Kawasaki z1000 - conqueror of city roads and highways at an affordable price

RU-MOTO RATING

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort
• Price

3.8

Verdict

• Stylish motorcycle for the city;
• High speed is combined with fast acceleration and handling;
• The owners do not identify clear weak points that are prone to breakdowns;
• Glass is often subjected to tuning, since the motorcycle has low wind protection;
• Stands out among competitors with better speed and acceleration

Read other motorcycle reviews Review of the Ducati Diavel motorcycle

2003 is the year of birth of the powerful, fast, but at the same time maneuverable Kawasaki z1000. Already at the time of its appearance, it was distinguished by a high displacement and had an original naked design. However, things can get even better. This series underwent changes in 2007, 2010 and 2014.

Motorcycle Kawasaki z1000

Although the Z1000 is positioned as a successor to the Z-series, which attracted millions of fans in the 70s, various elements from the ZX-6R and 6R were used in its creation. These models were released much later than the legendary Z-series - in the 90s.

001_MOTO_0910_014

Kawasaki Z1000: roadster, 2010, 1043 cm³, 138 hp, 221 kg, from RUB 516,468.
Kawasaki Z1000: roadster, 2010, 1043 cm³, 138 hp, 221 kg, from RUB 516,468.

Now a completely different type is held in high esteem. Down with prejudices and callous views! Choppers are for pot-bellied, bearded, overly well-fed and therefore unhurried gentlemen with an arrogant look. Of course, there are lovers of such characters, but how can I, young, slender, energetic, progressive and also modest, compare to them? Unless you can get somewhere a suspended silicone belly and a wig with the effect of “four hairs, but half a meter long.” Okay, let's leave chopperism to its apologists. Otherwise they will beat you to death with heavy leather jackets.

Characteristics of the Kawasaki Z1000 SR electric motorcycle, pros and cons, price

The manufacturer decided to give the buyer the opportunity to choose the necessary technical data himself, so to speak, to assemble the Kawasaki Z1000 SR electric motorcycle. The maximum speed that this model can have is 170 km/h. The battery is also chosen by the buyers themselves, the maximum figure is achieved with a 72 V 120 Ah battery, so the power reserve will last up to 230,000 meters. What else is in the Kawasaki Z1000 SR, you can read below.

Specifications

• Material – plastic;
• The frame is made of high-strength steel;
• Dimensions – 207x76x120 cm;
• Seat –75-85 cm;
• Steering wheel – width 70 cm;
• Wheels – front tire 110/70-17, rear 140/70-17, vacuum;
• Maximum load – 150-200 kg;
• Possible tilt angle – 30 degrees;
• Battery – lithium-ion;
• Number of charge-discharge cycles – 1500;
• Waterproof - yes;
• Brakes – left: front, 230 mm disc, right: rear, 220 mm disc;
• Lights – turn signals, low beam, LED;
• Display – yes, LCD, color;
• Anti-theft protection – yes;
• Protective frame – yes;
• Operating conditions – from -10 degrees to +40 degrees.
• Depreciation – present;
• The foot pedal is aluminum.

As mentioned above, the buyer can choose the package himself when ordering, according to his needs and budget.

Power

• When choosing 2000 W brushless power, the maximum speed will vary from 80 to 85 km/h.
• At 3000 W, the speed can be reached within 90-120 km/h.
• 4000 W – 120 km/h.
• 5000 W – 140 km/h.
• And the maximum power is 8000 W, with which you can reach a speed of 170 km/h.

Battery

The capacity of the selected battery determines the maximum range.

So, when choosing 72V 30 Ah, the cross-country ability will be up to 60,000 meters.

At 72V 60 Ah up to 120 km.

72V 90 Ah – up to 180 km;

And the highest capacity is 72V 120 Ah, so you can travel up to 230 km without recharging.

All batteries for the KawasakiZ1000 SR electric motorcycle are lithium-ion, the manufacturer guarantees a minimum of 1500 charging cycles.

Weight varies from 13 to 33 kilograms.

