New 2017 Kawasaki Z1000 R!

With the range of Supernakeds growing ever more popular (and bonkers), it was only a matter of time until Kawasaki upped their game and finally gave its Z1000 a higher spec twin; behold, the Z1000 R edition.

Here at Fast Bikes, we love the letter ‘R’ on anything; so it’s always good news when a new model is released with the sacred letter. On the surface, performance wise, it won’t differ majorly from the standard Z1000 though; with the Euro4 legislation grabbing manufactures by the balls since the beginning of 2016 the 2017 model is said to “sacrifice none of the power and performance of previous models” – meaning  although the power figures and full specifications won’t be announced until a later date, doesn’t sound like it will be majorly different internally and indeed power-wise.

Don’t let this put you off though; electronically Kawasaki have revised the ECU settings for a smoother power delivery, while giving you a snazzy-looking adjustable shift-up light for those who are fans of a little gizmo.

Article continues below...
Advert

Enjoy more Fast Bikes reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

A nice touch to the R, however, is the addition of two 310mm Brembo floating discs, which come equipped with Brembo M50 calipers and steel braided brake lines as standard; meaning the thing should be a bit more of a manageable weapon when ridden hard. This translates all the way through the handling side of things as Kawasaki have loaded the Z1000 R with revised fork settings and a modified rear suspension linkage ratio, which coupled with a snazzy Ohlins rear shock should give the Z1000 R a much more responsive feel through the twisties.

Of course it will come with a special graphics package so every man and his dog will know you don’t just have the base model…

Article continues below...
Advert
Subscribe to Fast Bikes Magazine Enjoy more Fast Bikes reading in the monthly magazine. Click here to subscribe.