2017 Kawasaki Z1000 competition check

In a world where manufacturers try to maintain some sort of semblance across segments, the Kawasaki Z1000 is an exception. It looks like no other motorcycle in the Kawasaki stable, and the entire two-wheeler industry for that matter. Earlier today, the company launched the new 2017 MY update for the bike. We take a look at how it stacks up against its rivals, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and the Triumph Speed Triple, on paper.

The Z1000 and the GSX-S1000 have similar engine architecture, both are inline-fours. The Z1000’s engine displaces 1043cc, delivering 142bhp and 111Nm of torque. Even with its displacement deficit, the GSX-S1000 is more powerful at 145bhp, though the torque output is lower at 106Nm. Fun fact – the engine in the GSX-S1000 is based on the 2005 GSX-R1000. The Speed Triple’s engine misses out on a cylinder, though it has the highest displacement in this lot as well as the highest torque figure. The 1050cc engine delivers 133bhp and 112Nm. The Z1000 is the heaviest of the lot at 221kg, followed by the Speed Triple at 214kg. The GSX-S1000 is the lightest, tipping the scales at 206kg.

The Kawasaki Z1000 might look like a motorcycle from the future, but it doesn’t get any modern electronics that we take for granted in litre-class bikes now-a-days. It doesn’t get riding modes or even a traction control system, just an ABS. It is the same story with the Speed Triple that is currently sold in India. However we can expect the 2017 Speed Triple to be launched here by the end of this year, which does get traction control with a choice of five different riding modes. The GSX-S1000 gets a three-level traction control system, with a fourth option to turn the system off completely.

The Z1000 has received a suspension upgrade, the Showa Big Piston forks up front have been retuned to improve handling. Kawasaki is also offering a higher-spec Z1000 R edition, which benefits from a fully adjustable Ohlins S46DR1S monoshock at the rear. The Speed Triple sources suspension bits from Showa, 43mm upside down forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping at the front and a rear monoshock with rebound and compression damping. Suzuki’s choice for the front forks are 43mm inverted units from KYB, with fully adjustable damping and rebound. The rear Showa monoshock gets rebound and compression damping adjustability.

The brake setup on the Z1000 has received an upgrade for 2017. Up front there is a pair of massive 310mm Brembo discs semi-floating calipers while the rear wheel gets a 250mm disc. The Z1000 R edition gets Brembo M50 monobloc calipers at the front with steel braided lines for better braking performance. The GSX-S1000 also gets a Brembo brake setup with dual 310mm discs at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. The Speed Triple also uses Brembo calipers, though these grip larger dual 320mm discs at the front and a 255mm disc at the rear.

The Kawasaki Z1000 has been launched at Rs 14.49 lakh, while the R edition retails at Rs 15.49 lakh.  The GSX-S1000 is priced at Rs 12.25 lakh, while the Speed Triple is the most affordable of the lot at Rs 11.46 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).