Kawasaki Z900RS vs Triumph Bonneville T120

The recently-launched Kawasaki Z900RS is the Japanese brand’s only modern classic for the Indian market. One of its primary rivals is the Triumph Bonneville T120 in the retro-modern motorcycle segment.

2018 Kawasaki Z900RS side view — In a first, Kawasaki has conducted sound research for the Z900’s exhaust note.

While both the bikes have retro design, the Kawasaki Z900RS draws inspiration from the legendary Kawasaki Z1 of the 1970’s. The underpinnings are based on the naked Z900. The Triumph Bonneville T120 oozes charm of the legendary 1959 Bonneville from Britain. The two bikes are tempered with modern mechanicals, which makes nostalgic riding an exciting and a safe affair.

Specifications	Kawasaki Z900RS	Triumph Bonneville T120
Engine	948 cc in-line four DOHC mill with liquid cooling and fuel injection	1,200 cc parallel twin SOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection
Maximum Power	111 PS at 8,500 rpm	80 PS at 6,550 rpm
Peak Torque	98.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm	105 Nm at 3,100 rpm
Transmission	6-speed with assist and slipper clutch	6-speed with assist clutch
Front Suspension	41 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork	KYB 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Adjustable horizontal back-link monoshock	KYB twin shock absorbers with adjustable preload
Front Brake	Dual 300 mm discs with radial callipers, ABS	Twin 310 mm discs with ABS
Rear Brake	250 mm disc with ABS	255 mm disc with ABS
Fuel Tank Capacity	17 litres	14.5 litres
Weight	215 kg, kerb	224 kg, dry
Front Tyre	120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)	100/90-18
Rear Tyre	180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)	150/70-R17
Price	INR 15.3 lakhs, ex-showroom	INR 9.27 lakhs, ex-showroom, pan-India

Compared to the Bonneville, the Z900RS is a whole INR 6.03 lakh more expensive, thanks to the fact that it takes the CBU route from Japan. The locally assembled T120 wins scores higher when it comes to value for money. The Z900RS is high on power, whereas the T120 has a torque-biased output from its low-revving twin cylinder mill. The cycle parts of the T120 are also not as sophisticated as the Z900RS.

Triumph Bonneville T120 Black side — The T120 has a torque-rich engine compared to the Z900RS.

The Z900RS features Kawasaki Traction Control, whereas notable features of the the T120 include traction control, 2 riding modes, immobiliser, USB charging socket, and heated grips. All in all, though the Kawasaki has Japanese precision and sophistication, its high price may steer the customers towards a more affordable and equally feature-laden T120.