Even though Kawasaki already have the ZRX1200 in variuos guises, they have now also come up with the Z1000. The new retro (modern?) returns to their original concept of big engine in a small package which made them famous the world over with the old Z1 and Z1000.

The Z1000 has a much more agressive look about it than the ZRX and is aimed directly at the competition likes of Suzuki's 1400, Ducati's Monster, Yamaha's 1300 and so on. In the looks department the Kawasaki should win hands down. The all new Z1000 utilizes a bored out version of the ZX9R motor (now at 953cc), is fitted with fuel injected and tuned for greater lower to mid-range power (max of 126 bhp), and is fitted with a new cylinder head that incorporates fins for that classic look.

The frame utilizes massive polished cast aluminum side sections, connected to a large diameter, thin walled steel tube frame with the motor utilized as a stressed member of the frame itself. The gearbox has been strengthened with improved gearchanging.

At the front end there are USD 41mm forks, a pair of 300mm discs with four piston calipers to bring you down to a halt. The wheels are 17" and taken from the ZX9R, along with the swingarm. Seat height is 820 mm and the dry weight is a claimed 198 Kg. The 4-2-4 unique polished stainless pipes take their styling cue directly from the old Z1 4 pipe system but today include a catalyst for reduced emissions. Interestingly enough the pipes have been "pre-burnt" at the factory to give them that that golden hue look!

Kawasaki has pulled out the stops in designing the 2003 Z1000, with a very light overall package, the fact that they were'nt shy about the design, and the feature of the inverted (anodised gold) forks that many naked bike enthusiasts are after.

Indeed the new Z1000 could set the standard for performance in the class.

return to nec review

Got something to say about this? Make your comments here!

Not sure how it works or what this is all about? Fair enough - you can find out all about it here.