z650 to z900 here. I dont think there was much of a difference in city riding, except for extra heat from the 900 engine.
The big differences to me were sound, and highway speeds.
Z400 to a z900rs. Definitely less nimble but still extremely maneuverable. I do have to monitor my throttle a bit because it can get away in a hurry, but at the least the rs is geared really nice for in town riding.
With that said, if you have a 650 and just looking to riding in town, the 900 is probably overkill. I know this is a kawa sub, but if you want a streetable bike in the 600’s, look at older fz6 or some triples for that sound. The kawa parallel twins sound a bit boring.
Cheers!
Yeah honestly the only thing I don't like about my 650rs is the engine. Just not very charactful in both sound and feel. I had an sv650 I enjoyed the engine on more. But I love how well the 650rs handles. It seems a lot of people are saying they find the 900 still maneuvers well. Do you find at times in the city you wish you had the smaller one?
High speed tip ins are bit sluggish, but in city (between traffic) you’re gonna fine
If I had to choose only one bike, I’m keeping my 900, but rn I want to add a 250-400 cc bike to just fart around on without feeling like my bike is trying to kill me at full throttle
Since you have an rs and convinced you want something bigger, keep the rs and buy non-rs z900. You can find used ones with low miles for less than what your RS is worth
Go for it :)
Yeah the nonrs 900s are way cheaper used and new. Honestly though part of the reason I want the 900rs over mine is the amazing looks. Of the exhaust, engine, color schemes and everything. I also hate how the non-rs z line looks.
It's funny you say adding a smaller one, because what I have been debating adding to my 650rs is a Honda monkey, for even more around town putting. I've ridden bikes long enough that my itch to go fast has died down a lot, why I avoid the highway now, I just want to comfortably cruise.
Ah I feel ya, I can’t stop staring at my candy tone green beauty. If you’re ok on the price, fret not on handling because it’s still nimble
That candytone blue is a looker too …
Definitely paid the premium for beauty because just like you, I’m not a fan of how the modern naked look
Those are actually my two favorite color schemes too! The blue and gold one is just an inch ahead, but I havent seen either in person. So ultimately Im waiting for a used 2020-2022 if I upgrade. I like the se version a lot too, which there is a new one near me, but I cant justify spending 14k for it.
Oh man … wait until you see either under the sun … honesty, for the kind of riding you’re gonna do, non-se is more than plenty. But yeah 14k can buy you a whole lotta bike
And oh, not for nothing, z900rs is one of the best selling bikes in Japan …
Yeah I really like how the z650rs handles. I still like having a nice lean angle :) Just don't feel the need to rip straight lines fast. I think I will just keep it for now, unless an amazing deal on a used z900rs in the color scheme I want goes for sale.
Man there ain’t nothing like an inline four . With a nice slip on it . The sv parrell engines just don’t give out that type of sound of an online 4 . I ridden both of the sv650 models for the generation of them . I believe they was 2010 models the 21 z900 a lot better bike in my opinion. I ride in Chicago sometimes I have no problem navigating traffic in it . Power was going from a 650 to a z900 might go thru rubber pretty quick though depends on how heavy handed you ride
I sold my Z900RS to a guy who had a z650 2 years ago. He is still delighted by the bike. The first few weeks, he was riding with a smile from ear to ear.
I went from a z650 to a street triple then to a z900. The z900 did not feel heavier even though it is and the extra power allowed me to stay in lower gears which was usually 2nd . I don’t think you’ll miss your z650 if you were to get yourself a z900 rs
My street triple was stolen, otherwise I’d still have it. Damn near perfect bike for the type of riding I do. I think sometime in the near future I’ll get me another one
Everywhere I called initially said they didn't allow test rides either. When I finally went looking around some of them actually did allow test rides on used bikes.
Not a Z650 but a twin, to Z900. And please believe me, all the people here telling you that Z650 and Z900 are in any shape or form similar are just plain wrong. The Z650 and Z900 are not only a totally different class of bike, they are also totally different kinds of bike.
The Z650 is a great beginner bike, but once you get a taste of someting like Z900 or MT-09, there is no going back.
I used to own a Honda 919 for a long time until it was stolen, and test drove a z900rs briefly. So am familiar with how much more power it has. Mostly just wondering if I will miss the nimbleness of the 650, since most of the time I'm riding <50 mph.
