FIRST RIDE
P72
2014 KAWASAKI Z1000 ABS
ers might not feel the same. The
gas tank is also thinner between
the rider's legs and the new seat
is spot on, with trick-looking upholstery changes. As for the passenger seat on the Z1000… well,
let's just say I wouldn't want to be
one. A passenger that is.
The bike is also still nice and
low at 32.1 inches, allowing even
the vertically challenged to sit
flat-footed at stoplights.
Since it's naked, there's no
wind protection, but that's not an
issue unless you're doing mile after mile on the freeway. Guessing
if you want wind protection, you
don't shop for a bike in the naked
category.
The instrument display on
the Z1000 is cool, especially at
night. Makes you feel like you're
at a disco (do they still have
those?), but it works well as the
lights flash and numbers jump
out at you. The primary selling
point on the dash is the dual element bar-graph tach: 0-4000
rpm is indicated vertically along
the left edge and a larger 4000rpm plus tach fills the entire horizontal upper display. The dash
also gets a fuel gauge; an instant
mpg calculator; and an indicator
that lets you know when you're
cruising at optimum fuel-mileage
levels.
So how much more does it cost
than last year's model? $1500.
Which brings the price tag of the
new Z1000 up to $11,999. As is
the case with most motorcycles
in this category, it comes down
to whether or not you like the
way the bike looks. If you think it
looks dreadful, ghastly or weird,
you probably won't want it. If you
think it looks intimidating, stylish
and badass, than the Z1000 is
right up your alley.
CN
