Kawasaki Z1000 ABS

Name: Kawasaki Z1000 ABS
Brand: Kawasaki

The latest incarnation of the perennial favourite, and could it be the best of the breed with the three Fs -- fast, functional and fun?

Kawasaki’s ‘Z’ family has a rich and fruitful history. Originating in the flares ‘n’ big hair-era of the ’70s, the cool Z1000 joined the party with a de-rigueur heavy engine, flexi small-tubed frame and forks so thin you’d struggle to suck a milkshake through them. An absolute classic now, but never the best handler or ride quality.

Lucky then, that the latest model only has the name and attitude in common with its forefather. With the upside-down forks looking like giant Redwood trees in comparison to the originals, and the frame seeming like it’s been on a diet of weight training and steroids, the new Z1000 is as crisp as a freshly dug lettuce.

Sharing the majority of components with the ZX1000 Ninja, the $16,499 Z1000 adds more than a touch of rebellion to the mix. With high bars, radial brakes, and short exhausts and bee-sting rear panels, it’s sharp and quick from the get-go.

The high bars add to the control of the bike, as well as adding to the feeling of acceleration. Whether you want to lean forward and drive from the lights, or pop a cheeky wheelie from a standstill, the Z1000 is more than happy to indulge your preference.

The throttle response from the 1043cc inline four engine is precise at all speeds. The torque from low revs is impressive, as is the slickness of the six-speed gearbox. Forget about sending the tacho needle skyward every change, ride this in the fat of the rev range and you’ll be a very happy (and quick) punter. You’ll soon forget you’re in charge of a potent litre bike, as the low and mid-range characteristics provide versatility beyond the norm.

CITY SLICKER

As an everyday city bike, it’s hard to beat. Short, quick and easily manoeuvred through traffic, it flows freely from point to point, insulating the rider from the nose to tail madness around them. But it’s a great all-rounder, too. And this tag extends to having a boogie out in the country. The suspension, so good at handling the network of bumps and cracks that become the norm on urban road networks, has enough control to handle faster corners and high-speed dips with aplomb.

Much of the criticism of early ‘naked’ bikes was the low-tech componentry that found its way onto the budget bikes. Soft suspension and mediocre brakes were on the menu for much of the ’90s before bikes like Yamaha’s FZ1 and Aprilia’s Tuono turned up to rock the party hard.

And it’s at these parties that the Z1000 seems to have been doing most of its growing up. Not as focussed or exotic (read expensive) as the naked jaw-droppers from Aprilia and Ducati, the Kawasaki does offer enough to keep even a dyed-in-the-wool Superbike rider happy.

With good ground clearance, usable brakes (backed up by ABS) and omnipresent power, you’ll not be left by the sports bike gang when the road gets funky and licence protection gets pushed down the order.

Even the trademark firm saddle matches the bike well. You’ll notice it when you get on and then not again for the range of the tank. And with not having your weight on drop handlebars, those fuel stops with be solely for the bike, as you’ll not feel worn out riding the big Kwaka.

Adding to the practicality of the Z, the mirrors (the bugbear of the ZX1000) are well placed and offer a great rearward vision. The front indicators are tucked in well, being mounted on the radiator cowls and not on their own stalks. The short ‘fan’ exhausts add to the ‘butch’ of the bike. Well, that’s until you see how small the exit holes are. Aah, that’s why the bite’s so much better than the bark!

If you do fancy getting a Z1000, do yourself a favour and get this colour scheme. The metallic orange looks awesome in the sunlight and was universally loved by every man, woman and their collective dogs.

What they wouldn’t like so much was the pillion perch. I’ve used the term ‘perch’ for a reason. Small, high, narrow, and the handholds are either the strap (that you sit on) or two cut-outs located underneath the rear plastics. With the bike so much fun to pilot for the rider, I can only wish the best of luck to any potential pillion. You’ll need it…

So the latest Z1000 keeps that ‘Z’ feeling well and truly alive. It’s fast and functional in all situations. Above all, it’s fun at all times.