Kawasaki engineers must have had some seat time on the previous generation bike as they’ve managed to add some much-needed personality to the bike, in the form of a cold-air induction system fed by the massive intakes on each side of the fuel tank. A specially designed resonator chamber provides an eager ‘howl’ as revs climb and the 38mm throttle bodies gasp for air through the intake snorkels. Just in case you needed additional prodding to crack the throttle, this howl easily provides the encouragement.

Impossible to miss this exhaust system, that somehow does not look as overwhelming in person that in this in-you-face picture. (Photo: Dustin Woods/Moto123.com)

Spitting out 138 horses at 9,600 rpm and 81.1ft-lbs of torque at 7,800 rpm, I can’t imagine many people who would consider the Z1000 lacking in performance. In short, acceleration is something akin to being launched from a human catapult and the fun doesn’t stop there. Combine excellent braking feel from the dual 300mm four piston calipers up front (250mm disc and single piston caliper in the rear), with a lower centre of gravity, better throttle response, crisper handling and you have yourself something to brag about.

The all-purpose bike
Considering most of us aren’t lucky enough to have the means to acquire, store, maintain or insure all of the specific bikes we would own if given the chance, we need to endure the painstaking task of picking a solitary steed. Does one choose a ride that excels in one area but lacks in others, or opt for a mount that can bridge the gap between most kinds of riding but not do any one of them very well. Decisions, decisions! Thankfully in our greedy, instant gratification-obsessed society where we want it all and we want it now, the Z1000 offers exceptional versatility with very little compromise.

Rather than fitting into a tiny niche, the Z1000 appeals to a wide range of riders. Sporty types will enjoy the performance and effective suspension on twisty roads as well as for track days, while the more urbane riders will enjoy the look and easy behavior in any type of riding.

Not only that, but tipping the register at a mere $13,199 means that there are few modes of transportation that can provide the thrills of the Z1000 while remaining within financial reach of everyman without a cushy trust fund or having to scourer the tennis club for a wealthy divorcee. The Z1000 is incredible value, but even more shocking when you consider that it is also more attainable than many more narrowly focused 600cc sportbikes on the market today.

You can also see the damping adjustment screw. (Photo: Dustin Woods/Moto123.com)