Strong, civilized engine
Displacing 1043cc, one could be forgiven for thinking that perhaps the Z1000 is a bored-out version of the first-gen engine, or perhaps a detuned ZX-10R powerplant, but they’d be incorrect. Displacing 90cc more than before and gaining a secondary balancer, this is an all-new DOHC inline-four. The Zed feels much more slender between the legs than its 218 kg curb weight would suggest, thanks in part to the Showa suspension. The 41mm inverted fork up front features adjustable compression damping, with a horizontally placed monoshock out back that features spring preload adjustability.

Riding under pressure as you try to escape from the lava flow - no, just unusual lighting of Ontarian landscape. (Photo: Kawasaki)

Appearance is a subjective topic, so it’s up to each prospective buyer whether they like the looks of the Metallic Spark Black or Atomic Silver Z1000 found at their nearest Kawi dealer. Personally, all I can say is that I was on the fence about its looks at first glance, but after logging some serious miles I was won over by all of the things this bike does right. At the end of the day, it’s not as much about how the bike looks in your garage that matters; it’s the size of the grin on your face when you’re behind the handlebars.

Plus
Liter-bike performance combined with versatility and comfort
Equally at home on the street or track
Competitive price
Pleasantly howling air intake

Less
Banana seat could have better appearance and comfort
Anything else would just be nit-picking