The grand daddy of the Kawasaki->ke299 Z line is the Z1000->ke3916, a thrill ride that produces absurd levels of powerful performance while also boasting of distinctive aesthetic qualities.

It's no secret why bikers have fallen head-over-heels for the Z1000 because, really, what's not to like? Its aesthetic details begin with a low-mount front cowl that slopes back in a manner that highlights the Z’s sleek and stylish design. On top of that, the bike also has line-beam headlights that are integrated nicely into that angled cowl. At the back, there's a shapely fuel tank that’s flared on the sides to let you grab it with your knees and trim at the back for a snug fit. Meanwhile, the bike's seat is low and narrow at the front, which makes for easy ground contact while also flowing aggressively to the rear, providing a thoroughly athletic shape that has made millions of riders coo in delight.

As for its performance capabilities, the Z1000 is powered by a 1,043cc liquid-cooled, high-compression dual-cam engine that provides a unique riding experience bolstered by instantaneous thrust, unbridled power, and superb handling. The engine's performance capabilities is impressive in its own right; but when you factor in its handling characteristics, it takes the experience to a whole new level.

The Z1000 boasts of new cutting-edge technology, highlighted by an aluminum frame similar to the ZX-10R, one that curves over the engine, cradling it from above. This allows the engine to be bolted solidly to the frame in three places, stressed-member-style, while a rubber mount at the upper rear crankcase area provides added vibration damping and torsional rigidity.

Every kind of detail you'd want in a high-powered sports bike, the Kawasaki Z1000 has an answer to. It's no secret why it's considered an industry leader in every sense of the word.

Find out more about the Kawasaki Z1000 after the jump.

2012 Kawasaki Z1000

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Kawasaki Z1000
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled, high-compression dual-cam engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

-Liquid-cooled inline-four offers substantial power at all rpm levels, providing effortless acceleration in almost any situation

-Bore and stroke dimensions of 77.0 x 56.0mm offer the best possible balance of peak power and low and mid-range flexibility

-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 character; power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high rpm

-The crankshaft is positioned low in the crankcase assembly to allow a longer stroke without adding engine height

-A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration

Suspension

-Rear suspension design 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 Z1000’s aggressive appearance

-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 stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Brakes

-The Z1000’s 300mm front petal-style 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 these high-end calipers

-The rear brake is a single-piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal-style disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod

Specifications

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

42.7 in.

Color Choices

TBD


Quotes

Ultimate Motorcycling----"The Z1000 was designed for those who'd just rather go naked. The Kawasaki features all the aggressive looks paired with all the aggressive power and handling to satisfy these naked urges."