2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 900

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
476.2 pounds
2018 Kawasaki Z 900 2018 Kawasaki Z 900

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
210 kg / 463.1 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen.-
Year-2018
ColoursVintage Lime Green-
Make Model-Kawasaki Z 900
Warranty12 Month Limited Warranty-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.795 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1,470 mm / 57.9 in.1450 mm / 57.1 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1,190 mm / 46.9 in.1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length2,100 mm / 82.7 in.2065 mm / 81.5 in
Width845 mm / 33.3 in.825 mm / 32.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity17.03 litres / 4.50 gallons17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight216.0 kg / 476.2 lbs210 kg / 463.1 lbs
Performance
Max Power-125 hp / 91.2 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque98.50 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.7 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions98 Nm / 72.7 lb-ft @ 7700
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.2 inches-
Displacement (ci)57.85 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)948.00 cc-
CO2123.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Bore x Stroke (mm)73.4 x 56.0 mm-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement-948 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies-
Bore x Stroke-73.4 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio10.8:111.8:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Fuel Consumption5.30 litres/100 km (18.9 km/l or 44.38 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-DFIØ with 36mm Keihin throttle bodies
IgnitionTCBI with electronic advanceTCBI with electronic advance
Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChainSealed chain
Final Drive Ratio-2.933 (44/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.692 (35/13) 2nd 2.059 (35/17) 3rd 1.650 (33/20) 4th 1.409 (31/22) 5th 1.222 (33/27) 6th 1.034 (30/29)
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios-1.627 (83/51)
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high tensile steelTrellis, high tensile steel
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustabilityHorizontal back-link, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rake25.0°24°
Trail98 mm / 3.9 in.103 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front119 mm / 4.7 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.2x semi-floating 310 mm discs 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
RimsDunlop Sportmax tires-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe and the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2018 Kawasaki Z 900 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 795 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe vs 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe and 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?
The 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 has the lower seat at 795 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe or the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe has the edge in fuel injection and dual front discs, while the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.