2014 Kawasaki Z1000 ABS SE available now

The Japanese word sugomi describes the intense aura or energy given off by a person or object of greatness and felt by the viewer. Someone, or something, possessing sugomi inspires awe, leaves an indelible impression, is imposing in stature or ability, and commands respect. In the new Z1000, sugomi is evident both in its fiercely intense design and the exhilarating performance it delivers, radiating as a palpable energy.

Most notable feature on the new model is the resculptured bodywork, which has been carefully crafted to take the aggressive, mass-forward Z design to what Kawasaki say is the next level.

Features of the aggressively-styled body work include new reflectorless LED headlamps which allow the light units to take up less space, a new mirror design with die cast stays, a more compact instrument panel, which is mounted directly to the handlebars, while all panels are mounted closer to the aluminium frame.

Changes to the revised model are more than skin deep, though, with the 2014-spec Z1000 featuring greater mass-centralisation, along with new engine and chassis settings for a stiffer, more direct feel. Kawasaki's SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork - Big Piston) front end is also new for 2014, with settings of the combined (preload left fork, damping right fork) front suspension developed to suit harder riding.

The 1043cc inline 4-cylinder powerplant and 6-speed gearbox are unchanged, but top gear ratio is altered, while tweaks to the engine management system delivers an extra 3 kilowatts (104.5kW @ 10,000rpm, compared to 101.5kW @ 9,600rpm on the old model) and a slight increase in torque (111Nm @ 7300rpm, compared to 110Nm @ 7800rpm). Power delivery is fairly linear, but ramps up over 7,000rpm.

Front brakes are increased to 310mm units (up from 300mm), fitted with monobloc calipers, while trail is reduced to 101mm. Ground clearance drops from 140mm to 125mm, while overall length is reduced by 50mm to 2045mm. The new model features a 29-degree steering angle (down from 31 degrees on the 2013 model) reduced rear suspension travel, and is both lower (by 30mm) and narrower (by 15mm) than its predecessor, but seat height remains unchanged at 815mm, as is the 221kg wet weight.

Despite being more compact in most dimensions, fuel capacity is actually increased by 2 litres up to 17 litres on the 2014 model.

What's new for the 2014 Z1000 ABS SE?

- More power, more torque

- Sharper throttle response adds to the inline four's strong high-rpm pull and acceleration

- New intake noise

- More direct response to rider input for quicker handling

- Separate Function Fork - Big Piston (SFF-BP). Settings chosen to handle high loads to enable harder riding

- Stronger bite from radial-mount monobloc calipers offers enhanced feel and controllability.

- Wide aluminium fat bar contributes to a riding position designed for controllability


Available in Special Edition Gold Blazed Green with Metallic Graphite Grey and silver-finish to the redesigned quad muffler ends, the 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 ABS SE is available now at Kawasaki dealerships Australia-wide, for an RRP of $16,799 + ORCs. Visit www.kawasaki.com.au or your nearest Kawasaki dealership for more information.