are 20-35 that might prefer the Kawasaki. But at the same time they might feel an affinity to the modern bikes that they grew up riding and ride today; the 2000-2018 designs. There was a point where the 1980-2000 sport bikes looked very antiquated (in a bad way) to me when I compared them to the early 2000 era, but now I love those old designs. I don't know why people are writing off the design of the Suzuki so quickly when only time will tell how the design is remembered. I do believe that the headlight and cheap-looking LCD gauges of the Suzuki will age poorly, as they aren't attractive today as far as I'm concerned.

@jeffwages754 6 жыл бұрын

Obviously mismatched a bit but an interesting review none-the-less. I'm all for the retro and just picked up the green cafe version and absolutely loving it.

@jimberger7362 5 жыл бұрын

The Z900RS is awesome love the look! 111hp is a decent amount of power ! At last someone designed a bike that doesn’t look like an insect! Now bring on a replacement for the ZRX with the inline six cyl 180hp in red please!

@GBMatthew07 2 жыл бұрын

So true about that insect look, I hate it.

@bikerspace8977 3 жыл бұрын

Both these bike are in my dream bikes list.... i am glad i found this video. thankyou....love from india :)

@deriwhiteswift 6 жыл бұрын

Love the z900rs design

@aeror115 6 жыл бұрын

M Rizqi Fp agreed Kawasaki did a great job Team AeroR

@threethrushes 6 жыл бұрын

XSR900 vs. Z900RS Great review, stunning photography, and interesting analysis from the guys. Keep with the poetry! It enlivens an otherwise pedestrian affair.

@stubbingtonmarigold3032 3 жыл бұрын

I can’t stop drooling at the 19 Kawasaki green Z900rs cafe

@mrvwbug4423 6 жыл бұрын

Everyone I know that has ridden both the Z900 and the RS have said the RS motor is better despite being detuned down by about 10hp, it picked up a ton of mid-range power in the process. Similar to the comparison between the Ninja 1k and Versys 1k, though the Ninja is a lot more powerful up top than the Z900, the Versys 1k just makes power everywhere.

@Podegra 6 жыл бұрын

Thank god they still build old fashion simple designs. I don't understand the new school.

@outquick 5 жыл бұрын

GSX-S1000 all day! Tail of the Dragon 🐉 🐉 🐉 local 318 turns in 11.6 miles No side roads- FYI- Just add ($300 installed) HyperPro front fork springs N it flicks like a dream

@tammyforbes2101 4 жыл бұрын

I want one of those Suzuki’s bad I love the liter bikes best perfect size perfect power for a big guy like myself! I feel like I’m riding a ten speed bicycle on a 600!

@lukamoon6094 Жыл бұрын

I just bought a z900rs cafe in black and gold. Love it so far

@mriegger 4 жыл бұрын

6:57 the Suzuki looks really great from the side with a rider. Looks meaty and substantial.

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 3 жыл бұрын

I agree. I also think it looks good from every other angle.

@kyotosal 6 жыл бұрын

I'll take the RS. Thanks for a great video.

@jacobvancampen3656 6 жыл бұрын

I like your fluffy guest star at 2:05

@jmpetersson 6 жыл бұрын

Interesting and great comparison.. Spectacular landscape..

@rawhide154 3 жыл бұрын

“The seat is part of the suspension.” Smart

@philclarke7712 6 жыл бұрын

I love that Graziano got a shout out! BTW you may want to upgrade your helmet if you aspire to being Graziano Rossi. 😋

@xclent1975 6 жыл бұрын

Decisions decisions....too retro or not too retro lol nice video guys

@BucketWheat 5 жыл бұрын

For my Brother and me...it is a LOT about 'memories'... having had the Originals years ago, even down to the Colors... We are now in our 60's, but still doing Track Days and Ripping mountain roads... But NOT looking for Race Bikes. We also have over an hour's ride to get to the 'fun roads' ... and a level of comfort on the way there is nice.

@Coolbanana389 6 жыл бұрын

Good camera shoots and review.

@Custnam 6 жыл бұрын

Surprised by the comments saying the Z900RS looks way better. Just proves its all in the eye of the beholder. I dont care for that old school look. If I wanted an old school looking bike, Id buy an old school bike. Dont really understand this recent thing with all these old school looking bikes. I have the 750Z version of the Suzuki and love it. Been wanting a matte black bike for awhile.

@Custnam 6 жыл бұрын

To each his own.

@johnderekmitchell1510 6 жыл бұрын

One thing you gotta understand about the "retro" style is, the original bikes looked outstanding. Performance all around was lacking. I believe the Z1 was called The Widowmaker, may have been the H1, I forget but, look at Harley Davidson. Their biggest sellers "look" the same as they have for a couple of Decades now. Yet they aren't considered "Retro". Kawi has done the best job of designing a Classic looking Bike of the Big 4.

@sergeybrody3028 6 жыл бұрын

Great job guys

@edwardkim1349 6 жыл бұрын

I like his reviews!

