MSRP $8,899
Kawasaki upped the ante in the naked bike arena with the entrance of the Z1000. Beyond its muscular torque delivery and radical styling, the Z1000 dishes out a visceral riding experience. This purpose-built Kawasaki is equally at home in the garages of both practical motorcyclists — simply seeking a smile-producing weekend ride and owners desiring a bike that doesn’t fit the norm.
This Kawasaki version of nakedness has been tuned to satisfy the most demanding musclebike riders. The Z1000 features serious low-rpm grunt courtesy of focused engine tuning and gear ratios ideally match to serious street riding. Not only does the Z1000’s 953cc four-cylinder torque curve provide low-end get-up-and-go, but the pull continues through the mid-range, giving the rider extra thrust for conquering road challenges and providing the great exhilaration expected from a liter bike.
Matching the delivery of power from the spirited engine is a highly communicative chassis that permits the Z1000 to offer formidable maneuverability. Kawasaki achieved this remarkable feat by making a sub-frame for the engine –now a stressed member of the frame –and further tailoring the chassis flex with a combination of rigid and rubber engine mounts. The overall result is a confidence-inspiring ride and high levels of feedback with a superb level of control, since the rider is better able to understand what the bike is doing.
A 41 mm inverted front fork compliments the Z1000’s potent chassis and delivers exceptional steering performance. Its smooth action in the top half of the stroke is harmonized by firmer damping in the bottom half. This gives the plush initial feeling of a long-stroke suspension, and allows a firm, planted feel in corners –a combination which makes the bike both easier to ride as well as adept at carving through the rider’s favorite canyon. The bottom-link Uni-Trak rear suspension has 
a nitrogen gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir with settings that balance the front fork and help to offer exceptional road holding. Together the front and rear settings make the bike’s pitching motions more predictable and easier to interpret. The superior ride quality is particularly noticeable when commuting or riding around town.
As the Z1000 is essentially a supersport with a view of its brawny engine, its Ninja-like brake components are no surprise. Radial-mount brake calipers and a radial-pump front brake master cylinder offer precise brake control and superb feel at the lever. The enhanced brake performance allows riders to concentrate more on their riding, secure in the knowledge that the Z1000’s excellent brakes are up to the task.
First-rate mass centralization and ergonomics are major factors in the enhanced rider and machine synergy. The close handlebars of the Z1000 and slim saddle combine to create a compact riding position. This lets the rider take full advantage of the motorcycle’s great stability and sharp, nimble, handling characteristics, while making short work of their favorite ribbon of asphalt.
While providing maneuverable, functional transportation in a daily environment, the Z1000 provides the ability to unleash the fun-seeker in every rider - an unavoidable side-effect when a responsive engine and maneuverable chassis are coupled together. When it comes right down to it, isn’t that what motorcycling is all about?
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