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Development of the new 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 started from scratch, with the specific goals of creating a distinctive visual impact and superior on-road performance. The end result is essentially a custom-made super streetfighter.  

A unique blend of Japanese art and technology, the 2010 Z1000’s styling takes a dramatic leap forward with the distinct look of an apex predator. Hunched-down and ready to pounce, its visual impact is much stronger than that of a naked sportbike, or a derivative copy of some Euro trend.  

The Z1000 clearly surpasses the dynamic performance of its predecessors, thanks to a new quick-revving 1,043cc inline-four cylinder engine, and an all-new quick-steering aluminium chassis connected to an all-new horizontal rear suspension design.  Though it offers true sportbike handling; the Z1000’s comfortable, upright riding position mean it remains a practical transportation tool, even as the dramatic howl from its new cold-air intake raises hairs on the back of its rider’s neck.

• All-New Aluminum Chassis
• All-New 1043cc Engine
• All-New Horizontal Rear Suspension
• Sharp “Predatory” Styling
• Instrument Panel with Adjustable Angle
• Light Steering Feel
• True Sportbike Handling
• Comfortable Seating Position
• Lower Seat Height than Previous Z1000 Models

2010 KAWASAKI Z1000

You’ll definitely feel those 1,043 cubic centimeters of fuel-injected Kawasaki four-cylinder every time you twist the throttle. A secondary balance shaft eliminates excess vibes, but on this bike, a little bit of character is designed in. In the same spirit, the bike’s cool air system uses ducts just ahead of the fuel tank to usher air into the airbox, a placement that lets the rider savor the gratifying sound of screaming air being sucked into the engine’s downdraft intakes.

 

FOUR-PIPE HARMONY

The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout, with silencer end-caps that maintain the quad-style image.
We carried forward the quad-pipe theme from the last Z1000 (and the first Z1), but an under-engine pre-chamber let the engineers use shorter mufflers for great looks, better mass centralization and light, quick handling.

HORIZONTAL MONOSHOCK

Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock rear suspension contributes to the aggressive appearance of the new Kawasaki Z1000. The Z1000's new rear suspension positions the shock and linkage above the swingarm, where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat, and contributes to mass centralization. Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard UNI-TRAK® rear suspension, with a similar wheel movement to shock stroke ratio. The shock features rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, with overall wheel travel of 5.4 inches.

ALL-NEW DESIGN

With this latest in a long line of naked Kawasaki streetbikes, we started with a clean sheet, drawing upon more than 35 years of experience in giving people what they want.

Previous Kawasaki Z1000s used a steel frame, but this one gets its own all-new aluminum one. Similar in concept to the frame of the Ninja® ZX™-10R sportbike, the frame beams curve over the engine, resulting in a narrow bike that’s easy to grip with the knees. The engine bolts in solidly, stressed-member style, at three places, and in a rubber mount at the upper rear of the crankcase for great torsional rigidity and solid handling. Wherever possible, welds were eliminated for a smooth, organic appearance. The main frame and swingarm pivot areas, for example, are cast as a single unit.

OVER THE ENGINE ALUMINUM FRAME

An aluminum twin tube frame designed specifically for the Z1000, similar in concept to the ZX™-10R unit, helps make the Z1000 a narrow, compact motorcycle.

Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member, for a firm, planted feel. The 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.

STRONG BRAKES

The Z1000’s 300mm front petal brake discs are gripped by four-piston radial-mount calipers.
A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes superb control and feel to go with the outright braking power provided by those big discs and calipers. At the rear, a single-piston pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal disc is mounted below the swingarm, where it's located by a torque rod for a little vintage flair.

TUBULAR HANDLEBAR

A rigid-mount honest-to-goodness handlebar provides plenty of leverage over the Z1000, contributing greatly to the bike's sharp, direct handling.

The bar's wide, flat bend offers a design similar to those on off-road bikes, for excellent comfort and control. Tapered-type grips, like those used on supersport models, also provide direct feel. Note too the intake ducts, which route cool air to the airbox for maximum power. Positioning the ducts close to the rider allows maximum intake howl enjoyment.

LONG-STROKE, BIG TORQUE...

Bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 millimeters were chosen to achieve the desired engine character — strong in the everyday rpm range most used by naked superbikes.

The Z1000’s four-cylinder uses a longish stroke — 56.0mm — to make the most impact in the rpm range most used by naked bike riders. Long-stroke engines have smaller valves, and that keeps intake air velocity up for maximum midrange power whatever the displacement. 

From nearly any rpm, rolling the Z1000’s throttle open provides the kind of instant gratification most sportbikes just can’t quite muster. Having said that, this engine also spins up noticeably faster from about 7000 rpm upwards, with a silky smooth, highly intoxicating response right up to redline.

TAKE IT BY THE HORNS

The Z1000's flat-bend handlebar allows a semi-upright riding position that puts the rider in complete charge at everyday street speeds - perfect for urban and sport riding.

MASS CENTRALIZATION IN ACTION

Moving heavy components as close as possible to the motorcycle's center of mass makes it easier to turn.

The Z1000's mufflers, rear suspension, battery and rider are all packaged as near to each other as possible. With its wide handlebar and naturally positioned footpegs, it places the rider in a position of maximum command.

IGNITION KEY CYLINDER

The relatively heavy ignition cylinder and steering lock assembly was moved closer to the rider (between the handlebar and tank). The front cowling could then be made smaller as a result.

ANGULAR VELOCITY

New engine, new frame... and the angular theme carries right through nearly every component on the bike, including its master cylinder, mirrors, instrument panel frame, mufflers, lights... A radial-pump master cylinder provides the latest in braking feel and feedback.

ECCENTRIC ADJUSTER

The new 2010 Z1000 merges a collection of cool new components and retro superbike themes.

The eccentric axle is how we adjusted Kawasaki drive chains back in the day, and the rear-caliper torque arm is how we fed braking forces back into the frame. On the other hand, the petal rear disc and the fat 190/50-17 radial tire out back are cutting-edge current technology, adding both style and performance.

LED TAIL LIGHT

Red lights behind a red lens give the Z1000 excellent rear visibility.

And its smooth, organic frame and plenty of negative space between the rear wheel and tailsection give it a fantastic, exotic bike look too. A fat, 190/50-17 radial tire backs up the take-no-prisoners image.

ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT

With its smooth frame, sculpted tank and seat and upright ergoes, the Z1000 is just asking to be ridden hard.

A dynamically designed steel gas tank, flared on the sides to let you grab it with your knees and trim at the rear for a snug fit, flows gracefully into a seat that’s low and narrow at the front to make ground contact easy, and wide and plush at the rear for a comfortable ride over uncomfortable pavement.

INSTRUMENT PANEL

A distinctive tilting instrument panel with multifunction LCD display behind an orange lens covers all systems.

The instrument panel can be angled in three positions to suit rider preference, without tools, using an adjuster knob on the left side. Meter functions include digital speedometer, bar-style digital tachometer, odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge and clock.

SUPER-CLEAN REAR END

The sub-frame is a three-piece aluminum die casting, light, smooth and beautiful.

With its vestigial tail light bracket, spidery passenger peg brackets and smooth tail section, the Z1000 looks totally custom. At the same time, that wide radial tire out back and 5.4 full inches of plush and controlled rear-wheel travel serve up an outstandingly sweet ride.