I've ridden both. If you're looking at it, Z900RS. If you're riding it, XSR900.

Z900RS looks timeless, cannot be happier with it.

Former SV650 owner, current Z900RS Cafe owner...and I absolutely LOVE it. Will try to keep it forever.

The Kawasaki is so gorgeous. Less tech rules. Just riding and the experience. I don't need to ride an iPhone around. Positive neutral also rules. Thanks for the video. Cheers 🥂

The Z900 reminds me of what bikes looked like when I first started noticing them, when I was a little kid. I honestly don’t remember bikes ever really looking like the XSR.

I bought the Z'd purely because of the looks, it does ride great too but every time I go into my garage I smile just looking at it. When I'm out riding I've been surprised how many comments it gets from other riders...all positive BTW. I'm sure the Yamaha is excellent because the MT is a fantastic bike but I've not had a chance to ride the XSR yet. Great review, thanks for taking the time to test both.

I bought a Z900RS SE this year. I loved its styling when I first saw it as it reminded me of the classic Z1 from the seventies. Yeah, I’m older and I’m not a squid and I prefer a more relaxed ride than a high performance ride. The Z900 suits me and I love it.

Went with the Z900RS Cafe. More forward leaning riding position than the base RS and the cowl keeps the wind off your chest extremely well. Dropped about 20 lbs off the bike with an aftermarket header and tail tidy, then sent the ECU out for a flash to close the power gap between the two. Absolutely love it.

Ive put 65,000 km on my z900rs and I still love it like I just got it.

After 6 months waiting ive finally gotten my xsr900. Never really watched any of the z900 videos wasnt interested but even just the quick shots you guys did between bikes actually made me get it. Both of these bikes are incredible and i like that you can choose your era and have a great time either way.

Z900RS, every day. It's a gorgeous bike, one that can be ridden all day and then stared at when parked. It's got perfect lines and shapes. Also has one of the best sounding stock exhausts on a modern bike. Have 2WDWs flash the ECU to eliminate the throttle cut, add a Kaoko throttle lock and go... It's the ultimate, modern UJM.

I'm an 80s kid and I just can't get into that Yamaha styling. It's a very awkward "retro" look and if I didn't know the intent of the bike I might not even guess what it was going for. The kawasaki, however, has clearly knocked it out of the park. Sit it next to an original z900 and its pretty clear how well kawasaki achieved what they were after. It's the type of bike in a sea of modern that just stands out in a showroom.

Oh I remember riding nights. The night ride emphasizes rider perspectives and vehicle perspectives on a course with transitions from well lit through fares into a charming main street cruise at local towns.

I own an RS. Suspension upgrades, new tires, an exhaust for 20 hp gain and 16 pound weight loss and an ecu flash and it’s one keeper of a machine that keeps you turning your head back as you’re walking away from it.

I have owned 3 cylinder and 4 cylinder UJM's throughout the late 70's and 80's. I would definitely lean towards the Kawasaki. I loved my '84 GPZ 550! My Suzuki GS 750 ES and GS 1000 were also in my garage and loved those bikes.

The Z900RS’s flaws are also a weird attraction for many of the people Kawasaki are targeting with the bike. It is rife for modification, as were the original 70’s bikes it is modeled after, and there’s many aftermarket parts available for it. I don’t have a snatchy throttle but I do have about 120 HP, excellent brakes, amazing suspension and a bike that is the best looking retro bike you can buy today. I am well used to riding without aides and that alone makes the experience on the Z the winner anyway.

Gorgeous bikes. My pick is the Kawi, but one cannot go wrong here!

I love my 23’ XSR900 perfect blend of retro sport heritage with modern styling and a tight tech package. One month in and people stare and start conversation every time I’m out. XSR styling is the retro future z900 all retro throwback to the 80’s for sure.

The XSR has that retro futuristic look that I just love. I guess it’s all about taste. Many people don’t like it but I think it has it all in a package that the z900 lacks. Just a different person opinion.

Love both bikes but i got the 22' XSR900 in blue and im loving this lil rocket 🚀💙 recently installed the Mivv x-m5 full exhaust and its sounds lovely.

