Kawasaki Z900RS is a classic motorcycle that riders love for its retro-ripping style. The beast delivers serious performance on the street with its liquid-cooled 948cc engine. The engine produces potent torque and is made for brilliant on and off-road riding.
However, with time, Z900RS has seen a few problems that need quick addressing. Or else, you need to compromise your riding comfort and safety with Z9000RS. Also, when buying a motorbike, knowing these problems will help you know its actual condition.
Top Kawasaki Z900RS problems include throttling inconsistency, uncomfortable seats, slow heat dissipation, and transmission problems. Also, rarely you may encounter low RPM at idle mode. And Kawasaki recalled hundreds of Z900RS for defective brakes and shock absorbers. If you have faced any problems with Z900RS, read this post to get a quick troubleshooting.
Top Kawasaki Z900RS Problems With Solutions
The Kawasaki Z900RS is a brilliant motorcycle on paper. Its front and rear suspensions are completely adjustable and have intelligent traction control. The engine generates 70 pounds of torque and 100HP power for brilliant rides.
Nonetheless, in practical riding experience, RS 900 has shown a few problems. Addressing them will help you with safer and smoother rides.
Problem 1: Problematic Brake Design
Only the 2018 models of the Kawasaki Z900RS have seen this problem. Kawasaki had to recall 1173 units of the Z900RS and Z900 for these defective brakes. The recall happened due to the closeness of the rear brake wires and rear wheel. They were so close that the wire could touch the wheel and get damaged quickly. Also, it would damage the brake hose.
These consequences brought three major braking problems:
- The damaged wire would result in faulty speedometer reading.
- The motorcycle will compromise with the ABS performance due to the damaged wires.
- A damaged hose will cause the brake fluid to leak through the damage. Thus, you will need more brake fluid than usual.
The problem was first addressed in Europe, and since November, Kawasaki has recalled the Z900RS with a defective brake design.
Solution:
It is mainly a design problem of ZR900S. So, you can only get a solution to it sometimes. Even if you replace the damaged wire and brake hose, they will persist in the problem. Thus, you should contact the dealer, and they might replace your motorcycle. Also, the problem is seen mainly in the Z900RS in 2018 models only. Thus, others won’t face it.
Problem 2: Not-So-Comfortable Seat
Z900RS has a good seat, undoubtedly. You will find it outstanding while riding through the city streets as you twist and turn the motorcycle. However, the seat is a little stiffer than most people. Notably, during long rides, the stiffness of the motorcycle becomes readily apparent.
A few riders have reported numbness and fatigue during long rides with the Z900RS. We still need to find out why this problem happened. However, experts suggested that the stiffness of the seat can be a reason. So, the seat feels less comfortable than it should be.
Solution:
You may get an aftermarket seat for the Kawasaki Z900RS. You can get the aftermarket seat to replace the stock ones. Also, we recommend you ride the motorbike in cities mostly. It is a café racer and not made for long rides. Even if you need to go on long rides, take a break once in a while. It should remove your numbness and save you from fatigue.
If you decide to replace the stock engine, consider the BAGSTER Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018 2022 motorcycle comfort seat. It has a beautiful green lining and the Z900RS logo embossed. Also, it is soft and offers brilliant riding comfort. You can replace it at home following the manual.
Problem 3: Bike Getting Hot Sooner Than Expected
Z900RS comes with a liquid-cooled 998CC engine. The engine is expected to deliver reliable and high performance in all conditions. Sadly, many riders have reported its high-temperature problem. The riders reported that their bike was running at a high temperature within a few miles of rides. It is shocking since the liquid-cooled engine is supposed to remain cool.
More surprisingly, people found the engine getting hot even in normal conditions. And in warmer regions, the problem became too acute. Thankfully, the high-temperature problem didn’t make the bike unusable. It was mainly because of periodic maintenance.
Reasons Of Z900RS Is Running Hot
When your Z900RS gets hot and won’t dissipate the heat soon, it can be due to 3 primary reasons. These are:
- Inadequate engine oil: The engine oil level has gone too low. It happens when you keep the engine oil the same for an extended period.
