The demo lead was leaving you behind in a few instances. Don't be afraid to use the throttle. Ha! I've been on a handful of demos over this year, Yamaha, Suzuki, and KTM. Suzuki and KTM were quite a revelation. In my area (Minnesota) the demo lead guys weren't afraid to open it up. Riding a GSX-R1000, GSX-S1000, Hayabusa, Bandit 1250, KTM Super Duke 1290R, 1190 Adventure....you understand that it's only good for a potential customer. These guys were blasting away from almost every stop, busting through 100 mph several times. Even on 1190 Adv, I was railing the corners leaned way over following the lead. Was such a blast. So many people complain about demos being slow, getting stuck behind timid riders, being restricted to local road limitations. None of those things have been my experience. I've had a blast......blasting. Definitely had a chance to open up the bikes I've ridden.
Nice review ! I have mine since March and the power delivery and smooth throttle is great. Things I've changed or added: Healtech gear indicator Healtech servo motor eliminator CRG bar end mirrors Fender eliminator Highsider LED directional lights front Motech crash bars Sprocket change to 16/40 I will probably leave the stock exhaust on since where I live removing the cat would get me into too much trouble.....sadly Biggest issue in the beginning was the firmness and the forward slope of the seat , aftermarket designs are still quite limited for this model. However I fixed the seat to my needs by inserting little pieces of yoga mat that I cut up and pushed it into position by a hole that I did cut into the middle of the underside of the original seat pan to create a bigger bulk towards the front of the seat. Works well for me. I did soften the suspension to the max since I only weigh 74 kg, factory is rock hard..... Safe rides guys !!!!
sounds like you have gotten your seat working for you, have you heard of guys putting lower bars on and finding relief? worked well for me on my 2014. Sounds as though you have put alot of love into yours 😎
I love the rawness of the Zed, Kawasaki kept it simple and built a bike that's aimed for experienced riders who's looking for a fun bike that reeks hooliganism. You need to adjust your riding style to suit different road and weather conditions,it makes you a better rider at the end of the day.
Great review dude, your observations are spot on (I've ridden the 2014-2015 and 2016 Z1000). Just a couple quick things, The rear brake is adjusted too low from factory, and it needs a good vacuum bleed too work right; the pads are also shit and the pedal return spring is off a Mack truck. (EBC GG pads, and a Dirt Bike return Spring work wonders). The seat is too hard on the 2014-2015 model, the 2016 model it's hard, but will break in (the 2016 Demo I rode was nicely broken in and comfy). The bike is sprung and setup extremely stiff from factory, so backing off the compression, and setting the total sag around 1.5inches front and 1.0 inches rear really makes a difference (the rear of the bike is "Topped Out" from the factory, and the front is only set to about .075inch of sag with most riders). Hope that helps, and I just wanted too add. This is a great option for heavy riders, as it is sprung stiff, and you will be able to achieve proper sag numbers, without maxing out the pre-load adjusters or having the bike re-sprung ($$$$). Love that brutal torque hit, buttery smooth short ratio transmission and aggressive AF looks/handling.
Well thanks for the positive words...I am trying to get better with each review video I do and this is one of my best. The route being much better helped a lot.
just wanted to let you know that the z1000 engine was built exclusively for the z1000 and then put in the z1000sx and the versy so it was not a detuned engine from it's supersport brethren. Like the videos keep up the shiny side up.
hmm I was told it was from the sales staff it was the ninja engine. I'll have to check it and correct that if you are right. Thanks for the feedback and I appreciate the encouraging words.
Yes the ZX-10R has a 998cc engine and the Z1000 as you know is a 1043cc. In 2010 they released the new Z1000 with the new motor then in 2014 released the updated bodyworks with the same 1043cc motor. now the Z1000sx is also called the Ninja but it has the same exact motor as the Z1000 but it has a fairing. It's confusing sometimes because they call the ZX-10R and the Z1000sx Ninja. And I do enjoy your reviews keep it up.
I was just about to say you are correct there. My mistake was with the ZX10 statement which is not the same however yes the Ninja 1000 does use the same engine. I'll be sure to annotate that in the video. Thanks again.
