Kawa Z1000

[stan wagenaar]

First, let me say that this article was pretty good, with plenty of info and presented in an interesting manner. Now, for my opinion. This bike is simply too much. Too much power, too much tech, too much styling. The Z750 of a few years ago was a step in the right direction, but that style was never continued. To me, this bike is designed for young Euro bikers who want sport bike performance, but cannot afford sport bike insurance, hence the huge popularity of naked 600's "over there". This bike should be marketed for me (mid 40's, ok income, a spouse who will at least listen when I mention a "newer" bike.) but is styled all wrong. This seems to be the issue with Japanese companies trying to market one bike for more than one country. Listen to me Japan inc, get rid of the Transformers plastic, don't hide that rad, be proud of your liquid cooling! Let that engine hang out in the breeze, and spend some styling Yen on polished and plated aluminum glory! And for the love of God, dip that damn exhaust in some chrome and pull it out from under the bike for all the world to see and dazzle the eye! Ya, I know the biking world is all ga-ga over Italian Twins and British Triples, but the Japanese crushed the motorcycle world with wailing in-line fours before, and they can do it again. Also, a naked middle weight does not need to be 599cc's ! Stroke that sumbitch to 690-710cc and pour a little torque into that sucker and smoke that Limey Street Triple! Whoa, got a little carried away there, just a post New Years rant. Feels better now. I need coffee.

[YellowDuck]

Basically agree about the styling. The Suzuki GSR looks similar, and they do indeed sell well in Europe.

Still, this is a VAST improvement over the last Z. I was horrified to discover on the last one that what looked like an aluminum frame section in plain sight was actually a plastic cover, designed to look like a frame section! For me, that ranks right up there with fake air intakes. Embarassing.

Also agree that the pipes still look goofy, but I would rather see 100% undermounted with just small peg pipes rather than some oh-so-80's big silencers. Big side-mounted exhausts are passe, unless you are trying for a retro look.

Actually, and undermounted exhaust can even look good with a retro theme. Check out this custom exhast for my bike, being developed by a guy in Oz.

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=78483

Wouldn't even get touched in a lowside.....

[Ivor biggin]

First, let me say that this article was pretty good, with plenty of info and presented in an interesting manner.

Say what you like about He Of The Chapsless Ass but he likes bikes and it shows in his writing.

What I think is wrong with the standard bike concept and why they don`t sell is that the manufacturers have left us nothing to do with them. In the past you had your bike and over time converted it into the bike that you wanted. It`s not like that now, if you want a sportbike why bother converting a standard when your favorite dealer has the bike for you right there on the showroom floor. The same thing applies to guys who want cruisers or touring bikes and let`s face it guys want a bike that is set up for their type of riding.
I.B.

[yzf1000jon]

They're not built for north american roads. No weather protection for the 4 hour ride to and from a twisty bit of road means naked bikes are less practical here than an area where 80kph is FAST and right out your front door. BC doesn't even have that kind of twisty pavement. If I'm wrong please show me the road! I've been on roads where my 1000 was like hanging pictures with a sledgehammer, a well ridden naked SV650 or monster 900 or.... would seriously kick my butt, but that's not within a couple days ride for me.

[hugerider]

I used to be a big fan of naked bikes, but having ridden one for the past 2 years, I agree that they aren't the most practical ride around here. They are great in the city, less so if you need to spend 3 hours on the slab to get anywhere where the roads turn more than once every 100KMs or so.

I do like the look of the Z1000, but I would never buy one personally. I think it'd be a waste of money where I live.

[stan wagenaar]

I have only owned naked bikes, if only because I could only own cheap, used bikes from the early 80's. I have never even test ridden a modern full-bodywork motorcycle, so I guess I haven't been spoiled yet! The longest I have traveled on a naked bike is about 4 hours at a stretch , and have never been so hammered by wind and rain as to want to get a touring bike. In Ontario, it is the height of evil to go fast, so for me, a lack of bodywork is not huge. If I toured long distance, I would not do it without said bodywork. And for those occasional bursts of "safe, controlled 100mph+", it feels so visceral on a naked bike! I think Kawasaki has missed an opportunity here. They need a semi-modern, semi-retro naked with some links to the glorious Z-1 of yore! They have the Z1000 working just fine, now mix in a little Z-1/Z-1R/KZ DNA and see what happens! The retros ( Bonnie, V7 Guzzi, Sportster and such...) are nice bikes, but are geared for 55+ owners, while most of the others are meant for 18-35 year old males, the meat of the market. At 44, I feel a little left out. Don't misunderstand, there are plenty of bikes that would work great for me, just nothing to fire my blood up like the Japanese fours of 79-85.

[YellowDuck]

I'm with Stan. If you ride a bike primarily for "sport" (that is, for fun) and really long hauls are not part of the equation, then naked bikes rule. Street-legal speeds (or anything near) are a total yawn on a faired sportbike. Take the fairing away and 120 kph actually feels kinda fast. Hanging out in the wind makes the whole experience more visceral, as Stan says.