🙏LOVE THESE TYPE OF VIDEOS .. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THEM OUT AND ABOUT WHEN THE WEATHER GOT GOOD ENOUGH 🙏.. LOVE THE ENTERTAINMENT, ALEX,KASE 🙏 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY EVERYONE ✌️

Honestly.... No bike can replace the fun of the CP3 in the XSR900 for me with a proper tune and full exhaust system. I regret trading mine in and hoping the R9 comes out or i'll just find a new gen 2nd hand.

I love both but i think Z900RS would be my choice, based on styling, comfort and riding position. I love the classic dual analog gauges and the big round headlight. It also sound very nice stock although inline triples also sound amazing with an aftermarket exhaust.

I very much like the styling of the xsr. I like having modern features as well.

Z900 is definitely my next bike! LOVE IT!

Man, I just can’t get onboard with the look of the new XSR, the previous generation looked so good too. & as much as I loved the CP3 in my 2016 FZ, I think I would rather have the Z900RS in this case.

The XSR looks like an 80s superbike that someone crashed and ripped the fairing off and then just chucked a random round headlight on that was lying around the workshop

These two bikes target different customer groups. If you want a bike that brings you back to the past, but has bells and whistles of a modern bike, a bike that has that timeless classic look and gives you the impression of UJMs, and if you do not care much about specs, then the Z RS is definitely the answer. In my opinion the XSR is for people who want for a good-looking performance bike, like me.

Thank you, Kase, and nice seeing Alex in front of the camera. Good review, but I'll stick with my Triumph Bonneville T120, has been a great bike.

Big selling point of the Yamaha for me is the cruise control. CC is a game changer if you do longer trips.

Sorry both, thanks for the excellent vid. I really like your choice in (both) bikes.

The tameness you're feeling in second gear is actually an emissions restriction. I have this bike. Put it in D mode 1 and crack the throttle wide open at 4,000 RPM in second gear and then try it again in 3rd gear. You will notice that 3rd gear pulls way harder. Even with that second gear weirdness I have loved my 6 months with the xsr900. First gear pulls are so fun. The beginning of the video the pull you did was definitely half throttle. If You Leave It Wide Open that front end lifts up pretty hard in the cold.

A little over a year ago, I had the choice of where to spend my cash (in hand) and I chose the z900rs café and I haven't regretted my decision for even a split second. I agree that the XSR is a fun ride, but that's it. It looks cobbled together to me. I respect it, but if I wanted more performance - and for less $$, I would have gotten the z900. I especially love seeing those chrome headers coming out and down - just as they did on the Z-1 back in the day. Plus it looks hot-rodded 4-1 pipe as many did back in the day. Anyway, I fully expected to get the Speed Twin, but it just looked bland to me. I LOVE the Thruxton (a lot!), but at my age, I can't do the clip-ons. Man, I sure liked looking at it though. Anyway, I have touched my z900rs (other than the basics - frame sliders, tail tidy, and neatly powered phone mount ). But, while I might get around to it one of these days, I have done the intake pipes, and tune. It just doesn't scream for it for me. I spent 25 years riding Harleys, so this Kawi is still feeling like a rocket for me anyway. I've never gotten more random comments than I do on the z900rs café. I like the regular model as much as the café - almost. The café is a slight compromise with the slightly lower black bars and more aggressive seat and overall looks; a little sportier. Great, great bike!

I was debating between the two and I ultimately went for the Z900RS. Hopefully pick mine up tomorrow! The XSR is cheaper, has more kit, and will be more fun to ride, but the Z900RS looks so much better, has a MUCH better stock exhaust, was more comfortable to sit on (I only rode the Z900RS, not the XSR), and ultimately was more my style. The Yamaha is a beaut in the blue and gold but the frame is hideous and the exhaust is fugly. I'm sure I'd love either bike but the Zed just drew me in so much more.

Thanks for this video. I had a XS850 3 cyl back in 1980 so was leaning towards the XSR900, but after your review I think the Z900RS may suit my riding style and needs much better but wish the Kawa was a little lighter. Again thanks for this comparison.

I like the technology on Yamaha but you can't beat the looks and comfortability of z900rs. Love my 2018, wish it had quick shifter and cruise control though! First bike I've never wanted to put a slip on. Sounds amazing.

Im waiting for Kawasaki to do a 900 Ninja/GPZ style retro. That would be awesome.

