2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe: ICONIC CAFE RACER STYLE.
Introducing the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe…
Reigniting the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle, the Kawasaki Z900RS retro sport motorcycle calls upon timeless design elements with minimal bodywork and no fairing for a pure retro-style look. The Z900RS line is completed by a 948cc engine and modern technology for a classic yet modern ride. The 2022 Z900RS features a 948cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine, Assist & Slipper Clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, iconic teardrop fuel tank, tuned stainless steel exhaust system, round LED headlight, and bullet shaped analogue dials.
2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
CAFE RACER STYLE FRONT COWL
ICONIC TEARDROP FUEL TANK
KAWASAKI BEGINS EARLY PRODUCTION OF 2022 STREET MOTORCYCLES
Over the course of 2021, the powersports industry saw a significant increase in popularity with new and experienced riders alike, turning to motorcycles, ATVs, side-x-sides, and personal watercrafts. To meet this growing demand Kawasaki is moving up the production and introduction of select model year 2022 motorcycles. Kawasaki has selected a range of supersport, sport, naked and cruiser models that will arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months so that more riders have a chance to “Let the good times roll.”
2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.
Dual Throttle Valves
Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance.
On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)
KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.
In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.
Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.
Economical Riding Indicator
Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.
While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.
Sound Tuning
Kawasaki has long had a reputation for building great-sounding bikes – a characteristic inherent in the Kawasaki engine architecture – but it is only recently that effort has been put into crafting a specific auditory experience through careful sound tuning of either the intake or exhaust system.
Designed specifically to allow riders to enjoy their motorcycles aurally as well as physically, the carefully crafted auditory notes can be the key components of the street riding exhilaration offered by models that have benefitted from sound tuning. Sound tuning can include conducting sound research, designing intake and exhaust system components based on an acoustic test carried out in a sound room, and careful consideration of every detail of a system’s components to ensure a balance of performance and the desired sound.
Kawasaki ABS systems
Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.
ERGO FIT
Proper fit is key for rider comfort and control. However, the ideal fit varies from rider to rider, depending on their physical dimensions and riding style.
ERGO-FIT® is an interface system designed to allow riders to find their ideal riding position. Various points of the chassis interface (the handlebar, footpegs and seat, etc.) can be adjusted through a combination of interchangeable parts and parts with adjustable positions. This enables a wide range of riders to find a riding position that offers both comfort and control. Feeling at one with their machine, they will be able to experience how Kawasaki machines are fun and rewarding to ride.
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension
Compared to the Kawasaki traditional Uni-Trak® rear suspension, which mounts the shock unit vertically, with Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension, the shock unit is almost horizontal. The original Kawasaki suspension arrangement locates the shock unit very close to the bike’s center of gravity, greatly contributing to mass centralization. And because there is no linkage or shock unit protruding beneath the swingarm, this frees up space for a larger exhaust pre-chamber (an exhaust expansion chamber situated just upstream of the silencer). With a larger pre-chamber, silencer volume can be reduced, and heavy exhaust components can be concentrated closer to the center of the bike, further contributing to mass centralization. The result is greatly improved handling.
A secondary benefit is that the shock unit is placed far away from exhaust heat. Because it is more difficult for heat from the exhaust system to adversely affect suspension oil and gas pressure, suspension performance is more consistent.
2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $12099 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
Engine 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Displacement 948cc
Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel System DFI® with Keihin 36mm throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission 6-speed, return shift
Final Drive Sealed chain
Maximum Torque 72.3 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
PERFORMANCE
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel Inverted telescopic fork with (13-way) adjustable compression and rebound (11-way) damping, spring preload (15-turn)/4.7
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Horizontal back-link swingarm with stepless adjustable rebound damping and spring preload/5.5 in
Front Tire 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire 180/55 ZR17
Front Brakes Dual 300mm disc, ABS
Rear Brakes Single 250mm disc, ABS
DETAILS
Frame Type Tubular, diamond
Rake/Trail 25.0°/3.9 in
Overall Length 82.7 in
Overall Width 33.3 in
Overall Height 46.9 in
Ground Clearance 5.1 in
Seat Height 32.3 in
Curb Weight 476.3 lb (50-State Model)*
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal
Wheelbase 57.9 in
Color Choices Metallic Diablo Black
Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional) 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
TBA?
2022 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
NA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).