I probably would have bought an FZ-1 a few years back if Yamaha had seen fit to bring the gorgeous unfaired version to North America.

[yzf1000jon]

Street-legal speeds (or anything near) are a total yawn on a faired sportbike.

I probably would have bought an FZ-1 a few years back if Yamaha had seen fit to bring the gorgeous unfaired version to North America.


I once read "It's way more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow". Hence my trying to drag knee on the wifes (ok our) scooter around town while getting 80mpg. But long straight prairie roads mean my 1000 isn't going to be retired anytime soon.

You're preaching to the choir here, that Fazer is a beauty of a bike.

[stan wagenaar]

I guess if I lived out west in the wide-open spaces, a big-bore sport bike would be a good way to get your kicks, like a ZX14 or a 'Busa . But for me, in Northern Ontario, something smaller, naked and snorty would be better. I know that Japan Inc. tried to satisfy riders looking for "old standards" back in the early '90's, but with a new family, I simply could not consider a newer bike. The retro fours that were sold in Japan in the last 15 years had me drooling, but they were never given a chance in the North American market. I'm talking about Yamaha's XJ1200, the Suzuki GSX1400 and Honda CB750\1300 Super Standards. Man, they looked sweet.

[gsxrwolf]

I guess if I lived out west in the wide-open spaces, a big-bore sport bike would be a good way to get your kicks, like a ZX14 or a 'Busa . But for me, in Northern Ontario, something smaller, naked and snorty would be better. I know that Japan Inc. tried to satisfy riders looking for "old standards" back in the early '90's, but with a new family, I simply could not consider a newer bike. The retro fours that were sold in Japan in the last 15 years had me drooling, but they were never given a chance in the North American market. I'm talking about Yamaha's XJ1200, the Suzuki GSX1400 and Honda CB750\1300 Super Standards. Man, they looked sweet.

Gimmee that big Suzuki GSX1400. I've been checking out the ones for sale in England. When I retire next year, maybe a trip to England, a little tour of "jolly old" and ship it back to Canada. Could it happen?

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p47/bgwolf/2006-Suzuki-GSX1400c.jpg

[Rocking Couple]

CC tested the 1400 a few years ago. I recall it had a sensor that shut the fun down rather abruptly if it found itself on one wheel.
Plus it drank heavily. And I don't think it held a lot. So this is always an inconvenience that spoils (or often manipulates) the fun.
Was tuned for mid range torque. Naturally, since break-neck speeds on that thing would be better referred to as stretched/torn-limb speeds.

I think it's chassis was still lacking? That I can't quite remember. If I had to guess, I think they rated the ZRX1200 a hair more stable when pressed. And the Kawi didn't have that nasty wheelie sensor.

Of course that sensor is bound to be fused somewhere..

Anyway, it would be very hard on rear rubber.

I have no doubt it'll be in BArry's line-up and we'll be fondly admiring it here in an archive thread 20 years from now. And it will look better than showrm. And I'd bet on it.

[stan wagenaar]

YEAH BABY!! That's what I'm talking about! The GSX had something like 100+hp, but the torque was off the charts, ocean liner territory, available at 3000 rpm. There were, and still are, a lot of awesome Japanese retro standards that were never sold here in Canada. Remember the return of the Honda CB750 in the early 90's ? The version sold in the Japanese home market looked so much better, with gorgeous paint schemes and a much higher level of finish on the engine and exhaust. The red/white/blue version with red piggy-back shocks (Ohlins?) and gold finished wheels was my favorite. And the Zephyr line in Japan had paint and polish that was pure 70's Kawasaki. Is it even worth looking into importing a gray-market version? Would I be better off finding an older Canadian standard (CB, Zephyr) and restoring it instead? I would like to hear your opinion gsxrwolf.

[Gears of Roar]

Are you guys for real? :confused:

With all the fine machinery available nowadays you lust after 20+ year old antiques that are being rehashed as modern day econo bikes? Either I'm not old enough to get the attraction or too stupid to get the joke, but I do know if you live in the past, you get left behind, or somethin like that...:D

[stan wagenaar]

Well... yea, I guess I am getting old. I just don't see many bikes out there with what I'm looking for. I need room ( leg, ass, passenger ), I need a slight forward lean with legs slightly rear-set, and about 70-100 hp to play with. I don't really want a 1979 KZ1000, but I would like a retro standard built with modern materials and parts ( wide wheels/tires, huge brakes, efi ect...). That is just what is being offered in other markets. Search 2010 XJR1300 on the internet to see what I mean. I bet a lot of sportbike posers and wannabe's can't find the power and handling limits of this bike on a racetrack. I feel these older designs still have merit for real riders in the real world. Sure, a Z1000 will do every thing I need, but it just does not make my blood rush, and my hair stand up like a GSX1400, or any of the other big-bore retros avail in Europe or Japan.

