Kawasaki Z1000
By
D Beuls
Kawasaki's fourth generation naked
It’s cast as a single unit with the swingarm pivot to eliminate welds. The engine, a stressed member, bolts solidly to the frame in three places and is rubber-mounted at the upper rear crankcase.The lightweight three-piece design allows the Z1000 to be narrower under the seat, reducing the reach to the ground.The spring-preload adjuster works on the left tube, whereas the compression- and rebound-damping adjusters are only on the right. The main goal with this fork, says Kawasaki, is smooth initial travel for improved feel during braking. In back, a horizontal shock with stepless rebound damping and a remote preload adjuster is said to be unaffected by exhaust heat.
Although the gold calipers are badged by Kawasaki, they are made by Tokico and feature differentiated piston diameters (32mm top, 30mm lower). Kawasaki has also switched to a radial-pump front master cylinder and grippier pads, for firmer initial feel. ABS is provided by Bosch.Unusual tachometer features a bar graph that “jumps” from a vertical lower LCD screen to a horizontal row of bright LEDs across the top. It’s easy to read, with a large digital readout for speed. Previous Z1000, notably, had its gauges tucked low in a spot ahead of the top triple-clamp. New bike has the gauge panel mounted above the wide handlebar, which makes the Z1000’s signature design feature—its prominent headlight assembly featuring four LED bulbs—look like it’s mounted much lower than it actually is.
So, what’s the new Z1000 like to ride? Impressive. It’s totally at home in the city, where it can spurt in and out of traffic with ease. And it’s a delight on twisty mountain roads, where the suspension that feels a tad overly firm in the bumpy city gives the bike a welcome composure in high-speed sweepers. A wide powerband and abundant torque eliminate the need for frequent downshifts, and the gearbox is click-click second nature, blessed with an easy-to-modulate clutch.
In short, Kawasaki’s new Z1000, which retails for $11,999, is a great bike. Say what you will about its styling, but this Kawasaki is an impressive update on what already was an excellent bike. But does it have what it takes to beat newcomers such as the Yamaha FZ-09 or proven Europeans such as the Aprilia Tuono V4 R or MV Agusta Brutale 800.
View more pics at the galleria - Kawasaki Z1000
