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The Z 1000 was able to shake up the world of roadsters when it was released. That was over 10 years ago. And today, after several developments and a sector that has changed a lot, the big Z remains a slightly offbeat machine. In a world of power, scholarly chips and outrageous digital assistance, Akashi’s bugger has become one of the few warrior motorcycles without a shield.. No traction control, multi-axis inertial unit or Riding Modes; only the ardor of the pilot and the management by the right hand.
The next Z 1000 will certainly be more “electronic”. In the meantime, a small change was necessary to comply with Euro4. To do so, the exhaust line incorporates modified catalysts and an evaporator to reduce polluting emissions. The injection map has been redesigned for two missions: also participating in the reduction of harmful gas emissions and making the arrival of power more flexible..
Complying with the standards was not enough. Kawasaki looked at a few details, big and small. Like the suspensions. The fork is adjusted more flexible to improve comfort and handling but preserve the sensations. At the rear, a new linkage ratio increases the rear wheel travel by 13 mm (122 mm -> 135 mm) and makes the suspension work smoother. Damping is more efficient and the rear axle provides a better feeling of grip.
Note new pads for the brakes, a clutch lever adjustable to 5 positions, mirrors with a greater range of motion and an enriched dashboard. The small digital unit now displays the gear engaged and the tachometer turns into a shiflight, configurable for flashing from 4000 rpm. Finally, the wheelie is redesigned.
For Z enthusiasts seeking a higher level of efficiency, Kawa has the excellent idea of offering the Z 1000 R. And it causes: Ohlins shock absorber and Brembo M50 brakes.
To remember the journey of the Z 1000 phase 4, let’s find its mission and its evolutions:
The Z 1000! A flagship model of Kawasaki. That of resurrection, rediscovered brutality, disturbing and pleasant stylistics, success among big roadsters. With a light breath, he walks you smoothly. A cut above, and it growls nasty in the cylinders. In episode 4, Big Z becomes the forbidden child of a Terminator and an Alien.
Design ! This is one of the big tactical points of the Z 1000. Perhaps more than on any other machine; the quirky and manga side of the first opus forced a saving curiosity on the part of the public. Even today, this machine whips the eye, slaps the intrigue, takes us on a path of design that is both provocative and biomechanical. The Z 1000 phase 4 has lost its fork hulls, angles and origami hints. The contours and reliefs of its silhouette are drawn into the thickness of a disturbing xenomorph. It all starts with this fork head, a real appendage of an exterminator robot. Its eyes contain 4 LED headlights, the central pair serving for daily use, the other is added for full headlights. Everything ends with a very sporty stern, worthy of an R6 or Italian productions. Enhancing, well finished, chiadee, the Kawasaki commands respect, form and detail. Seriousness transpires under exuberance; we find the adjustment of the rear wheel axle by eccentric; the saddle is covered with a multitude of small Z symbols, as on the 800; pay attention to the mirrors mounted on double spokes, the translucent brake chamber, the polished dual-outlet mufflers, this innovative new dashboard. Almost entirely digital, however, it delegates the display of the engine speed to LEDs, but only from 4000 rpm; before, it is the LCD window that takes care of it. Unlike its predecessor, it is not tilt adjustable. And, surprisingly for such a modern machine, the information cannot be controlled from the handlebars; only a warning and the basic functions await you at the commodos.
But the wheels?!? Where are the rims in the tuning sauce? Economy or change of style ?
It’s a spectacular facelift for the Z 1000. Facelift? It’s not a new machine? Well…. On the face of the face, the two generations have nothing to do. Technically, on the other hand, the Z 1000 “IV” takes up most of the Z 1000 “III”. By optimizing all the same a lot of things, just to mark the difference between the two beasts.
First of all the engine. One cannot imagine anything other than a barrel of powder in such a pugnacious machine. Has Kawa added Red Bull to the 4-cylinder? Did the 1043cc block get pricked with protein caffeine? Expectations are high, and Akashi’s response goes in the direction of the more, without tipping into the surreal, as KTM did with its 173 hp Superduke 1290 R..
In the heart of the green monster, 4 additional horses were found, bringing the total to 142 units; a peak that must be fetched 400 trs higher, at 10,000 rpm. The torque goes from 11.2 to 11.3 mkg, at a reduced speed of 7,800 to 7,300 rpm. With revised ECU settings, different camshaft timing, oval intake pipes and other improvements like connected cylinders intended to reduce the pumping phenomenon, the Z 1000 now has more power in the low revs without degrading its length. Already lively and quick to distribute generous watts, the unit should not hesitate to add a small ladle. Especially since the box is shortened, thus boosting the accelerations.
