The Z1000 offers light, predicable, and easy handling on either one or both wheels.

The Z1000’s exterior styling is a big step forward as compared to previous models.

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 uses an all-new 1043cc liquid-cooled Inline-Four engine that uses its own architecture not based off either the previous machine’s ZX-9R derived engine or the one found in the Ninja ZX-10R.

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000’s brakes are a mix of old and new. At the front sits a pair of 300mm diameter petal-style discs actuated by a pair of Tokico radial-mount 4-piston calipers as used on the Ninja ZX-10R.

A sharp new front cowl sloped back at an acute angle highlights the Z1000’s new
nose.

The angle of the compact digital instrument panel is 3-way adjustable via a plastic knob. The display provides speed, a bar-style tachometer, odometer, double trip meters, clock and fuel gauge. Noticeably absent is a gear position indicator and coolant temperature display.

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000’s low 32.1 in. seat height allows riders to firmly plant both feet on the ground at a stop.

Kawasaki’s Z1000 gets an extreme makeover for 2010 and will again be imported into the U.S. after a one year hiatus.

The Z1000 retains its signature quad exhaust pipes. Each muffler weights 1.5 lbs less due to a belly-mounted exhaust pre-chamber.

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 uses a horizontally-mounted back link hydraulic shock absorber. The design allows the shock to provide more consistent damping performance.

If you don’t rack up the miles at the racetrack, the Z1000 will be a good sport motorcycling option for the streets.

Add a windscreen and some luggage and all of a sudden the Z1000 could become an excellent sport-touring mount.

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000

Traction from the OE-spec Dunlop Sportmax Qualifer D210 tires was outstanding both on wet and dry pavement.

For 2010, Kawasaki is importing a lighter, faster, and better looking Z1000 streetfighter.

Time is best spent aboard the Z1000 on one wheel as Waheed continues to demonstrate.

Priced exactly in-line with its Ninja ZX-6R, the $10,499 ’10 Z1000 is an excellent sport motorcycle option for the street motorcyclist who isn’t planning on spending all his or her time riding at the racetrack.

Previous Z1000s used a steel frame. The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 uses an all-new aluminum frame similar to one used on the Ninja ZX-10R sportbike. The frame rails
curve over the engine, resulting in a narrow bike that’s easy to grip with the knees.

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 in Pearl Stardust White colorway.

The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 is priced at $10,499 and comes in two colors. Pictured above is the Metallic Spark Black colorway.

The Z1000 cockpit is both sporty and spacious. Our only complaint is how thin the seat is.