I have a z900rs a great bike . Best purchase ever. I question why in the test drive the z900rs was with the KTC at 2 ( I use it when rains ) and not at 1 that it is the standard

Love the CP3 but the Kawi looks stellar in the old-school dept. The Yamaha looks like a weird kind of hybrid mix. I would still get the MT-09 SP if you threw that one into the mix here, despite its slightly unfinished look.

I've got the Z900RS, but wouldn't mind trying the XSR. I will say the RS is a fantastic bike....

Z900RS for me. 😉 Perfect review. Could tell me what I needed to know that a spec sheet won't.

I have the z900rs myself. Love that bike.

Last year I rented several bikes for a day as I was looking for something new to buy and wanted to use the oppurtunity to make extended test rides on different bikes. From all the retro style bikes available the Z900RS is the most appealing to me in terms of looks. I really enjoyed riding it, great sound for a stock exhaust and more than enough power for me. However my previous and only bike was also a 4 cylinder and I just wanted a change. I tried about 10 different bikes and as I was trying to decide between the T100 and XSR700 I decided to give the XSR900 a go as I had heard good things about the CP3 engine. Within the first few minutes I knew this was the bike for me. Still don't think it's as pretty as the Kawasaki, especially the dash is ugly in comparison. But the seating position and 3 cylinder engine are the main reasons I chose the Yamaha. That said the Z900RS is gorgeous and I do hope to own one some day

In the looks department, it’s not even close! The cow is faaar and away a better looking motorcycle! The Yamaha looks kinda weird. I’m sure it runs and rides great, but I don’t think I could ever pick it over the Kawasaki just based on looks. Comfort is also a much bigger deal to me than 50lbs and a few hp. I like that torque down low too. Thanks for the review! I’m buying a second bike sometime this year and the Kawasaki is high on the list after watching this!

I'd kill to get a 1993 fzr600 fairing on that xsr. That XSR is just amazing. the seat is just shaped like an 90s fairing... but more comfy for the passenger.

the Kawasaki 4 cylinder is butter smooth and fun to ride. the cp3 from Yamaha is a hooligan machine which will rip your arms of... both owned a z900 as well as an mt09. Loved the torque from the mt09 and at the same time was annoyed by the cp3 sound at lower revs.

Z900RS Needed new tires to bring it alive, changed oil to synthetic and now I love it. Wife and I got Vulcan 900 Classic LT's for the highway.

Rode both, plus a speed twin.....then bought an RS. Nuff said 😊

the next review should includ the triumph tiger GT. 900. details to include 2 up riding comfort.

I really like the Kawi , would like to see Honda update my 919 to compete with these.

$2k & 50# difference is huge. Again Yamaha is king barring the exhaust 😮 Thanks Y'all, enjoyed.

The Z1 was the answer to the Honda 750 4 which dominated in line 4's in the 70's. The classic tail fin was the kawi's look and style.

Style wise, the XSR900 looks awesome, until you park it beside the Z900RS.

Like the looks of the Kawa better. Still there so much negative coments out there about the snatchy throttle respons on the Kawa. You didnt mentioned that at all

The looks on the Kawi already makes it a classic, but I own one to🤣

Really wanted the XSR 900, was impossible to find one last year...saw a new Z900RS Cafe with huge discount and went with that instead. Surprisingly surprised by how well it handlea, sounds, and looks true retro. The Café has a slightly sporty stance over the well-behaved characteristics of the bike. I do wish Kawasaki added cruise control. They've claimed more tech will take from the retro flair, it's profit paddiny by Kawasaki; I don't think CC takes away from it's retro motif like maybe a quickshifter would.

What happened to the series on the Triumph Speed Twin? That would’ve been a worthwhile addition to this comparison.

Both great bikes. I maybe like the yamaha a little more, however, I'd have to go with the kawasaki just from a comfort standpoint.

I love the looks of the Kwak Z900RS 😍 Beautiful bike.

The weight difference is an absolute deal killer for the Z900 I mean I am looking at the XSR as a second bike to play on in the canyons because my Tracer 9 is pretty heavy. I am also spoiled on the Tracer's tech which mostly the XSR has so as pretty as the Z900 is? you can keep it! and btw the REAL retro feeling this Yamaha provides for me is more Yamaha's old 2 stroke RD and RZ 350cc motorcycles that were light and peppy and just a blast to shoot around on. I personally DID own a Z1 and it was nice to ride but big and heavy nowhere near as fun as my little RD but I will say the Z1 felt a lot more like it would last a long time not as disposable as the RDs which frankly cost a lot less too

I owned a Yamaha two stroke for many, many years, rode the wheels of that thing. I also owned and rode a KZ900 back in the day for many years. Today though, I just can't throw a leg over that new Yami. It's just plain ugly with that headlight, holes in the brackets, funky seat, and color. Trying to be retro, but with a modern slant doesn't make it for me. I've got my eye on that new Z900RS.