To watch, because the Z offers no safeguard like the competition crammed its models. No Traction Control, multiple injection maps, anti-wheeling or other co-pilot. Here, it is driving and / or piloting mixed with self-control; the Z 1000 drives with emotion, confidence in the chassis and a generous right hand. He is piloted with a bit of courage, a demonstration of technique and a bit of experience. Watch out for nags: more than 140 horses, we already play in a certain level of sportiness.
In 2010, a brand new aluminum frame had unceremoniously turned the “Diamond” steel cradle. Suddenly, the roadster took a big step in terms of rigidity and cycle part efficiency. Why change the essentials when things are going very well!?! Kawa reiterates its confidence in this context but does not remain idle for all that..
A big rubber band stretched out under the right hand, you are ready to do battle with the road. Be careful, it turns! Agility is a priority, and that’s good, the Z 1000 grabs an additional ladle. To do this, the rims lose 1500 grams, the wheelbase 5 mm and the trail 2 mm. What to compensate for the two kilos she gained in the stomach. A slight overweight benefiting autonomy, this additional mass being mainly due to the 2 additional liters that the tank can carry (17 liters now).
An angry sound, an airbox that breathes with force, you are all excited as the engine speed increases. With a narrower tank and a slightly revised, sportier riding position, you grip the machine better and you only suffer from getting the most out of this punchy bike. The boiler always has something to answer with its musculature more than watered.
On this version, the front axle is not only visually lightened but also dynamically optimized. The 43mm inverted fork is a BPF model with large pistons, all of which can be adjusted from the top of the tubes. Each side has its role: preload on the left, compression and rebound on the right. Both more precise and more comfortable, this type of fork had already ensured its presence in certain sports cars before being invited to the Z. As regards the brake, the emphasis was placed on more power with larger discs, 300 to 310 mm, new Tokico monobloc calipers stitched to the sister SX, and a master cylinder with a 19 mm piston.
Relieved of too much plastic, with heightened aggressiveness and a devouring fury that tears its identity apart, the Z 1000 “IV” reaches a level of captivating stylistic bestiality – Kawasaki transcends that idea by the name “Sugomi”. A real monster escaped from the world of Stephen King or Ridley Scott, with sensitive mechanical evolutions to bite with its dynamism any part of the road a little playful. Faced with it, machines such as the KTM Superduke 1290 R, the BMW S 1000 R or the Aprilia Tuono V4R risk sending it to the ropes, at the cost of exclusivity and a budget for informed people. Japanese side, it is undoubtedly the most vindictive and the most challenging of streetfighters. Building on the success of previous generations and the technology of the 2010-2013 edition, this Z 1000 maintains the torch of the tough, jostling and attractive roadster.
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Opinion
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Replaces
Z 1000 2016
Model marketed in
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Performances
-
Max speed:
about 240 km / h -
Consumption
medium: 6.50 l
The technical aspect
Kawasaki Z 1000 2017
- Frame
- Frame: Double aluminum beam
- Tank: 17 liters
- Seat height: 815 mm
- Length: 2,045 mm
- Width: 790 mm
- Height: 1,055 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,435 mm
- Operating weight: 221 kg
- Train before
- Telehydraulic inverted fork Ø 41 mm, deb: 120 mm
- 2 discs Ø 310 mm, monobloc 4 piston calipers with radial fixing
- Front wheel:
120/70
– 17
- Transmission
- 6-speed gearbox
- Secondary chain transmission
- Rear axle
- Mono-shock, deb: 122 mm
- 1 disc Ø 250 mm, 1 piston caliper
- Rear wheel:
190/50
– 17
- Motor
- 4 Cylinders
in line
, 4 stroke - Cooling: Liquid cooling
- Injection ø 38 mm
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
-
1,043 cc
(77 x 56 mm) -
142
ch
at 10,000 rpm -
11.30 mkg
at 7,300 rpm - Compression: 11.8: 1
- Crit’air:
Detached pieces
exhaust
motor
fluid
electricity
filtration
braking
chain kit
Competitors
Yamaha MT-10 2017
Aprilia TUONO V4 1100 RR 2017
2017 KTM Superduke 1290 R
Suzuki GSX-S 1000 2017
MV-Agusta Brutale 1090 2017
Triumph 1050 SPEED TRIPLE 100 S 2017
Gallery
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