Was thinking this bike or the gxs1000...think i'm going with this bike, I'v always wanted one, This will be my first street fighter style bike, But I'm looking forward to trying it and getting off the sport bikes for a change !! Great video !!!
GSX s1000 is pretty sick. It has awesome power and little things like gear indicator and traction control. They have a s1000 with a small wind shield too. Love mine.
Hey just curious what your thoughts are comparing the Z1000 to the GSX-S1000 - do you have a preference? From what i've heard the Z1000 suspension is quite stiff and the seat is really hard, but other than that how would you compare the two?
That's a tough choice but I think I would go with the Z1000, better looking and much more of a purest bike without all the electronics. The BMW S1000R would be my top choice but in their case the electronics package is perfect in my opinion and just makes the bike tops in the class...if you want to spend the extra $$$ that is.
Interesting, thanks for the reply. I figured the Suzuki would win based on comfort since I figured performance wise they were equal. I do definitely like the Z1000 looks better.
GSX has electronic package with traction control. Mine came a bit stiff but we adjusted it to match my weight. Power is great and I got the model with wind shield added so not do naked of a steerfighter Both bikes look great though.
GSX-S is the lighter more powerful choice in these two but not hugely so. If you're into modifying bikes, doing a full exhaust and filter and ECU flashing....you're looking at about 15-20 pounds loss on exhaust systems, 142-145 whp on the Z, 152-155 whp on the GSX-S. 82 or so torque on the Z, 84 or so torque on the GSX-S. Z has better fueling from factory if you don't plan to mod. GSX-S has traction control, power modes, and very good brakes (stopped sooner than the S1000R, 1290 Duke, Speed Triple, and FZ-10). Z has slightly more vibration. GSX-S is a very smooth engine.
I'm closer to 40 than I am 30, bro. It sucks, especially when I wake up with more creaks and groans than some 60 year olds that I know! But yeah, the old 1st-gen Magnas had self-cancelling signals, gear indicators, and smooth, sexy, powerful V4s. And they were the fastest bikes of their time.
Nice looking bike, better rear pads would probably solve the problem., the crappy rear brake issue is very common. I wish you would have rode it like you stole it at least once...
Thanks - I've kind of narrowed it down to the s1kr and the Monster 1200 - although the nearest duc dealer is 80 miles away, vs 25 for the bmw dealer. Thanks again.
Thanks; informative. I just started the video & must say, please, don't wiggle the camera around so much. If you watch it, I think you'll see what I mean... seasick-inducing MTV style waving around. Or, does your head move that way? Otherwise, of course, very nice.
Might not take off from your crotch but it might land on top of you if you grab a handful in first. Mines a 2012 and I weigh 200 lbs and a handful of first stands it up quicker than I like. 😂
The demo lead was leaving you behind in a few instances. Don't be afraid to use the throttle. Ha!
I've been on a handful of demos over this year, Yamaha, Suzuki, and KTM. Suzuki and KTM were quite a revelation. In my area (Minnesota) the demo lead guys weren't afraid to open it up. Riding a GSX-R1000, GSX-S1000, Hayabusa, Bandit 1250, KTM Super Duke 1290R, 1190 Adventure....you understand that it's only good for a potential customer. These guys were blasting away from almost every stop, busting through 100 mph several times. Even on 1190 Adv, I was railing the corners leaned way over following the lead. Was such a blast.
So many people complain about demos being slow, getting stuck behind timid riders, being restricted to local road limitations. None of those things have been my experience. I've had a blast......blasting. Definitely had a chance to open up the bikes I've ridden.
he is concerned about gravel and the bud in front does not give a shit about yellow lines…lol
Very nice. The Z1000 has certainly changed both in looks & performance from when I rolled out of the showroom on my new shiny 1978 A1 Z1000.
Nice review !
I have mine since March and the power delivery and smooth throttle is great. Things I've changed or added:
Healtech gear indicator
Healtech servo motor eliminator
CRG bar end mirrors
Fender eliminator
Highsider LED directional lights front
Motech crash bars
Sprocket change to 16/40
I will probably leave the stock exhaust on since where I live removing the cat would get me into too much trouble.....sadly
Biggest issue in the beginning was the firmness and the forward slope of the seat , aftermarket designs are still quite limited for this model.
