Kawasaki has released their 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE, the latest in their series of motorcycles. This model is intended to be superior to its predecessors in its capabilities, especially when it comes to improvements in both braking and suspension. Both the standard model and the SE variant will feature the “Yellow Ball” color scheme that pays tribute to previous Z1 Kawasaki models, most notably the original Z1's iconic orange and brown “Fireball” paint scheme from 1972. At this point, the bikes will only be available in European markets in late 2022, and the run will be incredibly limited. Kawasaki has been making popular motorcycles, such as the Ninja series or the Vulcan models, and there is no reason to believe this model will achieve any less fanfare at this point.

Read on to find out just how much more info regarding the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE has been unleashed on an unknowing public.

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Superior Capability And Ride

Two 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE bikes; side view
via Netherlands News Live

The new Kawasaki 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE has been described as “more capable” when compared to its predecessors. How is it more capable? First off, the suspension is superior. Second, the braking system has received substantial upgrades. However, the engine used is the same as its predecessors, which is the same 948cc inline-four engine as before. The 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE gets to be more distinguished thanks to a color scheme inspired by the '70s. Further, the SE variant of this model is distinguishable thanks to its wheels and components from pendant light in gold color.

Also, that superior suspension is notable in that the rear suspension is made from an aluminum body with monotube construction and showcases an Ohlins S46 rear shock with remote preload adjustment. Gone is the previous standard horizontal unit, though its front forks are the same inverted 41mm units as the previous standard RS model. Brakes are also different, thanks to a radial front brake master cylinder, as well as its front brakes being a pair of Brembo M4 radial-mount monobloc four-piston units.

Fully adjustable upside-down forks also make a more balanced ride with revised settings. On top of all that, stainless steel braided lines are now featured. At this point, the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE is limited exclusively to Kawasaki’s European markets, but that could change in the future.

A Few Cosmetic Modifications

rider racing a 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE
via Roadside Motorsports

Some of the cosmetics have been altered to be more practical, functional, or aesthetically pleasing. One of these is the new gold-spoke rims for the 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE in order to add to the 'retro' feel, in addition to revisions on braking and suspension. Beneath the rolled seat is new red RS badging, and the radiator now showcases side covers. The body is still aluminum, through gold USD forks are also part of the Kawasaki Z900RS SE. These vehicles will have a limited run during production, and customers will be required to place a deposit before their motorcycle will be made available.

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The Design Pays Homage

racer turning curve on a 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE
via Roadside Motorsports

One design that Kawasaki made available, the “Yellow Ball,” honors the design of previous Z1 Kawasaki models. The “Yellow Ball” design is a color scheme and styling that is noticeably and intentionally reminiscent of the original Z1's iconic orange and brown “Fireball” paint scheme from 1972. It even has a 'Metallic Diablo Black' colorway as a nod to this bike's historic lineage, and top-spec parts will be available for this “Yellow Ball” SE design.

The original Kawasaki Z1 Super Four, which hit the sales floor in 1972, can be seen as the starting point for the line and series of motorcycles that evolved to become the Kawasaki Z900RS SE. This design was made to attract both older fans and fans of a retro-modern design. Kawasaki also prefers this method as a way to continue their decades of Z heritage. The standard RS also has this style of color scheme, though it's a more understated version than what is offered on the SE variant.

Wonderful Specs Unleashed

two green 2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE bikes with riders
via Top Speed

The stats and specs Kawasaki Z900RS SE have been released, and they are fairly detailed and comprehensive. The front brakes have a dual 300mm disc, while the rear brakes have a single 250mm disc. Both brakes feature ABS, and the inverted telescopic fork showcases 13-way adjustable compression and 11-way rebound damping. The engine is four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, and 160-valve, and the motorcycle showcases a 10.8:1 compression ratio. It also has a six-speed transmission and it can put out 72.3 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM.

The Kawasaki Z900RS SE has a seat height of 32.9 in with a length of 83.1 in and a width of 34.1 in. Its height is 46.5 in, which is about 1.5 feet higher than the seat height. The fuel tank can also hold approximately 4.5 gallons of gasoline, and the engine is powerful enough to put out 109.5 HP at 8,500 RPM.

Sources: kawasaki.com, visordown.com, motorcyclenews.com, autocarindia.com, rideapart.com, uktimenews.com,