2010 Kawasaki Z1000 First Ride Video [MCN]

[UFO]

Yes, the new Z1000 is a "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" type of bike, but MCN seems to like it a lot "for the road."  Pshhhhhhh...who buys bikes for "the road" anymore?  MCN claims it's better than the FZ1 and the CB1000 (which we can't get here).

Check out the video below:

[Sport-Touring]

[kevin_stevens]

I think it's a LOT better looking than the CB1000, myself.

KeS

[Dave the slave]

Looks fun, can't wait to see one for real.  If 218kg wet and ready to ride is accurate, that's only 483lbs.  The cans are huge, I'd bet with a nice Ti exhaust system you'll lose a good 20lbs making this a pretty light weight naked.

[chornbe]

I'm not onboard with all the hate over its looks. I think it looks pretty good.  

[scottzilla]

Despite their best efforts to hide the ugliness with super-close up's that only show 12" of motorcycle at any given time, the hideousness still shines through.
 

[kendenton]

I think it's a LOT better looking than the CB1000, myself.

KeS

   Oh wait, you own a CR....

[ConPilot1]

What's with the stupid fucking pipes they're putting on bikes these days?

god the Concours, the New (cacophony of trumpets blaring) VFR1200, this bike?

It looks like they stole the horn that used to be attached to the face of the
nerdy fat kid at band camp and put in on the bike?

[scottzilla]

What's with the stupid fucking pipes they're putting on bikes these days?

god the Concours, the New (cacophony of trumpets blaring) VFR1200, this bike?

It looks like they stole the horn that used to be attached to the face of the
nerdy fat kid at band camp and put in on the bike?

"The pipes" do much more than they used to.  I think the engineers are having to suff a lot of crap in the cans and style is suffering.

[kevin_stevens]

Yes, absolutely, I like the Kawasaki much better.  Not even close.

KeS

[ConPilot1]

Too futuristic and freaky looking transformer face front ends.
There's too much shit going on, your eye doesn't know where to look.

Some kind of mechanical android insect thing. I don't like either.

they are design nightmares.

[kendenton]

Yes, absolutely, I like the Kawasaki much better.  Not even close.

KeS

Ah, for some reason I was thinking about the CB1100, not the CB1000.  But I like both CB's more than the Z, and I do like the Z.

[chornbe]

Ah, for some reason I was thinking about the CB1100, not the CB1000.  But I like both CB's more than the Z, and I do like the Z.

You're not suggesting those names could be easily confused or anything, are you?

Reasonable and prudent bike naming.  

[Fourstring]

I'm not onboard with all the hate over its looks. I think it looks pretty good.  

I do too, but my problem with the looks is tied into those plastics.  Two of the great advantages to owning a naked bike is not fiddling with a fairing to work on it and showcasing the b***chin' engine.  This does neither.

[ANZAC]

This is the current Japanese motorcycle styling trend - transformers bodywork with ray guns for exhaust.  These bikes look weird in my opinion but then someone will enjoy these bikes.

I like bikes with fairings like the Blackbird and FJR and standard bikes like my Nighthawk 700s, ZRX and Bandit.

But hey I am different  

Well, I saw and sat on one of these today and I am retracting above comments.  This is one sweet bike - even my wife liked it - she likes the exhaust pipes  

It feels real light and should be a kick to ride.  The cladding looks a little strange in the photos but when you see it in person it's not that bad.  So, now I must have one of these under the tree for Christmas.  I hope Santa is listening.  

[Citx]

 I looked at the new Z1000 at the IMS at San Mateo, really liked it.  It seemed to be getting as much attention from the people there as any of the other bikes there.  

[2DFlyer]

Too futuristic and freaky looking transformer face front ends.
There's too much shit going on, your eye doesn't know where to look.

Some kind of mechanical android insect thing. I don't like either.

they are design nightmares.

Yeah.  What he said.  But damn it sure sounds good doesn't it?  And effortless 2nd gear roll on wheelies...

[falconati]

I love the look of this bike.  Haters can go buy themselves an excitingly styled FJR!!!!

[gritsngravy]

Sat on one at the San Mateo show, really compact, probably a fun ride.  No use debating if the cb1000r looks better or not, it ain't here so if ya want a naked liter from Kaw, this is it.   For less cash there is the option of getting a left over liter (every manufacturer has 'em) and adding a lsl bar kit for an undiluted.  Kaw still has some '07 zx-10's for 7999 otd.    

[Rembrant]

The new Z1000 is really growing on me....but, I can't see me replacing my '06 with it....lol.

Don't forget, the Z1000 has been coming with ugly pipes since 2003...this is nothing new....it's an easy fix though....I installed an Akro 4-into-1 system on my Z1000 when it had 1 mile on the clock...lol.

Anyway, as much as I like the new one....I don't think I would like it as much as the first gen....the first gen Z1000's are simple, crude and clunky Kawis....just the way I like 'em...lol.

Can't wait to see one in the flesh.

[mugwump58]

I am working up a standard set of questions to use when approaching any bike new to me:
1. Is there a readily available sport-touring screen?
2. What's the mileage for a sustained multi hour run at 80 mph?
3. Is there a readily available set of racks for hard luggage?
4. Can I get a centerstand?
5. Is the suspension fully adjustable or upgradeable?
6. What is the charging system output?



Thank you for your patience. I needed to work that out for myself.