Important! The price starts at 55,000 thousand rubles, then 95,000, 120,000 and 150,000 thousand rubles. The cost, of course, is quite high, but the quality and results are worth it.

Design

003_MOTO_0910_014

15-liter tank for a “kilogram” - two sips.
More precisely 200 km, if you don’t burn too much. The tiny size of the “slapper” for the passenger, apparently, should be compensated by the euphoria from the beauty of the motorcycle. 15-liter tank for a “kilogram” - two sips. More precisely 200 km, if you don’t burn too much. The tiny size of the “slapper” for the passenger, apparently, should be compensated by the euphoria from the beauty of the motorcycle.

Production

The motorcycle is produced by a world-famous concern. Kawasaki Heavy Industries' philosophy is to produce safe, productive and reliable products. Advanced technologies have been used by the company's engineers since the 50s of the last century.

The company has mastered many technologies, including:

• anti-lock braking system;
• remote start activation system;
• monocoque frame;
• intelligent relay-regulator.

There are many other technologies that Kawasaki successfully integrates into its creations.

005_MOTO_0910_014

The “glass” is also purely stylistic, it is of absolutely no use.
The “glass” is also purely stylistic, it is of absolutely no use.

So, the social-motorcycle experiment ended with quite logical results: most of the interested glances I collected (and a couple of easy but promising acquaintances) belonged to young ladies, energetic and athletic (as evidenced not only by the style of clothing, but also by all kinds of rollerblades, bicycles and other bags with tennis rackets). Yes, if it weren’t a “Zedka” standing next to my table, but some kind of “chrome truck”, I would have collected only punk teenagers and bored ladies of Balzac’s age... Although I still won’t draw parallels, I’ll focus on the motorcycle. The updated, or rather practically brand new, Kawasaki Z1000 has really taken another leap forward from “just a classic” to an “evil naked”. In all respects, it can be safely classified as a street fighter. She seems to be a spiteful woman, but somehow amazingly noble. The facings, painted in white mother-of-pearl with red accents, are set off by a black frame and engine with absolutely cosmic outlines. The picture is completed by a mega-brutal front fork, entirely hidden in a rectangular plastic casing. It seems that one of the key conditions for creating the appearance of the bike was the ban on the use of compasses. Just a ruler and a square! And of course, the last chord that finally attracts the eye to the bike is the mufflers. “Zedki” of previous generations, it should be noted, were also distinguished by “pipe modernity,” but here the designers simply outdid themselves. And how does the device look in metallic chestnut brown color and with a “seat” covered with “python skin”! In general, the appearance of the device is brutal, masculine and noble. What can you do, but it’s very difficult to get away from the usual nicknames “Zedka” and “Kava”. So I won’t bother inventing male names, but remember that this “Kava” is quite a “man”.

First impressions of the motorcycle turned out to be very vague. It seems to be an “evil” naked bike, but to say that the landing “provokes annealing” does not work at all. It is quite comfortable, with a slight tilt forward and, again, a slight shift of the footrests back and up. The fairly wide, almost cross-shaped steering wheel only aggravates this feeling. “I sat down and went to the bakery to get some buns for tea.” The motor behaves in approximately the same manner as the ergonomics. Grumbling softly with two twin mufflers, the device smoothly accelerates without any jerks, explosions or attempts to stall at low throttle, so characteristic of highly accelerated engines. He is absolutely controlled, predictable and adequate in his reactions. A completely smooth torque characteristic is largely achieved due to significant “squaring” of the engine. Compared to the previous generation Z1000, the cylinder diameter decreased from 77.2 to 77 mm, and the piston stroke increased from 50.9 to 56 mm. This “de-extreme” dimension, coupled with the reconfiguration of the injection and exhaust systems, gave the motorcycle a “tractor” characteristic. Throughout the entire rev range, I was unable to feel any significant dips or pick-ups. The device accelerates very smoothly and very powerfully. Honestly, I can't even categorize it clearly. He is both “low-level” and good in the middle, and doesn’t fade away at the “top”. Some kind of completely “electric” motorcycle.

The suspension is “trained” to work in the same confident, dense, but soft manner. Even residents of cities with not very favorable asphalt conditions will not have to buy panties with additional capacity for a crumbling spine. The Z1000 is equipped with a full arsenal of adjustments, so with a certain skill in noticing especially “criminal” potholes in advance, you can generally feel no worse than other “hungry drinkers” in the city. With all this softness on the race track, the motorcycle does not show the slightest bit of “sloppyness”, “floating” off trajectories or instability in corners. I note that during the test, both in the city and before the karting races, I did not “wind up” the suspension. The factory settings in both cases completely suited me, but the very awareness of the possibility, if necessary, to “tighten” or “loose” was simply pleasant.

Owner reviews

Owners of Kawasaki 2021 can truly be called lucky, since even after several years of riding they have no complaints about the streetfighter.

What is most valued by owners:

• It handles well in city traffic, corners easily, and is stable even in strong crosswinds.
• Speedometer readings and other indicators are clearly visible even in bright sunshine.
• The rapid acceleration and comfortable seating are impressive; you can drive it in a sitting or almost lying down position. The wide steering wheel gives you additional confidence.
• Easy to maintain and does not require frequent repairs.

You can customize the suspension to suit your riding style.

It is worth considering some features before buying a bike:

• If you have a large frame, it will take time to adjust to mirrors. Many broad-shouldered drivers duck or move their hands off the wheel to get a better view.
• The motorcycle looks good on the track, but is still more suitable for city riding. This is a practical model for dealing with traffic jams, commuting to work or short trips, and of course, for image.

The Kawasaki Z1000 is a bike that attracts attention even before the start, and does not disappoint while riding. This is a motorcycle with character, yet it is easy for it to be a practical assistant in the city. Looking for the perfect combination of technology and comfort? Choose Z1000!

013_MOTO_0910_014

The geometry of the device was also chosen to match the “overall sound”. The control acuity in it is sufficient for karting, twisted turns, and for aggressive “embroidery” in traffic jams, but at the same time, the motorcycle does not yaw, does not break in turns, does not resist rolls, and certainly does not allow itself to buck on uneven surfaces. , longitudinal waves and other nasty things on the road surface. On the track, “Zed” allows you to lay yourself down to quite “adult” knees, and quite quickly and without much effort on the part of the pilot, at least by roadster standards, shift yourself in bunches of turns. At the same time, it does not bother you at all with excessive agility during calm and even measured movement along the streets. Yes, this motorcycle is capable of not only “burning” like an adult, but also just driving, and driving slowly! That's what you don't expect from a device with such appearance and performance characteristics! The only thing, perhaps, this motorcycle is not given is to shoot quickly on the highway. No, of course, there is enough “stupidity” in it for both “kopeck piece” and “kopeck piece”, but with its complete lack of wind protection, it’s simply impossible to go faster than 130–140 for any length of time. Even a trained wrestler’s neck will only last a couple of kilometers at most. Although if you really “light up” at the karting track located outside the city, and then slowly ride home, inhaling the evening air and watching the reaction of the young ladies on foot, it will be very pleasant.

In general, the motorcycle is very similar to a sambo wrestler. The trained body is filled with strength, the gait is soft but elastic. He is relaxed and friendly, but at any moment he is ready to “shoot” like a loose spring, and then the offender will be in trouble! These are the kind of comrades that young ladies like. Of course, he has muscles, and some others, but he doesn’t flaunt them, but he literally radiates confidence, reliability and safety, and this is what women of any age value above all else. “Zed” is exactly like that. Handsome, “muscular”, stocky, but not like a “varnished” bodybuilder, who is only useful to watch on TV, but a real one, radiating real, noble strength. And against the backdrop of “anabolic” sportbikes and “elderly” choppers, this advantage is especially noticeable.

Appearance, distinctive features

Display determination and confidence - if Kawasaki's designers had such a task, they did it one hundred percent. The presence of plastic panels does not distract from the main elements, but creates angular lines. Here minimalism is combined with functionality: the instrument panel is compact but informative, there is no windshield, below the steering wheel there is a small fairing in which headlights are mounted, reflecting the daring character of the motorcycle.

