Z1000
From twowheelswiki.com
This is a basic review on Kawasaki's Z1000 2003-2006 model, written for the average person who isn't all tech minded. So here goes...
The Z1000 is the new model from Kawasaki, not to be confused with the Zed's from yesteryear. Yeah sure they are the Zed for the new generation but they are completely different bikes, and so they should be with 30 or so years indetween. The new Zed is Kawasaki's stab at the growing streetfighter market of striped to "bare essentials" race bikes that are gaining popularity. It is a naked, so no fairings on these babies except for the small headlight fairing which does nothing to shield you from the wind but i'll get more into that later.
Firstly the thing you'll notice about these bikes is their looks. They do have a tough, made for business look that was pretty unique when they came out in 2003 but has now been mirrored by a few other production bikes. The wheel base is on the shortside and the seating position is alot more upright than you'd find one a racebike. There are no clip on's on the Zeds, instead they have motorcross styled bars which are alot more comfortable on the wrists, especially on long rides. The upright seating position may take a bit of getting used to if you have come over from a racebike but is ideal for road riding, especially in heavy traffic where the bike is easily flicked around even though it weighs in at over 200kg.
Kawasaki have sorced a few parts from the ZX9 and the ZX6 to put the Zed together but it is by no means a "left over parts" bike. The engine comes from the ZX9 although with a larger bore for a little bit more torque. The seat, rear cowling and instrument panel are straight from the ZX6 and this brings me to my first gripe, the instrument cluster. Its exactly the same as on the ZX6 minus the shift light and it was a pain in the arse on that bike to. Its an all LCD job, no analouge needles here. The speed is displayed quite large in the centre with the tacho running in a semi-circle around the outside with the fuel guage, kilometers, time etc displayed at the bottom. Its hard to read even in good light conditions and when the sun is above you then you have no chance. That said it does work just fine and you probably would have your eyes on the road anyways. My second gripe would have to be wind protection, or lack of it. The little fairing over the headlight does look cool but offers next to nothing in the way of protection. Anything over 140kph and you'll know you are riding a naked, over 200kph and you'd better make sure you have a very firm fitting helmet on or it'll be vibrating all over the shop, even if you are leaning down over the tank. But we don't ride naked bikes for wind protection though so its not really a gripe as such, that would be like complaing the you can't play footy properly in your golf shoes. Ok the last gripe would have to be the butt ugly standard pipes. Kawasaki seem to have an obsession with ugly pipes and they are on this Zed to. They look like some kinky toy from a gay nightclub. I have seen them cut down though which looks alot better and gives off a better note but if you are like most people you'll get some aftermarket slip ons, who really keeps their pipes standard anyhow? Now to the power plant. Vibration is probably the first thing you'll notice once you swing your leg over the Zed. This is because the engine itself is a structural brace for the chassis and you can feel it. I don't see it as a problem, quite the opposit actually as it ads to the feel and the character of the bike. The new Zed is like the hot rod of the bike world and its supposed to vibrate and be loud. The engine rev's quite freely, has plenty of torque, enough to stop you from having to change down all the time and you can cruise through the suburbs in third no problems. If you want to have some fun then getting the bike up on its back wheel is easier than Paris Hilton. Simply blip the throttle in first or second and up she goes, you can do it in third to but you'll need the clutch to give you a hand.
The new Zed likes to be ridden and can handle most roads with ease. There is adjustable suspension front and back but the factory settings will be fine for most. A good rider on a Zed will easily keep up with an average racebike rider through the twisties. It does tend to get a little panicky when the roads roughen up although a steering damper would fix this problem. Personally I don't think it needs it though, yeah it gets the shakes over rough ground but like i said earlier, its character.
Maintenance on the Zed is pretty standard. It has the same servicing intervals as the majority of bikes and is easy enough to service yourself if you have a little mechanical knowlege. Having no fairing to remove at service time will also save some cash if you are paying a shop to do it for you. Speaking of saving cash, you'll also save on insurance as the Zed is down a catagory from the R1's and GSXR1000's.
So if you are after a bike that you can use everyday for just about anything then the Zed will hold up nicely. Its comfortable to ride long distance, has the go to keep up with your mates on the weekend, can be easily chucked around if you're commuting through the city and it looks pretty cool while doing it all. The purchase price was around $15k brand new and second hand ones can be picked up in good condition for around $10k and insurance is cheap to. You can't go wrong.
Enjoy
Bluntman
