Kawasaki's Z900RS Dominates Motorcycle of the Year Poll as Retro Craze Sweeps Japan

Key facts

• Kawasaki Z900RS won the 'Machine of the Year 2025' reader poll, ranking No.1 among current domestic and international models.
• The poll's top 10 list was published by a Japanese motorcycle magazine, with votes from readers.
• A 50-year-old Suzuki model, nicknamed 'Water Buffalo' in the West, has seen surging prices for mint-condition examples.
• Two lightweight retro 250cc models, weighing around 150 kg each, have launched in Japan in 2026.
• Freddie Spencer, legendary racer, rode a CB1000F racer #24 at the CB Fan Meeting 2026, an event celebrating Honda's CB series.
• A custom builder painted a rising sun flag on a fuel tank, with most observers unable to identify the base vehicle.
• A British builder transformed a Suzuki Wagon R into a Hummer-like vehicle, aiming to multiply its value by 20 times.

Z900RS Crowned King of Current Models

Kawasaki's Z900RS has been voted the most popular current motorcycle model by readers in the 'Machine of the Year 2025' poll, unseating rivals from both domestic and international manufacturers. The poll, conducted by a Japanese motorcycle magazine, placed the retro-styled naked bike at the top of a top 10 list that reflects a strong market tilt toward classic aesthetics. The Z900RS, which draws heavily from the iconic Z1 of the 1970s, has built a loyal following since its launch in 2017. The victory underscores a broader trend: riders are increasingly gravitating toward machines that blend modern performance with vintage looks. The Z900RS's inline-four engine and timeless silhouette have made it a benchmark in the retro segment, challenging competitors like Honda's CB650R and Yamaha's XSR900. The poll result suggests that Kawasaki's bet on nostalgia has paid off handsomely, at least among enthusiast readers.

Retro Wave Lifts Prices of Vintage Suzukis

The retro craze is not limited to new models. A Suzuki model from over 50 years ago, affectionately known as the 'Water Buffalo' in Western markets, has seen its value skyrocket, with mint-condition examples commanding premium prices. The bike, a two-stroke triple from the early 1970s, has become a collector's item as enthusiasts seek out original or restored specimens. The price surge mirrors a global trend where classic Japanese motorcycles are increasingly viewed as investment assets. and aggressive styling have made it a cult favorite, and its scarcity in pristine condition has driven up auction results. The phenomenon is part of a wider renaissance for vintage Japanese iron, with models like the Honda CB750 and Kawasaki Z1 also seeing strong appreciation.

Lightweight Retros Enter Japanese Market

Two new lightweight retro 250cc motorcycles have landed in Japan in 2026, each weighing approximately 150 kg and aimed at riders seeking a manageable, stylish commuter. The models, from different manufacturers, feature air-cooled engines and classic round headlights, appealing to those who find larger bikes too heavy. Their sub-150 kg curb weight makes them accessible to newer riders and those tired of lugging around heavier machines. The introduction of these bikes fills a gap in the market for light, retro-styled motorcycles that are both affordable and fun. With equipment levels that include modern brakes and suspension, they offer a blend of old-school charm and contemporary reliability. The move signals that manufacturers see a sustained demand for small-displacement retro models, particularly in urban environments.

Freddie Spencer Rides Again at CB Festival

Freddie Spencer, the American former Grand Prix world champion, made a surprise appearance at the CB Fan Meeting 2026, an annual gathering celebrating Honda's CB series. Spencer rode a CB1000F racer #24 around a track, thrilling fans who had gathered to see the legend in action. The event featured over 100 photographs capturing the day, including Spencer's laps and the array of custom CBs on display. Spencer, known for his smooth style and fierce rivalry with Eddie Lawson, was closely associated with the Honda CB750F Daytona racer in the 1980s. At the event, he reportedly remarked, 'It's like a tiger,' referring to the bike's ferocious character. His presence underscored the enduring appeal of the CB lineage and the deep emotional connection riders have with these machines.

Custom Builders Push Boundaries

The custom motorcycle scene in Japan and abroad continues to produce extraordinary creations. One builder painted a rising sun flag on a fuel tank as a tribute to Japan, with most viewers unable to identify the base vehicle underneath the extensive modifications. The bike, built by a world-renowned fabricator, demonstrates the level of artistry and secrecy that surrounds high-end custom builds. In a separate project, a British builder took a Suzuki Wagon R kei car and transformed it into a vehicle resembling a Hummer, a process described as 'alchemy.' The builder's goal was to multiply the car's value by 20 times, though the final outcome and sale price remain undisclosed. These examples highlight the global appetite for radical customization, where base vehicles are often unrecognizable after extensive metalwork and engineering.

New Mobility Options for Urban Riders

Beyond motorcycles, a new four-wheeled mobility scooter called the Blaze e-CARGO has been introduced, requiring no driver's license and capable of carrying two shopping baskets worth of cargo up steep slopes. The vehicle is classified as a new type of 'specific small motorized bicycle' under Japanese regulations, making it accessible to a wider demographic, including seniors and those without a motorcycle license. The Blaze e-CARGO aims to make daily errands like supermarket trips more enjoyable, offering weather protection and ample storage. Its launch reflects a growing market for compact electric vehicles that fill the gap between bicycles and cars, particularly in aging societies where mobility is a concern. The vehicle's ability to handle inclines with ease addresses a common pain point for electric scooters.

The bottom line

• Kawasaki Z900RS was voted No.1 current model in a 2025 reader poll, signaling strong demand for retro-styled motorcycles.
• Vintage Suzuki 'Water Buffalo' prices have surged, with mint-condition examples becoming valuable collector items.
• Two lightweight 250cc retro models (≈150 kg) launched in Japan in 2026, targeting riders seeking lighter alternatives.
• Freddie Spencer rode a CB1000F racer at the 2026 CB Fan Meeting, reinforcing the cultural significance of Honda's CB series.
• Custom builders are creating extreme transformations, such as a Hummer-like Wagon R and a bike with a rising sun tank, reflecting a global customization boom.
• The Blaze e-CARGO, a license-free four-wheeled electric scooter, offers a new mobility solution for urban errands and seniors.