Kawasaki’s Z1000SX is a model placed between the new Ninja ZX-10R sportsbike and the naked Z1000. With this new bike, Kawasaki wanted to create a new category, a bike, which is easy to ride, comfortable and yet capable of harder sport riding.

This means plenty of performance, without having to miss out aspects such as style, comfort and practicality. And in order the bike to line up to what its competitors have to offer, it will likely benefit from a host of accessories meant to enhance the long journeys, such as hard panniers and a top box, among others. the Z1000SX weighs 231 kg with ABS and is fitted with a 1043cc inline-four that produces 138 hp at 9600rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 7800rpm.

Offering a host of rider-friendly additions compared to the Z1000, the SX includes full fairing, adjustable windscreen, a dual seat, six-speed gearbox, chain drive, adjustable 43mm fork and adjustable horizontally-mounted rear shock. Just like the model it is based on, the SX features the same cast alloy frame, twin exhaust system and 300mm petal-style twin front brakes with four-piston radial calipers.

The sporty instrument panel features a large analogue tachometer and multi-function LCD screen. The design is based on that of the Ninja ZX-6R, but features original font and colouring. Functions include speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, clock, dual trip meters, and warning lamps.

The Z1000SX offers street riding excitement wrapped in seductive full-fairing styling that embodies its sporty performance. Add a number of convenience features and the result is a unique package more than able to satisfy a rider’s every desire.

Whether looking to move on from a supersport or super-naked ride, or step up from a mid-size sport model, the Z1000SX offers the performance and versatility for a fuller bike life than ever experienced.

The Z1000SX’s well-integrated full-fairing styling offers a good indication of its sporty character. Featuring a “personal jet fighter” motif, the sensuous styling is both audacious and subtle at the same time. The aggressive design gives the Z1000SX its own distinct appearance, yet is instantly recognisable as a Kawasaki.

Bodywork

Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Z1000SX a distinct, head-turning look of its own. The sleek styling also offers a good measure of wind protection, facilitating short touring runs.

* The leading edges of the fairings feature a slat-style design that directs the wind around the bike, enabling the fairings to be slimmer in the middle.
* The fairings flair at the rear, keeping hot air from the engine from hitting the rider’s legs.
* Original-design front turn signals mount directly to the fairings. Turn signal units are attached to the inside of the fairing using rubber mounts to minimise fairing damage should the bike fall over.
* Supersport-style front fender contributes to both aerodynamics and racy looks.
* Slim and compact tail cowl design moves mass both physically and visually away from the rear and toward the front.
* LED taillight design features red LED bulbs and a red transparent lens.
* The short-style silencer design allows the rear wheel silhouette to be seen.
* Swingarm features eccentric axle adjusters, contributing to the Z1000SX’s Kawasaki identity.
* Supersport-style throttle case contributes to the Z1000SX’s sporty image.

Instrumentation

Sporty instrument panel features a large analogue tachometer and multi-function LCD screen. The design is based on that of the Ninja ZX-6R, but features original font and colouring.

* Functions include: speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, clock, dual trip meters, and warning lamps.

Engine

Riding excitement is about more than just performance figures. Riding impact comes from the sensations the rider feels. Twisting the throttle results in a strong response from all rpm, the engine pulling strongly right to redline. Superb throttle response, power delivery with a mid-range hit make accelerating an exhilarating experience.

 

* Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 1,043 cm3 In-line Four offers impressive power (101.5 kW (138 PS)) and strong torque.
* Bore and stroke of 77.0 x 56.0 mm were chosen to achieve the desired engine character. The result is an engine very strong in the everyday rpm range most used in street riding situations.
* Downdraft throttle bodies allow intake air to travel to the engine in the shortest possible distance, contributing to performance. While downdraft throttle bodies often use short intake funnels to maximise high-rpm performance, the Z1000SX’s are longer to offer the best power characteristics for street riding excitement.
* Throttle bore is ø38 mm, chosen for the ideal low-mid range response.
* Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim – important since the throttle bodies are positioned between the rider’s knees.
* Engine tuning focused on the feeling the rider gets when opening the throttle. There is a strong torque feeling (torque was set at the maximum level before the rear wheel starts spinning). Get on the gas at any rpm and the engine pulls strongly – although the feeling is more like being propelled forward.

* Good over-rev characteristics mean that power does not drop off suddenly at high rpm.
* Power delivery is quite linear, but the engine spins up noticeably faster from about 7,000 rpm onwards. Silky smooth response from mid-high rpm ensures excellent driveability.
* A secondary balancer, driven off a gear on the 6th web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration. Of course, a certain amount of engine vibration was desired as part of the bike’s character (vibration contributes to the feeling of acceleration, increasing linearly with rpm), so vibration was not totally eliminated.

Cool Air System

With the airbox nestled between the frame beams, intake air can be affected by engine heat. The Cool Air system routes cool air to the airbox from ducts at the front of the side fairings, minimising performance loss due to heated intake air. This should not be confused with Ram Air, where force-fed air becomes pressurised in the airbox. A resonator inside the airbox reduces noise at low rpm, and enhances intake sound at high rpm.