2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS retro bike teaser for Malaysia

2018 Kawasaki Z900 RS retro bike teaser for Malaysia

A teaser image on Kawasaki Motors Malaysia’s Facebook page has appeared, showing a headlight and the tagline, “Ready for a surprise? Coming soon to Malaysia.” Although few details are discernible from the photo, we assume that this signals the impending launch of the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS retro-naked sports bike in Malaysia.

First shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October and subsequently at the EICMA show in Milan, the Z900RS carries classic motorcycle bodywork from the seventies, overlaying modern running gear. The Z900RS is derived from the current model Z900 naked sports bike.

Carrying the same 948 cc, four-cylinder power plant as the Z900, the mill in the RS is tuned to give less top-end power with 111 hp at 8,500 rpm but more mid-range torque at 98.5Nm at 6,500 rpm. The frame has been redesigned to accommodate the humped fuel tank as well as the retro-styled bodywork.

New for the Z900RS is radially-mounted four-piston brake callipers, clamping 300 mm discs in front while the rear gets a dual-piston calliper and single 250 mm disc, with ABS and two-mode traction control. Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the Z900RS weighs in at 215 kg and carries fuel in a 17-litre tank.

The current model Kawasaki Z900 is priced at RM49,158 for the base version, while the Z900 SE goes for RM50,959, with all prices including GST. When the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS is released next year, it is likely to be priced a little above the Z900, probably close to the RM58,000 Kawasaki asked for when it launched the W800 retro bike a few years ago, provided it comes in as a CKD unit.

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Mohan K Ramanujam

Coming with diverse and extensive experience in heavy engineering, Mohan enjoys making anything with wheels go fast, especially motorcycles. His weapon of choice is the Desmoquattro engine, and he has a penchant for anything with a dash of Italian design. Strangely enough, he insists he's a slow rider.

 

Comments

  • Mustapha Kamal on Dec 29, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    Retro bike without retro prices. A bike like this cost just few thousand ringgit in retro times.

    Now, RM58k. Goes to show….ringgit tak ada nilai lagi

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 50 Thumb down 59
    • Mate inflation mate
      Mind you the Porsche 911 turbo (930) back then was just RM150k

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 58 Thumb down 1
    • Well, if this retro bike’s too exp for u mate, then theres this https://paultan.org/2017/10/17/2018-keeway-k-light-202-retro-cafe-racer-152-and-patagonian-eagle-250-in-malaysia-from-rm6152/.

      Only just Rm6152, mate.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 55 Thumb down 1
      • Tmyfoot on Dec 31, 2017 at 3:00 pm

        Oh yeah! Retro bike at retro prices! Who says RM got no value, huh? They just dont know how how to find value in their money. Pity their poor financial management skills.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Less top end power but have to pay more for retro look. A case of customer has to work harder in 2018. Smart kawa.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Anonymous on Dec 30, 2017 at 5:37 pm

    If Kawasaki seriously wanted the retro styling in the streets they had it with the W800… but big bikes are useless in the city. Kawasaki should have brought in the W series 175cc and 250cc Estrella… great for commuting with the retro styling.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
    • Norman on Jan 02, 2018 at 4:27 am

      Why useless when it’s detuned for high speed but tuned for more Low and mid range torque?Acceleration is way better than Z900..There are big bikes are more than suitable for city usage also..Z650 with two cylinders is one of them

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • really want to see the Z900RS in person, such an attractive bike. Finally a worthy w800 replacement with proper performance too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • AreDamn on Jan 02, 2018 at 9:49 am

    How about making a Z125RS or Z300RS or Z650RS for those who can afford it?? Why not?? Since that there is still a fan for that style??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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