[gsxrwolf]

YEAH BABY!! That's what I'm talking about! The GSX had something like 100+hp, but the torque was off the charts, ocean liner territory, available at 3000 rpm. There were, and still are, a lot of awesome Japanese retro standards that were never sold here in Canada. Remember the return of the Honda CB750 in the early 90's ? The version sold in the Japanese home market looked so much better, with gorgeous paint schemes and a much higher level of finish on the engine and exhaust. The red/white/blue version with red piggy-back shocks (Ohlins?) and gold finished wheels was my favorite. And the Zephyr line in Japan had paint and polish that was pure 70's Kawasaki. Is it even worth looking into importing a gray-market version? Would I be better off finding an older Canadian standard (CB, Zephyr) and restoring it instead? I would like to hear your opinion gsxrwolf.

1100 Zephyr!! YES!! Find a nice one. (Kijiji in Toronto, 1992 Zephyr 1100, 26,000kms, $3890) They're still new enough they shouldn't need much of a resto. Heck my '78 GS1000 has never been restored. Original paint, original seat cover, and the motor has never been touched. Solid engineering.
Fun, fun, fun...........

[CDN-ZZR]

Only thing I don't like about the naked bikes are the Transformer headlights. I'm sure if I were 10 I'd be all gaga over them. Then again I'd be too young to own one let alone rider one.
All exhaust systems now have two purposes, a catalyst to make the air greener, noise reduction, bigger = less noise. Personally the first thing that comes off my bikes are the exhaust for an after market pipe or slip-on. The Z1000 would look great with a set of Yosh slip-ons and sound great.

If I had the $ the two bikes that I'd have new in 2010 would be the Connie14 and a Z1000 (lots of leg room). The Connie for the long distance and 2 up stuff and the Z1000 for about town and hooliganing.

So to make due I currently have this bike it does it all and still with carbs.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/183808/images/2308487.jpeg
Kawasaki ZZ-R1200


If you like the GSX1400 why not the Kawasaki ZRX1100 or ZXR1200, they are basically the same bike and available in Canada.

[stan wagenaar]

Your right CDN-ZZR, I had forgotten about the ZRX 1100\1200. If I recall, the 1200 version was strong pulling bike, and the 1100 wasn't bad either. Both bikes looked pretty roomy as well. I think a stripped-down ZZR 1200 would be an awesome super standard, but the factory would have to juggle powerband and gearing to make it more fun to ride at sub 160 kph speeds. Hey, you would end up with the ZRX 1200, sort of, wouldn't you? On a slightly different note, does anybody know anything about the 2010 Honda CB 1100 retro bike? I recall seeing the concept bike back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, and apparently the production model was announced back in Oct '09 as a 2010 model. Will it come here as a late release 2010, or maybe an early 2011 model? The photos on the internet are few, but the production version looks better than the concept version. This could be the ultimate retro-standard that I have been waiting (ranting?) for.

[Ivor biggin]

This could be the ultimate retro-standard that I have been waiting (ranting?) for.

The world is full of stan wagenaars and the showrooms are full of unsold retro-standards.
I.B.

[stan wagenaar]

Ivor, you got me figured out. I cannot buy a new bike now anyway, just looking forward to some good deals in the used bike market in a couple of years. Guys like me do nothing good for new bike sales. And yet, as I look toward retirement, I would like to buy that one brand new dream bike, you know, and ride off into the sunset. Or at least to the next town for coffee and doughnuts.

[gsxrwolf]

Ivor, you got me figured out. I cannot buy a new bike now anyway, just looking forward to some good deals in the used bike market in a couple of years. Guys like me do nothing good for new bike sales. And yet, as I look toward retirement, I would like to buy that one brand new dream bike, you know, and ride off into the sunset. Or at least to the next town for coffee and doughnuts.

I can retire next year. I'm a firm believer in having a list ready in case that lottery ticket comes through. I've always got an updated list of bikes I would purchase, which new truck I would buy and uhhhhhhhh......it's getting tougher........probably get a big screen TV..........uhhhhh and something nice for the wife! And then, we would start with the travelling.

[gsxrwolf]

If you like the GSX1400 why not the Kawasaki ZRX1100 or ZXR1200, they are basically the same bike and available in Canada.

Jeez...........
Four of my buddies have ZRX1100's. Three of them bought them new in 1999 and the fourth guy got his a few years later. Great bikes and all four guys still own them. My roots go deep with Suzuki GS's and GSXR's so that's the main reason I lean towards the GSX1400. Plus, I think it would be great to finally get to England, maybe take in a round of World or British Superbike and cart a used GSX1400 back to Canada where it would be a rare bird indeed.

[CDN-ZZR]

I think a stripped-down ZZR 1200 would be an awesome super standard, but the factory would have to juggle powerband and gearing to make it more fun to ride at sub 160 kph speeds. Hey, you would end up with the ZRX 1200, sort of, wouldn't you?

Well you have it sorta right the Big Zed likes to cruise in the 140 range. It's engine is closer to a ZX-12R. The bike is way fun, the suspension is just not totally sport. The wife and I have done a few 400+ km days on it and solo I've done 1600km in 48hr. Great bike just getting old.