2010 Kawasaki Z1000

All-new Aluminum Backbone Frame

• The frame’s 5-piece construction consists of steering stem, left and right main frames, and 2 cross pieces. The 2 main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections.
• An aluminum backbone frame designed specifically for the Z1000, and similar in concept to the frame of the Ninja ZX-10R, allows a narrow construction that is easy to grip with the knees
• Frame is tuned to transmit the ideal level of engine feedback directly to the rider
• The rear sub-frame is a 3-piece aluminum die-casting construction, light, strong and good for mass centralization
• The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach to the ground
• Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member, for a firm, planted feeling and enhanced stability
• The new frame uses 4 engine mounts; 3 mounts are rigid, the upper rear crankcase mount is rubber
• As much as possible, welds were eliminated for simplicity and appearance. The frame beams and swingarm brackets are now single die-cast pieces.

All-new Engine

• Crankshaft and transmission shafts are arranged in a straight line instead of a triangular layout, to maintain the design from the previous Z1000 — a design that offers the best look for a naked model
• Bore and stroke of 77 x 56 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character — strong in the everyday rpm range most used by naked super bikes
• Soft rev limiter provides good overrev; power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high rpm
• Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cc, inline-4 offers greater torque and a stronger top-end rush than previous Z1000 models
• The crankshaft was lowered to allow for a longer stroke without adding engine height
• A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration
• Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim — a good thing since the throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees
• 38 mm downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in the shortest possible distance

All-new Horizontal Rear Monoshock

• The shock features rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
• Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard Uni-Trak rear suspension. Wheel movement versus shock stroke is the same ratio.
• New rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes to mass centralization
• Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the aggressive appearance of the new Z1000

Brakes

• The Z1000’s 300 mm front petal brake discs are gripped by opposed 4 x 30 mm, 4-piston radial-mount calipers
• A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the new calipers
• The rear brake is a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250 mm petal disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod.

Cool Air System

• The intake system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts above the radiator shrouds, minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
• A resonator inside the airbox reduces noise at low rpm, and enhances intake sound at high rpm
• Positioning the ducts close to the rider allows the intake sound to be enjoyed by the rider

Exhaust System

• Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume could be reduced. The silencers are also lighter. Overall exhaust system weight is about the same, but the new system offers much better mass centralization and contributes to a lower center of gravity.
• The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps maintain the quad-style image.
• Main and pre-catalyzers ensure emissions are clean

Fuel Pump

• With revised fuel tank design and the slim-type fuel pump, dead volume inside the tank is minimized; fuel capacity is 4.1 gal.
• Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel gauge

Fully Adjustable Front Fork

• The Z1000’s 41 mm inverted fork is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload — and it’s protected from harm by a cool-looking shroud
• Settings are designed for both sporty back road performance and excellent comfort on the street

Handlebar, Grips, and Footpegs

• The tubular handlebar is rigid-mounted, contributing to sharp, direct handling

Instrumentation

• A distinctive tilting instrument panel with multi-function LCD display behind an Orange lens covers all systems