Bike review: Kawasaki Z1000 (2007)

Bike review: Kawasaki Z1000 (2007)

The battle for supremacy within the biking and superbike industry is never ending…at least, this is the case for Kawasaki, Japanese supreme bike manufacturer that dominates the crowd the moment the name is uttered. We smell smoke even writing it. But there’s some truth in what we’re saying here because every time Kawasaki releases a new model bike, they FULLY INTEND to kick ass and blow each and every single one of their competitors into oblivion. Their 2007 all new version of literbike class motor Kawasaki Z1000 is proof enough. Extreme. Remember this word and read on.

The core of the engine is from Kawasaki’s ZX-10R contributing as a donor – supersport core for a naked bike? Cool. Apparently, the new Kawasaki’s engine is bigger, better and more torquey than it was ever before. But that’s what every single bike manufacturer say before (and after) their new bike model is launched. I guess even big guns like Kawasaki cannot resist singing the same tune. But we’re listening. The Kawasaki ZX-10R engine used is from pervious generation but I guess it’d be good too with a little touching up.

Body-wise, the new Kawasaki is made of, apparently, monocoque which is an adaptation from Kawasaki’s superbike Kawasaki ZX-14. The new Kawasaki Z1000 has the same Nissin calipers on the front. The front wave-like rotor is probably something they took from the ZX-10R’s as well but it looks perfectly fine that way. Some argued that the rotors are from the ZX-14. The shock system are said to be supplied by Showa. It looks like the puzzle looks about just right for Kawasaki Z1000 – it makes the bike look and feel different as they have taken many of the positive parts from other Kawasakis to make this one.

Kawasaki said that their chassis is the real deal as it has been reworked and engineered in such a way that it provides better feedback (the word was OUTSTANDING) which, in turn, will improve mass centralization, stability and better handling.

One thing I particularly liked was the narrower seats the handlebar allows for the bike rider to sit more comfortably on the Kawasaki Z1000 bike. But that’s because I am considered a vertically challenged individual. I wonder what people like taller Tom, Dick and Harries will say about the new improvement. Taller folks would have to sit taller which does not make the whole situation favorable.

And of course, Kawasaki spent a lot of dollars on improving the look of the bike. This is the must for every newly released model – you can feel and perform the same on the inside but you’d better look different! Kawasaki’s signature ‘Z’ shape of the bike remains for very obvious reasons. But you’ll have to find out for yourself whether you love or hate the mufflers….it’s a little outer-spacey. The same goes for the cover but you’ll know the moment you see it.

On whether Kawasaki will blow the mid-market bike range away this time around, it’s for people like you and me to decide when we test-drive it. domination or not, Kawasaki’s Z1000 is, indeed, a powerful introduction into the biking industry.  

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