Battle of the Beasts: Kawasaki Z1000 vs Suzuki GSX-S1000

Recently, Suzuki launched Its litre-class naked sport motorcycle, GSX-S1000, in India with a very reasonable price tag of Rs. 12.25 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi). There are many other superbikes already available in the respective segment, however, the closest competitor of this machine is none other than the Kawasaki Z1000, priced at Rs 12.50 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Both the motorcycles have almost similar performance and equipment, but definitely one is better if talk of a whole segment and while other is simply best. And what makes us think like this is because of the following reasons.

Styling and Appearance:

If we talk about the aggressive appearance, both the machines look immensely wild. However, Kawasaki Z1000 is one of the most brutal looking motorcycles on the planet.

The compact design of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 is perfect for a roadster, providing excellent control on the monster. The perfectly crafted masculine fuel tank with shrouds and a bold headlamp reflects the brutality of the bike. Overall, the GSX-S1000 looks refreshing and its mass forward design makes it better than many other motorcycles in the competition.

Forwarding its ‘Sugomi’ design approach, Kawasaki gave some new dimensions to the wildness of its ‘Z’ series with the 2014 Kawasaki Z1000. When you look at this motorcycle from the front, you can easily recall some of the most badass machines used in science fiction movies. The extremely low-set headlight unit of the motorcycle is something you have not seen before. Styling of the Z1000 is just enough to bring out the word ‘Best’ from any enthusiast’s heart.

Engine: 

Both the Japanese motorcycles are litre-class and shares the liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder motors with their supersport siblings.

Suzuki GSX-S1000 uses the 999cc, DOHC mill of the GSX-R1000, tuned for the streets. Using an electronic fuel injection system, it makes power upto 144bhp at 10,000rpm and delivers torque upto 105.75Nm at 9,500rpm.

Powering the Kawasaki Z1000 is a bit bigger 1,043cc, DOHC engine with slightly lower compression ratio than the GSX-S1000. It uses electronic fuel injection system with 38mm throttle bodies. The motor generates 142bhp of maximum power at 10,000rpm and a peak torque of 111Nm at just 7,300rpm.

Not only the power output of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 is slightly higher than that of the Kawasaki Z1000, but its is also 12 kg lighter. It means that the power to weight ratio of the prior one is better than the latter one.

Equipment:

If we talk about the advance equipment of these two beasts, both have almost similar specs like adjustable front/rear suspension set-up, dual front/single rear disc brakes, standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), 120/70 section front tyre, 190/50 section rear tyre, traction control and more.

Some minor differences are like the inner tube diameter of the front forks on the GSX-S1000 is 43mm, while that of the Z1000 is 41mm. Another difference is in the diameter of the rear brake disc, which is 220mm and 250mm for the GSX-S1000 and Z1000 respectively. There are also other detailed changes, which can be felt during the ride of these motorcycles.

Verdict:

Looking at the price (mentioned in the starting) and performance of both the machines, Suzuki GSX-S1000 clearly takes this competition. However, as you will look at the styling of the Kawasaki Z1000 you will not be able to move your eyes from it. India is a country where styling and price of a motorcycle matters a lot than the performance. I’m sure that most of the readers will like the styling of Z1000 more and it just costs Rs. 25,000 extra than the other one.

Spec Comparo: