Kawasaki has launched yet another big bike for the Indian market, and this time the bike is asking for big money; much more than one might be willing to pay. The Japanese manufacturer has introduced the Z900RS retro-naked superbike in India at a price tag of INR 15.3 lakh (ex-showroom). The base motorcycle, the Z900 on the contrary asks for under Rs. 8 lakh (ex-showroom).
The reason for the outrageous pricing is that the Z900RS will be a CBU import brought in from Japan. The Z900 on the other hand is imported from Thailand, where India has an FTA. Bookings for the Z900RS are now open, and the bike will be imported only when ordered. Deliveries are expected to commence from Q3 of 2018.
Powering the Kawasaki Z900RS is a 948cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor producing 111 PS of power @ 8500 RPM and 98.5 Nm of torque @ 6500 RPM matched to a 6-speed gearbox. For those who buy motorcycles for how it sounds, this bike has Kawasaki’s first tuned exhaust note.
With timeless styling, inspired from the old Kawasaki Z1, the Z900RS could be called a rival to the likes of Triumph Thruxton & Bonneville range, Ducati Scrambler & the BMW R nineT.
In terms of features you get alloy wheels, dual pot instrument console with MID, horizontal back-link rear monoshock, trellis chassis, 41mm USD front fork, dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake, forged levers, LED headlamp & tail lamp, traction control, ABS, etc.
So, would you be willing to shell out a little more for an old school motorcycle?