Kawasaki Z1000 & Z1000 Performance – Call Of The Wild
The Kawasaki Z1000 supernaked has arrived bigger and better than ever before. The supernaked class is now one of the largest segments of the UK motorcycle market.
The Z1000 has jumped straight to the front of this highly competitive class. The distinctive Z concept has been furthered still by Kawasaki’s Sugomi design.
Put simply the Sugomi philosophy – The Sugomi approach is conceived to be experienced by the rider in terms of the whole Z1000 riding experience both visually and in respect of engine character and chassis response.
The Kawasaki Z1000 has many upgrades with game-changing effects. High performance Tokico monobloc callipers are one of the most obvious additions to this stunning motorcycle.
Radially mounted and matched to a radial pump master cylinder, these callipers not only look impressive, they also mate with the characteristic Kawasaki petal brake discs to deliver massive stopping power while also giving the rider great feedback.
New big piston and separate function forks as fitted to the Kawasaki ZX636R are tuned for great feedback and an ability to cope every riding style and situation. With damping and pre-load adjustment, these forks underline the quality of the Kawasaki Z1000.
The front end is characterised by the stunning plunging headlamp cowl with its narrow aspect ultra-bright LED headlight.
The latest Kawasaki Z1000 also features an uprated engine with more power, more torque and an even greater instant throttle response than ever before.
Not only is there more power, but now the way the power is delivered is greatly improved. With revised ECU settings and camshaft timing plus oval connecters between the header pipes and revisions such as connected cylinders for less pumping loss, the Z1000 now has extra low down torque but not lost any of its screaming top end power rush.
The all new Kawasaki Z1000 has re-written the rules in the supernaked class.
The Performance model is further enhanced by the Akrapovic exhaust cans and model specific tank pad.
Why not take a look at our Accessorise My Kawasaki page where you can search for and buy genuine Kawasaki accessories for your Z1000.
LED Headlamp
The thin, compact headlamp cowl was positioned as low as possible on the Kawasaki Z1000, extending the line that starts from the top of the tank. This is first time for Kawasaki to use the reflector-less LED headlamp design. Using LED lamps allows the design to be thin, the shape contributing to the more intense glare of the new Z1000’s face, and the reflector-less design further enhances its predatory appearance. There are four long-life, low-energy LED bulbs: two low-beam (centre), two high-beam (outside). All four bulbs light up when the high-beams are on. A separate LED position lamp is located on the meter cover.
Mass Centralisation
The exhaust system (with large pre-chamber and short silencers), Horizontal Back-link rear suspension and the use of downdraft throttle bodies are the greatest contributors to mass centralisation. The Horizontal Back-link rear suspension arrangement frees up space taken up by the Uni-Trak suspension lower linkage, enabling a larger pre-chamber, which in turn allows the use of shorter mufflers and contributes to mass centralisation. The lightweight aluminium rear frame also contributes. The result is light, sharp handling.
Instrumentation
The Kawasaki Z1000’s compact instrument cluster is mounted directly to the handlebar, which added to design freedom and helped realise the compact headlamp cowl. Its low position creates an unobstructed view of the road ahead. The futuristic design of the LED tachometer and LCD screen reflects the sport potential of the new Z.
Intoxicating Intake Howl
Designed specifically so that acceleration could be enjoyed aurally as well as physically, the carefully crafted auditory note of the intake is a key component of the street riding exhilaration offered by the Z1000.
Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP)
The more direct handling of the Kawasaki Z1000 can be largely attributed to its new suspension. The new SFF-BP achieves both comfort and sport potential ideal for street riding. Combining the concepts of Showa SFF and BPF, the new fork features springs on both sides, with preload adjustability in the left tube and damping duties in the right tube.
Radial-Mount Monobloc Calipers
High-performance brake package includes triple petal discs, radial-mount monobloc calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder. The new monobloc calipers and new brake pad material contribute to a stronger initial bite, superb brake feeling and formidable stopping power. Models with ABS also available.
Aluminium Twin-Tube Frame
The highly rigid aluminium frame features a high degree of mass centralisation, creating a balance between sharp turning and firm handling. Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member. The frame offers a firm, planted feeling, good stability and light, nimble turning. The frame is a 5-piece cast aluminium construction, consisting of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections and were die-cast to ensure a smooth surface finish
1,043 cm3 Liquid-Cooled, 4-stroke In-line Four
Powerful engine pulls strongly from all rpm and does not let up before the redline. Adding to rider exhilaration, the engine delivers superb response, a strong mid-range hit and an intoxicating intake howl. More direct response thanks to new engine settings and shorter gearing adds to the Z1000’s sporty street riding potential.
Pre-Chamber and Short Silencers
Using an under-engine pre-chamber enables smaller-volume silencers, contributing to both mass centralisation and a more concentrated styling. New silencer end-cap design adds to sporty looks of the Kawasaki Z1000.
Sugomi Design
The Japanese word sugomi describes the intense aura or energy given off by a person or object of greatness and felt by the viewer. Someone, or something, possessing sugomi inspires awe, leaves an indelible impression, is daunting in stature or ability, and commands respect. In the Kawasaki Z1000, sugomi is evident both in its fiercely intense design and the exhilarating performance it delivers, radiating as a palpable energy. Idealised dimensions (lower front, raised rear) and all-new tight-fitting bodywork capture the essence of a predator crouched and ready to pounce. The lean, muscular styling hints at the Z1000’s more direct, sporty street riding performance
Lightweight Wheels
Supersport-style wheels are approximately 1.5 kg lighter, reducing unsprung weight and contributing to lighter handling.
ABS
Sudden over-application of the brakes, or braking on low-grip surfaces (surfaces with a low coefficient of friction) such as wet asphalt or manhole covers may cause a motorcycle’s wheel(s) to lock up and slip. ABS was developed to prevent such incidents. Kawasaki ABS systems are controlled by high precision and highly reliable programming formulated based on thorough testing of numerous riding situations. By ensuring stable braking performance, they offer rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.
Assist & Slipper Clutch
Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and help prevent the rear tyre from hopping and skidding.