Kawasaki Z1000 (2010-current)

This bike is in the same price bracket as a Ducati Monster 1100evo which has ABS and Traction control, and according to Kawasaki the ABS cost is £1000 on the ZX10R 11, they use the Bosch system, the same on the Monster, so the price for the Z1000 should be more like £7800. I’m torn between these bikes I like the Z1000, but I love good value and the Monster seems better. What should I get?
 

I agree there’s a heavy price tag, but after you’ve actually ridden the thing it really doesn’t matter when you consider the Z’s nearest rival in its power range from Japan. Yes I'm talking about the Yamaha Fazer. Although the Z lacks 4bhp it will out handle the fazer in the slightest of corners and easily the tightest. It’s well planted light and agile and with the right throttle happy nutter on it I think it has a good chance of blowing the Yam in a road race anyday. That’s if the fazer doesn’t fall apart after 5 minutes due to road salt! Now of course your going to say yes but the fazer is more practical......not so. I’ve had my Z fitted with a givi rack and pannier supports + a scottoiler. I haven’t loaded it to the hilt (Tent, Double Duvet, 2x camping chairs, 2x kite and a number of other comfort essentials) but I have had my tank bags and panniers loaded with beer, heavy chains and my double air bed which weighs a tonne! Add my very petit misses on the back and the Z was reasonably loaded for a test of 100mile. She handled beautifully like ballet in motion. Cornering was stable even in the wet on the Dunlop tires and for the most part inspired confidence. In fact if I had more hind sight on how the build quality will hold up over the next few years then I would go as far as saying that for any real everyday bikers out there the Z has it all. Its fast fun and nimble for when the devil jumps up on your shoulder, its steady under load and even as it is, its not that uncomfortable until you’ve used up a tank-full. A gel seat will go far to sorting this out. But I can’t claim this due to the obvious fuel consumption and issues. This really is the only thing in my mind which is stopping the Z from being a real bike and not just a toy. I would love to go for a ride chrisec87 and understand how he’s getting 50mpg. I’ve done town riding and motorway riding combined and I’ve managed 114mile literally until it ran out. In my recent 100mile loaded up jaunt I was looking at similar consumption using A roads and on return motorways. The engine is bedded in and i spend as much time in top gear as possible on long journeys. I didn’t use up my reserve to find the over all mileage on that trip admittedly out of fear more than anything. But from my experience so far my rule of thumb is that the 100mile mark means find fuel quick. As for a 30mile reserve I’m not so sure, certainly not in a town. However as i like distance riding I’m definitely making a custom fit petrol can to slot on the bike for a guaranteed 150 mile per tank (I will make it detachable so don’t think this is a compromise for when I do want to have fun) . This bike is worth it and will be visiting alpine twisties which is how I spend my summer vacation :-) . Buy one if you love bikes and don’t just treat them like toys you will never want to part with the Z.