*** The all new Kawasaki Z1000R
Kawasaki recently launched the Z1000R along with its base version Z1000 yesterday. The Kawasaki Z1000R is a tad high spec bike, when compared to the non R version of the bike. The motorcycle has some exclusive components like the Brembo calipers, Brembo discs and Öhlins fully adjustable shock absorbers. Here is an overview of the new Kawasaki Z1000R across all aspects.
Design:
The design of the motorcycle is same as that of its sibling, the Kawasaki Z1000. The bike retains the Sugomi design philosophy, with sharp cuts and a demonic overall design. The design of the motorcycle is commonly touted to be like an "Alien" amongst the motorcycling communities. The low headlamps, huge fuel tank and two twin barrel exhausts make the motorcycle look out of the world.Engine & Performance:
The new Z1000R has exactly the same 1043cc mill from its sibling that churns out 142 PS of raw power at 10,000 rpm and 111 Nm torque at 7,300 rpm. Though the bikes have the same engine, the ECU is reprogrammed for the R version to get a smooth acceleration and power curve. The bike is fueled by four 38mm Keihin fuel injectors with oval sub throttles. The Z1000R still misses out on a slip-assist clutch, and has a normal wet multi disc manual clutch unit. The transmission is a standard 6 speed unit.
Brakes & Suspension:
*** Brembo calipers and discs
The brakes and suspension is the place where the bike is leaps ahead of its sibling. The bike features 310 mm dual semi floating Brembo discs with class leading Brembo M50 monobloc 4 piston calipers upfront and a single 250mm disc at the rear.
Chassis & Dimensions:
The motorcycle has a Twin-tube aluminium chassis and a wheelbase of 1,435mm with a ground clearance of 125mm. The fuel tank has a capacity of holding 17 litres of petrol. The curb weight of the bike is a bit high at 221 kilograms. The tyres have a dimension of 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) upfront and a 190/50 ZR17 M/C (73W) at the rear end.
*** Öhlins S46DR1S gas charged shock
Suspension duties are carried out by 41mm Showa USD forks at the front with top-out springs, stepless compression and rebound damping with spring preload adjustability. The rear of the bike features an exclusive Öhlins S46DR1S gas charged shock with rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability. Though the front looks unchanged, Kawasaki has reportedly worked to revise the setting in order to match the rear Öhlins suspension. With the new Öhlins suspension, the rear wheel travel has now changed from 131 mm to 135 mm.
Final Impression:
The motorcycle costs Rs. 15,49,000 (ex showroom Delhi) and comes in a single Metallic Spark Black shade. Though the motorcycle gets updates in brakes and suspension, it still doesn't do justice to the little "R". Addition of a fully adjustable Öhlins front forks, twin Akrapovič (or any other high performance) exhausts, reduction in kerb weight and a few electronic aids like traction control system and power modes would've made the Kawasaki Z1000R the best litre class naked bike one could buy hands down. But still one lac rupees premium seems lucrative for a prospective buyer who is going to purchase the updated 2017 Z1000 and can get Z1000R with the above mentioned updates by paying extra Rs 1.0 Lac.
By: Aravind Rb
