2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Launched At Rs 16,47,000

Sports very few changes from its predecessor

Kawasaki India has launched the 2023 iteration of its Z900RS neo-retro offering at Rs 16,47,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is a Rs 1,17,000 bump over the 2018 model. The new model is available in two new paint schemes: Candy Tone Blue and Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Imperial Red, which replace the Metallic Spark Black and Candy Tone Brown/Candy Tone Orange colours of its predecessor. 

That said, the new bike is exactly identical to the previous bike, its 948cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine making the same 112PS and 98.5Nm. The neo-retro looks, too, have been carried over unchanged. The underpinnings remain the same as well, with the 2023 Z900RS still sporting USD forks and a monoshock, with twin 320mm discs up front and a 250mm disc at the rear, and dual-channel ABS as standard.

However, let’s not forget that the Z900RS is Rs 7.45 lakh costlier than the Z900 which is basically the same bike, though with modern styling and axially mounted calipers (instead of the radially mounted units on the Z900RS). Meanwhile, the retro-styled (and faired) Suzuki Katana, despite making 38PS and 8Nm more, is Rs 2.86 lakh cheaper than the Z900RS. 

Summing up, the Kawasaki Z900RS will no doubt appeal to neo-retro enthusiasts. Its styling is reminiscent of Kawasaki’s offerings from the 1970s and 1980s. And some elements like the stylised alloys (which mimic spoke wheels) or the seamless integration of the digital inset with the twin-pod analogue dials is commendable. 

However, there are a multitude of similar offerings in the market today. And all of them, from the decidedly old-school Triumph Speed Twin (Rs 11.09 lakh, ex-showroom) to the neo-retro Honda CB650R (Rs 9.15 lakh, ex-showroom) to even the tech-loaded (and more 'neo' than 'retro') Ducati Monster (Rs 12.95 lakh, ex-showroom), are more affordable!