2014-2017 Kawasaki Z1000 Buyers Guide | ballsy looks and slick, rewarding, electronics-free performance

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)

2014-2016 Kawasaki Z1000 front and side view of the bike as it rides towards camera

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Highlights

An early super naked
Fantastic performance and handling
Reliable and well built

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£260
Power:	140 bhp
Seat height:	Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm)
Weight:	Medium (487 lbs / 221 kg)

Prices

New N/A

Used £6,200 - £6,500

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 was a ballsy move by the Japanese firm – and not just because it looks like something out of a Terminator movie. No, it’s ballsy because it’s rejected the current (and often expensive) fashion for electronic rider aids.

Instead, it focuses on real world riding thrills, rather than fantastic and often irrelevant (for a street supernaked at least) performance figures and because it recognizes that honed throttle response, glitch-free engine delivery and refined top rate suspension and brakes is far more rewarding with 140bhp than anything more ever can be if that level of control isn’t there. In short, if power is nothing without control, the Z1000 is the supernaked that proves this best and becomes the real-world choice for anyone looking for some unfaired thrills. Below you can hear Michael Neeves's first impressions of the Kawasaki Z1000 and its power, when he took it our for a road test.

Despite seeming under powered alongside its competition, the same year BMW S1000rr with 160bhp and Aprillia's Tuono V4 with 175bhp to name a few, 140bhp really is nothing to sniff at. There's plenty of performance there to inspire spirited riding within the parameters of the law. Now discontinued, and available as a used bike purchase the Z1000 still holds its own against the current crop of naked bikes. There is also the added benefit of a thriving online community supporting the bike which can be found on Facebook at the UK Kawasaki Z1000 Owners Club, and with dedicated web forums like UK-based Zed Owners Club www.zedoc.co.uk.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The biggest changes for this bike came with the chassis, in the form of updated, top-spec suspension and brakes. The 41mm big piston forks' are ZX-6R-alike, but retuned with separate function.

For the 2014+ model the brakes were enlarged by 10mm to feature 310mm petal discs. It also featured the same monobloc radial calipers from the Z1000SX. If anything, the Zed’s ride, steering, braking and whole blend of practicality and entertainment was the complete package.

'A compact riding position'

The compact riding position, quality suspension (which is on the ‘buff’ or taut side of comfortable), plus divinely precise and confidence-inspiring steering, makes a mockery of the Kawasaki’s apparent size and help endow the Zed with truly great street handling.

I use the word 'street' deliberately. Around a track, it’d probably be too hefty and laborious, but on the road, at normal, brisk or even serious licence-losing three-figure speed, it’s sharp and utterly planted.

It's also responsive without being twitchy or frisky, engaging and thoroughly entertaining - right down to the fierce but finessed, one-finger brakes.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Kawasaki refined the 2014 Z1000 rather than radicalising it. Throttle response was enhanced via a tweaked EFi/ECU and revised intake funnels, while extra mid-range grunt was gained with no top end loss through new cams and oval header link pipes.

The previous bike was always a grunty smoothie anyway, but that was then made better than ever in 2014, with it easily pulling away from as little as 2500rpm and there on delivering progressive, glitch-free turbine drive. This is all accompanied by a lovely, acoustically-enhanced induction howl - indicative of performance Kawasakis.

At the time, we couldn't think of a better, more entertaining and useful, four-cylinder street bike, despite having no electronics provided - because none were needed! Top speed for the Kawasaki Z1000 is 147mph.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Being a proven lump, with quality parts, should mean reliability’s not much of an issue here, while the overall standard of finish and accessories makes earlier Zeds seem tawdry. The styling of this machine is far more in keeping with a £12,000-plus bike rather than one starting at £10500 when new.

There’s the eminently tactile raised metal tank badge, the seat fabric’s ‘Z’ motif (in fact subtle ‘Z’ design motifs are everywhere), the classy paint and the variety of finishes and materials are mouthwatering.

Our Kawasaki Z1000 owners' reviews show a positive result, with a few minor gremlins in the shape of unreliable electronics and some thin paint.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Sure, some naked bikes are fancier and techier, such as the early KTM 1290 Super Duke R, but the the Zed’s still cheap in a class where some, madly so, are now edging £14,000 (the KTM is a prime example of this). Other Japanese rivals to consider include the Yamaha MT-10.

Yep, that's right, in 2014 you could have a fabulously refined, useful, characterful and fast roadster with bang up to date suspension and brakes for nine-and-a-half grand.

What's more, we at MCN also reckon this Zed was a great rival for the ever-popular Triumph Speed Triple range and made the more performance-focused Speed Triple R look extortionate.

Not to mention the 'uber' expensive supernakeds like the late V-Twin and early V4 powered Aprilia Tuono and aforementioned KTM Super Duke, which appear unnecessarily extravagant by comparison. Check out our group test comparison where you can see the bikes mentioned above pitched against the Z1000.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Although the basics of an alloy twin-spar frame and hefty, 1043cc transverse inline-four remain unchanged from the previous model and there’s no electronic rider aids - like some of its rivals - the suspension and brakes were top drawer.

