Kawasaki Z1000
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In 2003, 30 years after the original Kawasaki Z1000 (or Kawasaki Z1) hit the streets, Kawasaki re-released an all new, modern version of the famous superbike of yesteryear. It used a modified motor from the Kawasaki ZX-9, and was bored out by 2.2 mm resulting in bigger displacement, more low-RPM torque, and only a slight power loss of 4bhp from the original ZX9 lump.
The Z1000 uses an older style, backbone frame that supports the motor as a stressed member. Engine mounts can be removed to ease access for maintenance. The Z1000 is an extremely easy motorcycle to work on and perform maintenance on because of the well engineered design of the bike.
Front suspension is unique in that each 41mm fork leg has a different job. One fork leg handled compression damping duties, while the other manages rebound damping. This is technology from the dirt bike world, but rare on street motorcycles. The rear shock is a unit robbed from the ZX6R-636. The brakes are standard fare, nissin, four piston binders that do a great job of slowing the bike down.
Stylistically, the 2003 Z1000 was a departure from other Naked Sportbikes of the time. The quad-shotgun, gold tinted pipes drew mixed reactions from motorcyclists who either hated or loved the look. The Z1000 used the same tail section that was being used on the 2003 ZX6R 636cc sport bike. Kawasaki hired the same industrial designer credited with designing the Mazda Miata to create an aggressive bikini fairing to match the 636s tail section. It is rumored that the designer took inspiration for the design of the bikini fairing from the Giant Asian Hornet.
The bike was immediately discredited by many consumers after multiple motor-journalists reported unstable handling characteristics at high speeds. One journalist, Walt Fulton Jr. from Motorcycle Consumer News stated that the bike entered an intense, violent tank slapper during high-speed testing. However, reports of owners experiencing the same condition are extremely rare as most owners rave about the bikes stable and predictable handling characteristics.
While the Z1000 is a brilliant factory street-fighter and capable sport touring machine, despite its buzzy nature at certain RPMs, its track abilities are limited by its wide tubular handlebar and low mounted foot pegs compromising lean angles. However, after market replacement rear sets are available (see for example this Rider Forums thread).
In 2007 Kawasaki released an updated version of the Z1000. Initial rumors claimed the bike would feature a motor borrowed from the company's flagship, the ZX-10. Additionally, the design of the new exhaust system is even more controversial than the 2003's pipes.
[edit] History
The original 1973 Kawasaki Z900/Z1/Z-1 was the first Japanese motorcycle with four cylinders, dual overhead cams and 903ccs. Almost a full liter! It was one of the most ominous motorcycles produced up until that time. And even though its quarter mile times and top speeds were grossly overestimated, but actual numbers were impressive enough to earn the bike the nickname “The King.” In 1977 a Z1000 ridden by Reg Pridmore became the first Japanese bike to win an AMA Superbike national when it took the victory at Pocono Raceway.