However I fixed the seat to my needs by inserting little pieces of yoga mat that I cut up and pushed it into position by a hole that I did cut into the middle of the underside of the original seat pan to create a bigger bulk towards the front of the seat. Works well for me.
I did soften the suspension to the max since I only weigh 74 kg, factory is rock hard.....
Safe rides guys !!!!
sounds like you have gotten your seat working for you, have you heard of guys putting lower bars on and finding relief? worked well for me on my 2014. Sounds as though you have put alot of love into yours 😎
How does the crash bar look like on the bike?
I love the rawness of the Zed, Kawasaki kept it simple and built a bike that's aimed for experienced riders who's looking for a fun bike that reeks hooliganism. You need to adjust your riding style to suit different road and weather conditions,it makes you a better rider at the end of the day.
Definitely a great route to demo bikes. Please do more with Echo Cycle and definitely do a Tuono ride!
Great review dude, your observations are spot on (I've ridden the 2014-2015 and 2016 Z1000). Just a couple quick things, The rear brake is adjusted too low from factory, and it needs a good vacuum bleed too work right; the pads are also shit and the pedal return spring is off a Mack truck. (EBC GG pads, and a Dirt Bike return Spring work wonders). The seat is too hard on the 2014-2015 model, the 2016 model it's hard, but will break in (the 2016 Demo I rode was nicely broken in and comfy). The bike is sprung and setup extremely stiff from factory, so backing off the compression, and setting the total sag around 1.5inches front and 1.0 inches rear really makes a difference (the rear of the bike is "Topped Out" from the factory, and the front is only set to about .075inch of sag with most riders). Hope that helps, and I just wanted too add. This is a great option for heavy riders, as it is sprung stiff, and you will be able to achieve proper sag numbers, without maxing out the pre-load adjusters or having the bike re-sprung ($$$$). Love that brutal torque hit, buttery smooth short ratio transmission and aggressive AF looks/handling.
Well thanks for the positive words...I am trying to get better with each review video I do and this is one of my best. The route being much better helped a lot.
BigHoss P&R how much do you weigh? I think im going to trade my 2012 for a 2016 this weekend. I'm so excited!
just wanted to let you know that the z1000 engine was built exclusively for the z1000 and then put in the z1000sx and the versy so it was not a detuned engine from it's supersport brethren. Like the videos keep up the shiny side up.
hmm I was told it was from the sales staff it was the ninja engine. I'll have to check it and correct that if you are right. Thanks for the feedback and I appreciate the encouraging words.
Yes the ZX-10R has a 998cc engine and the Z1000 as you know is a 1043cc. In 2010 they released the new Z1000 with the new motor then in 2014 released the updated bodyworks with the same 1043cc motor. now the Z1000sx is also called the Ninja but it has the same exact motor as the Z1000 but it has a fairing. It's confusing sometimes because they call the ZX-10R and the Z1000sx Ninja. And I do enjoy your reviews keep it up.
I was just about to say you are correct there. My mistake was with the ZX10 statement which is not the same however yes the Ninja 1000 does use the same engine. I'll be sure to annotate that in the video. Thanks again.
not problem just wanted to help
holy shit, I didn't know that was you dude. I was trying out the triumph Bonneville that day. If I had known I would have said hello
ps sorry for holding the group up, keep up the good videos!
Was thinking this bike or the gxs1000...think i'm going with this bike, I'v always wanted one, This will be my first street fighter style bike, But I'm looking forward to trying it and getting off the sport bikes for a change !! Great video !!!
Good choice...sportbike performance with a more comfortable ride is why I bought mine.
GSX s1000 is pretty sick. It has awesome power and little things like gear indicator and traction control. They have a s1000 with a small wind shield too. Love mine.
I concur, Chad. I felt the front come up at about 70 mph nearing the high RPM range on a demo ride. That K5-K8 Gixxer motor is a peach.
