Kawasaki Z front view

Sugomi Slash: 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 Ride Review

HANDLING, RIDE QUALITY AND BRAKING

2014 Kawasaki Z1000 handling

Having ridden the Z1000 and the N1000 on consecutive days (though we would loved to do a shootout together), the differences between the two motorcycles were easily evident. On one hand where the N1000 would feel composed on high speed straight with aerodynamic aid, the Z1000 as aforesaid would send your heart racing into another orbit. The converse nature of both motorcycles is well reflected in the corners as well. Where the N1000 would get you intimidated into the twisties at first, the Z1000 pokes you to dive right into it. And where the N1000 comes with rider-aid electronics- the Z dumps them all for pure unadulterated riding thrill.

2014 Kawasaki Z1000 performance

With a sharp throttle providing ample feedback from the rear tyre to your wrist, the Z1000 might seem like a fervent feline leaping in all ferocity into the turns- but you’d never lose control of the motorcycle. It feels stupendously weightless and it won’t be an exaggeration to state that it moves and steers easier (except for that wide turning radius) than your everyday 150cc motorcycle.

2014 Kawasaki Z1000 Tokico brakes

Dunlop Sportmax D214 tyres at both ends lend ample bite into the tarmac and the Z1000 raises your confidence turn after turn carrying more speed into corners at every attempt. The stiffly set suspension does manage to baffle your wrists on bumpy turns, but doesn’t seem to unsettle the motorcycle. Any errors mid corner are rectified by the brakes and the precise throttle that ensure to put you back into your cornering line. ABS ensures that there are no ‘oops!’ moments in case you happen to grab the brake more than needed.

2014 Kawasaki Z1000 cornering

Like the N1000, the Z has that lovely mid-range that minimizes or we’d say eliminates downshifting for that added traction to the rear wheel unless you get to engine stalling figures in the higher gear. The Z1000 feels at its absolute best in the twisties and we’re certain that it would double up as a decent companion during track days. It does feel a bit heavy at first- for comparison’s sake it’s a full 23 kgs heavier than the track-bred ZX10R. But then even without electronic assists (except the ABS), the Z1000 with its top drawer artillery manages to offer top notch performance. The hard set suspension that battered us on bad roads offered superlative hold in the corners. No wonder where we spent maximum time on the N1000 on the highways, the Z was put to task sprinting up and down the Lavasa bends till the day lost sunlight.

2014 Kawasaki Z1000 monoshock

Coming to ride quality- the 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 does feel comfortable riding solo over well laid roads. The seat and the suspension don’t feel as plush as the N1000 and are on the firmer side. Though the motorcycle feels compliant over bad roads, it does extend the jitters to the rider- particularly the rear. The upright position gives you the liberty to relax your grab on the handlebars to deal with the front, but we wish the rear suspension could have been more pliant while dealing with undulations. The miserly padded rear seat is a strict no for two up riding and on bad roads is a nightmare for the co-rider. Our pillion on the Z1000 had a hard time getting off the bed next day.

2014 Kawasaki Z1000 front suspension

Talking of brakes- the 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 shod with Tokico “monobloc” radial calipers pinching twin 310mm petal discs at the front, and a single pot caliper over a 250 single disc at the rear offers a supreme braking experience. A new generation ABS endows the Z1000 with a linear stopping ability under high speed and hard braking. We tried hard to lock up the front, and failed, with the ABS doing it duty with utmost finesse. It was while down to low speeds with us still trying to lock up the front, the brakes would give a stuttered feel. Overall, the Z1000 shines in the braking department and delighted us all the way through.

NEXT PAGE FOR CONCLUSION AND TECH SPECS

4 thoughts on “Sugomi Slash: 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 Ride Review”

  1. Cph Media.Com

    I m not saying I want traction control on the Z1000. I m saying I want to save money by not having it. Kawasaki enjoys a loyal customer base, especially where machines like this are concerned, and I’ve no doubt some riders will pay the extra for it. It s an amazing motorcycle.

  2. Uff how mean must be the designer for this machines.

    He really got his hands on Z very well.

    Kudos for the Genius

    and the Man who reviewed it in Zzzzzz

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top