Primed to once again set the performance naked bike class ablaze, the Kawasaki Z1000 for 2008 received seriously bulked up performance and styling . Whilst it's price has been seriously reduced for 2009 with the ABS model now being reduced in price to the old Non ABS price. For 2009 ABS will be the only model available. The aggressive aesthetics of this machine directly mirrors its ferocious performance. With the engine and chassis characteristics of the Kawasaki Z1000 refocused for serious street riding, the new model more than takes up where its predecessor left off – it redefines what pure naked performance really is all about. Power
The engine of the Kawasaki Z1000 has been tuned to satisfy the most demanding big-bore power riders, with torque boosted, particularly in the low- to mid rev-range to provide loads of muscle when and where it’s most needed. Even from cruising speeds a twist of the throttle really delivers the goods, and the engine will keep on pulling hard right through the rev range.
Control
For 2008 the new Kawasaki Z1000 received a new engine sub-frame and re-engineered chassis rigidity which provides truly outstanding feedback, enabling the street rider to instantly read and respond to the bike’s behaviour in all speed ranges. Further enhancing rider-machine synergy are improved mass centralisation and revised ergonomics, with handlebars positioned closer to the rider and a slimmer seat resulting in a compact riding position which allows the rider to take full advantage of the Kawasaki Z1000 ’s greater stability and sharp, nimble handling qualities.
Style
With pure aggression emanating from the very core of the Kawasaki Z1000, it is not at all surprising that its performance levels are in turn reflected in this bike’s fierce styling and sheer physical presence. The crouching, muscular appearance of the new Z1000 is direct testimony to the bike’s potency. It’s stance is as that of the body of a conditioned athlete poised to explode from the blocks.
KEY FEATURES
ENGINE TUNED FOR LOW-MID RANGE PERFORMANCE
The ethos of performance naked motorcycles extends from winding roads to the highway to the city. Powerful launches from lights and out of corners, effortlessly passing cars on the road – all are enhanced by a strong low to mid rev range power. To offer hard-core riders the most gratifying riding experience possible, the Kawasaki Z1000’s low-mid range performance gets a serious boost care of numerous engine changes and a revised layout for its iconic quad-style exhaust. The change is accentuated by a new transmission with lower gearing, contributing to the intensified ride sensation. Ultra-fine injectors and oval subthrottles offer crisper throttle response. Thanks to revised engine mounts and changes that reduce friction loss, the new Kawasaki Z1000’s aggressive “power feeling” is transmitted more directly to the rider.
Features for enhanced low-mid range performance
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- New quad-style muffler continues the image of the previous Z1000. Revised muffler arrangement (change from 4-2 -4 to 4-2-1-2) contributes to a large mid-range performance gain. Twin-outlet silencer end-caps help maintain the quad-style image.
- An exhaust device added to the right-side muffler (just upstream of the silencer) helps “tune” back-pressure waves for enhanced response in the low-mid range.
- New cam profiles optimise low-mid range performance.
- Smaller intake and exhaust valves (0.5 mm smaller diameter than 06MY) also contribute to the increased low-mid range performance
- Meatier crank webs increase flywheel mass (about 7% increase from 06MY) for more satisfying mid-range power feeling.
- A revised transmission with lower gearing complements the increased low-mid range torque. The result is great torquey acceleration at all engine speeds – especially noticeable when accelerating from stops in town, and when overtaking.
Changes for increased overall performance and riding sensation
- New fuel injection system is managed by a high-precision ECU.
- Ultra-fine injectors and smaller-bore throttle bodies (down to 36 mm from 38 mm) with oval sub-throttles offer ultra-smooth response across the rev-range.
- Iridium plugs deliver a hotter spark for high combustion efficiency.
- Relocating the engine mounts behind the cylinder greatly reduces engine vibration transmitted to the rider. The new engine mount positions are closer to the engine’s centre of gravity.
- Transmission set lever with ball bearings and a revised selector drum result in superb gearshift feel and smoother gear changes.
- Clutch springs with a lower spring rate result in a lighter clutch feel.
