Kawasaki Z1000

The Kawasaki Z1000 not only offers unmatched power, but also unbridled performance at the same time. This is one of the best options for buyers in a particular segment. Here’s finding out more about this dynamic marvel.

How is the design?

The Kawasaki Z1000 was developed with a concentration on both aerodynamics and performance during the design process. The bike has a rugged appearance because to its aggressive design, which combines swept-back lines with sharp angles. Because of its fuel-injected engine, the Z1000 is one of the most powerful motorcycles now available.

In 2014, a new iteration of the Z1000 was made public, and this iteration featured a wide variety of enhancements and improvements. The most noticeable modification was the new head lamp assembly, which is an LED-specification unit. The Kawasaki Z1000 was introduced to the public for the first time at the 2013 EICMA, which took place in Milan, Italy. The 2014 iteration of the Streetfighter has received a number of improvements, both mechanically and aesthetically. The most noticeable improvement that has been made to the Z1000 is the installation of a brand new headlight assembly. This new headlight assembly features LED technology and is the first of its kind to come from a Japanese manufacturer. The new 'Sugomi' style that Kawasaki has implemented makes the 2014 Z1000 appear to have a highly menacing and combative demeanour. The Z1000 is Kawasaki's most potent and advanced streetfighter ever produced. The design is one of the most aggressive and sharpest in its category and is defined as the "Sugomi" design, which states that the motorcycle looks like a predator ready to pounce on its victim. This design also ranks among the most aggressive and sharpest in its category.Although the front and back of the motorcycle have very little in the way of bodywork, the motorcycle nonetheless gives off the impression of being fairly robust.

How is the performance?

There is just one version of the Kawasaki Z1000, which is a sports motorbike that competes in the superbike class and serves as the company's flagship model. The 1,043 cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 16-Valve, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine that is found in the Z1000 is responsible for the production of 140 horsepower at 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 111 Nm of torque at 7,300 revs per minute (rpm). The Z1000 comes equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox (the maximum speed of the Kawasaki Z1000 is 258kilometers per hour), rear disc brakes, and front double disc brakes that also include a dual-channel ABS (anti-locking braking system). The Kawasaki Z1000 is an amazing motorcycle and its performance is no exception.

How does the motorbike ride?

The Kawasaki Z1000 is a motorcycle that features an innovative and cutting-edge design. Sugomi is the name of the design concept that contributed to the bike's extraordinarily powerful appearance. In addition to that, it has a stance that is comparable to that of large cats. This design was created with the intention of evoking animal instincts. It has the appearance of a ravenous huge cat and even imitates the behaviour of the dominant male in the South American rain forest.The chassis is constructed using a twin-tube frame composed of aluminium, which provides an exceptionally robust foundation. The frame is made up of five different elements, the first of which is the steering stem, followed by the left and right main frames, and then the two cross pieces. The suspension system works well on level ground as well as uneven terrain, and it is sensitive to the inputs that you give it.The engine on the Kawasaki Z1000 from 2010 has been improved, and it now has better horsepower.

In addition to that, it has a fully-adjustable front fork and a horizontal back-link rear shock, all of which are housed in an aluminium frame with twin tubes. Cast 5-spoke wheels and big petal brakes are two more elements of this bicycle.The engine of the Kawasaki Z1000 is a four-stroke unit that has a displacement of 1043 cc and produces 138 horsepower. Because it also features a 6-speed gearbox, it is an outstanding candidate for use as a sport-touring vehicle. Both the handling and traction of the bike are very good on city streets. The information contained in the instrument cluster is not only easy to read but also vital to the riding experience.

How comfortable the motorbike is?

The Kawasaki Z1000 is one of the best motorcycles to ride. With its naked design, the bike offers stunning handling and best-in-class performance. Though heavier than its competitors, the bike's twin spar aluminium frame provides extra comfort. In addition, the new frame is 30% stiffer than its predecessor. This makes it a great choice for commuters who want extra power without the extra weight.A more aggressive stance is created by the idealized dimensions of the riding position, which sees the front of the vehicle reduced while the back of the vehicle is raised. Riders are in a better position to fully capitalize on the Z1000's potential for sportier street riding as a result of the more aggressive riding position, which is matched by the bike's more direct throttle response and handling. Brand-new, form-fitting bodywork conveys the sense of a predator that is crouched and ready to pounce. The Z1000 has a more direct and sporty street-riding performance, which is hinted as by its slim and musculatured design.

The extremely stiff aluminium frame has a high degree of mass centralization, which allows for precise turns while still maintaining a comfortable level of control. A narrow structure between the wheels is possible thanks to the aluminium twin-tube frame design's frame beams that go above the engine. The engine itself serves as a stressed part in the frame, making it both lightweight and extremely robust. The frame provides a feeling that is both hard and rooted, as well as good stability and turning that is both light and nimble.The suspension of the Z1000 is designed to mimic that of a race bike. It has large springs on the front and rear, preload adjustability in the left fork tube, and compression and rebound damping in the right fork tube. Compared to cartridge-type forks, the Z1000's damping piston is large, allowing for less pressure on the front suspension. The bike's ABS system helps it maintain its traction and stability at all speeds.The Z1000 isn't as big as most bikes of this class, but it offers comfortable riding position and easy manoeuvrability. Its low seat and compact body are more ideal for city riding than cross-country touring. However, it's still not ideal for long-range touring. It's not too heavy, and the handlebars are wide, which makes the Z1000 feel like a big dirt bike. A bit of leverage is required when pushing the throttle hard.

