KAWASAKI Z1000 (2003-2006) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Kawasaki Z1000 was a four-cylinder machine with a streetfighter or standard design, introduced in 2003 after 30 years of manufacturing the Z1000. The 2003 machine was remodeled and powered by a Kawasaki ZX-9R modified engine.

The bike's engine was bored-out and offered a more significant displacement, with more low rpm torque and a slight decrease in hp, losing only four hp, compared to the original ZX9. In 2004, the maker released the Z750, a smaller brother of the Z1000, while in 2007, a new Z1000 was released.

The 2003 Z1000 used the same tail section as the 2003 ZX6R and packed a four-into-two-into-four exhaust system. Also, the bike packed a backbone frame with the engine used as a stressed member and removable engine mounts for easy access.

The steel backbone frame housed a 953cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 127 hp with a peak force at 10,000 rpm and 96 Nm (71 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm.

The engine power was sent to a six-speed manual transmission, linked to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the bike to 138 kph (148 mph).

The bike's handling was operated by a 41 mm rebound and spring preload-adjustable cartridge-type fork on the front and a rebound and spring preload-adjustable Uni-Trak shock absorber on the rear.

As for stopping power, the 2003 Kawasaki Z1000 was fitted with two 300 mm discs and four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 292 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel.