Kawasaki is turning its Z1000 into a long-distance sports tourer with the Z1000SX.
The Kawasaki Z1000SX gets optional colour-coded panniers that don’t look like add-on bags.
Instead, the sleek bags appear as though they have been designed with the bike from the very start.
While they look sleek and small, Kawasaki assures us they have 28 litres capacity each and will hold two full-face helmets thanks to the shorty dual exhaust that doesn’t intrude into the pannier space.
The Kawasaki Z1000SX doesn’t only get the optional sexy panniers, but also cosmetic and performance updates.
On the cosmetics side there are metal finishes that juice up the sex quotient.
But it’s the performance updates that will make the Kawasaki Z1000SX a more competent and exciting long-distant sports traveler.
They include three-way traction control, two switchable power modes and a remote rear shock preload adjuster.
There is also more power and responsiveness from the 1043cc, four-cylinder engine which has received a host of internal mods. Performance is also slightly improved by better inhaling and exhaling through the airbox and exhaust.
Power is up 3kW to 104.5kW at 10,000 revs, up 400 revs on the current model.
Meanwhile, torque is just 1Nm higher at 500 revs lower which should give it a little more roll-on acceleration punch.
Kawasaki Australia national marketing assistant Rudi Baker says the bike will arrive late this year.
“Unfortunately, not too much to report here yet on the new Ninja 1000. Will hopefully know more in the coming weeks and will send out a release asap,” he says in an email reply.
“We do not know colours or price or even if ours will be exactly the same as to what the Americans are putting out there. Will let you know as soon as we know.”
Colour options offered overseas are black, grey and, of course, Kwaka green.
The current Z1000 costs $16,499, so we can expect the new model to cost up to $1000 more.
Kawasaki Z1000SX
Price: TBA
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16 valves, 4-stroke, 1043cc 4-cylinder
Power: 104.5 kW @ 10,000rpm
Torque: 111 Nm @ 7300rpm
Bore x stroke: 77 x 56mm
Compression: 11.8:1
Transmission: 6-speed, chain drive
Frame: Aluminium twin-tube
Tyres: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W); 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Suspension: 41mm inverted forks with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability; horizontal back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability
Brakes: semi-floating 300mm petal discs, dual radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston caliper (front); 250mm petal disc, single-piston caliper
Dimensions (mm): 2105 (L), 790 (W), 1170/1230 (H)
Wheelbase: 1445mm
Clearance: 135mm
Seat: 820mm
Fuel: 19 litres
Wet weight: 230kg / 231kg (ABS)