 The Kawasaki Z1000 is the true Godfather of naked sportsbikes class.  Make no mistake, the latest 'Big Zed' is not in any sense a bad or poorly put-together bike. Equally, though, it is no longer setting the standard for performance, and isn't really a style leader anymore either. The motor is not the problem; the Z1000 is powered by the old ZX-9R unit, which has the strength of herd of well-fed oxen. It could do with a few more horses, certainly, but it's superbly useable with plentiful low-down stomp. The problem with the Kawasaki is not a lack of versatility or general competence, but a shortage of modern-standard sporting prowess. It's hard to avoid the acknowledgement that it's simply getting a bit long in the tooth. Is it time for a ZX-10R motor, we have to ask? “While the other two twenty-somethings on this test [FZ1, CB1000R] are ravaging on ahead,” said one tester, “the Kwaka is always in danger of getting out of its depth.” Compared with a firmer, younger bike like the FZ1, the Z1000 feels soft and unresponsive. Middle-age spread – signified by its huge, 'saddlebag' silencers – is beginning to hold it back. Some riders will like this bulkiness, which undeniably gives the Z1000 a certain tough, bold presence on the road. If you don't ride particularly hard and don't do track-days, you probably won't notice the shortcomings. The Zed is still a brilliant, versatile road bike that is capable of having some fun. There is something solid and satisfying about this machine – you could never describe it as a disappointing ride. And if you're a Kawasaki fan at heart, the Z1000 keeps it green with rightful pride in its forbears.  Group test published: SuperBike October 2008 Rated: 7/10 Position in test: 3rd/3•Price: £6,945 •Engine: l/c, 16v, DOHC, inline four, 953cc •Bore & stroke: 77.2 x 50.9mm •Compression ratio: 11.2:1 •Carburation: EFI, 36mm throttle bodies •Transmission: six-speed, chain •Power: 115bhp (tested) •Frame: cast aluminium, mono backbone •Suspension: (F) fully adjustable, 43mm USD forks (R) monoshock, preload/rebound adjustable •Brakes: (F) dual 300mm petal discs, four-piston radial calipers, (R) single 250mm disc, twin-piston caliper •Wheels/tyres: Four-spoke aluminium / Dunlop Qualifier (F) 120/70 - ZR17, (R) 190/50 - ZR17 •Wheelbase: 1,445mm •Fuel capacity: 18.5 litres (3.74 gals) •Dry weight: 205kg (452lbs) •Contact: Kawasaki UK (01628 851000) |
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