Kawasaki Z1000

[karlos]

Just popped into my local Kwaker dealer to confirm the colour of my 2012 Ninja 650 (green, as it's the fastest colour)

But while walking in i completely forgot the reason why i went there, as standing before me stood the Z1000, what a beautiful monster she is!

I always thought she looked mean from seeing pics on the internet and sure enough seeing it in the flesh confirmed than further.

Despite it's 596,645 'out the door price' all 6 were sold at my local branch.

Does anyone know if the Z1000 sold here in Thailand is the full power model or have they dimmed it down a bit to meet the emission laws, just like the ZX10R??

I assume that hefty price tag is because the Z1000 was either made in Japan and thus resulting in tax tax tax, or made in Thailand but too many parts were supplied from Japan?

[Richard-BKK]

What is the hefty price tag, and how does it compare to other 1000cc bikes in Thailand? Is it really "hefty"?

[alexpoker]

Looks like a lean mean killing machine

[AnthonyR1]

600,000 is that hefty when you compare it to other liter bike price tags

[jerems]

Sharp looking bike....with the V&H urban brawlers on it, makes it look even meaner.

[karlos]

Yes it's not that hefty when you compare it to other liter bikes, but i thought the Z1000 would have retailed at a similar price to what it does in the UK.

The Ninja 250 is more or less the same price here as it is back home and so is the ER6n, Ninja 650 and Versys.

I guess Kawasaki don't want their bigger and full on sports bikes being made / fully made in Thailand hence the reason why i was surprised to see this bike priced similar to all other imported bikes.

Edited October 16, 2011 by karlos

[BigBikeBKK]

Yes it's not that hefty when you compare it to other liter bikes, but i thought the Z1000 would have retailed at a similar price to what it does in the UK.

The Ninja 250 is more or less the same price here as it is back home and so is the ER6n, Ninja 650 and Versys.

I guess Kawasaki don't want their bigger and full on sports bikes being made / fully made in Thailand hence the reason why i was surprised to see this bike priced similar to all other imported bikes.

The Z1000 is manufactured in Japan. Kawasaki only manufactures some singles and twins in Thailand. Still, the Z1000 is the cheapest 1000cc motorcycle available in Thailand. Let the Good Times ROLL! Tony

[nikster]

Looks awesome!

[mrclough]

Prefer the older looking Z1000's. Not like from decades ago but the earlier versions of this modern one.

Still a hell of a lot of bike for the money though.

[BigBikeBKK]

Bummed that the Thai model doesn't have ABS option...

Asked the sales staff at Rama 9 if the Thai Z1000 is full power and they didn't know...

If I were in the market for a new liter bike I'd pay ~60k Baht more and get a 2012 ZX10R with traction control and race ABS

[Richard-BKK]

Bummed that the Thai model doesn't have ABS option...

Asked the sales staff at Rama 9 if the Thai Z1000 is full power and they didn't know...

If I were in the market for a new liter bike I'd pay ~60k Baht more and get a 2012 ZX10R with traction control and race ABS

Where in Thailand can we buy a 2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R with ABS and S-KTRC for 680,000 THB? RedBaron sales guy told me that the 2012 ZX-10R with ABS and A-KTRC would likely cost 740,000 THB

Edited October 18, 2011 by Richard-BKK

[JonnyF]

RedBaron have the 2011 model. It's the same as the 2012 just different paint scheme. 680k baht on their website now. With book.

[Richard-BKK]

RedBaron have the 2011 model. It's the same as the 2012 just different paint scheme. 680k baht on their website now. With book.

I looked at that bike, but it has no ABS and no A-KTRC (traction control)

Edited October 18, 2011 by Richard-BKK

[JonnyF]

I like the Z1000, but 600k is a little bit too much IMO. 500k would be about right.

Still, if you want to enjoy all the benefits of flooding, riots, corruption etc you're just gonna have to accept the high taxation on decent motorbikes

Just kidding, think I'm having an off day as I try to work out where to store my bikes before the neighbourhood goes under water...

[Richard-BKK]

Also the specifications of the Thai Kawasaki Z1000 is on performance identical to the Z1000 sold in Europe 136 hp @ 9,600rpm and Torque 110Nm @ 7,800rpm.

[JonnyF]

RedBaron have the 2011 model. It's the same as the 2012 just different paint scheme. 680k baht on their website now. With book.

I looked at that bike, but it has no ABS and no A-KTRC (traction control)

Really? I thought that was standard on all models?

OK I just checked and it looks like an option.

Still, I'd probably pay 140-150k for the 'full option' ZX10 over the basic 'no option' Z1000.

[Richard-BKK]

RedBaron have the 2011 model. It's the same as the 2012 just different paint scheme. 680k baht on their website now. With book.

I looked at that bike, but it has no ABS and no A-KTRC (traction control)

Really? I thought that was standard on all models?