The Kawasaki Z1000 specs also include enough posh bits to satisfy the biggest accessory snob: including the clear master cylinder fluid reservoir, the radial pump lever, two-tone mirrors, new LCD display (despite lacking a gear indicator and having a baffling twin digital tacho) and more.

Like all full-fat Zeds, there are also a raft of after market extras to kit your bike out with, including lightweight carbon wheels, full-sytem exhausts and power commanders. There are also a mountain of bolt-on parts available through the MCN Shop, including crash protection from R&G, sintered racing Brembo pads and Puig screens.

Specs
Engine size	1043cc
Engine type	16v liquid-cooled transverse four, 6 gears
Frame type	Aluminium twin tube
Fuel capacity	1 litres
Seat height	815mm
Bike weight	221kg
Front suspension	Preload and rebound damping
Rear suspension	Preload and rebound damping
Front brake	2 x 31mm petal discs, four-piston radial monobloc calipers, optional ABS
Rear brake	2 x 31mm petal discs, four-piston radial monobloc calipers, optional ABS
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	36 mpg
Annual road tax	£121
Annual service cost	£260
New price	-
Used price	£6,200 - £6,500
Insurance group	- How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	140 bhp
Max torque	111 ft-lb
Top speed	147 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	10.38 secs
Tank range	145 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2003: The original steel-framed version based around a retuned ZX-9R engine. The odd quad pipes were homage to the 1973 Z1.
2007: This bike got restyled bodywork and engine cases, a new steel frame and uprated brakes, but it was heavier and plainer than the original.
2010: Back to mad form with a snakeskin seat option and weird orange clocks. New ally frame and 1043cc motor keep things interesting.
2014-2019: This bike. Went off sale after the R version in 2017.

Other versions

Z1000SX: An excellent sports-tourer, based on the same rolling chassis and powertrain as the corresponding Z1000 model, but with plainer styling, luggage options, alongside traction control and switchable power modes.
Z1000 R: A higher spec Z1000 R was revealed for 2017, introduced alongside a revised standard Z1000 for Euro4. Alongside a new paintjob, it also got an Öhlins S46DR1S fully-adjustable shock, with remote preload adjuster and a revised ECU for a smoother power curve.

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI Z1000 (2014 - 2017)

9 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI Z1000 (2014 - 2017) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI Z1000 (2014 - 2017)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment:	4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£260

4 out of 5 taking about my z ,,Green Goblin ,,

06 July 2021 by Sam

Year: 2016

hi kawasaki z 1000 2016 is my first bike .I never road a bike in my life always wanted one I had enough money to buy anything me buying bike I literally seat on it and it was love at first sight didn't care about price all I knew it a beast design amazing .my friend was like it a litre to much power for u.as kid I road horses so I knew the danger but I felt in love with it so I said flick it and I bought it not knowing how to ride im crazy so I took some lessons but was still a little paranoid but I took it easy and now I ride it like nothing still careful tho but let me tell u I get compliments all the time .the bike has plenty of monsteres power brakes is excellent design u already know it not about money and if u think u spend more money and u get better that bs try it out a still for the money .I invested a lot of money in it like 8 more thousand and now I can say it best bike for a city I installed power comender flush ecu K&n filter full exhaust and even im new to the hobby I had enough balls to buy I monsteres bike and now I got Dino turned pushing160horses made bike a completely beast in the city and if u want try it on the track it will surprise u .I love it some much and everytime when u start riding it put smile on your face u get it u want regret but it not for pussy riders I'd u for fainted heart get it z800 or750 it has better technology .but I love street bikes cuz u can get it zx10 but comfortably seats .and how much racing u gonna do .to me z1000 is perfect for a street and if u want play around a track u can also have a ball it monster from red light I will race anyone don't care it r1 or suzuki hayabusa trust u be surprised.ty and enjoy your bike

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

fing monster u pop Willis on 3 gear .it a beast nothing else to say

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: excellent

5 out of 5 Forever Zed

14 November 2020 by Zedboy

Version: R

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £180

Outstanding street fighter with all teething troubles ironed out. High quality components and excellent dealer service. Upright and planted with Uber responsive chassis and engine combination means I am forever smiling everywhere except motorways. Forever bike

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Fantastic ride with perfect handling. OEM Tyres surprisingly good and perfect we open for A & B road blasts

Engine 5 out of 5

So strong, so relentless but happy in town too. Induction howl addictive and insane!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Early days, but high quality and everything staying shiny!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Just had running service, but good value. Carried while-u-wait. Bike cleaned and chain and other running parts cleaned and lubed.

Equipment 5 out of 5

I’m on my 9th Z1, and this one is pure luxury compared to others! Gear indicator welcome addition and clocks clear. LED lights are incredible... massive difference to night riding.

Buying experience: Dealer bought. Great experience with superb service and support. Thank you Greenham Kawasaki!

