Make Model	Kawasaki Z 1000SX ABS
Year	2016
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Capacity	1043 cc / 63.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	77.0 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio	11.8:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Induction	DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Ignition	TCBI with digital advance / electric
Starting	Electric
Clutch	Wet multi-disc, manual
Max Power	104.5 kW / 142 hp @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque	111 Nm / 11.3 kgf.m @ 7300 rpm
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	X-ring chain
Gear Ratio	1st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 1.950 (39/20) 3rd 1.600 (24/15) 4th 1.389 (25/18) 5th 1.238 (26/21) 6th 1.136 (25/22)
Final reduction ratio	2.800 (43/15)
Frame	Aluminum Backbone
Front Suspension	41 mm inverted SFF-BP fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Front Wheel Travel	125 mm / 4.7 in
Rear Suspension	Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, remotely adjustable spring preload
Rear Wheel Travel	128 mm / 4.8 in
Front Brakes	2x 310mm discs etal-type rotors with radial-mount 4 piston monobloc calipers and ABS
Rear Brakes	Single 250mm disc petal-type rotor with 1 piston caliper and ABS
Front Tyre	120/70 -R17
Rear Tyre	190/50 ZR17
Rake	24.5°
Trail	103 mm / 4.0 in
Steering Angle left / right	31° / 31°
Dimensions	Length 2105 mm / 82.8 in Width 790 mm / 31.1 in Height 1070 mm / 42.1 in
Wheelbase	1445 mm / 56.8 in
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.2 in.
Ground clearance	135 mm / 5.3 in
Wet Weight	230 kg / 507 lbs- ABS 231 kg / 509 lbs
Fuel Capacity	19.8 Litres / 5.2 US gal

The twist of a grip, the growl of the engine, the adrenaline-pumping thrust of torque–when the raw elements of sport riding are all you crave, look to the Kawasaki Z1000 ABS. Pared down to the basics of performance, this no-frills “Urban Streetfighter” harnesses open-class power in a compact chassis with bold styling, minimal bodywork and lots of attitude.
Powerful 1,043cc inline four-cylinder engine pulls strongly from all rpm and does not let up before the redline
Engine delivers superb response, a strong mid-range hit and an intoxicating intake howl
Highly rigid aluminum twin-tube frame features a high degree of mass centralization, creating a balance between crisp turning and planted handling
The Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork – Big Piston) offers both comfort and sport potential ideal for aggressive street riding
High performance brake package includes radial-mount monobloc calipers, radial-pump front brake master cylinder and 310mm petal-type rotors

Long-term test: Kawasaki Z1000SX

Published: 06 March 2015

The miles are stacking up on my Kawasaki Z1000SX, however I’m not the only one clocking up the miles. Everyone seems to be asking to borrow the green keys, especially now winter has settled in. It’s been interesting to get everyone’s opinion, both good and bad. Here’s what some of the MCN staff, and some of our guest testers, had to say about my SX…

I like the idea of the Z1000 inline four; it’s carved out a niche as a lively punchy naked roadster. It has excellent performance coupled with sportsbike-like handling, especially when fitted with suitable tyres. The only slight negative is the styling. I would have liked a modern interpretation of the original Z1 styling, similar to what Honda has done with the styling of the CB1100. Bruce Dunn, MCN performance tester

Good strong engine with excellent handling means it feels like a brilliant all-round, everyday bike. On the downside it feels like it’s revving a little high when cruising at fast motorway speeds, and the absence of a gear indicator seems a little strange. Why are the official panniers wider than the handlebars and mirrors? It makes no sense to me. Liam Marsden, MCN web producer

The Kawasaki SX is one of those brilliantly versatile machines. Usually, words like ‘do-it-all’ get thrown in with bland tourers. But that’s not the case with the SX, it’s a touring machine with a proper kick. It’s an easy and comfy ride on my 100-mile commute, the panniers integrate nicely into the design, it looks smart and if you want to get a move on it won’t disappoint. Andy Davidson, MCN staff writer

Having ridden a basic Z1000 for a week and enjoyed it, I was very interested to try the SX version. My first impression was not good due to extremely worn tyres, but this was quickly rectified with fresh rubber. With confidence boosted I could begin to enjoy the SX and at this point begin to form my opinions of it. I feel the gearing is too low, you’re constantly fishing for another gear - another tooth on the front sprocket could do the trick. I’m 6ft 1in and, at speed, tucking out of the wind was almost impossible as there was no space to go. Gear it up, stretch it out and it would make a better bike for me. Simon Relph, MCN art editor

Source MCN