All three bikes mix retro parts with fashionable design in their very own means, however with totally different approaches.
The Kawasaki Z900 RS has a traditional retro type that’s strongly harking back to the legendary Z1. Its design exudes a timeless class that appeals to nostalgics and fashionable riders alike. The workmanship and selection of supplies are constantly top quality, which makes the motorbike engaging not solely visually but additionally to the contact.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 takes a extra fashionable strategy. Its angular design with the sleek rear body provides it a futuristic look that also exhibits delicate retro influences. The Svartpilen 801 stands out with its distinctive look and thus attracts consideration.
The Yamaha XSR900 is positioned between these two extremes. It combines traditional parts such because the spherical headlight with fashionable traces, making a bridge between retro and up to date. Its design is harking back to the tremendous sports activities bikes of the 90s and 2000s, however reinterprets this aesthetic in a recent means.
Engine efficiency and traits
The three take a look at bikes differ considerably of their engine ideas, which ends up in totally different driving experiences.
The Kawasaki Z900 RS is supplied with a 948 cc inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 111 hp at 8500 rpm and a torque of 98.6 Nm at 6500 rpm. This engine is characterised by its clean working and linear energy supply. It presents balanced efficiency throughout your entire velocity vary and is good for nation roads and longer excursions. The elasticity of the engine permits relaxed driving even at low speeds.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has a 799 cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers 105 hp at 9250 rpm and 87 Nm at 8000 rpm. This engine has a sportier character with sturdy energy supply within the medium to excessive rpm vary. It develops spectacular energy, particularly between 5000 and 8000 rpm. Nonetheless, it’s much less comfy at low rpm, which could be noticeable in city environments.
The Yamaha XSR900 is supplied with an 889 cc three-cylinder engine that delivers 119 hp at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. This engine presents a mixture of energy and smoothness. It’s characterised by linear energy supply and a silky working, which is a bonus each for long-distance rides and for sporty driving.
On the lengthy stretches of motorway between Budapest and Belgrade, the Kawasaki Z900 RS and the Yamaha XSR900 confirmed their strengths when it comes to consolation and long-distance suitability. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, however, felt significantly at residence on the winding roads of the Durmitor Nationwide Park, the place its agile engine was capable of showcase its strengths.
Retrobike comparability take a look at: Chassis
The chassis of the three bikes present clear variations of their tuning and traits.
The Kawasaki Z900 RS is supplied with a completely adjustable 41mm USD fork with 120mm journey on the entrance and a monoshock on the rear with adjustable spring preload and rebound. This chassis presents a balanced mixture of consolation and sporty stability. It permits comfy driving even on longer journeys with out sacrificing agility.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 makes use of WP suspension parts with a 43 mm USD fork (140 mm journey) on the entrance and a monoshock (150 mm journey) on the rear. The setup is sportier and tighter. This presents a excessive diploma of precision and management on winding sections. Nonetheless, on lengthy, straight stretches, this tight setup could be much less comfy.
The Yamaha XSR900 has a non-adjustable USD fork with 130 mm journey on the entrance and a Kayaba monoshock with 137 mm journey on the rear, the place spring preload and rebound could be adjusted. The chassis is about up for sport. It permits exact dealing with in curves with out turning into uncomfortable on longer journeys. Together with the onerous seat, nevertheless, it feels comparatively onerous general!
Seating positions and long-distance consolation
The Kawasaki Z900 RS presents an upright and comfy seating place, which is good for lengthy journeys. The saddle is nicely padded and stays comfy even on longer journeys. The ergonomics are designed for lengthy journeys and are additionally appropriate for taller riders. It is a very traditional Japanese bare bike!
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has a sportier, extra energetic driving place. That is advantageous on winding roads, however could be tiring on lengthy, straight stretches. The large handlebars supply good management, however demand extra from the rider on the freeway.
The Yamaha XSR900 seems a bit like a superbike from the 90s or 2000s. Its seating place is barely sporty however stays comfy even on longer journeys. It presents a great compromise between sporty driving really feel and long-distance consolation. When it comes to wind safety, all three bikes supply the standard bare bike expertise with minimal wind shielding. The Husqvarna has a small windscreen, however that is primarily for aesthetic functions.
A glance behind the scenes!
Which motorbike did we select once we needed to trip a tough stage with a pillion passenger: The Kawasaki Z 900 RS! Which motorbike did we select to hold further baggage with out sacrificing dealing with: Husqvarna Svartpilen! Which motorbike was extremely rated when a duel was about to happen: The Yamaha XSR 900!
Every of the three bikes examined has its personal strengths and is aimed toward totally different goal teams:
The Kawasaki Z900 RS proves to be extra versatile. Its traditional design and refined four-cylinder engine make it a gorgeous selection for riders in search of a well-balanced motorbike for a wide range of makes use of. The engine feels flawless however nonetheless thrilling.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is the liveliest motorbike within the take a look at. It’s significantly appropriate for riders who’re in search of a dynamic driving expertise and are keen to make compromises for it. Its fashionable electronics and distinctive design are additional plus factors.
The Yamaha XSR900 is positioned as a profitable compromise between sportiness and on a regular basis usability. With its highly effective three-cylinder engine, in depth digital tools and good long-distance consolation, it appeals to riders who’re in search of a flexible motorbike with fashionable expertise. It is rather quick, however general it’s extra sporty and never as comfy as different retro bikes.
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 |
Conclusion
The Yamaha XSR900 is a sporty retro bike with a robust three-cylinder engine and fashionable electronics reminiscent of lean angle-dependent traction management and cornering ABS. It impresses with its stability, agile dealing with and agency chassis, which, nevertheless, permits bumps to cross via on lengthy stretches. It’s preferrred for lovers of sporty bikes with retro allure.
The Kawasaki Z900 RS is the right mix of traditional design and fashionable expertise. The silky clean four-cylinder engine presents linear energy supply and spectacular elasticity in all velocity ranges. The chassis combines consolation and stability, preferrred for lengthy distances and sporty rides. Regardless of the dearth of wind safety, the Z900 RS impresses with a snug seating place and agile driving traits. Visually, it’s harking back to the legendary Z1, whereas fashionable options reminiscent of traction management and high-quality workmanship spherical off the general package deal. For anybody in search of a retro look with fashionable efficiency, the Z900 RS is a dependable and versatile companion – each in on a regular basis life and on excursions.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is a sporty bare bike with fashionable help methods that significantly shines on winding roads. Its full of life engine and tight chassis make it agile and dynamic, however slightly demanding on lengthy straights. For riders who’re in search of a retro look with fashionable expertise and sporty dealing with, it’s an thrilling however demanding selection.