OK I just checked and it looks like an option.

Still, I'd probably pay 140-150k for the 'full option' ZX10 over the basic 'no option' Z1000.

If you in the market for a new 1000cc sportsbike I would suggest you wait a little bit until Suzuki launches the 2012 GSX-R1000 (which if rumors are correct be a very big step into the right direction regarding sportsbikes). And Suzuki cannot wait that long to launch it also, I expect next month, but can also be this month...

[JonnyF]

RedBaron have the 2011 model. It's the same as the 2012 just different paint scheme. 680k baht on their website now. With book.

I looked at that bike, but it has no ABS and no A-KTRC (traction control)

Really? I thought that was standard on all models?

OK I just checked and it looks like an option.

Still, I'd probably pay 140-150k for the 'full option' ZX10 over the basic 'no option' Z1000.

If you in the market for a new 1000cc sportsbike I would suggest you wait a little bit until Suzuki launches the 2012 GSX-R1000 (which if rumors are correct be a very big step into the right direction regarding sportsbikes). And Suzuki cannot wait that long to launch it also, I expect next month, but can also be this month...

Yep that's exactly what I'm doing. Been checking for the release date for the last couple of weeks but most people think it will be unveiled at the end of this month. I'm expecting something pretty special seeing as they kept the old model pretty much unchanged for 3 years. Do you know if Suzuki Thailand plan to sell it?

[BigBikeBKK]

RedBaron have the 2011 model. It's the same as the 2012 just different paint scheme. 680k baht on their website now. With book.

I looked at that bike, but it has no ABS and no A-KTRC (traction control)

Really? I thought that was standard on all models?

OK I just checked and it looks like an option.

Still, I'd probably pay 140-150k for the 'full option' ZX10 over the basic 'no option' Z1000.

^ +1

[rizla]

It`s only got one bike to beat, and we all know which one...i for one will give credit if it`s due....good luck suzuki

[BSJ]

AMCN just had a shotout with a Kwaka Z, a Triumph and a Yammie. The Kwaka won....but they all look ugly!

Sorry, no link, I have the mag. Not a friendly site to go to anyway!

[BigBikeBKK]

Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I think you'd be in a tiny minority who find the Z1000 ugly...

I think it's a dam_n fine looking bike-

Here's a shootout against the Triumph Speed Triple and KTM Superduke:

[arnoldjr]

My only two complaints would be the exhaust and rear fender. But since those would be the first things to go anyway, I say overall an awesome looking bike.

[Richard-BKK]

The arrival of the first shipment... and Thai customs demanded that one was unpacked....

Edited October 21, 2011 by Richard-BKK

[JonnyF]

They've got one in Rama 9 showroom now, had a look yesterday.

Nice bike, very comfortable riding position, the quality and feel of the bike were really good. Not quite as big as I thought it would be, which was a pleasant surprise - I thought it would be a real beast but it's kind of like a chunky er6n, maybe the seat is a bit higher but not much. Overall I liked it, really nice bike and I think it'll sell much better than the ZX10 which was their previous litre bike offering.

[arnoldjr]

I went and sat on the one at Kawasaki Rama 9 yesterday. Beautiful bike. The sales woman said they would have one available to test ride next month.

[BigBikeBKK]

The Z1000 is a great looking bike and while it lacks the top end of the ZX10R it's received rave reviews and is now the cheapest 1000 cc bike in Thailand.

Powerful radial brakes and fully adjustable suspension-

Inverted front forks adjutable for preload, damping and compression- me likey!

Rear shock with stepless rebound and damping-

Cockpit is tidy and simple-

A couple complaints-

No ABS option offered in Thailand Riding the slippery streets of Bangkok I've come to appreciate the added security ABS can provide.

How come the budget Ninja 650R / ER6n get an adjustable clutch lever but the Z1000 doesn't? Weird, but easily sorted with an ER6 clutch perch and lever.

There's already a long waiting list for the Z1000 in Thailand- Kawasaki can't import them fast enough!

Let the Good Times ROLL!

Tony

Edited October 21, 2011 by BigBikeBKK

[BigBikeBKK]

As much as I like the Z1000 personally I'd prefer the faired version: Ninja 1000

The sales staff at Kawasaki Rama 9 "think" it might be available in Thailand in mid to late 2012. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[nikster]

No ABS when even the lowly ER-6n has it is .... bizarre. I am definitely not buying a bike without ABS. ABS provides me with added safety when I screw up (not paying attention in traffic - saved me 2 or 3 times already. And with the confidence to go much faster in the rain - which doesn't improve safety of course, but it's certainly more fun

Agree that the Ninja 1000 would be killer. Love the design.

[newf]

It's very tempting to off load one of my blades and get a Z1000, I love the look and its much more suited as a street bike. I might have to check with Red Barron to see what they could bring me a CB1000 in for.