Kawasaki Z1000 R Edition 2020 — Specifications

The battles rage in the jungle of large roadsters. Yamaha MT-10, KTM 1290 Superduke, Aprilia Tuono V4 and BMW S1000R...are all terrifying and unleashed creatures. Completely overwhelmed by the violence of the clashes, the green team takes advantage of its color to remain hidden in the foliage. Concerned about the survival of its fighter, the Akashi clan decided to sharpen its Z1000. Unfortunately, a complete overhaul is not yet on the agenda. So, it sharpens its claws and dresses it in a specific color scheme, highlighted by two lines of makeup on the head of the fork, as if to perfect its camouflage outfit. But then, why "R"? "R" for spite, perhaps. Spiteful towards all these predators who have supplanted it in ITS category, that of the bad roadsters. Do not expect it to purr either, as its "Sugomi" philosophy (for "wild instinct") dictates; the Z retains its bestial side.

You've understood, Kawasaki has not yet spawned a new bloodthirsty monster. The Z1000 remains what it is. A stocky large roadster with the looks of an American pit bull, head tucked between two enormous muscular shoulders. Unable to compete with the carnivores larger than itself, the molossus works on its support. For this "R" version, it receives a superb Ohlins rear shock absorber, the S46DR1S. This gain in traction has generated some attention regarding braking. For that, Kawa’ involved another renowned manufacturer. Brembo. The firm took care to supply the powerful M50 calipers - the kind of equipment installed on the H2 or the ZX-10R - as well as front brake discs, 310 mm in diameter. To perfect the feel of the whole, braided hoses are fitted as standard. More anecdotal but fans will appreciate it, the presence of a Z embedded in the seat.

For the rest, it remains similar to the "classic" Z1000. Starting with its very successful front end. It is still as light, seeming to float above the road. At its handlebars, you get the impression of evolving on a flying carpet, so fluid is the behavior. Helped by a very healthy chassis overall, and by the arrival of all this beautiful equipment, you can expect to have plenty to feel like a fakir. The ECU control unit programming also goes in this direction. It has been refined to deliver power with more smoothness. This Z1000 is a Cerberus with soft and silky fur! The engine remains the same too, still as generous despite its adaptation to Euro4. An example of smoothness sprinkled with a touch of tangy greed in the high revs. A simple call in third gear is enough to see its nose and its wide frame straighten up. Delicious. Despite its dietetic 142 horsepower, there is plenty to feast on sensations on the open road.

This Z 1000 R takes the opportunity to inaugurate a slightly refreshed dashboard. The display of the engaged gear finally appears, the fuel gauge changes design and a shiftlight illuminates the tachometer when it's time to change gear. These few prestige ingredients obviously salt the bill.