Kawasaki Z900 RS vs. Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 vs. Yamaha XSR900

During the 2024 Balkan Rally, the Kawasaki Z900 RS, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, and the Yamaha XSR900 were put through an intensive 2,500-kilometer test. This comparison reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the three retro-inspired naked bikes under real-world conditions.

What is the Balkan Rally?

The Balkan Rally is no ordinary motorcycle tour, but rather a mix of adventure, retro charm and exclusive indulgence. Originally conceived for classic cars, the event has over the years opened up to classic motorcycles and retro bikes as well. The start traditionally takes place in Budapest, from where participants ride scenic routes through the Balkans down to the coast in the Kotor region. The organizers place great emphasis on comfort — each stage ends at a hand-picked, luxurious hotel. Accompanied by an espresso mobile and evening champagne and wine tastings, the rally offers a stylish supporting program that fosters exchange among car and motorcycle enthusiasts. But that's not all: during the daily stages, participants have to work out their arrival time by solving riddles and completing photo challenges. Riding too fast or too slow earns penalty points — so it's all about finding the perfect balance. Despite the rally's car-focused roots, riders feel welcome in the mix, as the relaxed atmosphere and varied tasks make it a unique experience that goes far beyond an ordinary tour. In 2025 the Balkan Rally will once again return with new routes and challenges — an event that belongs on every retro and motorcycle enthusiast's bucket list.

More information about the rally here.

The 1000PS Crew's Gear for the 2024 Balkan Rally

The entire crew went with cool retro-style gear from Held for the trip. Particularly worth mentioning is the Sirmione Gore-Tex sneaker as well as the sweet Jester leather jacket.

We used the same luggage solution on all bikes: the Legend Gear tail bag from SW-Motech. It offers versatile mounting options and is very affordable and compact. The bag had to survive nearly 3,000 km on 8 different bikes in nasty weather conditions!

Before the rally we thoroughly waterproofed our gear with PROTEX Spray from MOTOREX. During the rally we used the small, refillable Mini Chain Spray Cans from MOTOREX.

Communication worked really well this time. The whole team was connected via Cardo Packtalk units. The batteries lasted the entire day each time and the units were 100% waterproof. Sound quality was excellent, and the combination of "navigation prompts" + "music" + "communication" worked without a hitch. Even the occasional phone call didn't overload the system. A big recommendation for big group adventures!

For helmets, the whole team went with the HJC V10. The helmet offers a wide range of design options and matched our beautiful bikes wonderfully. We enjoyed the high level of wearing comfort on the long tour.

For navigation we had roadbooks from race control at our disposal. However, we tried to trace the route as closely as possible using Calimoto. On the way to Budapest and especially on the way back from Kotor, we opted for the "fastest" highway route due to weather. Anyone wanting to ride the tour in good weather should set the Calimoto sliders to "twisty" for these sections. Here's the link to the rough route.

The 1000PS Crew at the 2024 Balkan Rally

• Amelie
• Mex
• Poky
• Philipp
• Carlos
• Marcel
• Wolfgang Weiß
• Micha
• Nils

All three bikes blend retro elements with modern design in their own way, though with different approaches.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS presents itself in a classic retro style, strongly reminiscent of the legendary Z1. Its design radiates a timeless elegance that appeals to nostalgics and modern riders alike. The build quality and choice of materials are consistently high-grade, making the bike attractive not just visually but also to the touch.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 takes a more modern approach. Its angular design with the sleek tail frame gives it a futuristic look that still hints at subtle retro influences. The Svartpilen 801 stands out with its unique appearance and draws plenty of attention.

The Yamaha XSR900 positions itself between these two extremes. It combines classic elements like the round headlight with modern lines, creating a bridge between retro and the present. Its design recalls the supersports bikes of the 90s and 2000s, reinterpreting that aesthetic in a contemporary way.