6 жыл бұрын

I this segment I still prefer the Honda CB1000R

@kiwiandyt123 6 жыл бұрын

So is the fuelling improved on the 2018 GSX S? Nice review guys - would be good to do a 3-way with the new Honda 1000 “Neo sports cafe” in the mix too.

@Jakalwarrior 6 жыл бұрын

I really wanted one of those Suzukis when i bought my last bike. The price was great, the performance was great. The insurance price was absolutely brutal though. More than the bike note.

@johncopetti1253 3 жыл бұрын

I so wanted a Ducati 800 cafe racer... untill I came across the Z900rs. Both extremely beautiful in my eyes, but service costs and reliability make the Kawi the must have bike. Lucky bastards to have such a tough job having to ride beautiful machines up, around and down beautiful mountain roads. Thank s and enjoy.

@N-SOJU 4 жыл бұрын

Mellow for me 🙂,, great review guys

@TheChrysler56 4 жыл бұрын

Horses for courses lads. The Zed 900rs is definitely not a widow maker like the original 70’s version. For me I’d definitely go for the Kwak as she’s just so gorgeous and definitely a collectible future classic....🏍👍

@Merkaba954 3 жыл бұрын

I love my XSR7 as it's mechanically the same bike as the MT07 but I think i prefer the look of the retro on it. Especially as I slowly scramble it!!

@ndperson1 5 жыл бұрын

It would be really interesting to have a comparison of the gsx s1000, the new gsx-s750, the mt 09, xsr 900, z900, and the z900rs. I know they aren’t all exactly in the same class, but they are all fun, affordable, and comfortable sport bikes. I am a big fan of more affordable comfy sport bikes that the mt 09 helped to popularize. The retro nakeds also add some variety and a different take on some of these newer naked sport bikes

@aliaksandrapanovich965 6 жыл бұрын

I hope z900rs CAFE finally will be available in US too

@tysoncott7402 6 жыл бұрын

Burns, you have been doing some good video’s lately, keep up the good work! & i was hoping for some more poetry!!!!! lol. Thanks for the good reviews!

@johnburns8956 6 жыл бұрын

too kind, thank you. Someday I will get better at vid I promise! Ok, maybe this is it..

@GaryJohnWalker1 6 жыл бұрын

CB1000R! Gsx-s performance, and the classic round headlight curvy tank style without being really retro. Best of both worlds.

@fzlsalim 6 жыл бұрын

Beauty is abstract.

@zenden6564 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review guys. So which one has the smoothest engine and the least handlebar grip vibration?

@paparuas 2 жыл бұрын

The z 900 RS has no vibrations at all. The fuelling is snatchy on low rpm, but you get used to, typical of retro Times. I wont Change it.

@zenden6564 2 жыл бұрын

@@paparuas thanks

@shahrukhaleem9129 6 жыл бұрын

Man That Kawasaki Z900RS is Damnnnn Crazy Ass Beautiful bike. I loved it, I wish this beast was available in my country. SuperB

@Toni62R 6 жыл бұрын

Nice review - but your mean point is driving fast, fast, fast - and that's NOT the character of a classic bike like the Z.

@kalel33 5 жыл бұрын

But it can, which was very informative to me. I like the retro look better but did not want to give up the canyon carving her in Colorado. This helped me make the decision.

@golujangra9105 4 жыл бұрын

Z900rs is more practical bike in all formats like cityride , long ride even off-road this is perfect But in india is too expensive almost double the price

@midhungopan9270 5 жыл бұрын

We need SV1000 back 😍.....

@darylcadman2863 4 жыл бұрын

No... We need the TL1000s back. The sv1000 was a cheaper built de tuned deal. Hey I owned one and enjoyed it, but these are the facts

@TranslateToEnglish 3 жыл бұрын

Some of those shots had to be taken with a drone or a helicopter. Nice job. Very professional video.

@avijithalder9215 6 жыл бұрын

With the Kawasaki they have really hit the ball out of the park . The z900 looks amazing and with the upright seating posture it will be a bit more comfier to ride than the Suzuki . But the Suzuki is also sexy in every aspect . Both are amazing

@rm25088 Жыл бұрын

I own a 2023 GSX s1000. I love it. Best bike i have ever ridden and the best part is it is comfortable. Exactly what I was looking for. I do like Kawasakis retro styling. I have ridden a 2020 z900. It was nice but not nearly as comfortable. That thing destroyed my tail bone.

@basaraj 6 жыл бұрын

Two nice bikes for sure.

@michaelj.kastner5165 4 жыл бұрын

This is the exact? I have been asking myself, should i down grade to the Kawasaki 900-RS Cafe from my 1290-SDR ?

@UncleWally3 6 жыл бұрын

Aside from being fashion statements, do retro bikes have any advantage?

@thepassionofthegoose5472 6 жыл бұрын

YES!

@Sacapuntas69 6 жыл бұрын

Most of these "Naked" bikes are not very naked at all. The GSX has bottom and upper bodywork and headlight surround. The Kawi is a true naked bike. Retro, but naked! If I could, i would take one of each!

