Kawasaki Z1000

Contents

History [ edit ]

Kawasaki introduced the Z1 (900) motorcycle in 1972 as the first of the Z series. Four years later they introduced the Kz900. The original Z1 was the first series of Japanese motorcycles with the combination of four cylinders, dual overhead cams and 903cc (55.1cuin).

In 1977 a Z1000 ridden by Reg Pridmore became the first Japanese bike to win an AMA Superbike national when it took the victory at Pocono Raceway. Pridmore went on to win both the 1977 and 1978 US Superbike Championships on Kawasaki 1000s

From 1979, a ‘Mk 2’ (mark two) version was added with black engine, general restyling including body and paintwork and a shaft-drive version was available, designated Z1000ST. The models continued until superseded by the fuel-injection Z1000H and GPZ1100 of the early 1980s

In 2003 Kawasaki introduced a completely revamped 30 year anniversary edition of the Z1000. It used a modified engine from the Kawasaki ZX-9R. and was bored out by 2.2mm resulting in bigger displacement, more low-RPM torque, and only a slight power loss of 4bhp from the original ZX9. In 2004, Kawasaki released the Z1000’s smaller brother, the Z750. In 2007, Kawasaki released a new Z1000.

The Z-series since the 1970s until today are also known as the “Z”, “Zed”, and “Z1k”.

In October 2009, Kawasaki unveiled the 2010 Z1000. It had a new aluminum frame, digital instrument panel, bodywork, and engine. Bore and stroke are 77 x 56mm, 1mm more than the ZX-10R’s 76 x 55mm displacing 1,043cc.

Kawasaki Versys ABS

That is up from the previous model’s 953cc. Compression ratio is 11.8:1, and fuel injection is handled by a bank of 38mm Keihin throttle bodies. [ 1 ]

2003–2006 Models [ edit ]

Stylistically, the 2003 Z1000 was a departure from other naked sportbikes of the time. The Z1000 used the same tail section that was being used on the 2003 ZX6R 636cc sport bike. Kawasaki hired the same industrial designer credited with designing the Mazda Miata to create an aggressive bikini fairing to match the 636s tail section. [ citation needed ]

The Z1000 uses a backbone frame that supports the engine as a stressed member. Engine mounts can be removed to ease access for maintenance.

Compression damping is done on one fork leg, rebound damping on the other. This technology is from dirt bikes, and is rare on street motorcycles. The Nissin brakes have four piston calipers.


2007–2009 Models [ edit ]

Kawasaki Versys ABS
Kawasaki Versys ABS
Kawasaki Versys ABS
Kawasaki Versys ABS
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