Kawasaki Z1000

Kawasaki has finally launched the much-awaited Z1000 in India with a price-tag of INR 12.87 lakhs (ex-showroom). The bike is powered by a 1043cc engine, which generates maximum power of 140 Bhp at 10000 rpm with max torque of 111 Nm at 7300 rpm. Let’s find out more about this bike.

Design and Style

The bike has been designed to thrill. It looks extremely sharp and aggressive with an aerodynamic design. The deep front end of this bike can attract anyone on road and may force you to gaze it. Its forwarded attacking bikini fairing and slim headlight forms the face of this bike. The body colored cowl and tinted visor features sharp cuts and lines which gels well with its edgy front fender. Its short fender and muscular front forks complements its five spoke black colored alloy wheels. The racing strips on wheels also look sporty in this bike. Rather than placing a semi fairing, Kawasaki has opted for tank extensions which come with integrated clear lens indicators. These tank shrouds feature sporty decals which complements the color scheme on this bike. The body colored engine cowl suits its black colored engine while flared edges of its dynamic fuel tank looks extremely catchy. It’s an up raised and elongated fuel tank which merges nicely in to its dual colored split seats. Its black colored quad style muffler is placed on the right side which looks captivating with its naked chain. The rear cowl houses its LED tail light while its extended fender sports the side indicators and number plate. The rear tyre of Z1000 is small but looks very bulky when seen from the back.

Instrument Console

An orange colored big LCD forms the instrument panel of Z1000. This panel has been surrounded by silver finishing which adds premium touch to this bike. Other LED indicators can also be spotted inside this panel. The bike has a digital speedometer, bar style tachometer, odometer, clock, 2-trip meter and fuel gauge.

Engine and Gearbox

The new age Z1000 is powered by a 4-stroke, 4-cylinder 1043cc engine. This liquid cooled engine produces a peak power of 140 bhp. The torque production of this DOHC engine is of 111 Nm. This Streetfighter bike is incorporated with a six-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This bike has class leading power to weight ratio. It’s quite enthusiastic and responsive from the very first move. It can reach the speed of 100km/hr in its first gear. Z1000 is equipped with a smooth and well-tuned gearbox. The gear ratios also feel well spaced as the bike looks keen to accelerate in any gear at any speed. The maximum power arrives early at 10000rpm which means Z1000 is filled with powerful mid-range. It’s a blast after 2000rpm and makes extremely refined sound when rev hard. It does 0-100km/hr in less than 4 seconds which is faster than some of its competitors. This DOHC engine lacks any kind of noise and harshness. The engine shows high level of refinement and gives strong competition to others. On highways, this bike can reach the speed of 200km/hr and feels quite stable. You never have to wait for power while overtaking thanks to its linear power delivery and ample amount of torque. In city also, you will be pleased with its instant throttle reaction.

Mileage

You can expect an overall fuel efficiency of around 13-15 km/ltr from this bike which may also vary on our Indian roads.

Comfort while Driving

Z1000 is better than many of its siblings in this department. This bike offers low riding posture which gives you great control over this bike. Its curved fuel tank offers nice space for your knees which can strongly hold this bike. The compact handle bar offers firm grip and stays vibration less even at the speed of 200km/hr. The well-padded seat of Z1000 is quite useful on long journeys while the rear set foot pegs are also very convenient for the rider as they help you to get into an aerodynamic position. Its three- way adjustable instrument panel can be adjusted by the rider as per his convenience to get clear vision while driving.

Storage Space and Safety Features

There is not much storage space in this bike apart from its rear seat belt. The bike has brake callipers at its both ends and a powerful headlight which confirms your safety while driving.

Suspension and Brakes

Z1000 sports fully adjustable inverted 41mm telescopic forks at its front and gas charged mono shock with swing arm at the back. The braking system features dual petal disc brakes of 300mm at its front and a single rear disc brake of 250mm with single piston calliper. Kawasaki may launch this bike with ABS system in India.

Ride and Handling

The bike is based on an aluminium twin tube frame which gives this bike stability at high speeds. Its wheelbase of 1440mm further enhances the racing style of this bike by adding stability around corners. Its adjustable suspension system and rear fatty tyre (190/50) hold this bike firmly while you change lanes at high speeds. The handling is quite fast and responsive and it can be turned easily around corners at low speeds thanks to its ground clearance of 140mm which also improves its aerodynamics. The petal discs also effectively stop this racing machine whenever required.

Verdict

It’s a very powerful and responsive machine which offers magnificent ride and handling. Visually also, this bike looks extraordinary and proves to be a tough competition for others. This bike will have direct competition with Honda CB1000R and Yamaha FZ1 in our Indian bike market. Looking at its feature, appearance and performance, we feel it’s a complete value for money bike which will become quite popular bike in its segment.

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