Kawasaki Z900 RS Let’s cut through the marketing fluff. These bikes aren’t just “retro with modern touches” – they’re three completely different philosophies wearing vintage-inspired leathers. After 1,800km of Balkan asphalt (and questionable border-crossing coffee), here’s how these machines really stack up when the rubber meets the road.
Design: Three Paths Down Memory Lane
Kawasaki Z900 RS doesn’t just reference the Z1 – it resurrects it. Every curve whispers 1972, from the ducktail rear to the tank knee pads. But here’s the kicker: tap those side covers and you’ll feel solid metal, not plasticky nostalgia. This is retro without compromise.
Husqvarna’s Svartpilen 801? Imagine if a Swedish furniture designer reimagined a scrambler after binge-watching Blade Runner. That angular tank, minimalist LED eyes, and trellis frame don’t just turn heads – they snap necks at stoplights. It’s less “vintage revival,” more “post-apocalyptic cafe racer.”
Yamaha’s XSR900 splits the difference like a diplomat. That round headlight nods to the ’80s, but the aluminum tank and trellis subframe scream modern muscle. Park it beside the others and it whispers: “Why choose between eras when you can have both?”
Engines: Personality Tests on Wheels
The Kawasaki’s 948cc inline-four is your smooth jazz uncle. 111hp never felt so civilised – torque builds like a rising tide (98Nm at 6500rpm), coddling you from village crawls to autobahn blasts. Perfect for riders who hate surprises.
Husky’s 799cc parallel-twin (thanks KTM!) is the punk-rock little brother. 105hp comes on like a slammed door above 5k rpm, and low-speed traffic reveals its grumpy side – expect jerky throttle response when crawling. Not for the timid.
Yamaha’s CP3 triple is the mad scientist. That 119hp wail at redline? Thrilling. But the 93Nm mid-range punch (at 7000rpm) is where magic happens – it lofted the front wheel exiting Montenegrin hairpins without me even trying.
Kawasaki Z900 RS Real-world moment:
*”On the A1 motorway, the Kawasaki purred like a contented cat. The Husqvarna vibrated like an over-caffeinated chihuahua. The Yamaha? It hummed the James Bond theme at 140km/h.”*
Chassis: Where Rubber Meets Road (And Potholes)
Kawasaki’s setup floats over bad pavement like a luxury sedan. That adjustable 41mm fork soaks up Balkan potholes while keeping things planted. Think “gentleman’s express” rather than canyon carver.
Husqvarna’s WP suspension is all business. Tight as a drum on Durmitor National Park’s switchbacks, but on Serbia’s straight moonscapes? Your kidneys will file complaints. This is a backroad specialist, pure and simple.
Yamaha’s non-adjustable forks confused me at first – until I hit twisties. Feedback is razor-sharp, though combined with that plank-like seat, your spine pays the price after 300km days.
Comfort: Iron Butt Olympics
Kawasaki Z900 RS wins the endurance crown. That saddle feels like a Barcalounger, the upright bars are kind to your wrists, and vibration? What vibration? Did 8hr days without needing a chiropractor.
Svartpilen 801 plays the sporty rebel. Wide bars give leverage for corner attacks but amplify fatigue on straights. Great for 2-hour blasts, punishing for cross-country slogs.
XSR900 walks the tightrope. Slightly forward lean helps when pushing hard, but the seat foam’s thinner than a hotel towel. Bring padded shorts for anything beyond cafe runs.
The Real Decider: Which One Came Home With Me?
After three weeks:
- Need to carry a passenger? Kawasaki every time – that pillion perch is actually humane
- Baggage hauling? Husqvarna’s minimalist frame loves tail bags without upsetting balance
- Twisties duel? Yamaha’s torque monster had us dragging knees through coastal curves
Retrobikes comparability take a look at
| Kawasaki Z900 RS | Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 | Yamaha XSR900 | |
| engine kind | inline four-cylinder engine | two-cylinder | three-cylinder engine |
| displacement | 948 cc | 799 cc | 889 cc |
| Efficiency | 111 hp @ 8500 rpm | 105 hp @ 9250 rpm | 119 hp @ 10000 rpm |
| torque | 98.6 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 87 Nm @ 8000 rpm | 93 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| entrance suspension | 41mm USD fork | 43mm WP USD fork | USD fork |
| entrance suspension journey | 120 mm | 140 mm | 130 mm |
| rear suspension | monoshock | WP monoshock | Kayaba monoshock |
| rear suspension journey | 140 mm | 150 mm | 137 mm |
| seat top | 835 mm | 820 mm | 810 mm |
| Weight | 216.5 kg | 189.5 kg | 195.5 kg |
| IMU | No | Sure | Sure |
| traction management | Sure (3 ranges) | relying on the lean angle | relying on the lean angle |
| ABS | Sure | cornering ABS | cornering ABS |
| quickshifter | No | Sure | Sure |
| driving modes | No | Sure | Sure (4 modes) |
| USB port | 12V below seat | USB-C to show | USB-C to show |
| cruise management | No | No | Sure |
| Adjustable entrance suspension | Full | compression/rebound | No |
| Adjustable rear suspension | spring preload/rebound | spring preload/rebound | spring preload/rebound |
Final Truths:
“The Kawasaki’s your polished heritage piece – flawless but safe. The Husqvarna’s the rebellious art student – thrilling but demanding. The Yamaha? It’s the garage-built hot rod that does everything well enough to make you forgive its flaws.”
Verdict by Rider Type:
- Sunday cruisers / vintage lovers: Kawasaki Z900 RS
- Backroad bandits / design rebels: Husqvarna Svartpilen 801
- All-round adrenaline junkies: Yamaha XSR900