You can be in any gear on the XSR and get roll on power esp with an ecu flash. I can pull 6th from the high 20s and I'm 260lbs.

I have a Yamaha XS 1.1 but would hop brands to the Kawasaki.

Nice video, both great machines enough power, beautiful looks & styling. SXR is a better choice in my opinion because it has comprehensive electronics such as IMU, traction control, lift control, Quickshifter, cruis control.... for less money Anyway great video Be safe

can add risers to keep your arms bent, on the xsr ? kaw mirrors need to be out further; or on the handlebar ends. riding position; bars, pegs sounds better on the Kaw. The Kaw passenger seat; needs to be more flat, bigger, wider -IMO

Only drawback to the Japanese high winders is high frequency buzz due to the high rpms. The engines are hard mounted, so you're going to get plenty of "Engine feel".

I love the kawa a lot, i like the xsr 900 in its GP form, the xsr is the honda civic of the 2,i has cafe, gp , the Rd500 kit & more it is a good project platform, the Z900rs se is my dream bike

The Z900RS is the most beautiful bike on the market, able to revive the legendary Z1 from 1972. Kawasaki mailed it 50 years ago, and still today. The Zephyr 750 was also great... I own a Versys 1000 for touring and a SV1000S for track days, no room for a Z900RS, although a café version makes me chill. After watching the video, my opinion about the Yamaha is they missed the subject. Riding a retro bike is not just about the look, it's about a group of a lot of things: the look, the round speedo, the position, the feelings, the pace... Yamaha just put a somewhat retro design on a bike very close to a very modern MT, while Kawasaki went into the details to deliver the most retro package: the look from the Z1 including the dashboard, the comfy suspensions like in old times, the torquey engine to roll gently ... Seriously, who wants to rev up an engine on a motorbike without a fender?

The Zed has more torque in more places than the z900. Yami likely feels faster because the power comes on so suddenly. I'm not sure that it's significantly faster, if at all (haven't seen the data), but coming out of a corner, I want a smooth and predictable power curve. I am positive that I would love riding the Yamaha. That blue tank? I love it! However, when I pan back, I just can't find a way to like it. Somehow, it reminds me of a mantis. I see no cohesion in the styling. But yeah, I think that little powerhouse of an engine is beastly and engaging. I know I would love it. I've got the z900rs café and I don't want to get off it. When it's parked, I can't stop looking at it. I often walk into the garage and just stare at it. The paint is flawless. I specifically wanted the black and gold, and was lucky enough to find a new one locally. Now that I'm riding again, I'll be adding another retro style ride to the Zed. Maybe a Triumph. Whatever it is, it has to be totally different. I've owned all the Japanese bikes, but Suzuki, but the vast majority of my riding has been on Harley big twins.

A great comparison. But I have to disagree that a $2000 price difference IS an influential decider in my book. It all comes down to preference though in the end. I own a 2021 black and gold XSR 900 and am very happy with it.

Please more details on throttle response and transmission shift quality.

I hands down prefer the looks and sound of the Kawasaki.

Both great bikes. For me buying a retro UJM absolutely has to be 4 cyl... Triple? Sure if Im looking at Triumph... Z900RS is such a great looking bike and wish Kawi would have used this bikes looks for my ZH2.

tc 1, slide 2, lif 1, d-mode 1, abs 1 or 2.

Nothing sounds better than a triple. I am either going to get this or the triumph triple.

Nice video fellas. Question, wouldn’t the Z900RS SE be more of a comparison since the XSR seems to be outfitted a little better? Anyone rode the SE and the standard RS? Noticeable difference?

Loved the look of the Yamaha, but as soon as I sat on it at the local dealer I lost interest, I just couldn’t get comfortable what a shame. The Kawi looks classy tho!

For me, it is the Kawa. A motorbike for me has to have a round headlight and a traditional gauge cluster.

