Kawasaki Z1000SX 2017 - nice minor tweaks. Where's the extra HP?
Earthquakes and flooding have forced me home from work (so upsetting) and I'm bored so about time I started a thread on something.
Anyways Kwaka seem to have launched a raft of updated models for 2017. The new Z900 naked and 650 what's it called look mildly smart.
2014 Z1000SX
Firstly I'm coming up 2 years with my Z1000SX and must say it has been an enjoyable relationship. Lots of fun bonding moments. Plenty of miles under it's belt - Ok chain. It's circumnavigated the North and South islands a couple of times without fault. Commuted heaps.
143hp is not mega but it's not a pussy either. I've clocked 265kph and with panniers fully loaded it still touches 248kph - proven on closed test approved roads of course. Wheelies are always fun but at times challenging on a large bike. 2nd gear will lift without any clutch action easy enough. Just hard work keeping such a big beast floating on one wheel for a long period. Popping short 200m - 400m wheelies is always on the menu but capturing those magic moments, where the moon aligns and it's becomes a rider & bike sex act, when the bike just hangs high in the air for ages, are not always on the menu. Don't get me wrong there have been some awesome times it's lofted it front up high and proud and let me savour balance point for a decent length. Something my years on 600s had me consider were standard riding procedure.
I wish the ABS could be switched off for stoppies but again with 220 + kg that may wreck havoc so best it doesn't. The riding position is nigh on perfect for sports action and long range comfort. Big tick there Mr K.
It is a fast bike on the hills, I can get my knees to touch down but it never lets you forget it's not a 600 micro light. Be wary in a series of switch backs where the weight eventually starts to come into play and creates a tendency to run wide.
2017 model
I'm happy and not looking to change bikes but was secretly wishing for 2017 Zed to gain 20hp and lose 15 kg. The MT10 gives this but the looks haven't won me over and my Z betters the pack when it comes to HP and torque all the way up to 8,000rpm - which is the zone I love.
I do like the tweaks to the face though and YES the gear indicator was overdue. The current traction control is great and so is the ABS, just the right levels for my liking. These continue for 2017 with some fancy add-ons for cornering.
My panniers are fantastic to fit and remove in seconds, so I've no ideal why they claim they have improved this action?
Ultimately they missed the 'must -do' by failing to increase power to keep pace with the sport tourer pack and even gained a few kgs ( a crime right there). So I can't see many current owners rushing to upgrade.
I'm off soon to ride around the North island and can't wait to enjoy the Zed in it's element.
1st pic is the 2017. headlight area sharpened and side panels sleeker but fatter. Still a good looking lass to me.
Happiness is a means of travel, not a destination
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