Go with the Z1000R, these bikes have a lot of power restrictions from factory (mine now has 167hp/85lbs with flash and full race exhaust)
How about riding position for daily use is comfortable?
Hey just curious what your thoughts are comparing the Z1000 to the GSX-S1000 - do you have a preference? From what i've heard the Z1000 suspension is quite stiff and the seat is really hard, but other than that how would you compare the two?
That's a tough choice but I think I would go with the Z1000, better looking and much more of a purest bike without all the electronics. The BMW S1000R would be my top choice but in their case the electronics package is perfect in my opinion and just makes the bike tops in the class...if you want to spend the extra $$$ that is.
Interesting, thanks for the reply. I figured the Suzuki would win based on comfort since I figured performance wise they were equal. I do definitely like the Z1000 looks better.
GSX has electronic package with traction control. Mine came a bit stiff but we adjusted it to match my weight. Power is great and I got the model with wind shield added so not do naked of a steerfighter Both bikes look great though.
GSX-S is the lighter more powerful choice in these two but not hugely so. If you're into modifying bikes, doing a full exhaust and filter and ECU flashing....you're looking at about 15-20 pounds loss on exhaust systems, 142-145 whp on the Z, 152-155 whp on the GSX-S. 82 or so torque on the Z, 84 or so torque on the GSX-S.
Z has better fueling from factory if you don't plan to mod.
GSX-S has traction control, power modes, and very good brakes (stopped sooner than the S1000R, 1290 Duke, Speed Triple, and FZ-10).
Z has slightly more vibration. GSX-S is a very smooth engine.
I've only had one bike that had a gear indicator... and self cancelling signals. It's been out of production for 30 years now :P
How is that possible Grizz you're still a young and spry 25 year old right! lol
I'm closer to 40 than I am 30, bro. It sucks, especially when I wake up with more creaks and groans than some 60 year olds that I know! But yeah, the old 1st-gen Magnas had self-cancelling signals, gear indicators, and smooth, sexy, powerful V4s. And they were the fastest bikes of their time.
How many RPM'S does it do when doing 110kph?
is it euro 3 or euro 4 ?
This was an amazing review!
You need to ride that Tuono!
I'm trying man...next on the list...hopefully the weather co-operates.
I don't understand why these bikes can only go around 250 kph, my stock 2003 fz1 can do that ,Unless I'm getting a false reading on my bike ?
Between this and the GSXS which did you like better Tac?
+Ryan Gordon if I were to spend my money it would go to the Z1000 no doubt. That's if I didn't save a few more pennies for the S1000R
Thanks Tacmoto, great video review btw you do really good with them, ride safe
please review Kawasaki ZX-10R
Nice looking bike, better rear pads would probably solve the problem., the crappy rear brake issue is very common.
I wish you would have rode it like you stole it at least once...
Better than the s1kr?
One word answer...Nope
Good but not the best
Thanks - I've kind of narrowed it down to the s1kr and the Monster 1200 - although the nearest duc dealer is 80 miles away, vs 25 for the bmw dealer. Thanks again.
Excellent review
song????????????
Very nice bike
Song name please ? :) 00:00
Holy sh*t! thought I clicked a Gangland video! 😂😂😂
The adds blow.
Is it Z or Zed?
+Twin D depends on your country but both are correct.
They're always a ZED :)
Thanks; informative.
I just started the video & must say, please, don't wiggle the camera around so much. If you watch it, I think you'll see what I mean... seasick-inducing MTV style waving around. Or, does your head move that way?
Otherwise, of course, very nice.
KutWrite it’s not for the oldies ;)
im 130 pounds, do you think this'll rocket off from between my crotch 😐?
no man, the back of the seat is great at holding your ass for takeoff and wheelies and such ☺ I love my 2014 Z 😎
Might not take off from your crotch but it might land on top of you if you grab a handful in first. Mines a 2012 and I weigh 200 lbs and a handful of first stands it up quicker than I like. 😂
You need to give it more juice 🥤
Zed100 huh
1000
I wish he would actually rode the damn bike....
That intro was waaayy too long.
LOL Sounds like a wood maker. LOL
That headlight fairing is the ugliest I've ever seen.