The three test bikes differ significantly in their engine concepts, leading to distinct riding experiences.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS is equipped with a 948cc inline-four engine producing 111 hp at 8,500 rpm and 98.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine stands out for its smoothness and linear power delivery. It offers balanced performance across the entire rev range and proves ideal for country roads and longer tours. The engine's elasticity allows for relaxed riding even at low rpm.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 features a 799cc twin-cylinder engine that puts 105 hp at 9,250 rpm and 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm to the road. This engine shows a sportier character with strong power delivery in the mid-to-high rev range. It develops impressive force especially between 5,000 and 8,000 rpm. At low rpm, however, it's less comfortable, which can be noticeable in urban environments.

The Yamaha XSR900 is equipped with an 889cc three-cylinder engine that delivers 119 hp at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. This engine offers a combination of power and smoothness. It stands out for its linear power delivery and silky-smooth running, which is an advantage both on long-distance rides and when ridden more aggressively.

On the long highway stretches between Budapest and Belgrade, the Kawasaki Z900 RS and the Yamaha XSR900 showed their strengths in terms of comfort and long-distance capability. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, on the other hand, felt particularly at home on the twisty roads of Durmitor National Park, where its agile engine could play to its strengths.

The chassis of the three bikes show clear differences in setup and character.

The Kawasaki Z900 RS is equipped with a fully adjustable 41mm USD fork with 120mm of travel up front and a mono shock at the rear, on which preload and rebound can be adjusted. This chassis offers a balanced mix of comfort and sporty stability. It allows for pleasant riding even on longer stretches without sacrificing agility.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 relies on WP suspension components with a 43mm USD fork (140mm travel) up front and a mono shock (150mm travel) at the rear. The setup is sportier and stiffer. On twisty roads this delivers a high degree of precision and control. On long, straight stretches, however, this stiff setup can be less comfortable.

The Yamaha XSR900 features a non-adjustable USD fork with 130mm of travel up front and a Kayaba mono shock with 137mm of travel at the rear, on which preload and rebound can be adjusted. The chassis is sportily tuned. It allows for precise handling in corners without becoming uncomfortable over longer distances. Combined with the hard seat, however, it feels overall fairly harsh!

The Kawasaki Z900 RS offers an upright and comfortable riding position that proves ideal for long distances. The seat is well padded and stays comfortable even over longer stages. The ergonomics are designed for long-distance capability and also suit taller riders. This is a very classic Japanese naked bike to ride!

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has a sportier, more active riding position. This is advantageous on twisty roads but can be tiring on long, straight stages. The wide handlebar offers good control but demands more from the rider on the highway.

The Yamaha XSR900 feels a bit like a superbike from the 90s or 2000s. Its riding position is slightly sport-leaning but remains comfortable even over longer distances. It offers a good compromise between sporty riding feel and long-distance comfort. In terms of wind protection, all three bikes offer the typical naked-bike experience with minimal wind shielding. The Husqvarna has a small windscreen, though it's mainly cosmetic in nature.

Which bike did we choose when we had to ride a grueling stage two-up with a pillion: the Kawasaki Z900 RS! Which bike did we choose to carry extra luggage without sacrificing handling: the Husqvarna Svartpilen! Which bike was the top pick when a duel was on the cards: the Yamaha XSR900!

Each of the three test bikes has its own strengths and appeals to a different target group:

The Kawasaki Z900 RS proves to be the most versatile. Its classic design and refined inline-four engine make it an attractive choice for riders looking for a well-rounded bike for various uses. The engine feels flawless yet still exciting.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is the most lively bike in the test. It's particularly suited to riders seeking a dynamic riding experience and willing to accept some compromises for it. Its modern electronics and unique design are further plus points.

The Yamaha XSR900 positions itself as a successful compromise between sportiness and everyday usability. With its powerful three-cylinder engine, extensive electronics package and good long-distance comfort, it appeals to riders looking for a versatile bike with modern technology. It's very fast, but overall it's more sport-oriented and not as comfortable as other retro bikes.