The Kawasaki Z1000 spins the dyno drum up to 125 horsepower and 75.6 lb-ft of torque.

The 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 is by far the best budget bike in the shootout.

Radial mount 4-piston Tokico brakes up front were ideal for the street but gradually faded after use on the track.

The signature quad exhaust system on the Zed is part of its overall styling which some love or hate.

2011 Kawasaki Z1000 - Barona Drag Strip

The simple dash of the Kawasaki Z1000 is a polarizing piece of an otherwise great looking motorcycle. It is so dainty and weird looking compared to the other bikes in the test that test riders were torn on whether they liked it or not.

Ken: "The angular styling looks like it was ripped right from the pages of a Japanese super hero comic."

The 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 retails for $10,599.

Only the Ducatis were faster than the Z1000 in the quarter-mile.

Ken: “In the case of the Z1000 it has great power, it’s very smooth and always seems to be right there, no matter what gear you’re in. It isn’t the fastest at the strip but it has some balls, for sure.”

Despite its smooth drivetrain, the Kawasaki had the heaviest clutch pull of the field.

2011 Kawasaki Z1000 - Streets of Willow Raceway

2011 Kawasaki Z1000 - Streets of Willow Raceway

The versatile Kawasaki features a chassis that can handle spirited track use, but is ideally suited for the street.

2011 Kawasaki Z1000 - Streets of Willow Raceway

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

One of the gripes from testers about the Kawasaki Z1000 was the vibration which came on at high revs.

Only the Honda’s drivetrain rated higher than the Z1000's six-speed gearbox.

The Kawasaki's Inline Four offers exhilarating performance. Howerver, it can feel bland at low rpm.

The Kawasaki Z1000 is powered by a 1043cc Inline Four churning out an impressive 125 ponies at the rear wheel.

One wheel or two, the Z1000 offers predictable and easy handling.

With an estimated 33.613 MPG the Z1000 had one of the lowest observed ranges in the group.

2011 Kawasaki Z1000