KAWASAKI Z1000

 overall verdict

The 2010 Z1000 is the most impressive sports naked ever to roll out of Japan. It has excellent performance, handling and is super-stylish to boot. It’s less intimidating and easier to ride than a fire-breathing European super naked too. Compared to something like a KTM Super Duke or Ducati Streetfighter, the Z1000 is on the heavy side, the brakes lack bite, the engine power isn’t ‘bang’ in-your-face and the tyres are disappointing. But if you want big super naked kicks you have to spend big money. The Z1000, on the other hand, delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

MCN overall verdict 4 Stars The Kawasaki Z1000 is revamped enough to be called ‘new’. The Kawasaki Z1000's styling exercise is worthy of a Modern Tate placing – nothing else Japanese has so many styling details. The ex-ZX-9R motor is tweaked for a less frantic upper rpm delivery and now, in the Kawasaki Z1000 exudes cream-like torque from zero revs. A big-bore super-naked machine that is so easy to ride? Yes, it's the Kawasaki Z1000.

Engine MCN rating 5 Stars Owners' rating 4.5 Stars

A ruck of engine tweaks has led to a tractable motor that loves low rpm throttle openings. Overtakes on the Kawasaki Z1000 don’t need a dance on the gearlever, just wind on the throttle. Gearbox isn’t the usual heavy affair but light and positive. The Kawasaki Z1000's exceptional fuelling makes you wonder how Yamaha got the big m(’06) Fazer so wrong. Revised engine mountings have subdued the Kawasaki Z1000's vibrations until high rpm is dialled in.

Ride and Handling MCN rating 3 Stars Owners' rating 3.5 Stars

The Kawasaki Z1000 pilot rides in comfort as he’s held fairly upright by the bars and thinner seat – which causes a numb bum after 100 miles and until muscles become firm with use. Handling on the Kawasaki Z1000 is plush at average speeds, but unravels when the pace is picked up. Front and rear suspension borders on very soft but can be dialled out to a greater extent with the basic adjustment available on the Kawasaki Z1000.

The Kawasaki Z1000's radially-mounted front master-cylinder and calipers with wave-style discs don’t just look good but work oh-so effectively. Switchgear and clock layout on the Kawasaki Z1000 is unassuming but that’s because it all works without fault. Wing mirror shape is small and pathetic for quick-glances. If all the natty, ornate detailing could be included in this rating then the Kawasaki Z1000 would achieve 5 out of 5.

The Kawasaki Z1000 engine is a proven number so faults shouldn’t even be talked about. The finish on all parts looks to be thorough enough to be considered as long-lasting… but who can tell how the Kawasaki Z1000 will cope with UK winters?