2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Specifications

Name: 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
Brand: Kawasaki

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2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Overview

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is a naked bike motorcycle built around 948 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.8:1. The bore and stroke measures 73.4 x 56 mm. 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe delivers 98.50 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 Z900RS Cafe tips the scales at 216 kg, carries a 17.03-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1,470 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2018 Z900RS Cafe - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.

Owner Experiences & Common Issues

Throttle response and fuelling

The fuel injection on the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.

Valve clearance checks

Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.

Z900RS Cafe - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Z900RS Cafe should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Z900RS Cafe. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The Z900RS Cafe's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z900RS Cafe. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 948 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe weigh?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe weighs 216 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe make?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe produces 98.50 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe has a 17.03-litre fuel tank.

Is the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe have?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe uses Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. at the front and Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper. at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe use?

The 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 180/55-ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe was produced across 6 model years (2018-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Wet Weight	216.0 kg / 476.2 lbs	216.0 kg / 476.2 lbs	215.1 kg / 474.1 lbs	216.1 kg / 476.3 lbs	214.6 kg / 473.0 lbs	216.1 kg / 476.3 lbs
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in.	836 mm / 32.9 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in.
Fuel Capacity	17.03 litres / 4.50 gallons	17.03 litres / 4.50 US gallons	17.03 litres / 4.50 US gallons	17.03 litres / 4.50 US gallons	17.03 litres / 4.50 US gallons	17.03 litres / 4.50 US gallons
Comments	Small windscreen.	Small windscreen.	-	Windscreen. Traction control.	Traction control. Small windscreen.	Traction control. Small windscreen.
Displacement (cc)	948.00 cc	948.0 cc	948.0 cc	948.0 cc	948.0 cc	948.0 cc
Frame Type	Trellis, high tensile steel	Trellis, high tensile steel	Tubular, diamond	Tubular, diamond	Tubular, diamond	Trellis, high tensile steel
Wheelbase	1,470 mm / 57.9 in.	1470 mm / 57.9 in.	1470 mm / 57.9 in.	1470 mm / 57.9 in.	1470 mm / 57.9 in.	1470 mm / 57.9 in.
Suspension - Front	41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability	41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability	Inverted telescopic fork with (10-way) adjustable compression and rebound (12-way) damping, spring preload	Inverted telescopic fork with (10-way) adjustable compression and rebound (12-way) damping, spring preload	Inverted telescopic fork with (13-way) adjustable compression and rebound (11-way) damping, spring preload (15-turn	Inverted telescopic fork with (13-way) adjustable compression and rebound (11-way) damping, spring preload (15-turn