2010 Kawasaki Z1000

Features

All-new Engine

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043cc inline-four offers greater torque and a stronger top-end rush than previous Z1000 models
Bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character —strong in the everyday rpm range most used by naked super bikes
38mm downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in the shortest possible distance
Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim — a good thing since the throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees
Soft rev limiter provides good overrev; power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high rpm
Crankshaft and transmission shafts are arranged in a straight line instead of a triangular layout, to maintain the design from the previous Z1000 — a design that offers the best look for a naked model
The crankshaft was lowered to allow for a longer stroke without adding engine height
A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration

Cool Air System

The intake system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts above the radiator shrouds, minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
Positioning the ducts close to the rider allows the intake sound to be enjoyed by the rider
A resonator inside the airbox reduces noise at low rpm, and enhances intake sound at high rpm

Exhaust System

The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps maintain the quad-style image
Main and pre-catalyzers ensure emissions are clean
Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume could be reduced. The silencers are also lighter. Overall exhaust system weight is about the same, but the new system offers much better mass centralization and contributes to a lower center of gravity

Fuel Pump

Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel gauge
With revised fuel tank design and the slim-type fuel pump, dead volume inside the tank is minimized; fuel capacity is 4.0 gallons

All-New Aluminum Backbone Frame

An aluminum backbone frame designed specifically for the Z1000, and similar in concept to the frame of the Ninja ZX-10R, allows a narrow construction that is easy to grip with the knees
Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member, for a firm, planted feeling and enhanced stability
Frame is tuned to transmit the ideal level of engine feedback directly to the rider
The frame’s five-piece construction consists of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections
As much as possible, welds were eliminated for simplicity and appearance. The frame beams and swingarm brackets are now single die-cast pieces
The new frame uses four engine mounts; three mounts are rigid, the upper rear crankcase mount is rubber
The rear sub-frame is a three-piece aluminum die-casting construction, light, strong and good for mass centralization
The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach to the ground

All-New Horizontal Rear Monoshock

New rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes to mass centralization
Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the aggressive appearance of the new Z1000
Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard UNI-TRAK rear suspension: Wheel movement versus shock stroke is the same ratio
The shock features rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Fully Adjustable Front Fork

The Z1000’s 41mm inverted fork is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload — and it’s protected from harm by a cool-looking shroud
Settings are designed for both sporty back road performance and excellent comfort on the street

Handlebar, Grips and Footpegs

The tubular handlebar is rigid-mounted, contributing to sharp, direct handling
A wide, flat bend handlebar offers a design similar to those on off-road bikes, for excellent control
Tapered-type grips, like those used on supersport models, offer more direct feel
Ninja ZX-10R-style footpegs with knurling offer good grip, direct feel and control and no-nonsense looks
The passenger footpeg brackets incorporate convenient luggage hooks

Brakes

The Z1000’s 300mm front petal brake discs are gripped by opposed four-piston radial-mount calipers. (Caliper piston size is 4x30 mm)
A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the new calipers
The rear brake is a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod