Z1000

[JulesW]

Rode Kawasaki's new naked Z1000 today. Wow, what a wonderful motorbike feels like a Street Triple to ride, ok the suspension isn't quite as good as the STR but the engine is superb. 140 hp and absolutely tons of torque at all engine speeds. Fantastic ride

[kaivalagi]

I assume you're trying things out for a future bike?

Just make sure you try and few other thou's before passing proper judgement

Lots complain of it's poor brakes and suspension, the engine might be powerful but it is from old stock and not in the same league as proper sports bike thou's...don't get me wrong, it's a nice bike, just that there are other good and great bikes out there too so get lots of rides in before you pick a winner for your future stable

[JulesW]

Hi Kaivalagi, dunno if we're talking about the same bike. This Z1000 is new this year and is the Z1000SX with shorter final drive gearing and minus the fairing. And it's a feckin' beast with awesome handing, flicks about like a 400, great brakes, fully adjustable suspension. It's got a weird 'angry insect' type look with a funky LED headlight thingy. Looks cool, bit weird but cool. I liked this a lot.

I am looking around at the moment and have ridden three Street Triples, R and std, and they're great. This felt very similar ergonomically and railed around corners in similar fashion to the STR coupled with great stoppers. I liked it more than the STR for the huge torque and power building from 2.5k all the way up. The STR seemed to lag on acceleration from lower down the revs (I put this down to not being used to the bike), this beast just leaped forward with urgency. Was giggling like a little girl in my helmet The STR has better suspension in my opinion and it felt smoother on very similar ground. The STR is also cheaper so is still the current fave.

[JulesW]

You're right though, its best to look hard at what's out there. The process of riding lots of great demo bike to help in buying the next ride is turning out to be lots of fun, trouble is I fall in love with all of them. It seems that almost all modern motorbikes are amazingly good.

[kaivalagi]

Originally Posted by JulesW

You're right though, its best to look hard at what's out there. The process of riding lots of great demo bike to help in buying the next ride is turning out to be lots of fun, trouble is I fall in love with all of them. It seems that almost all modern motorbikes are amazingly good.

You are right, all bikes these days have something to give and you'll have fun on all of them, leaving a demo ride with some satisfaction but it's about which gives the most

Not a bad price for the z1000 and it looks amazing IMHO but it's still based on the older S1000zx which is what I was basing my statements on, still a major step up from an SV but there are lots out there to give a chance

Have you tried any of the big twin nakeds yet? Does it have to be new? A 990 Superduke? the older V2 Tuono?

I know my SM-T doesn't have the HP of either the Z1000 or even the Superduke but that motor, suspension and brakes are a lovely thing, nothing like an inline 4's or triple, more visceral and raw, it's amazing how quick it'll climb the revs

Do yourself a favour and get on as many of them as you can.....I'm sure you will anyway!

[JulesW]

Kaiv you read my mind, both the older Tuono and the KTMs figure in the reckoning, and no it doesn't have to be new. In fact I can't afford new at the moment and only do finance when the APR is minute or 0%. I'm not that power hungry, my main interests with a bike lie in handling and versatility.

There's a lot to choose from

[kaivalagi]

Just think of all the fun to be had trying them all out! If you can fit on an Sm-t give one a go if available

[JulesW]

MCN really like the SM-T, sounds like a brilliant all-rounder.

[650]

Originally Posted by JulesW

Rode Kawasaki's new naked Z1000 today. Wow, what a wonderful motorbike feels like a Street Triple to ride, ok the suspension isn't quite as good as the STR

Ugh, awful then? The STR's suspension is amongst the absolute worst I've ever encountered, as is the seat. Had to buy a Sargent seat to make it even remotely rideable for anything longer than 20 minutes. Any time spent on roads other than baby smooth, virgin tarmac resulted in some of the worst, skittish behaviour. And yeah, I had it set up right, and yeah I tried it with all sorts of different settings but made no difference. Shockingly bad suspension for a bike that really isn't that cheap off the line.

[NTECUK]

Its different strokes for different folks.
I can ride a Daytona 675 for about 350 miles no problem. Same basically as a street triple.