The XSR900 is a great bike, with a fantastic motor, but it doesn't look like a retro. It doesn't really have anything in common with any models from the past. The Z900, however, is a proper retro, and looks fantastic.

So happy Yamaha fixed the frame on this. I had the previous gen XSR and man that bike would get unsettled so easily in a corner. It cracked me up when Yamaha boasted a 50% stiffer frame when this generation came out. I haven't ridden the new one, but I hope to soon.

I like the older generation looks of the Yamaha better than this new one. I think the side of the seat looks weird or something. I like that there is less technology on the Kawasaki. Sometimes you can get overwhelm with too much. Makes ya take eyes off road in order to mess with more stuff can be bad.

Nothing about the Yamaha strikes me as retro. The Kawasaki wins in the looks dept. I do like the inline 4, the chrome and even though its a bit more porky and not as much peak HP as the Yamaha, I think its a better cruiser, especially if you take anyone for a ride. Great review.

What about the T120 Bonneville? Can that be comparable to these? Love the look of that bike

nothing beats analog gauges

I would buy an xSR900 but I can’t find one for sale anywhere in the southeast. Also, disappointing they only released the one color this year while the Raven/Black 2022 looked much better. Plenty of MT’s in stock at every dealership but I just can’t get past the looks.

Hello from Wales. Styling issues aside, would you choose the new MT-09 over the XSR for its even lower weight and shorter wheelbase, or do you prefer an XSR for its greater stability ?

Would like to see a comparison of the XSR700 and Z650RS. More 1 to 1 on a look comparison versus the newer XSR900s and yo be honest I just really want an XSR70P 🤣

I wonder if an ecu and pipe would really open up the power band on the XSR900, especially at the lower rpm. Back in the 80s many people would make 70s bikes to look and ride like the XSR900. Would you consider a part 2 with canyon carving and in town traffic review of the two bikes?

I’ve been watching comparisons of these two bikes for the last year. Still can’t make up my mind which one is better looking. I prefer the stance and overall form of the Yamaha but that Kawasaki just has a visually more emotional vibe that out classes all other bikes in this segment, at least IMO.

OK. So I started my search for the 2020 Yamaha XRS900 in the limited 60th anniversary factory Yamaha racing white and red and found one here in Australia with only 3,000 miles on it in as new condition and it looks amazing compared to that 2022 blue monstrosity! Wow. Yamaha really dropped the ball with 2022-2023 models. Plus a price rise of 4 grand as well???? I LOVE mine!!!!!!!! The 2020-2021 special edition is the only one to get full retro.

I bought the 2023 black and gold cafe z900 and at my age it'll be my last bike, does everything i want in a bike

I'm a 66 year old rider, and I always liked the Z1's. I'll be buying a z900 rs se soon. I'm sure the yamaha is a nice bike(one of my bikes is a 1977 RD 400), but I just don't like the angular styling on the Yamaha.

That kawi is unmatched man beautiful bike

Great I mined

This gen XSR 900 looks a bit like a cobbled together 80s race bike, its a bit crude, a little Mad Max, and right up my alley.

I love the engine on the XSR as it's a triple and the sound they make is amazing, the rest of the bike I could care less about. I have an XS 750 and a ZRX 1100 and have always owned both brands, but I started on Kawasaki's and I had a Z1.There isn't anything on the Z900RS that I don't like. Big plus is the analog gauges and the styling which the Yamaha totally misses.

What’s the purpose of turning off the quick shifter if leaving it on won’t prevent the user from shifting normally?

It yes, love the Kawi.

The ssat on the yamaha looks terrible and the the shape and design of headlamp, Kawasaki for me just looks a better build quality , and looks stunning,

I think the Kawasaki hit the mark better on retro styling. I also thing the gauges are hands down better on the Kawasaki. Analog speedometer and tachometer are just so much better. I think Yamaha is better with the quick shifter and cruise control which you failed to mention. The Yamaha looks a lot smaller when they are compared side by side. Also the Yamaha is throttle by wire and the Kawasaki is cable throttle. Might be why the Kawasaki is a bit smoother on the throttle. I also think the exhaust looks so much better on the Kawasaki. Definitely would have to change the exhaust on the Yamaha. With all that said I would probably choose the Yamaha mainly because of the cruise and quick shifter. I also like that it weighs less and has a bit more hooligan to it. Just too bad that I couldn't do anything about that horrible dash.