Kawasaki Z1000
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Kawasaki introduced the kz900 motorcycle in 1973. Four years later they introduced the kz1000. The original 1973 Kawasaki Z900/Z1/Z-1 was the first Japanese motorcycle with four cylinders, dual overhead cams and 903 cubic centimeters (cc's). It was one of the most powerful motorcycles produced up until that time. And even though its quarter mile times and top speeds were grossly overestimated, 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. In 2003 Kawasaki introduced a completely revamped 30 year anniversary edition of the Z1000. It used a modified motor from the Kawasaki ZX-9R, 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. In 2004, Kawasaki released the Z1000's smaller brother, the Z750. In 2007, Kawasaki re-defined the naked class with an improved version of the previous model as far as mechanics go, and Kawasaki went wild with this one stylistically. The Z1000 is also known as the "Z," "Zed," and "Z1k."
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[edit] 2003-2006 Models
[edit] Styling
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.
[edit] Frame
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.
[edit] Suspension
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 brakes are standard fare, nissin, four piston binders that do a great job of slowing the bike down.
[edit] 2007-2008 Models
[edit] Styling
In 2007 Kawasaki released an updated version of the Z1000. The bike features a detuned version of the relatively outdated Kawasaki ZX-9R engine. This detuning, in addition to the design of the exhaust, provides less top end compared to the super-sport ZX-9R engine, but more low to mid rpm range, giving a stock '07-08 Z1000 a top speed of about 149mph and 0-60mph acceleration in about 2.9 seconds, with about 125bhp at 10,000rpm. Kawasaki successfully addressed complaints of engine vibrations, and provided a much smoother ride on the '07-08 models compared to the '03-06 models. Complaints about the tachometer were also addressed, bringing back the analog tach compared to the previous digital tach. Maybe the most controversial feature of this new design is the exhaust system, with styling even more unique and radical than that of the pre '07 gen.
[edit] Specifications (United States 2008 Model[1])
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve, 4-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 953 cc |
| Bore & Stroke | 77.20 x 50.9 mm |
| Maximum Torque | 72.8 lb/ft @ 8,200 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Injection | DFI® with four 36mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, ultra-fine atomizing fuel injectors |
| Ignition | TCBI Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-Speed |
| Final Drive | X-Ring Chain |
| Frame Type | Backbone, high-tensile steel tubes and cast aluminum engine sub-frame |
| Rake/Trail | 24.5 deg. / 4.0 in. |
| Front Suspension/Wheel Travel | 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in. |
| Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 5.9 in. |
| Front Tire Size | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire Size | 190/50 ZR17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.9 in. |
| Front Brake Type | Dual 300mm petal rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers |
| Rear Brake Type | Single 250mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.9 gal. |
| Seat Height | 32.3 in. |
| Overall Length | 82.3 in. |
| Overall Width | 30.7 in. |
| Overall Height | 41.9 in. |
[edit] Reviews
The first generation of the Z was a definite success, and now resides in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The 2003 model 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. The 2007 model has been more warmly received in the sport-bike critic community. However most owners will agree that the seat is not suited for long trips, but like most shortfalls, the after market provides all that is necessary to tailor this bike to the individual's needs.
- http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/kaw_z1000.htm
- http://www.motorcycledaily.com/15september02kawasaki2003zr1000.html
[edit] Summary
While the Z1000 is a brilliant factory street-fighter and capable sport touring machine, its track abilities are limited by its detuned engine, wide tubular handlebars, and low mounted foot pegs compromising lean angles. However this machine was built for the city, and it's low to mid rpm range proves perfect in canyon twisties, and it also makes a great machine for stunting, especially wheelies. As far as naked bikes/streetfighters are concerned, the Z1000 is one of the fastest, but not the most stable. For $7,000-9,000 USD new, and some used for under $5,000, this is an economical and easily maintainable bike with get-your-blood-pumping speed, ergonomic comfort, and cutting edge body styling.