- New cylinder casing with reduced compression loss and a revised oil pump gear ratio contribute to reduced mechanical losses.
- New lightweight radiator offers improved cooling.
REFINED CHASSIS WITH ENHANCED FEEDBACK
Like the engine changes, the new Z1000’s frame modifications were designed to offer more exhilaration in real-world riding situations. By reducing the frame’s overall stiffness, the new chassis offers riders much greater feedback.
Furthermore, the steering head was moved 10 mm forward. The slightly longer wheelbase and more rearward weight balance result in a highly manoeuvrable package – quick steering with a good feeling of stability.
Revised suspension settings contribute to the bike’s nimble handling, and offer confident corning as well as excellent ride quality. Increased feedback, more dynamic handling, and a reassuring feeling of stability – like the engine, the chassis revisions prioritise real-world riding.
Frame
- Newly designed pressed aluminium swingarm, revised swingarm bracket and new engine mounts allow the frame rigidity to be reduced (which also contributes to the reduced engine vibration). Using the semi-rigid mount engine as a stressed member, chassis rigidity balance enables high level riding.
- The overall reduction in chassis rigidity results in a chassis that offers copious amounts of feedback allowing the rider to understand what the bike is doing.
Suspension
- 41 mm inverted front fork delivers brilliant steering performance. Smooth action in the top half of the stroke is complemented by firmer damping in the bottom half. This gives the feeling of a long-stroke suspension initially, followed by a solid planted feel in corners – a combination which makes the bike both easier to ride as well as allowing a sportier riding style.
- At the rear, the Bottom-link Uni-Trak rear suspension features a nitrogen gascharged shock with piggy back reservoir. The rear suspension settings complement those of the front fork. Suspension action is excellent, offering exceptional road holding.
Brakes
- Completely revised brake package includes components that would not be out of place on Kawasaki’s Ninja supersport machines.
- Radial-mount brake calipers and a radial front brake master cylinder (both firsts for this category) offer more precise brake control and superb feel at the lever.
- Triple petal disc brakes contribute to reduced unsprung weight.
- A larger rear disc (increased from 220 mm to 250 mm) offers improved rear brake control. (Front discs are 300 mm as before.)
- For those that desire added braking reassurance (e.g. in wet conditions), ABS models are also available in in the UK in limited numbers..
The result
Massive performance enhancements at their most relevant. All of the modifications applied to produce this very capable machine have been aimed at more comfort, more feedback, more punch, a sportier ride, less vibration............................................................. Awesome.
Kawasaki Z1000 2009 UK Specifications
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line 4 |
| Displacement | 953 cm³ |
| Bore x stroke | 77.2 x 50.9 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Valve/Induction system | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Maximum power | 92 kW {125 PS} / 10,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 98.7 N·m {10.1 kgf·m} / 8,200 rpm |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: ø36 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttles |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.714 (84/49) |
| Gear ratios: 1st | 2.571 (36/14) |
| Gear ratios: 2nd | 1.882 (32/17) |
| Gear ratios: 3rd | 1.556 (28/18) |
| Gear ratios: 4th | 1.333 (28/21) |
| Gear ratios: 5th | 1.200 (24/20) |
| Gear ratios: 6th | 1.095 (23/21) |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.667 (40/15) |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Frame type | Tubular backbone (with engine sub-frame), high-tensile steel |
| Rake/Trail | 24.5° / 103 mm |
| Suspension, front | 41 mm inverted fork with stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Suspension, rear | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, |
| stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Wheel travel, front | 120 mm |
| Wheel travel, rear | 150 mm |
| Tyre, front | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Tyre, rear | 190/50ZR17M/C (73W) |
| Brakes, front | Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs |
| Brakes, rear | Single 250 mm petal disc |
| Steering angle, left / right | 31° / 31° |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2,090 mm x 780 mm x 1,065 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,445 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
| Seat height | 820 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 litres |
| Curb Mass ** | 232 kg (ABS) ** |
| Automatic Headlights On (AHO) | n/a |
| Complies to EU emission limit | EURO 3 |
| ** - Now measured as a wet weight including intallation of battery. |