@jdord4838 6 жыл бұрын

Great review as always..."Yeshua/Jesus is the way"

@bikenbush 4 жыл бұрын

@10.53 mins helmet lock on the Z900RS seen quite a few reviews on this but you the first to pick out the helmet lock! Wonder if it’s not standard...

@gm16v149 3 жыл бұрын

We don’t get the helmet lock on the Australian bikes, wish we did. But we get LED indicators and immobiliser which USA doesn’t.

@ifrit35 5 жыл бұрын

So what about the fuelling on the suzuki? Is it improved or not ?

@SiikPros 5 жыл бұрын

Ahh, the Azusa Canyons. I can't wait to make the GSX-S1000z my first bike. It'll definitely be going up there, plenty. SGV

@fuses11atc 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Man, u still alive? Gsx s1000 is an insane first bike 😂😅

@SiikPros 3 жыл бұрын

@@fuses11atc I NEED ITTTTT. Check on me after May 24

@fuses11atc 3 жыл бұрын

@@SiikPros I will! I want one night go with 750 though

@DirceuCorsetti 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing roads! Damn!

@bademoxy 5 жыл бұрын

designing a bike as a torture rack doesn't make it faster, it just makes you want to go faster so to end the ride sooner.

@dustinkeim179 6 жыл бұрын

Bring back the sv1000 Suzuki !!!!

@adambratcher6679 5 жыл бұрын

They had horrible suspension!!! Used to have one. Need inverted forks and better rear shock. Still fun and powerful, but sometimes it was a little unsure.

@Stclairm1 3 жыл бұрын

I'm considering a Z900RS Cafe and the GSX-S1000F. The Zuke has way more top end power and rush and flicks into turns much better. I'm wondering how much difference in wind protection there is. I can get either one new for the same price. (2019 Cafe vs 2020 1000F)

@tonytesoriero1242 6 жыл бұрын

Where are those roads? I ride in Florida mostly but those roads and views are stunning..

@Justen1980 6 жыл бұрын

Wow I just looked at these two exact bikes the other day. I'm pretty much decided on the gsxs1000z. The café z900rs is what I really want but for whatever reason Kawasaki isn't selling it in the USA...

@johnlee072092 6 жыл бұрын

The z900rs looks way more gorgeous. Even the original 900rs seems better than that gsxs1000.

@robertstimmel1100 6 жыл бұрын

that kawasaki is such a sexy looking bike

@hoppy760 5 жыл бұрын

People buying the RS are likely buying it for its styling and looks. So like others are saying they should of brought in a T120 Triumph or the XSR. I wouldn't even consider the Suzuki they have here. Just not what I am looking for in a bike.

@rony3646 6 жыл бұрын

Burnsy, stop saying the bike GSX got new brakes this year. The GSX has had the same brakes since its release in 2015. Compare the spec sheets from the 2016 to the 2018 you will see they are the same 310mm. The only difference is that in 2018 Suzuki put stiffer brake lines on it. Other than that great review. I love my 2016 GSXS1000!

@minibikes502matter 6 жыл бұрын

How does the Z900 compare to the Suzuki in the video?

@edwingonzalez9031 6 жыл бұрын

Any possibility of doing a Z900 vs Z900rs?

@warrenstephens3705 5 жыл бұрын

Brock dynoed a 2018 Z900 and it made 101hp at the wheel stock.

@Ravenlock86 5 жыл бұрын

That 900 would make a good stablemate for the 6. And all my bases will be covered. Until I cafe the hell out of it and start dreaming of another comfortable ride.

@LaurencioVieira 5 жыл бұрын

Which bike did the dog choose?

@Pillokun 6 жыл бұрын

Suzuki will without a doubt release a retro:ish bike in this segment aswell, maybe even on the Gsx s1000 platform if not with a new cheap but as effective frame as is outfitted on the standard GSX s1000. Remember that Suzuki not long ago had the gsx1400 and before that the suzuki gsx 750 inazuma

@Don-lw4cb 6 жыл бұрын

The Kawasaki is beautiful, the Suzuki although a great bike has the ugly transformer look that's so popular at the moment.

@zrkn1 6 жыл бұрын

If you want to take a beautiful young lady for a ride the Z900RS is the only way to go so it's a given which bike I would ride.

@laughingstalk1343 6 жыл бұрын

Suzuki, for the riding position.

@cheddle88 6 жыл бұрын

interesting comparison... wouldnt an XSR900 made more sense to line up against???

@vikram199 3 жыл бұрын

RS Definitely..

@patw9175 4 жыл бұрын

can someone please tell me what the difference between the Z and non-Z GSXS's are?

@noobasdfjkl 5 жыл бұрын

I'd take the Gixxus, probably. I like the seating position, the extra power, the better handling, and the lighter weight. Wouldn't complain if someone gave me the Z900RS though haha.

@FCT8306onTwoWheels 3 жыл бұрын

gosh the z900rs is a pretty motorcycle compared to the gsxs bike in this but the gsxs is the more performance oriented machine and im actually aiming to trade up to that. but man.....that styling is so nice on the z900rs