Kawasaki Z1000 ‘R Edition’ Unveiled

The ‘R Edition’ comes with superbike-level cycle parts along with the Z1000’s Euro-4 compliant motor

Kawasaki has added a new variant to its popular Z1000 motorcycle. Christened as the ‘Z1000 R’, the new variant features updated cycle parts that brings the naked street bike closer to the superbike segment in terms of equipment. The motorcycle is powered by the same 1043cc liquid-cooled 4-cylinder motor that does duty in the standard Z1000. The engine is Euro-4 compliant and is claimed by Kawasaki to deliver the same power output, which is a great achievement by the manufacturer. However, the ECU settings for the ‘R edition’ have been revised to make the power delivery smoother.

If the equipment on the Z1000 was not good enough already, Kawasaki has beefed up the Z1000 R with an array of new goodies. The rear suspension has been upgraded to an Ohlins S46DR1S fully-adjustable monoshock unit with remote preload adjuster. The front USD forks have been tweaked but remain the same 41mm units, to match the changes at the rear.

For stopping power, the ‘R Edition’ gets the top-of-the-line Brembo M50 monobloc calipers that come with 310mm-dia Brembo floating front discs. This setup has been borrowed from its fully faired version, the ZX-10R. Along with the updates for the braking system, the brake lines for the ‘R edition’ are stainless steel-braided, which together should contribute to increased braking performance. 

Other upgrades include a gear position indicator and an adjustable shift-light to complete the list. The Kawasaki Z1000 R will be offer in special Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Graphite Grey colour schemes. The bike will also get unique graphics while the seat will feature a ‘Z’ logo. In India, Kawasaki currently retails the Z1000 via the CBU route, and is likely to bring the 2017 editions of the Z1000 and the Z1000 R by mid-2017.