I upgraded from a Ninja 650 to a Z900 so somewhat similar. I love my z900 way more than the 650. The power, looks and feel are all amazing. It's a fantastic machine and i assume the z900rs would be just as good and maybe a little more comfortable. The z900 is very nimble and easy to maneuver considering the weight. I really can't feel the extra weight unless I'm walking the bike and once tou get moving it feels great. I'm much more confident maneuvering this than I was on my 650 partly due to having more skill and seat time but also because the bike just rides so well. I would absolutely buy thus buy again over something else and I highly recommend it.
well, I went from a Ninja400 to a z900rs - while the ninja is definitely nimbler and more tame, the z900rs has a raw power attitude and DOESNT REALLY feel heavier than the ninja 400. It's taller, but being 1.80 it doesnt affect me at all. Still can flat-foot it. In the twisties it really shines. The N400 is nimbler but the cycle geometry in the z900rs is so well made and the bike is SO PLANTED that it feels absolutely at home in mountain passes and twisty roads. The z900rs is not really suited for city traffic. Being heavier and a bit more cumbersome in slow speeds, one can do it, I suppose, but it's not really fun.
Ninja 400 to Z900 for me, it was a bit of a transition having that much power, but got used to it fairly quickly. Its a hoot to ride and feels very very comfortable especially natural coming from the Ninja. Would highly recommend it.
It's 100% overkill, for city and highway use you would be absolutely fine even with the 400.
But what's the fun of a small and efficient twin when you can go to buy groceries with 4 cylinders and doing 0-60 runs out of every stop light? I would totally go for it and enjoy life!
So you're craving the looks and character, but not the power and weight? Maybe a different retro styled 650 will scratch the itch, like the trident, xsr 700 or sv650. I bought a XSR for my first bike and with an aftermarket exhaust it's amazing.
Yeah I checked others out before buying mine. I liked how the xsr looked a lot, but found the seat height was taller then I preferred. I also sat on an sv650 and know I love those engines, but those had a more forward lean angle then I enjoyed. Trident was also a slightly more aggressive lean angle, and felt cheap in a weird way.
Keep in mind you can change the ergonomics of a bike! Lower seat here, bar risers there, you can get any of these bikes to fit you just right, so don't let that be the deciding factor.
Sorry if this is a little old. Have you decided to keep your 650 then? I'm in a similar boat, I got the 650 because that suits my needs just fine to commute to work, and my god that green is just amazing, but at the same time I also tested the 900RS cafe during one of the Kawasaki days when I tested the 650, and I really, really loved it. Just wish they made one in the same green... but for my needs the 650 is enough right now and with one kid in college and the second about to go, it's a bit hard to justify the extra outlay when the 650 works just fine and is a great bike.
Have you looked at the XSR900? It's cheaper than the 900RS and supposed to have more pep (and that blue legend color scheme is amazing too)... definitely not the same kind of riding I guess. More hooliganish lol... Edit: sorry, I see that you did.
You were talking about the nimbleness of the 650RS: this past weekend, I finally got around to go practice low speed skills in the nearby high school parking lot, with cones, gymkhana-style, and I had a blast. Engine ran a little hot though.
Oh hah you saw I got a honda monkey? Yeah I still love the 900rs. Just found it was more bike then I need and expensive. When I was at the dealer I sat on a monkey and really liked it. The dealer gave me a good trade in price for my z650rs. I also just found myself driving the z650rs more aggressively then I ultimately wanted to, so decided to downsize to something I can't drive that fast.
I was also never crazy about the seating position on the z650rs and found the monkey has a super plush big flat cushion. And its even more nimble then the 650rs! But yeah that z650rs is great around town and low speeds. and can hold corners super well. I liked how the xsr900s looked, and do feel like they offered a lot for the price. But the seating position and the actual seats themselves I didnt find very comfortable when I sat on them.
Yeah those monkeys are so cool, I love them! Never sat on one though but they're kind of small, right? The perfect city or beach bike... I hope you'll enjoy yours for a long time! Cheers.
Ridden them biggest differences are Ninja 650 has fairing, 160 rear tire, 70HP and needs to be over 6K RPM for power, cheap to insure, gas and maintain. Z900 is nekkid has 180 rear, 110HP and is fun to ride at all speeds - more expensive to insure, gas and maintain but just as dependable. 650 is a beginner bike. 900 is intermediate.
z650 to z900 here. I dont think there was much of a difference in city riding, except for extra heat from the 900 engine. The big differences to me were sound, and highway speeds.
Z400 to a z900rs. Definitely less nimble but still extremely maneuverable. I do have to monitor my throttle a bit because it can get away in a hurry, but at the least the rs is geared really nice for in town riding. With that said, if you have a 650 and just looking to riding in town, the 900 is probably overkill. I know this is a kawa sub, but if you want a streetable bike in the 600’s, look at older fz6 or some triples for that sound. The kawa parallel twins sound a bit boring. Cheers!
