Market Segment:
Naked Sportbike / Streetfighter
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a powerful, stylish, and aggressive naked sportbike for urban commuting and spirited riding.
Key Competitors:
Yamaha FZ1, Suzuki GSX-S1000, Honda CB1000R, Triumph Speed Triple.
Design Philosophy:
Sugomi design emphasizing sharp, aggressive lines and a muscular stance.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on torquey engine delivery and agile handling for street performance.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, emission control system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, transmission gear selection, final drive (chain).
Chassis:
Frame construction, suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, starting system, charging system, fuses, battery.
Bodywork And Controls:
Handlebar controls, seating, body panels, fuel tank, storage.
Operation:
Starting the engine, riding procedures, gear shifting, braking techniques, parking.
Maintenance:
Pre-ride inspection, oil and filter change, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment and lubrication, brake fluid check, tire pressure check, coolant level check.
Troubleshooting:
Common operational issues, warning indicators and their meaning, basic diagnostic checks.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level maintenance and operational guidance. Does not include in-depth repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve inline-four
Bore X Stroke:
77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Lubrication:
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Horsepower Ps:
125.2 PS @ 9,000 rpm (approximate, may vary by market)
Torque Nm:
102.0 Nm @ 7,700 rpm (approximate, may vary by market)
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection, Keihin (43 mm throttle bodies) with sub-throttles
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 91 (RON + MON)/2
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Transmission Type:
6-speed, constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-disc, cable operated
Final Drive:
Sealed chain, 525
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.083 (37/12), 2nd: 2.143 (30/14), 3rd: 1.778 (32/18), 4th: 1.500 (30/20), 5th: 1.304 (30/23), 6th: 1.143 (24/21)
Crash Safety Ratings:
Not applicable (motorcycle)
Braking System:
Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 250 mm petal disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on certain models.
Lighting:
Multi-reflector headlight with 12V 60/55W bulb, LED taillight, LED turn signals.
Instrumentation:
Digital speedometer, analog-style tachometer (bar graph), odometer, trip meters, clock, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, engine coolant temperature, indicator lamps.
Lighting Tech:
LED taillight for enhanced visibility.
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS unit on certain market variants.
Connectivity Features:
No inherent electronic connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Chain Lubrication Interval:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after riding in the rain or on wet roads.
Chain Adjustment Interval:
Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or as needed to maintain proper slack.
Air Filter Inspection Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM or JASO MA.
Engine Oil Capacity W Filter:
3.4 Liters (3.6 US qt)
Coolant Type:
Permanent type antifreeze coolant (ethylene glycol based) with demineralized water.
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (if hydraulic clutch, which this model does not have)
Fork Oil Type:
Kawasaki KHL15-10 (or equivalent SAE 15W fork oil)
Common Wear Items:
Chain and sprockets, brake pads, tires.
Potential Minor Issues:
Occasional rough idle at low RPMs if not properly maintained, potential for fuel pump relay issues on some early models (less common on 2011).
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries' long-standing reputation for performance motorcycles, dating back to the 1960s with iconic models like the H1 and Z1.
Z1000 Lineage:
The Z1000 nameplate has a history dating back to the original Z1, with the modern naked sportbike iteration evolving through various generations emphasizing performance and styling.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily)
Model Introduction Year:
The Z1000 line has seen multiple iterations, with the 2011 model representing a significant update from previous generations.
Industry Accolades:
While specific awards for the 2011 model year might be scattered, the Z1000 line generally receives praise for its styling, engine performance, and handling characteristics within the naked sportbike segment.
Reviews:
Consistently reviewed positively by motorcycle publications for its aggressive styling, potent engine, and enjoyable ride.