How’s the tech?

The name Kawasaki has always been synonymous with producing motorcycles of exceptional quality, and the Z1000 lives up to that reputation. Because it comes with so many impressive extras, this motorcycle is widely considered to be among the very best choices now available. It features anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic traction control, and a gearbox with six different speeds. A big tachometer and a digital display that provides information on the current conditions and settings of the bike are both included in the analogue and digital instrument cluster that this model comes with. The Kawasaki Z1000 is an excellent choice for riders who are interested in purchasing a dependable yet reasonably priced motorcycle.

How’s the mileage of the motorbike?

You can expect roughly 9 kmpl in terms of the average mileage.

Is the motorbike good value for Money?

The Kawasaki Z1000 isn't your average motorcycle. It's a niche bike that's designed for truly passionate riders. But is it good value for money? Let's take a look.

When you first sit on the Kawasaki Z1000, you'll notice just how comfortable it is. The seat is specially designed to provide great support while also being comfortable to ride for hours on end. This is important, because the Kawasaki Z1000 is a long distance touring bike – perfect for long rides in the countryside or through city streets. However, the pricing may seem exorbitant. However, if you consider the engine capacity and sheer power and performance, it makes for a proper fit.

How is the after sales service?

Motorcycles manufactured by Kawasaki will be offered for sale in India by the India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (IKM) dealer network, which will also be responsible for providing any after-sale servicing that may be required.

Since 2009, Kawasaki has been in a partnership with Bajaj Auto Ltd. (Bajaj) regarding the distribution of Kawasaki motorbikes and the provision of after-sales service through Bajaj's dealer network (Probiking). This partnership has lasted for a total of eight years. However, an amicable decision led to the successful alliance with Bajaj in India ceasing to exist as of April 1, 2017. This will allow IKM to strengthen and promote the Kawasaki brand experience to customers through enhanced marketing activities in conjunction with Kawasaki Global marketing. The sales and after-sales service activities for Kawasaki motorcycles will be started through IKM's own dealer network in India.

Which Motorbikes Compete in this Segment?

One of the most formidable rivals for the brand new Kawasaki Z1000 is the Suzuki Hayabusa at Rs.16.41 Lakh onwards, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at Rs.15.99 Lakh onwards, Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX at Rs.11.98 Lakh onwards, Suzuki Katana at Rs.13.61 Lakh onwards, Ducati Monster at Rs.12.49 Lakh onwards, and others.

Verdict (Is it Value for Money?)

Overall quality and fit-finish are great, and the Z1000 comes with outstanding detailing. Take note of how well the belly pan conceals the bike's shape. It has a pair of sleek stainless steel exhausts that stare out determinedly from either side of this new, masculine motorcycle, as well as stylish wheel border decorations. Kawasaki naked bikes from Japan are meeting the future head-on.  The Z1000 doesn’t just look beautiful, but also packs a powerful punch. Apart from this, the Z1000 is nearly perfect, featuring an 'equator' wide, user-friendly powerband and a consistently silky feel. The Z1000 delivers its performance so smoothly and effortlessly from so low in the powerband that it makes even Honda's outstanding competition, the CB1000R, feel like it's nearing the end of its useful life.

Given its explosive performance, traction control would be a welcome addition to the Z1000, if there is anything missing from this powerful Kawasaki. The engine is rubber mounted, and slots in as a stressed part of the frame. In front, the Z1000 comes with distinct function upside down telescopic forks, with preload adjustment via the left fork, and compression and rebound damping on the right. In the back, you'll find an aluminium swingarm, an adjustable monoshock, and a horizontal layout. Front and rear wheels measuring 17 inches are shod with sticky rubber that contributes to the Z1000's excellent handling and traction. For a superbike in the litre class, it consistently impresses riders as surprisingly light and agile. This motorcycle has a neutral steering feel and can be directed with relative ease. Confidence is maintained even at high speeds through corners because to the bike's firm setup, which aids handling. Unfortunately, the Z1000's suspension isn't quite up to the task of handling India's rough roads, and the ride quality may be jarring at times. It's best to sit up and wait a few seconds until the road smooths out and the motorcycle has settled down if you find yourself in such a predicament. This bike isn't built for racing through rough turns. Kawasaki has delivered a compelling package with the new Z1000, a naked superbike that instils a sense of assurance thanks to its legendary ease of use. The Z1000 is one of the most forward-thinking signs that the next generation of Japanese naked superbikes is here. It's too bad Kawasaki skimped on electronic aids and doesn't bundle traction control with the potent Z, but to be fair, neither does any other serious competitor in India. Overall, the Z1000, at a not so cheap price, nevertheless, is hard to beat if you’re in the market for an in-line, four-cylinder litre class naked superbike in India.