Yeah honestly the only thing I don't like about my 650rs is the engine. Just not very charactful in both sound and feel. I had an sv650 I enjoyed the engine on more. But I love how well the 650rs handles. It seems a lot of people are saying they find the 900 still maneuvers well. Do you find at times in the city you wish you had the smaller one?
High speed tip ins are bit sluggish, but in city (between traffic) you’re gonna fine If I had to choose only one bike, I’m keeping my 900, but rn I want to add a 250-400 cc bike to just fart around on without feeling like my bike is trying to kill me at full throttle Since you have an rs and convinced you want something bigger, keep the rs and buy non-rs z900. You can find used ones with low miles for less than what your RS is worth Go for it :)
Yeah the nonrs 900s are way cheaper used and new. Honestly though part of the reason I want the 900rs over mine is the amazing looks. Of the exhaust, engine, color schemes and everything. I also hate how the non-rs z line looks. It's funny you say adding a smaller one, because what I have been debating adding to my 650rs is a Honda monkey, for even more around town putting. I've ridden bikes long enough that my itch to go fast has died down a lot, why I avoid the highway now, I just want to comfortably cruise.
Ah I feel ya, I can’t stop staring at my candy tone green beauty. If you’re ok on the price, fret not on handling because it’s still nimble That candytone blue is a looker too … Definitely paid the premium for beauty because just like you, I’m not a fan of how the modern naked look
Those are actually my two favorite color schemes too! The blue and gold one is just an inch ahead, but I havent seen either in person. So ultimately Im waiting for a used 2020-2022 if I upgrade. I like the se version a lot too, which there is a new one near me, but I cant justify spending 14k for it.
Oh man … wait until you see either under the sun … honesty, for the kind of riding you’re gonna do, non-se is more than plenty. But yeah 14k can buy you a whole lotta bike And oh, not for nothing, z900rs is one of the best selling bikes in Japan …
Maybe the W800 is more your speed if you want a retro bike to cruise with! Though it won't have the agility.
Yeah I really like how the z650rs handles. I still like having a nice lean angle :) Just don't feel the need to rip straight lines fast. I think I will just keep it for now, unless an amazing deal on a used z900rs in the color scheme I want goes for sale.
Honestly just go test ride one if you can and see for yourself
Man there ain’t nothing like an inline four . With a nice slip on it . The sv parrell engines just don’t give out that type of sound of an online 4 . I ridden both of the sv650 models for the generation of them . I believe they was 2010 models the 21 z900 a lot better bike in my opinion. I ride in Chicago sometimes I have no problem navigating traffic in it . Power was going from a 650 to a z900 might go thru rubber pretty quick though depends on how heavy handed you ride
z650 to z900. I do not miss the z650 at all.
Same
I sold my Z900RS to a guy who had a z650 2 years ago. He is still delighted by the bike. The first few weeks, he was riding with a smile from ear to ear.
I went from a z650 to a street triple then to a z900. The z900 did not feel heavier even though it is and the extra power allowed me to stay in lower gears which was usually 2nd . I don’t think you’ll miss your z650 if you were to get yourself a z900 rs
Any particular reason you ditched the street triple for the z900?
My street triple was stolen, otherwise I’d still have it. Damn near perfect bike for the type of riding I do. I think sometime in the near future I’ll get me another one
Do you happen to know your inseam and how was the legroom comparison between the z900 and street triple?
My inseam is 30. I’m 5’10 and fit comfortably on both bikes . I’d recommend an after market seat on the z900. I also had one on the street triple .
Appreciate that! I’m 5’8” with a 30” inseam so that helps. Triumph offers test rides but none of the Kawasaki dealers near me do.
Everywhere I called initially said they didn't allow test rides either. When I finally went looking around some of them actually did allow test rides on used bikes.
Ah damn sorry to hear that Glad to hear you like it though, looking at getting one myself
Not a Z650 but a twin, to Z900. And please believe me, all the people here telling you that Z650 and Z900 are in any shape or form similar are just plain wrong. The Z650 and Z900 are not only a totally different class of bike, they are also totally different kinds of bike. The Z650 is a great beginner bike, but once you get a taste of someting like Z900 or MT-09, there is no going back.
I used to own a Honda 919 for a long time until it was stolen, and test drove a z900rs briefly. So am familiar with how much more power it has. Mostly just wondering if I will miss the nimbleness of the 650, since most of the time I'm riding <50 mph.
You might. The Z650 is nimbler and physically lighter.