- Low coolant levels: The engine oil and water coolant are crucial for the motorbike. It is a liquid-cooled engine and needs an optimal coolant level to run cold.
- Defective fuses: Defective fuses of the thermal sensor may also cause the engine to heat up too high. If the fuse gets damaged, it will show wrong readings on the dash instrument of your Z900RS motorcycle.
Solutions:
If you consistently experience Z900RS getting too hot, immediately check the temp-gauge. If it reaches “1 bar”, it must be concerning. Thus, check both the coolant and engine oil levels. You will need an oil gauge to measure the oil and coolant levels.
If the engine and coolant level is below the “L” mark on the gauge, fill up the tank ASAP. It is suggested that you check the coolant level every 100 miles. So, it helps you maintain the bike quickly. You should change the water coolant for the engine once every 15000 miles.
- You first must remove the radiator cap and inspect the coolant condition inside the tank.
- If there’s any remaining coolant and engine oil, drain it with a hose. Or, turn the bike to the side to drain the coolant water.
- Reattach and flush the connecting hose to drain the tank reservoir and coolant properly. You should use commercial flushing compounds for the best results.
- Finally, run tap water to remove traces of the older coolant and flushing compound. Let the tank reservoir dry.
- Now, fill it up with the new engine oil and coolant. You may use the Samco Silicone Coolant Kit to finish the coolant replacement task.
Plus, check for any loose wiring of the temp-gauge and thermal sensor. If the fuse is damaged, replacing it will solve the engine heating problem.
Problem 4: Transmission And Low-Idling Problem
Likewise, in most motorcycles, uneven and problematic transmission is also a common Z900RS problem. As you shift the gear, it feels clunky. Also, you will experience jerking of the motorcycle, especially when you ride the motorcycle for an extended period.
Moreover, many riders have reported loud banging noise while shifting the gears. During transmission, this sound will be louder. Last but not least, inaccurate and problematic transmission will cause low-idling issues.
As you start the engine, it will turn off after a while. It happens after the engine remains idle for a few moments. Engine idling problem occurs due to inadequate power supply to the engine.
Reasons And Signs
Low-idling, inadequate engine power, and transmission problems will occur for different reasons. A few of the most responsible reasons are:
- The gear change will feel clunky. Mainly irregular maintenance of the motorcycle is the primary reason for it. You will also see louder banging noise.
- You may be running the motorcycle with downgraded oil quality. Also, low coolant levels will cause transmission problems.
- Low-idling of the engine happens due to faulty fuel systems and injectors. Also, low-quality fuel and a clogged air filter will stop the engine from getting adequate power.
Solution
You need to take different measures depending on the reasons and signs of the transmission and idle-engine problem. Check these troubleshoots.
- Use a higher-grade oil for your Kawasaki Z900RS. In most cases, it will provide more power to the engine and helps it run smoothly.
- Check the liquid coolant level and replace it if need be. Also, always use recommended coolant for the transmission system. You should also use proper additives to safeguard the gears and metal parts of the motorcycle.
- Look at the air filter and fuel injectors. Often, they become clogged and might result in a fuel quality drop. Thus, you must maintain the motorcycle timely to clean the fuel injectors and air filters.
- If you have a new Z900RS, the gear change will feel clunky for the first few hundred miles of rides. It happens as the gear and its metal parts expand and adjust. So, it is not necessarily a concerning problem.
Conclusion
Kawasaki Z900RS problems mainly occur due to improper and irregular maintenance. When you change the engine oil and water coolant timely, its transmission, gear shifting, engine-idling, and heating problems will not occur. Henceforth, we suggest you maintain the motorcycle timely. Always use high-grade engine oil and recommended water coolant and additives.
And for problems with the brakes, you can claim a refund or replacement. Apart from these minor issues, Kawasaki Z900RS is an outstanding motorcycle. Its classic ripping style and café racer design make it a perfect choice for city rides.