Kawasaki has re-launched the Z900RS in India at Rs 16.47 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The 2023 Z900RS continues to come to India via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route, attracting massive duties, which is why its price tag is higher than even the Rs 16.15 lakh ZX-10R superbike.

1. Uses retuned Z900 engine, subframe also revised
2. Has traction control, all-LED lighting, slipper clutch

2023 Kawasaki Z900RS: details

The Z900RS continues to use a liquid-cooled, 948cc, inline-four engine sourced from the sporty middleweight Z900 naked bike, but on the RS, it’s been retuned for more mid-range grunt. In this application, the big-bore, inline-four mill is good for 111hp at 8,500rpm and 98.5Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. Compared to the Z900, peak power is down by a good 14hp, but peak torque stays the same and is delivered 1,200rpm earlier in the rev band.

While the Z900RS uses the same main frame as the Z900, the subframe has been significantly reworked to ensure it can accommodate the classic stepped single-piece seat. Fuel capacity is the same as the Z900 at 17 litres. The twin 300mm front discs and 250mm single rear disc are also carried over from the Z900, with dual-channel ABS being standard.   

The Z900RS uses twin analogue dials with a small digital inset, in place of the Z900’s full-colour TFT dash, which is in keeping with the neo-retro theme of this machine. While its styling is decidedly from the previous century, features like all-LED lighting, a slipper clutch and traction control make it a thoroughly modern (and safe) machine. The Kawasaki Z900RS is offered in two colours, Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red and Candy Tone Blue. 

At Rs 16.47 lakh, the Z900RS is undoubtedly a pricey proposition, and we expect it will sell in very limited numbers, much like when it was on sale prior to the BS6 era. Its closest rival is the Rs 11.09 lakh (ex-showroom, India) Triumph Speed Twin 1200, although that is a good deal more affordable thanks to local assembly. 

Kawasaki also sells the Z650RS at a much more amenable Rs 6.92 lakh (ex-showroom, India), and that bike features similar design elements while sporting the 650cc parallel-twin engine from the Ninja 650.

Would you pay the premium for the Z900RS over something like the ZX-10R? Let us know in the comments section below.