Anyone on a Z-1000?

[bryco13]

Hey all, looks like I found a buyer for my bike, so I went shopping today. I'd like to stay more upright (was riding a 650R), and for some reason I have an attraction to Kawasaki. Looked at quite a few different companies and models in the past week, (including the bigger of the 2 monsters, the Moto Guzzi Sport 1200, speed triples, fz's, etc...). I really like the Z 1000, seems to have a little more tame version of the ZX-10 motor, naked, kinda ugly (which I like), and found a leftover 08 at a good price. Wondering if anyone rides one of these or has a friend who does, any things or years to look out for, good or bad would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-bryan

[LuvDog]

Talk to bigred875

[Manny]

You should be able to get that at a steel. It never sold well in the US, I dot think they are bringing them in for 09.

I like it. I have heard good things, and a guy I used to ride with had one and liked it a lot.

[slowrider]

My friend owns one, but I think I ride it more than him. His is an '04 and its pretty sweet bang for the buck. Very comfortable position, engine is very strong, but a little vibey. That was supposed to be addressed in the version you are looking at.

I like the look as well, because it stands out. For any kind of highway slog, the lack of fairing is a bit of an issue. Otherwise, I think an excellent choice.

[schleppy]

I know most people don't care about this, but I do. The Z1000 doesn't get very good MPG from what I've read, and I do commute a lot on my bike. If it did, I'd probably have one by now. It's always been one of my favorite naked bikes. Especially in white. Mmmm....

[axil]

I ride an Orange '03. I think it is a great bike. Plenty zippy and comfy enough for all day riding if you swap out the stock seat for a Corbin. You can commute on it, hit the twisties and even add some luggage and tour on it, although the lack of any wind protection can be tiring on the slab. I get close to 40 mpg on the highway if I'm not thrashing it.

[schleppy]

Where on the north shore are you axil? I'm in Wenham and I'd love to see your bike someday.

[axil]

Your right next door - I'm in Ipswich. Yeah, this weekend is going to be a bit hectic for me, but we should definitely meet up some time.

[The Snowman]

Talk to bigred875

He went down with it in 08 and I don't know what happened to it.

[bryco13]

The biggest issues I saw were lack of wind protection, (guess I'll just have to man-up), vibration (but I was on a ninja 650, known for their vibration issues) and the low mileage, most reviews say about 35mpg, and at least 90 octane, so it will be a little bit more pricey to run but my daily work commute is only 16 miles. Oh, and the seat could use some extra cushioning, my fat ass should be fine.

[katana0215]

He went down with it in 08 and I don't know what happened to it.

last i heard he was parting it out.

I love the first generation Z1000, the newer one is fugly

[LuvDog]

He went down with it in 08 and I don't know what happened to it.

He still has it... it's in his shed. I keep telling him to put it back on the road.

[madkaw]

I had an '03 but totaled it. If you buy one get a steering stabilizer for it. I sure wish I had one for mine.

[bigred875]

i still have it I was talking to it about 20 minutes about while I was moving shit around it lol.... my z1k got around 30 mpg...I was -1 +2 and some mild mods....I think WOTEngene has a new gen...check out www.z1000.net

[RS117]

the Z is an AWESOME ride, not many around , she runs on 87, gets 40mph commuting. The vibs are none existent as the miles rack up ( either that or you get used to them). The interstate does suck, no wind protection.
The only potential issue was some 03's had potential frame issue' s up by the steering head.
I have taken her to the track a few times and had a blast, commute and pleasure rides, she is the perfect all around ride.
BUT WHAT DO I KNOW

[SRTie4k]

I've got an 08, and I can tell you for sure that vibrations are not an issue on the 07-08 model, unless you ride around at 8k RPM all day long.

It's definitely a fun bike, has lots of low to midrange power and is much more comfortable than a sportbike. FYI it has a ZX-9R engine bored out to 956cc. Like RS117 said, its definitely not an interstate cruiser, although if you're only going 70 or so, its not unbearable.

It also gets lots of attention. People come up to me all the time telling me that they love the bike. In a country filled with cruisers and supersports, it stands out as very unique.

I'd have to say of all the bikes I've owned, I love my Z1000 the most.

[kb1]

Both me and my buddy ride Z's, there isn't a better bike to have as an all around bike IMHO. Wind protection is a little low, but you get used to it, honestly I've ridden 6R's, 600rr's, and it feels the same. Our bikes ALWAYS get looks, and everyone that I have ever allowed the privilege of riding it gets off wishing they had one.

Don't call naked ugly, it's the real way to ride.

Here's mine:







And my good friend Neil ripping his around a rainy Carl's track day last year...

[dankatz]

Did you see the comparo a few months back in Rider magazine between the Speed triple, FZ1 and z1000? The Z is a nice looking bike, but leaves a lot to be desired after you get over the looks. I guess the Speed triple is a much better bike, but more expensive considering the discounts you can get on the Z. WHat I wish they brought here was the naked Z750 which is very successful in Europe and would hardly have any competition here (maybe street triple).

[a13x]

jro just got done demo riding a 650R this weekend then spending all day Monday on a Z1000. Maybe she can post up her thoughts?

[-jro-]

heh calling me out!! dayumn!! But yea, obviously you know all about the 650 so I won't spout off on that. I rode the z1000 all day through some gnarly curves and she handled pretty well. I should also point out I've never rode an inline anything before, I was probably up a gear too often. Regardless, I had a fun time on the z1000 and when you grab a handful of throttle that baby PULLS! Should be a nice upgrade for you if you liked the 650

[bryco13]

cool, thanks all for the info! going to look at her tomorrow morning...

[schleppy]

I wonder if any dealers have any leftover Z1000s. I bet I could get one for nothing

[axil]

Where on the north shore are you axil? I'm in Wenham and I'd love to see your bike someday.

Schleppy, I'll be around this weekend if you want to try to meet up some time to check out the Z. I've already ridden through Wenham like 4 times already today.

[kb1]

The Z will pull hard, and what's better is that is with a few cheap mods it will REALLY pull hard...I love mine...can't wait to take it out tomorrow!