5 out of 5 Best Brand Kawasaki

02 October 2020 by Dezmo

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £260

Best motorcycle I have ever owned. 5 Star

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Best of the Japanese brands by far

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Value for money

Equipment 4 out of 5

5 out of 5 Z1000 R edition

02 May 2020 by Dill Marshall

Version: R edition

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £200

Best -Aggressive looks & handling Worst- Wasn’t fitted with Quick shifter Recommend- Anyone

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

At its best when riding it hard Brembo brakes perfect For me it’s a Ideal bike Pillion 1hr max

Engine 5 out of 5

Nothing to dislike about power delivery

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Build quality good No corrosion to date No problems to date

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Average running costs

Equipment 5 out of 5

Love the predator look and as mentioned before lack of quick shifter from std. Factory tyre choice good

Buying experience: Bought new from Kawasaki dealership advertised at 10700 paid 10200

3 out of 5 Wish I'd never bought it

13 March 2019 by Dom

Year: 2018

wouldn't recommend due to dealer and bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Absolutely hideous flat spot at 2500rpm, gearbox is very clunky

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

The O2 sensor failed at 900 miles and the bike hasn't run properly since.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5

Not much equipment to rate, fuel gauge and gear position indicator is a good addition, the button to go through MPG, average consumption etc is really difficult, and almost impossible when on the move.

Buying experience: Bought from Colchester Kawasaki, terrible experience and just awful customer service.

4 out of 5 Flakey paint.

23 March 2016 by Mogz

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £600

Would be five except for below

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Gearing means it's a bit high revving on the motorway

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Seven months old, 4k miles. All fasteners gone white, paint flaked off engine and Fork bottoms. Warranty worthless because "it was dirty". It was bought as a commuter and i would have expected the finish to last longer than this. Especially as the FZ8 which I part-exchanged at five year old was spotless by comparison.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Due to mileage, services are frequent.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Stunning to look at. Tail tidy is a must.

5 out of 5 Z1000 2014 review (slightly revised!)

07 July 2015 by Comfy

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £150

Ive added this extra bit to my original review, why, well, its just come back from the dyno which has transformed it. The ECU has been rewritten without the need for a powercommander. The fueling has been sorted out, flapper valve removed for a full race system (where the motor used to be under the seat I can now put a puncture repair kit!), Kawasaki put in some restrictions in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd which have also been removed. Fuel shut off is fixed making it incredibly smooth with the roll of and on of the throttle. It now makes the same amount of power as an s1000r. To put it bluntly, its now a controllable animal, 1st 2nd and 3rd are now brutal, but smooth with more torque and brake through the entire rev range. Apparently the fueling was set up to be overly rich so I should also see some fuel savings along with the extra performance. CJS tuning in Clutton Nr Bristol carried out the work. Absolutely brilliant service!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Upped this to 5 out of 5 now the ecu has been sorted out, has transformed the bike.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

5 out of 5 Z1000 2014 quick review

02 July 2015 by Comfy

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £150

Best features are the looks, the finish and the handling. Not as quick in stock for as an s1000r but chose this after test riding the s1000r. Supremely comfortable. Collected mine from the opposite side of the UK and rode 4.5 hours home with a 10 minute stop for fuel....brilliant.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride quality is a little hard but also well planted. I use it for commuting. I can ride for about 2 hours then need a rest....In comparison the s1000r I test rode my shoulders would ache after about 30 mins.

Engine 4 out of 5

A little flat down the bottom end, but I do have a full arrow system on it so it needs to go to the dyno. Having said that when it winds up its amazing.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Previous owner knew nothing about bikes, registered in sept 2014 an proceeded to ride through the winter and just wiped the panels down. When I got it stripped and cleaned it....Most of the mild steel coated stuff had to be re coated. Most of the bolts around the bottom of the bike had to be replaced but other than that it's cleaned up well. It's been totally reliable since I've had it.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Not had it officially serviced yet. The 4k service consisted of an oil change so I did that myself.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The looks, chunkieness (if that's a word). And the size. I love the fact that it's small. I also own an rsv4 and sit on that with the ball of my foot touching down, the zed I sit flat footed and bent legged which makes it very easy to throw around and control at slow speed.

Buying experience: Bought privately for 7.8k but had the pics been a higher res so I could see the fact that it was caked in 4 month of winter weather I would have definitely gone for a discount....I'll learn that next time....ask for hi res pics.

5 out of 5 Don't knock it till u try it

28 July 2014 by dunlop207

Comments from having ridden 3500 miles on this beast of a super naked. Instant throttle response in all gears from 25mph pulling hard all the way through. Grip you can feel through your bottom and through your hands. Turns quickly agile as a 600cc. Tuned intake howl is simply awesome giving you the sound of race exhaust to the rider but not the public. Range, mpg, av mpg, temp, etc. led headlight project pure white light giving night riding a whole new meaning to vision. Simply put a keeper. A crowd puller. Ageless

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5