Kawasaki Z1000 arrives in Oz
The massively updated nakedbike is here, at $500 more than its predecessorWe’ve run a number of stories on the all-new 2010 model Kawasaki Z1000, and now we can finally report that it's on sale in Australia, priced from $16,499 (not including government and delivery charges).
That price is a $500 increase on the previous Z1000 model, but the deal is sweetened with increased power and torque and features like ABS and new lightweight cast aluminium wheels to reduce unsprung weight.
Speaking of weight, the bike tips the scales at 221kg, on par with the Honda CB1000R.
The new Z1000 is a "balls out street-fighter at the cutting edge of engineering and design" according to Kawasaki, powered by a newly designed 1043cc four-cylinder powerplant (up from 953cc).
The new four-banger cranks out 110Nm of torque at 7800rpm (up from 99Nm) but Kawasaki is keeping mum on the Z1000's specific power output. However the Japanese company does claim that the power delivery is "quite linear, but the engine spins up noticeably faster from 7,000 rpm onwards".
With slightly less bore but more stroke than its predecessor the 2010 Kawasaki Z1000's engine "is very strong in the rev range most used by Super Naked machines". A new fuelling system improves throttle response while an updated cold air system also contributes to the bike's power hike.
Available in two colours (pearl stardust white with candy burnt orange or metallic spark black with atomic silver), the 2010 Z1000 ABS is, as the name suggests, packed as standard with ABS. The braking system comprises front and rear petal disc brakes with ABS hooked up to both ends. Up front are radial mount callipers, while the rear caliper is mounted below the swingarm, all capped off with a radial pump master cylinder that delivers "formidable stopping power and superb braking control" according to Kawasaki.
Other chassis changes include a brand new and lighter aluminium backbone frame, fully adjustable 41mm front forks and a new rear suspension shocker located above the swingarm.
Kawasaki has also added new handlebars, an updated (and adjustable) instrument display, trick-looking mufflers, the abovementioned new wheels with a five-spoke design and a 5mm lower seat heat. As the photos show, it also sports an edgy new design.
On sale now at Kawasaki dealers, the company reckons that anyone who test rides the burly new Z1000 will be "taken back to a state of disbelief!"
Stay tuned to the Bikesales Network for a full road test of the new model.
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