The 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE is a modern revival of the legendary Kawasaki Z1, recalling classic styling cues and pairing it with the present-day performance of Team Green’s Z900 lineup. Sure, the Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe are the staples of the manufacturer’s retro sport lineup, but the SE is an up-spec spinoff that takes things a step further with a number of functional and aesthetic upgrades, like the fully adjustable Öhlins S46 monoshock, Brembo M4.32 Monoblock brake calipers, gold fork tubes, and the Yellow Ball paint scheme.
Like the other RS variants, the SE utilizes the same basic liquid-cooled DOHC 948cc inline-four engine as the Z900, but is retuned for a more approachable power delivery and low-to-midrange grunt via modified cam profiles with shorter intake and exhaust durations and a lower 10.8:1 (from 11.8:1) compression ratio. The crankshaft is also 12 percent heavier for a smoother engine character.
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Ahead of an upcoming shootout with similar retro-modern competition, we put the Kawasaki Z900RS SE through its paces on the Cycle World dyno, recording horsepower and torque figures. The SE produced 95.24 hp at 8,620 rpm and 64.03 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,150 rpm. Take note of the SE’s smooth power delivery and relatively flat torque curve with roughly 60 pounds of torque available from about 3,000 rpm.
It’s all about smooth performance and the Kawasaki Z900RS SE has it. Combine that with some epic styling and Team Green has created a very attractive motorcycle in more ways than one.
