Kawasaki·Roadster·953–1043cc

Z1000

↘ Evolution history · 2003 → 2020
18
Years of production
4
Generations
1043
current cc
142
Horsepower
18
Vintages

The Kawasaki maxi-roadster icon. 1043cc 4-cyl 142hp, aggressive Sugomi design, raw thrills.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 4 · 2014 — 2020
FOURTH GENERATION — 142HP, SUGOMI, EURO 4

Complete Sugomi aesthetic overhaul, power raised to 142hp, 4-piston Brembo monoblock callipers, Showa SFF-BP fork. No traction control — Z1000 intentionally raw. Z1000R Edition in 2017 (Öhlins TTX36 + Brembo M50). Euro 4 in 2017. European discontinuation 2020.

2020
CFrame
Revised suspension — softer forks + +13mm rear wheel travel — model discontinued in Europe (Euro 5 non-compliant)
Medium
2019
AAesthetics
Carryover — last Euro 4 vintage available in Europe
Minor
2018
AAesthetics
New colours for Z1000 and Z1000R — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2017
MEngine
Euro 4 compliance — revised injection mapping
Medium
CFrame
Z1000R Edition launched — Brembo M50 monoblock callipers + Öhlins TTX36 rear shock + sport pillion seat
Medium
2016
AAesthetics
Carryover — no notable changes
Minor
2015
AAesthetics
New colour options — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2014
MEngine
1043cc raised to 142hp @ 10,000rpm / 111Nm @ 7,300rpm — assist & slipper clutch standard
Major
CFrame
4-piston monoblock callipers — Showa SFF-BP fork — lighter wheels — 220kg
Major
AAesthetics
Sugomi design — complete partial fairing and dashboard redesign — 15L tank
Major
Buyer radar
2017

Established Euro 4. Z1000R with Brembo M50 + Öhlins TTX36. Best power-to-spec ratio. €8,000–11,000.

TOP BUY
2019

Second-to-last vintage — good depreciation from €7,500. Prefer Z1000R if budget allows.

GOOD PICK
2014

Initial gen4 — Sugomi design but braking can be abrupt. Prefer 2017+ Euro 4.

OK
Gen 3 · 2010 — 2013
THIRD GENERATION — 1043CC NEW ENGINE

Complete redesign. New 1043cc 136hp 4-cylinder, new aluminium twin-spar frame, standard ABS. Weight reduced to 218kg. Digital instrument cluster. Total break with ZX-9R era.

2013
AAesthetics
Final colours before redesign — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2012
AAesthetics
Colour carryover — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2011
AAesthetics
New colour options — no mechanical changes
Minor
2010
MEngine
New 1043cc 4-cylinder — 136hp @ 9,600rpm / 110Nm @ 7,800rpm
Major
CFrame
New aluminium twin-spar frame — 218kg — 10kg reduction vs gen2 — adjustable inverted fork
Major
SSafety
Standard ABS — first Z1000 with factory ABS
Major
AAesthetics
Renewed radical design — digital instrument cluster — reworked lighting
Major
Buyer radar
2012

Well-established 1043cc, standard ABS. Good used power-to-price ratio. €5,000–7,000.

GOOD PICK
2010

First gen3 — check frame paint and valve service. Accessible under €5,000.

OK
Gen 2 · 2007 — 2009
SECOND GENERATION — MID-RANGE REVISION

953cc engine reworked for more mid-range torque with revised valve timing. Slightly revised chassis, wider handlebars. Last generation with the ZX-9R block before the 1043cc redesign.

2009
AAesthetics
Final colours before full redesign — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2008
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2007
MEngine
Revised valve timing — improved low/mid-range torque — 123hp @ 10,000rpm
Medium
CFrame
Revised chassis — wider handlebars — 228kg wet weight
Medium
Buyer radar
2008

Reliable gen2. Good value-to-fun ratio used. Watch mileage and chain maintenance.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2003 — 2006
FIRST GENERATION — 953CC ZX-9R

Z series revival after 30 years. 953cc ZX-9R derived engine, 38mm Keihin injection, 125hp. Steel backbone frame. Radical streetfighter design, iconic 4-into-2-into-4 exhaust.

2006
AAesthetics
New colour options — mechanicals unchanged
Minor
2005
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2004
AAesthetics
No notable change — colours carried over
Minor
2003
MEngine
953cc 4-cylinder launch — 127hp @ 10,000rpm / 98Nm @ 8,000rpm — 38mm Keihin injection
Major
CFrame
Steel backbone frame with stressed engine — 198kg dry — 221kg wet — 820mm seat height
Major
AAesthetics
Radical streetfighter design — stainless 4-into-2-into-4 exhaust — iconic four flute silencers
Major
Buyer radar
2005

Well-sorted gen1 after 3 years. Unique design, proven reliability. Good entry-level used buy.

GOOD PICK
2003

First year — check service history. Very accessible price but dated spec.

OK