Kawasaki introduced the kz900 motorcycle in 1973. Four years later they introduced the kz1000. The original 1973 Kawasaki Z900/Z1/Z-1 was the first Japanese motorcycle with four cylinders, dual overhead cams and 903 cubic centimeters (cc's). It was one of the most powerful motorcycles produced up until that time, and set multiple world records (world record video part 1 & part 2). And even though its quarter mile times and top speeds were grossly overestimated, actual numbers were impressive enough to earn the bike the nickname “The King” (see the modern Z-King, a 2003 z1000 with a zx10r engine). In 1977 a z1000 ridden by Reg Pridmore became the first Japanese bike to win an AMA Superbike national when it took the victory at Pocono Raceway. In 2003 Kawasaki introduced a completely revamped 30 year anniversary edition of the Z1000. It used a modified motor from the Kawasaki ZX-9R, and was bored out by 2.2 mm resulting in bigger displacement, more low-RPM torque, and only a slight power loss of 4bhp from the original ZX9 lump. In 2004, Kawasaki released the Z1000's smaller brother, the Z750. In 2007, Kawasaki re-defined the naked class with an improved version of the previous model as far as mechanics go, and Kawasaki went wild with this one stylistically. The Z1000 is also known as the "Z," "Zed," and "Z1k."
Styling
In 2007 Kawasaki released an updated version of the Z1000. The bike features a detuned version of the relatively outdated Kawasaki ZX-9R engine. This detuning, in addition to the design of the exhaust, provides less top end compared to the super-sport ZX-9R engine, but more low to mid rpm range, giving a stock '07-08 Z1000 a top speed of about 149mph and 0-60mph acceleration in about 2.9 seconds, with about 125bhp at 10,000rpm. Kawasaki successfully addressed complaints of engine vibrations, and provided a much smoother ride on the '07-08 models compared to the '03-06 models. Complaints about the tachometer were also addressed, bringing back the analog tach compared to the previous digital tach. Maybe the most controversial feature of this new design is the exhaust system, with styling even more unique and radical than that of the pre '07 gen.
Specifications (United States 2008 Model)
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC, 4-Valve, 4-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 953 cc |
| Bore & Stroke | 77.20 x 50.9 mm |
| Maximum Torque | 72.8 lb/ft @ 8,200 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Injection | DFI® with four 36mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles, ultra-fine atomizing fuel injectors |
| Ignition | TCBI Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-Speed |
| Final Drive | X-Ring Chain |
| Frame Type | Backbone, high-tensile steel tubes and cast aluminum engine sub-frame |
| Rake/Trail | 24.5 deg. / 4.0 in. |
| Front Suspension/Wheel Travel | 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in. |
| Rear Suspension/Wheel Travel | Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 5.9 in. |
| Front Tire Size | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire Size | 190/50 ZR17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.9 in. |
| Front Brake Type | Dual 300mm petal rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers |
| Rear Brake Type | Single 250mm petal rotor with single-piston caliper |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.9 gal. |
| Seat Height | 32.3 in. |
| Overall Length | 82.3 in. |
| Overall Width | 30.7 in. |
| Overall Height | 41.9 in. |