The gas tank is located quite high, below the level of the steering wheel, its narrowed shape does not interfere with the biker. The seat is designed only for the rider; the rear fender becomes an extension of the saddle.

The engine and main components are made in black. Fairings are manufactured in attractive colors:

• black metallic,
• pearl gray,
• shining emerald,
• green.

The exhaust pipe located on the right side of the driver deserves special attention. Its bizarre forked shape resembles the tail of a robotic fish, blending seamlessly with the exterior of the motorcycle.

004_MOTO_0910_014

As an inveterate endurist, it was even a little scary for me to get on this motorcycle.
A bunch of “horses”, “evil” geometry, low ground clearance and an outwardly complete inability to overcome even the smallest potholes. Just show-off and a bow on the side with complete lack of viability together. However, the motorcycle actually turned out to be, above all, very practical. But isn’t this the main thing if a motorcycle is bought specifically for riding, and not for an exhibition stand? Although “zed” will not save you in the spotlight. As an inveterate endurist, it was even a little scary for me to get on this motorcycle. A bunch of “horses”, “evil” geometry, low ground clearance and an outwardly complete inability to overcome even the smallest potholes. Just show-off and a bow on the side with complete lack of viability together. However, the motorcycle actually turned out to be, above all, very practical. But isn’t this the main thing if a motorcycle is bought specifically for riding, and not for an exhibition stand? Although “zed” will not save you in the spotlight.

Specifications

The excellent design is not inferior to the filling: only the best components for fast and safe driving are perfectly combined in a reliable body. This is a fine example of the Kawasaki z1000, the technical details of which are reviewed below.

Engine

It cannot be said that the engine is the most important thing in a motorcycle, but still... The solution chosen for the R edition is a very powerful engine that is suitable for different road conditions. In addition to its unconditional power, it will give you good control over the “steel mustang”.

The engine capacity is 1043 cm3, which is enough for most lovers of urban aggressive bikes. Fuel will be consumed approximately 5-6 liters for every 100 kilometers. This in-line device has four strokes. It would hardly be possible to pick something better. Even the appearance of the engine impresses with its aesthetics and minimalism! Speed ​​and flexibility are what this motor delivers.

The vibrations that occur in the bike will be damped by the damper. In this regard, the Kawasaki z1000 is an excellent example of both a powerful and “calm” machine. The muffler ensures that the driver practically does not feel the full power of this beast. By the way, this circumstance, as well as the instant acceleration, makes the motorcycle suitable only for experienced users. But this is by no means a minus of the model, but only a natural consequence of its colossal capabilities.

015_MOTO_0910_014

Technical characteristics of Kawasaki Z1000 (manufacturer data)

The motorcycle was provided by the Kawasaki Center-West showroom.

The track part of the test was carried out at the Mayak karting track.

Other type: Kawasaki Z1000

History and basic models

If we touch on history, from 2003 to the present day several main series of the bike have been released:

• 2003-2009 - the first line to use a 953 cc engine. cm and steel frame from the 70s model;
• 2010-present - second series with an internal combustion engine of 1043 cc. see and tubular aluminum frame.

During this time, intermediate modifications also appeared, but they did not particularly affect the development of this series of motorcycles. It is worth immediately noting the features of the 2021 z1000 - a 4-cylinder injection engine, a duplex frame, piston brakes, sports suspension, a 6-speed gearbox and a weight of about 200 kg. The engine that is installed on the second generation of this motorcycle can be found on the Kawasaki Versus 1000 enduro-tourist class.

Today, two versions of the Kawasaki z1000 are in demand on the world market - a traditional street bike and the Z1000SX - a modified one that looks like a sports bike, equipped with a fairing, wheel rotation control and the ability to select one of the engine operating modes. If we talk about the main competitors of this bike model, then these are the Yamaha FZ1/Yamaha MT-10, Honda CB1000R and Suzuki GSX-S1000.