In 2014, street fighter Z1000 was reincarnated with what they call fierce features "Sugomi".
It attracts people with its high impact crouching style that reminds one of a beast leaping onto the back of its prey. The design concept, "Sugomi" has been embodied and the vehicle still appeals to riders desires to dominate it despite the fact that it is a year since it was released.
So today we are giving you reports on how it feels, not what it looks; reports for general riders not professional riders.
Conditions of the Test Ride
The model used for the test ride was Z1000ABS 2014 Model owned by Webike staff. We borrowed it for several night and days to make test rides. It's mounted with slip on exhaust and several after parts however is a standard vehicle including its riding position. Tests rides were made mainly downtown despite the fact that the vehicle is a street fighter and having experience of owning a ZX-9R for a long time (model equipped with base engine of Z1000), I took the tests.
The author, I am 37 years old (at January 2015) and have been a motorcycle driver for 21years. I'm not a professional rider but enjoy riding in the city, cruising, racing in amateur races, and recently dig into motocross as well. I'm sure that the feelings and point of view I have are near to you readers out there and hope this will be of some help for riders who are considering to purchase.
Beast in the City
First, on flat land it is so light it's hard to believe that it actually weighs 220 kilograms. It's light and steady when it is raised from parking position or pushed back or forth. Naturally it will feel heavy when the road inclines.
When you're on the bike, at first the handle feels low, however when you place your feet on the step you'll see why. Sitting position, step position and handle position are all well balanced. Knees and thighs are fixed on the dent of the fuel tank and allow you to achieve unity with the vehicle.
When the engine is started and clutch is engaged, the vehicle will start moving with stable torque.
But that's the only time the beast is quiet.
When throttle is open, the vehicle will increase speed tremendously and frighten you at first. It' s no comparison to ZX-9R but rather similar to ZX-10R. From 5000rpm you'll experience feeling ''Am I allowed to increase speed this much on public roads''. I told myself I was going to open the throttle and leaned a little forward before I opened the throttle.
Due to mass centralization the vehicle makes moves like a 600cc class model, easily changes positions with sharp moves and lives up to one's image of offering powerful acceleration. It's insane.
However, with this motorcycle, in the city, you won't be able to ''increase rpm to maximum and then shift up''. (It will reach speed limit before shifting.) That means you won't be able to use it like 250cc to 400cc bikes equipped with inline(straight)-four cylinder multi engines. You will be required to have a sense of discipline to ride quietly with gear above usual & low rpm.
This is the Sharp Movements of a Street Fighter. Fierce and agile movements of a beast.
Super naked Z1000 that'll offer the driver ''that'' feeling.
Body Works
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In the picture, Z1000 looks macho but actually it is smart and compact and will surprise you coinsidering its high capacity. From the front it doesn't have dents and looks like a full cowl motorcycle.
The small headlights are placed in a low position and the slim and short rear seat make them look like they are concentrated in the center.
Blinker lens, clutch lever, mirrors, lower cowl, windshield, slip-on exhaust are after market parts.
Headlight
It is this headlight unit that exaggerates fierceness of the vehicle.
It is equipped with four LED lights and at low beam two in the center light up and at high beam, two on the outside light up. The lights on the outside have shades like cat's eyes to create a beasty look. Both low beam and high beam exert white strong lights and offer clear vision at night.
Ignition, Metal Panel
Ignition is simply designed with handle lock and ignition switches. Unusually the meter panel is mounted on the center of the handlebar and has allowing downsize to the front section. Rpm below 4000 is displayed on the tachometer vertical bar and rpm above 4000 is displayed with LED lights above. The main panel displays speed, odometer, trip (dual) fuel, cruising distance, average fuel efficiency, water temperature and time. It's also equipped with a mark on the display called Economical Riding Indicator that shows conditions of high efficient economy.
Engine
Water-cooled 4-stroke Inline (Straight) 4 Cylinder DOHC 4Valve Engine offers output 142PS/10,000rpm, Torque 11.3kg-m/7,300rpm. Due to the ECU which is adjusted to offer experience of the acceleration and intense power, you'll be able to feel the joy and tension of the beast even during normal rpm. The owner of the vehicle told me that he was concerned about low idling he experienced when he got the vehicle. The idle screw can be adjusted any time even when you're on the vehicle.
Fuel Tank
Features deep gouges and the top hangs over the sides. The gouges help fix the riders knees and thighs in good position to offer perfect riding position. The unity of the vehicle is great. When you're braking at corners, you'll be able to press your thighs on the tank to secure your body. The best thing that astonished me was riding position and the tank that supports it. The capacity of the tank is 17 liters. By maintaining low-fuel consumption using Economical Riding Indicator, it will be of great help when cruising.
Seat
The front seat has good cushion and wasn't uncomfortable. Together with the suspension it offers good road surface information at cornering and can withstand intense acceleration. The cushion is not too hard or not too soft and is just right. The tandem seat is uniquely covered with green material to match the body of the Z1000 ABS. But you must be careful because if it gets dirty it'll stand out.
Brake, Clutch
The front brake system combines radial master cylinder, radial mount 4 Pod caliper and Φ310mm disc rotor. It's soft and easy to handle. Z1000 has strong acceleration but also has strong stability. ABS wasn't used. Rear brake caliper is combined with Φ250mm disc rotor. There is nothing negative to quote about braking or operability.
The clutch is a wire type that is not heavy and that' s about all. *Lever is an aftermarket product.
Others
*Ignition Key is specially designed.
*Solid emblem on the cowl is deluxe.
*Laid rear suspension is adjustable.
*Green screen is unique.
*Quad slip-on exhaust exerts great exhaust sound and offers typical Z1000 intake sound.
See KAWASAKI Moto Index Page
See Accessories for KAWASAKI Z1000 (Water-cooled)
