Kawasaki are on a roll at the moment. After unveiling a host of new and updated models at the Intermot show in Cologne we’ve now been treated to the news that the Green Team will soon have a new King of their naked class – the 2017 Z1000R.
Building from the current Z1000, the 2017 Z1000R not only meets the mandatory Euro4 requirements, but also adds a host of bling’d up goodies to make it worthy of the R badge.
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the addition of 310mm Brembo discs clamped down on by Brembo monobloc callipers. Brake feel should be great since the master cylinder is attached to the big Brembos via braided brake lines. No doubt the track day crowd will enjoy the added consistency at the lever under heavy repeated braking too.
Look closely under the seat and you’ll see a badge that will surely be of no real surprise for an R model bike – the logo of Swedish suspension specialists Öhlins. While the front forks remain unchanged, the rear shock has been swapped for Öhlins’ S46DR1S rear shock complete with its easy to use remote pre-load adjuster.
Little has changed on the engine side of things, with the ECU getting a retune for better power delivery.
On the dash a digital gear position indicator is augmented by an adjustable shift-light which illuminates the rev counter display as the desired ratio change speed is achieved.
The Z1000R comes in a Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Graphite Gray colour scheme that is underpinned by a special graphic package complete with yellow-green accents, seat material embossed with the Z logo.
No word yet on whether the Z1000R will be headed to New Zealand next year.
