2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX and Z1000SX ABS
The new 2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX offers supersport seduction with everyday versatility
Kawasaki have just released full details of the new Z1000SX. Without seeing it in the flesh, it certainly looks as though it will be a serious rival to the similar offerings from Suzuki and Honda. The spec looks good, as does the bike (well we think so) and Kawasaki look like they will have a rush to the dealers – just as long as the pricing is competetive.
Do they have a winning formula with this all rounder? We think so and we will do our best to get our hands on one for a full review.
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.
Gearing
- A 41/15 (2.733) final ratio enables both sporty riding and short touring.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end-caps create a quad-style image. Main and pre-catalysers ensure emissions are clean. An exhaust device is located upstream of the right-side silencer. Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume could be kept to 3 litres each and silencer weight to 3500 g each, greatly contributing to mass centralisation (please see also Mass Centralisation below) and a lower centre of gravity.
Chassis
To ensure maximum riding excitement, the Z1000SX offers a quick-steering and light-handling package. A highly rigid aluminium frame with high mass centralisation balances sharp turning and firm handling. Supersport-style front brakes add to the high level of control.
Aluminium Twin-tube Frame
Aluminium twin-tube frame design features frame beams that go over engine, allowing a narrow construction that is easy to grip with the knees. Lightweight and highly rigid, the frame uses the engine as a stressed member. The frame contributes to handling, offering a firm, planted feeling, good stability and light, nimble turning.
The frame is a 5-piece cast aluminium construction, consisting of steering stem, left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components have open C-shaped cross sections and were die-cast to ensure a smooth surface finish. As much as possible welds were eliminated, contributing to appearance.
The frame uses 4 engine mounts. All engine mounts are rigid except the upper rear crankcase mount, which is rubber. This, and using the engine as a stressed member, is what gives the frame its excellent handling characteristics. Feeling from the engine is also transmitted more directly to the rider. The rear frame is a 3-piece aluminium die-cast construction. Its light weight contributes to mass centralisation. The front part of the rear frame is an example of form and function combined, allowing the side covers to be eliminated. This also allows the width under the seat to be narrower, offering riders a shorter reach to the ground.
Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension
- Rear suspension positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm.
- This arrangement contributes to mass centralisation (please see below).
- The suspension is located far enough from the exhaust that operation is not affected by heat.
- Visible from the outside, the Horizontal Back-link rear suspension contributes to the appearance of the Z1000SX.
- The rear shock features rebound and preload adjustability. A cam-style preload adjuster facilitates making adjustments to suit 2-up riding or luggage.
Mass Centralisation
The exhaust system (with large pre-chamber and short silencers), Horizontal Back-link rear suspension and the use of downdraft throttle bodies are the greatest contributors to mass centralisation. The Horizontal Back-link rear suspension arrangement frees up space taken up by the Uni-Trak suspension lower linkage, enabling a larger pre-chamber, which in turn allows the use of shorter mufflers and contributes to mass centralisation. The lightweight aluminium rear frame also contributes. The result is lighter, sharper handling. Turn-in is light. Steering is neutral after the bike has been leaned over.
Inverted Front Fork
- 41 mm inverted front fork features stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability.
- Settings offer both sporty performance (contributing to light handling on the street and in the hills) and comfort.
Brakes
- At the front, 300 mm petal brake discs are gripped by opposed 4-piston radial-mount calipers. Caliper piston size is 30 mm.
- Radial-pump front brake master cylinder also contributes to the superb control and feel offered by the calipers.
- The rear brake features a single piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250 mm petal disc.
- The caliper is mounted below the swingarm and features a torque rod. The arrangement adds to the racy image.
- For added braking reassurance, ABS models are available in certain markets.
Lightweight Wheels
Lightweight supersport-style 6-spoke wheels contribute to the Z1000SX’s sporty image while offering lower unsprung weight.
Relaxed Riding Position
With a relaxed riding position that can accommodate everything from city riding to touring to sport riding, and numerous bike-life-enhancing features, the Z1000SX complements its street riding excitement with a depth not available on Super-Naked or supersport models.
Relatively upright position (compared to supersport models) offers both control and comfort. (Rider triangle is essentially the same as that of the Z1000, with grips moved about 10 mm inward). Separate, raised handlebars contribute to the sporty, comfortable riding position. The handlebar stays are mounted to the fork tube tops, which extend above the upper triple clamp. Thick seat urethane ensures ample rider comfort. Tandem seat is wide and long, with thick urethane. Dampers on the underside of the seat help reduce vibration. Sculpted aluminium passenger grips are positioned and shaped to offer tandem riders a good ergonomic fit.
Front footpegs are rubber mounted to reduce vibration transmitted to the rider. Further, vibration-absorbing weights on the back of the foot guards minimise fluttering of the floating pieces. Both front and rear footpegs are rubber coated.
Adjustable Windscreen
Windscreen has three available positions spanning approximately 20? and ranging from sporty to maximum wind protection. Adjustment can be done by hand (no tools required) by depressing the release button below the instrument panel. (Windscreen adjustment should be done with the bike stopped.)
Large-volume Fuel Tank
The 19 litre fuel tank offers a substantial touring range. Dynamic fuel tank design with tall upper surface features supersport-style flared edges with a trim shape at the rear, a shape that is easy to grip with the knees. Steel construction facilitates the use of a magnetic tank bag. Slim-type fuel pump features a unitised fuel gauge. Fuel tank design and slim-type fuel pump minimise dead volume inside the tank.
Added Convenience
Under-seat storage is about twice as large as that of the Z1000. A hazard switch is located on the left handlebar.
A number of option parts are available: GIVI side cases (35 litres, 5 kg max each), GIVI top case (39 litres, 3 kg max), cowling protectors (mushrooms), single seat cover, grip warmers, front fork sliders.
Available Colours
- Candy Lime Green
- Ebony
Kawasaki Z1000SX Specifications
| ENGINE | |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four |
| Displacement | 1,043 cm3 |
| Bore x stroke | 77.0 x 56.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Valve/Induction system | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: 38 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttles |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Transmission Final Drive Final reduction ratio Clutch | 6-speed, return Sealed chain 2.733 (41/15) Wet multi-disc, manual |
| FRAME | |
| Frame type Wheel travel, front Wheel travel, rear Tyre, front Tyre, rear Rake/Trail Steering angle, left / right |
Aluminium twin-tube 120 mm 138 mm 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) 190/50ZR17M/C (73W) 24.5°/ 102 mm 31° / 31° |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Suspension, front | 41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Suspension, rear | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and cam-style spring preload adjustability |
| BRAKES | |
| Brakes, front Brakes, rear | Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston Single 250 mm petal disc Single-piston |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) Wheelbase Ground Clearance Seat height Curb Mass Fuel capacity |
2.105 x 790 x 1.170/1.230 mm 1,445 mm 135 mm 822 mm 228 kg / 231 kg (ABS) 19 litres |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Maximum power Maximum torque |
101.5kW {138 PS} / 9,600 rpm 110 N?m {11.2 kgf•m} / 7,800 rpm |
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.
As yet, UK pricing hasnt been confirmed. We will update this article as soon as we get them.