Long touring on the Z900RS. How I planned my 'travel spec' setup [Pre-delivery/Planning phase]
In my previous article, I wrote about the customizations I considered to improve the Z900RS's reach to the ground.
This time, I'm focusing on another important theme.
It's about the 'travel spec' for riding the Z900RS over long distances.
I'll be carrying over the travel gear I've used on my previous bikes while adding what's necessary for the Z900RS.
I'd like to summarize the travel gear for 'Guri-san' (my Z900RS).
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What 'travel spec' means to me
Being able to ride long distances as comfortably as possible.
Being able to carry necessary luggage without strain.
Reducing fatigue on highways.
This time, I focused on these three points.
I'm not buying all my travel gear from scratch.
As I moved from the Rebel 250 to the ELIMINATOR, I've learned what works for me, so I'll be carrying those items over and adding new equipment that I specifically want for the Z900RS.
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Equipment to make highway riding easier
One of the big attractions for me when doing long touring on the Z900RS is the cruise control.
Being able to reduce the strain on my right hand while cruising at a constant speed will be a huge help on long trips.
On the other hand, with the naked Z900RS, I want to supplement the wind protection a little.
That's why I chose the DAYTONA Blast Barrier X.
Rather than a large touring screen, my goal is to reduce the wind hitting my upper body without significantly changing the bike's aesthetic.
Another thing I liked is that there is a dedicated bracket available for the Z900RS.
Unlike universal products, I don't need to extend a bracket from the handlebar, allowing me to keep the handlebar area clean.
I chose this equipment not just for its function, but also for how well it integrates when installed.
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Carrying over the travel gear I'm used to
I also plan to transfer some of the gear I used on the ELIMINATOR to Guri-san.
Hand guards are not only a countermeasure against rain and cold, but they also soften the wind hitting my hands on the highway.
Since the USB power supply supports both Type-C and Type-A, it's easy to charge devices I use during touring, like my smartphone and camera.
I also plan to continue using the fog lamps as auxiliary lights for nighttime or bad weather.
None of these are new pieces of equipment.
However, because I've used them on actual tours, I know they are necessary for me.
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My loading style hasn't changed since the Rebel 250 days
I also plan to install SHAD SH23 side cases on Guri-san.
These SH23s have been carried over from the Rebel 250 to the ELIMINATOR, and now to this Z900RS.
For overnight touring, I combine these with a carry case loaded on the rear carrier.
I use the SH23s for things I want to take in and out during the ride.
The carry case is for overnight luggage.
Dividing the roles like this has become my standard loading style.
For the Z900RS, I chose an ENDURANCE rear carrier for this purpose.
One reason is that the loading platform is flat, which seemed easy to adapt to my way of carrying a carry case.
I will continue the SH23 + carry case style that started with the Rebel 250 on my third bike, Guri-san.
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Toward a riding position with less strain on long distances
I had the seat modified with pressure distribution in mind, considering long-distance use.
For the handlebar area, I plan to use the Hepco & Becker 'Handlebar Setback Riser (30mm up / 21mm setback)' to bring the handlebar position slightly closer.
I will also combine this with KIJIMA's step relocation bracket.
I intend to adjust the position while actually riding after delivery so that it's comfortable even for long hours.
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The new electrical component I'm adding is the AIO-6 MAX
The new electrical component I'm adding to Guri-san is the TANAX AIO-6 MAX.
In addition to its smart monitor functions, I chose it for its rear camera and BSD (Blind Spot Detection) capabilities.
On long tours, the time spent on highways increases.
I want to be able to notice vehicles approaching from behind early, not just those in front.
I intend to use it not just for navigation and information display, but as equipment to assist with rear visibility.
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Even so, I won't turn it into a full tourer
I've listed my travel gear here, but if I only pursued comfort, there are ways to make it look more like a tourer.
I could attach a larger screen.
I could permanently mount a large-capacity top case.
But that would stray a bit from the reason I chose the Z900RS.
I love the Z900RS's neo-classic styling.
I also want to enjoy the nimbleness of a road sport bike.
So, I will add the functions necessary for travel, but I won't overdo it.
A road sport bike in daily life.
A proper tourer when I head out on a trip.
The 'Neo-Classic Crossover Tourer' I'm envisioning is aimed right in between those two.
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The completion of the 'travel spec' is yet to come
At the time of writing this article, the bike hasn't been delivered yet.
While carrying over the travel style I built up with my previous bikes to Guri-san, I will adjust the necessary parts to fit the Z900RS.
The travel spec isn't finished just by installing the equipment.
I want to make it my own style little by little while actually using it.
*This article is the pre-delivery planning phase. I plan to confirm the effectiveness of each piece of equipment and the comfort during long-distance riding after delivery.
#Z900RS
#Kawasaki
#KIJIMA
#HepcoAndBecker
#NeoClassicCrossoverTourer
#WantToTravelWithZ900RS