Test Kawasaki Z1000SX: Everything is Under Control! (Review)

Kawasaki Z1000SX is the best-selling sport-GT bike in Europe. But rather than resting on its laurels, the firm of Akashi makes it evolve. Three years after its introduction, the Kawasaki Z1000SX returns to a deeper review than his aesthetic suggested.

 Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Even if it did not invade our streets, the Kawasaki Z1000SX represents even a quarter of the sales of motorcycles sport-GT (or sports road) in Europe. No wonder therefore that Akashi considers a strategic model in its range. After three years of business career without modifications, therefore today version 2.0 of the Kawasaki Z1000SX, with all the ‘gadgets’ now indispensable on a motorcycle of this caliber.

It is in Austria that our Spanish colleagues from Solo Motorcycle had the opportunity to test this new 2014 Tourer declination. Once is not custom, and unlike our competitor’s hex, it is in its free version we offer you today a full test of the Kawasaki Z1000SX.

 Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Kawasaki Z1000SX Review and Full Details

It is difficult nowadays to heavy-duty claims sports to the impasse on a mapping of injection multitude or traction control. So, when it came to equipping the Kawasaki Z1000SX, the Kawasaki engineer’s team led by Bamako Mimosa decided to review the motorcycle thoroughly, or almost.

The first point that it took to refine the model, was its engine. Thus, camshafts and intake ducts have been modified to facilitate filling low and medium revs. Incidentally, maximum power (in the free world) goes from 138-142 c. 10 000 rpm (106 ch. for the France), while with 11.15 daN.m 7 300 rpm, the couple progresses also slightly on the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014. Exhaust retains its two double muffler exits, but it is now more compact and lighter.

 Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Regarding the chassis, the suspension settings are reviewed while the rear mono-shock sees a knob for adjusting the reload directly accessible on the right side of the motorcycle. The brake calipers Tokyo radial-mount is now operated by a master cylinder radial too. The ABS braking is an option.

To improve life aboard the Kawasaki Z1000SX, his saddle wins 10 mm in thickness and the redesigned instrumentation includes an on-board computer. The luggage of the Tourer version (available on the base model) is also redesigned: the imposing built back the old version – and everything to say pretty ugly – is advantageously replaced by invisible supports. They welcome suitcases ‘monocle’ of 28 liters, painted in the tone of the body, and that can accommodate a helmet full each.

 Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

142 horses under the rain… but traction control ensures the grain

Given the gloomy weather that prevails in Austria at the beginning of autumn, it welcomes that our Kawasaki Z1000SX test has the optional ABS and serial KTRC traction control because we have before us more than 230 km that wet also winding roads. Therefore, all these circumstances are faced by rolling with appropriate means…

Good news: the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014 has maintained its position of driving slightly in support on the front without becoming tiring. Before beginning in the Austrian countryside, we place the KTRC in position 3 – the more intrusive, because bitumen drags much, but position 2 will also be the case for experienced pilots – and note the bubble to the maximum for shelter showers as much as possible. In passing, the operation requires both hands and should therefore be stopped.

 Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

The Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014 is still not a lightweight bike, but it is handled fairly easily. And especially, in the ‘original version’, the engine is a regal. Rather discreet under 3,500 rpm, it pushed to hell by the suite, unabated and in an almost -absence of vibration past this regime. Full and enraged as many of its brothers of range, this four-cylinder block knows how to get athlete if that is what you are looking for.

For the second day of the first test press of the Kawasaki Z1000SX, we had the opportunity to perform a loop of 110 km in the dry, and so to titillate the beast in a bit more relaxed conditions. Capable of bestial accelerations, it clears mobile chicanes on the fourth and fifth reports. And the sixth extended approximately 10% should improve the daily life in the fast lane.

 Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX For passengers in sports soul

Side part-cycle, flexible enough settled suspensions offer all the necessary comfort on routes that come to us while sticking the bike to the asphalt. The brakes are the other strong point of the new Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014. Even on the wet, their reactions are out of criticism: you can keep only a finger on the lever, but if you need more potency, you will not lack it. ABS starts only if necessary, and not before: of what to assure sure and powerful slowing down even on put on humid.

As the day advanced, we tested the bubble, adjustable to two positions. The difference is sensitive, and the high position is appreciable on this cold day and rainy. However, for travelers to the long course, the optional high bubble is recommended, although it attaches to the sporty lines of this beautiful bike. Now better padded, the saddle remains somewhat firm in the long run: do not expect the comfort of a Kawasaki 1400 GTR; once again we are dealing with a sports GT.

The instrumentation now includes an on-board computer. It provides lots of information: mapping, traction control, average consumption, instantaneous fuel economy, eco mode level… Finally, the luggage’s handles easily and has proved perfectly sealed at the end of a full day in the rain.

 Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Balance Sheet: Best in everything, but at what price?

Better than its predecessor, the Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014 improves on almost all points. Better filled (in the free version), best brakeman, more convenient, and globally as comfortable, the Green GT sport has anything to ensure a beautiful suite of careers on the European market.

Now remains to be seen what impact will the French legislation on the character of the large four-cylinder… and at what rate this novelty will be displayed in the hexagonal concessions. FYI, the Kawasaki Z1000SX Tourer sold €14 099 in Spain, or €400 more than the current version. Not excessive given the evolution suffered by the model…

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Technical specifications and commercial Z1000SX

Engine

  • Type Four cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
  • Displacement 1043 cc
  • Bore x stroke 77 x 56 mm
  • Distribution 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead cam head
  • Compression ratio 11.8 to 1
  • Maximum power 106 hp (78.2 kW) at 9100 rev/min
  • Free World: 142 hp (104.5 kilowatts) at 10000 r / min
  • Ignition Digital
  • Starter Electric
  • Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

  • Multi-disc clutch in oil bath
  • Mechanical control
  • Transmission 6-speed
  • Primary Reduction 1.627 (83/ 51)
  • 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 1.107 (31/28)
  • Final Reduction 2.733 (41/ 15)

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Chassis

  • Double-frame aluminum beams
  • Double aluminum swingarm
  • Front suspension 41 mm inverted fork with adjustable preload, rebound, and compression
  • Spring preload adjustment via a remote dial
  • Front brake Double disc semi-floating 300 mm petal
  • Brake rear single 250 mm petal disc

Dimensions, weight, capacity

  • Length 2105 mm
  • Width 790 mm
  • Height 1170/1 230 mm
  • Wheelbase 1445 mm
  • The angle of 24.5 ° hunting
  • Socket 102 mm
  • Steering angle 31 ° / 31 °
  • Seat height 820 mm
  • Ground clearance 135 mm
  • Fuel tank 19 liters

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Instrumentation

  • Dashboard console Analog tachometer, gauge petrol, odometer, Trips A and B, use instant, average con-sol, autonomy, power F/L, speed, K-TRC Mode off/1/2/3, clock.

Commercial information

  • Availability December 2013
  • Color Green “Candy Lime” Black “Metallic Spark” or Grey “Metallic Graphite”
  • Warranty 2 years, unlimited mileage

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control! Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

Test Kawasaki Z1000SX 2014: everything is under control!

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