Z1000 2010 Super Streetbike from Kawasaki

What’s new on 2010:

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

New 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

New 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

With Z1000 2010 super streetbike from Kawasaki, we threw out the old rules and started with a clean sheet, drawing upon more than 35 years of experience in giving the people what they want. If the new Z1000 knocks your eyeballs out, that’s exactly what we had in mind. Even more important, though, is the feeling this one provides every time you twist the throttle.

Technical data Kawasaki Z1000 2010:

Engine
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four

Displacement
1043 cc

Bore x Stroke
77.0 x 56.0mm

Compression Ratio
11.8:1

Fuel System
DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles

Ignition
TCBI Digital Advance

Transmission
6-Speed

Final Drive
X-Ring Chain

Frame Type
Aluminum Backbone

Rake/Trail
24.5 deg. / 4.1 in.

Front Suspension / Wheel Travel
41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.

Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel
Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in.

Front Tire Size
120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire Size
190/50 ZR17

Wheelbase
56.7 in.

Front Brakes
Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers

Rear Brakes
Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper

Fuel Capacity
4.0 gal.

Seat Height
32.1 in.

Overall Length
82.5 in.

Overall Width
31.7 in.

Overall Height
42.1 in.

Color Choices
Pearl Stardust White, Metallic Spark Black

Warranty
12 months