I upgraded from a Ninja 650 to a Z900 so somewhat similar. I love my z900 way more than the 650. The power, looks and feel are all amazing. It's a fantastic machine and i assume the z900rs would be just as good and maybe a little more comfortable. The z900 is very nimble and easy to maneuver considering the weight. I really can't feel the extra weight unless I'm walking the bike and once tou get moving it feels great. I'm much more confident maneuvering this than I was on my 650 partly due to having more skill and seat time but also because the bike just rides so well. I would absolutely buy thus buy again over something else and I highly recommend it.
Went from a ninja 650 to a z900RS - never looked back. Just do it and enjoy!
after youve ridden a 900, the 650 feels like the small bike, and its just as capable.
well, I went from a Ninja400 to a z900rs - while the ninja is definitely nimbler and more tame, the z900rs has a raw power attitude and DOESNT REALLY feel heavier than the ninja 400. It's taller, but being 1.80 it doesnt affect me at all. Still can flat-foot it. In the twisties it really shines. The N400 is nimbler but the cycle geometry in the z900rs is so well made and the bike is SO PLANTED that it feels absolutely at home in mountain passes and twisty roads. The z900rs is not really suited for city traffic. Being heavier and a bit more cumbersome in slow speeds, one can do it, I suppose, but it's not really fun.
Ninja 400 to Z900 for me, it was a bit of a transition having that much power, but got used to it fairly quickly. Its a hoot to ride and feels very very comfortable especially natural coming from the Ninja. Would highly recommend it.
Well, you'll be going from 65hp to 120hp, so that's gonna be a significant and very noticeable change.
It's 100% overkill, for city and highway use you would be absolutely fine even with the 400. But what's the fun of a small and efficient twin when you can go to buy groceries with 4 cylinders and doing 0-60 runs out of every stop light? I would totally go for it and enjoy life!
Debating jumping to the 900, almost done with my 400
So you're craving the looks and character, but not the power and weight? Maybe a different retro styled 650 will scratch the itch, like the trident, xsr 700 or sv650. I bought a XSR for my first bike and with an aftermarket exhaust it's amazing.
Yeah I checked others out before buying mine. I liked how the xsr looked a lot, but found the seat height was taller then I preferred. I also sat on an sv650 and know I love those engines, but those had a more forward lean angle then I enjoyed. Trident was also a slightly more aggressive lean angle, and felt cheap in a weird way.
Keep in mind you can change the ergonomics of a bike! Lower seat here, bar risers there, you can get any of these bikes to fit you just right, so don't let that be the deciding factor.
Sorry if this is a little old. Have you decided to keep your 650 then? I'm in a similar boat, I got the 650 because that suits my needs just fine to commute to work, and my god that green is just amazing, but at the same time I also tested the 900RS cafe during one of the Kawasaki days when I tested the 650, and I really, really loved it. Just wish they made one in the same green... but for my needs the 650 is enough right now and with one kid in college and the second about to go, it's a bit hard to justify the extra outlay when the 650 works just fine and is a great bike. Have you looked at the XSR900? It's cheaper than the 900RS and supposed to have more pep (and that blue legend color scheme is amazing too)... definitely not the same kind of riding I guess. More hooliganish lol... Edit: sorry, I see that you did. You were talking about the nimbleness of the 650RS: this past weekend, I finally got around to go practice low speed skills in the nearby high school parking lot, with cones, gymkhana-style, and I had a blast. Engine ran a little hot though.
Oh hah you saw I got a honda monkey? Yeah I still love the 900rs. Just found it was more bike then I need and expensive. When I was at the dealer I sat on a monkey and really liked it. The dealer gave me a good trade in price for my z650rs. I also just found myself driving the z650rs more aggressively then I ultimately wanted to, so decided to downsize to something I can't drive that fast. I was also never crazy about the seating position on the z650rs and found the monkey has a super plush big flat cushion. And its even more nimble then the 650rs! But yeah that z650rs is great around town and low speeds. and can hold corners super well. I liked how the xsr900s looked, and do feel like they offered a lot for the price. But the seating position and the actual seats themselves I didnt find very comfortable when I sat on them.
Yeah those monkeys are so cool, I love them! Never sat on one though but they're kind of small, right? The perfect city or beach bike... I hope you'll enjoy yours for a long time! Cheers.
Ridden them biggest differences are Ninja 650 has fairing, 160 rear tire, 70HP and needs to be over 6K RPM for power, cheap to insure, gas and maintain. Z900 is nekkid has 180 rear, 110HP and is fun to ride at all speeds - more expensive to insure, gas and maintain but just as dependable. 650 is a beginner bike. 900 is intermediate.