New mirrors have a sharper design that contributes to the aggressive image. Die-cast mirror stays contribute to a less plastic, higher quality feel of the cockpit.

New LED taillight design adds a futuristic touch to the bike’s rear

Using an under-engine pre-chamber enables smaller-volume silencers, contributing to both mass centralisation and a more concentrated styling. New silencer end-cap design adds to sporty looks.

With the airbox nestled between the frame beams, intake air can be affected by engine heat. The Cool Air system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts at the front of the side fairings, minimising performance loss due to heated intake air. This should not be confused with Ram Air, where force-fed air becomes pressurised in the airbox.

The Japanese word sugomi describes the intense aura or energy given off by a person or object of greatness and felt by the viewer. Someone, or something, possessing sugomi inspires awe, leaves an indelible impression, is daunting in stature or ability, and commands respect. In the new Z1000, sugomi is evident both in its fiercely intense design and the exhilarating performance it delivers, radiating as a palpable energy. Idealised dimensions (lower front, raised rear) and all-new tight-fitting bodywork capture the essence of a predator crouched and ready to pounce. The lean, muscular styling hints at the Z1000’s more direct, sporty street riding performance

The highly rigid aluminium frame features a high degree of mass centralisation, creating a balance between sharp turning and firm handling. Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member. The frame offers a firm, planted feeling, good stability and light, nimble turning. The frame is a 5-piece cast aluminium construction, consisting of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections and were die-cast to ensure a smooth surface finish.

Ideally suited to the Supernaked character, the wide-set fat bar facilitates rider control.The wide aluminium fat bar features a brushed finish and a black alumite1 coating.

The more direct handling of the new Z1000 can be largely attributed to its new suspension. The new SFF-BP achieves both comfort and sport potential ideal for street riding. potential ideal for street riding. Combining the concepts of Showa SFF and BPF, the new fork features springs on both sides, with preload adjustability in the left tube and damping duties in the right tube.

High-performance brake package includes triple petal discs, radial-mount monobloc calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder. The new monobloc calipers and new brake pad material contribute to a stronger initial bite, superb brake feeling and formidable stopping power. Models with ABS also available.　

The Z1000’s compact instrument cluster is mounted directly to the handlebar, which added to design freedom and helped realise the compact headlamp cowl. Its low position creates an unobstructed view of the road ahead. The futuristic design of the LED tachometer and LCD screen reflects the sport potential of the new Z.

Supersport-style wheels are approximately 1.5 kg lighter, reducing unsprung weight and contributing to lighter handling.

Powerful engine pulls strongly from all rpm and does not let up before the redline. Adding to rider exhilaration, the engine delivers superb response, a strong mid-range hit and an intoxicating intake howl. More direct response thanks to new engine settings and shorter gearing adds to the Z1000’s sporty street riding potential.

In addition to contributing to performance, downdraft throttle bodies contribute to overall mass centralisation. Revised intake funnel length contributes to a stronger mid-range response.

The thin, compact headlamp cowl was positioned as low as possible, extending the line that starts from the top of the tank. This is first time for Kawasaki to use the reflector-less LED headlamp design. Using LED lamps allows the design to be thin, the shape contributing to the more intense glare of the new Z1000’s face, and the reflector-less design further enhances its predatory appearance. There are four long-life, low-energy LED bulbs: two low-beam (centre), two high-beam (outside). All four bulbs light up when the high-beams are on. A separate LED position lamp is located on the meter cover

New fuel tank design increases fuel capacity to 17 litres, offering a greater touring range.

The exhaust system (with large pre-chamber and short silencers), Horizontal Back-link rear suspension and the use of downdraft throttle bodies are the greatest contributors to mass centralisation. The Horizontal Back-link rear suspension arrangement frees up space taken up by the Uni-Trak suspension lower linkage, enabling a larger pre-chamber, which in turn allows the use of shorter mufflers and contributes to mass centralisation. The lightweight aluminium rear frame also contributes. The result is light, sharp handling.

An idealised riding position sees the front lowered and the rear raised, creating a more aggressive posture. The more aggressive position matches the bike’s more direct throttle response and handling, putting riders in a position to fully capitalise on the Z1000’s sportier street riding potential.

Designed specifically so that acceleration could be enjoyed aurally as well as physically, the carefully crafted auditory note of the intake is a key component of the street riding exhilaration offered by the Z1000.