2010 Kawasaki Z1000, Completely New

After it has disappointed all the Ninja fans with the weak improvements and lack of inspiration in the 2010 ZX-10R’s design, Kawasaki thought it could make up for it with the Z1000 model, which got a complete makeover for next year, both in design and engine upgrade.

The maxi-naked bike boasts a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke in-line four 1043 cc engine, that delivers more power and more torque, namely 138 hp at 9,600 rpm and 110 Nm at 7,800 rpm. Moreover, Kawasaki’s latest Streetfighter style machine, features a new LCD instrument panel, visible through an orange lens, which can be tilted for better viewing angles.

Suspension changes include the addition of compression damping to the 41mm inverted fork and its rebound and preload adjustability. The all-new monoshock rear features rebound and preload adjustment.

Also new for 2010 are the five-spoke cast wheels, which replace the 3-spoke units of its predecessor, while its four-muffler exhaust system comes with wide triangular cans on both sides.

“The result, a visually stunning machine which smashes previous design limitations and expresses itself in a way that is truly refreshing. Refusing to take the easy road by converting an existing Supersport machine into a Supernaked, Kawasaki designers and engineers were able to work without limitations to produce this finely crafted motorcycle,” the company says in a self-praising document.

Available colors:

• Pearl Stardust White / Candy Burnt Orange
• Metallic Chestnut Brown
• Metallic Spark Black / Atomic Silver

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 has a MSRP of $10,499, with estimated delivery to dealers expected to begin sometime this December.