2003

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More images from the press kit, including the original styling sketches.

Slides from the Powerpoint presentation, showing all the technical highlights.

From Kawasaki's press material:

Mount a fuel-injected NINJA ZX-9R-based engine in a lightweight chassis, equip it with state-of-the-art Ninja running gear, and wrap in the slinkiest bodywork this side of a Milan fashion show and what do you get? The all-new 2003 Kawasaki Z1000 motorcycle. Kawasaki is taking the "naked" category to an all-new level by introducing the world's first Super Naked motorcycle. In addition to a visual impact no other machine can match, the ZX-9R-based engine gets a displacement boost to 953 cubic centimeters producing heaps of gutsy torque resulting in hard-charging performance.

The Z1000 flaunts aggressive style and backs it all up with a sleek, high-performance engine. An in-line-four, DOHC 16-valve engine produces tractable power delivery for quick acceleration in any rpm range. The lightweight, all-aluminum cylinder block, with chrome composite plated lining for wear resistance and superior heat dispersion are features borrowed from the Kawasaki Ninja sportbike line. The new aluminum cylinder head is designed to run on regular gas while cam timing and profile are designed for abundant low- and mid-range power. In addition, a new front cam-chain guide is lighter. Performance and appearance meet again at the new horizontal intake ports to suit traditional styling.

Digital fuel injection utilizing 38mm throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves promote smooth engine operation. The advanced system provides excellent engine response and power with less fuel consumption. The high-speed 32-bit digital ignition provides precise engine management and enhances the fuel injection system.

Keeping the entire engine cool is a large-area radiator with an electric fan that maintains operating temperatures at the optimum level. Simultaneously, a liquid-cooled oil cooler helps keep the six-speed transmission operating at maximum performance.

Part of the Z1000's allure lies in the four stainless steel mufflers that are heat-treated to an attractive golden color. Enhancing its appeal is the KLEEN (Kawasaki Low Exhaust Emissions) catalyzer system that helps keep exhaust emissions that flow through the quad mufflers environmentally friendly. In select markets, an additional honeycomb catalyzer system reduces emissions even further.

The Z1000's engine is mounted in a rigid, yet lightweight diamond frame with thin-walled tubes, which contributes to responsive handling performance. The engine itself is mounted as a stressed member of the frame, adding an unflappable feel to the chassis. Plus, a detachable right front-top engine mount eases maintenance.

At the front of the frame, an inverted fork with 41mm tubes deliver exceptional stability and steering performance. To meet the requirements of different riding conditions, the fork is preload and rebound adjustable. In addition, the fork offset has been reduced to improve handling and provide a fluid ride.

On the rear, an extruded-aluminum swingarm features a hexagonal structure with ribbing for reduced weight and exceptional rigidity. Attached to the swingarm is Kawasaki's bottom link UNI-TRAK system, equipped with a nitrogen gas-charged rebound adjustable shock. For adjusting and ease of maintenance, the shock is equipped with a piggyback reservoir and a rebound damping adjustment. All shock settings are modified to match the new chassis.

Contributing to the Z1000's superb handling characteristics are 17-inch rims and radial tires, borrowed from the ZX-9R.. The tires offer excellent traction, while the rims look great with a polished finish that contrasts nicely with painted hubs and spokes. Front brakes are dual semi-floating 300mm discs gripped by lightweight four-piston calipers from the ZX-9R, while the rear brake caliper holder is also designed for low weight and mounts directly to the swingarm, negating the need for an independent brake torque-rod.

To the naked eye, the Z1000 can best be defined by the sexy lines and stylishly crafted bodywork and ergonomics. The seat cowl with LED taillight, swingarm-mounted inner fender and front fender are all designed to give the Z1000 an aggressive, sporty image. The galvanized steel fuel tank is slender and helps create a seating position that is comfortable allows the rider to mold to the machine naturally. Meanwhile, the bikini cowl with dual, multi-reflector headlights accentuates the bike's provocative lines.

The slinky cowl covers and protects a lightweight, compact instrument cluster featuring a bar-type LCD tachometer and digital LCD speedometer. In addition to a digital temperature gauge, clock, tripmeter and fuel gauge is a comprehensive range of indicator lamps.

The Z1000 takes "naked" to a new level with high performance, responsive handling and knockout good looks. The Z1000 didn't move to the head of the class, it created a class of it's own - the Super Naked.

2003 Z1000 FEATURES

953cc, DOHC, 16-valve, In-line, Four-cylinder Four-stroke Engine

• Tuned for high torque output in medium torque ranges
  
• Based on NINJA ZX-9R with 2.2mm larger bore
  
• Compact and lightweight
  
• Stunning appearance, warranting naked design
  

Cylinder Head

• Combustion chamber reshaped for larger bore
  
• Horizontal intake ports improve engine appearance
  
• Fins cast into head improve external appearance
  
• New aluminum die casting cylinder head cover is thin-walled and lightweight yet strong
  
• Designed with large squish area that promotes turbulence to increase flame propagation for superior combustion efficiency
  

Cylinder Block

• All-aluminum, closed-deck cylinder block with chrome composite plated cylinders is light, long-wearing and offers excellent heat dispersion
  

Exhaust System

• Quad mufflers of polished stainless steel are heat-treated to an attractive golden color
  
• KLEEN (Kawasaki Low Exhaust Emissions) catalyzer system helps keep the Z1000 environmentally friendly
  
• Honeycomb catalyzer system reduces emissions
  

Camshaft

• Profiles modified for more low- and mid-range power
  
• Lightweight hollow inlet and exhaust cams each ride in five ball bearings to reduce friction loss
  
• New front cam-chain guide is lighter, easier to mount and gives more accurate valve timing
  

Six-speed Transmission

• Material changed and crowning added to gears improving durability
  

Digital Fuel Injection

• Provides excellent engine response and power with less fuel consumption
  
• Compact electronic control unit processes information faster for better engine response
  
• In-tank, electric fuel pump delivers a constant supply of fuel in all riding conditions
  

Throttle Bodies

• 38mm throttle bodies with sub throttle valves promote smooth engine operation
  

Digital Ignition

• Plug-mounted ignition coils are fitted to suit the new injection system
  
• New, more compact 32-bit ignition CPU delivers highly accurate information for the EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system
  
• K-TRIC (Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control) provides ideal ignition timing under all throttle settings
  

Liquid Cooling

• Large-area radiator with electric fan maintains operating temperatures at the proper level
  
• Liquid-cooled oil cooler keeps oil temperatures under control
  

Diamond Frame

• Rigid yet lightweight diamond frame of large-diameter thin-walled tubes contributes to responsive handling performance
  
• Engine is mounted as a stressed member for high chassis rigidity
  
• Detachable right front-top engine mount eases maintenance
  
• Steering head uses caged ball bearings for light steering qualities
  

41mm, Fully Adjustable, Inverted Fork

• Inverted fork with 41mm tubes delivers awesome steering performance
  
• Fork is spring preload and rebound damping adjustable
  
• Offset reduced for improved handling
  

Fully Adjustable Rear Shock

• Rear shock settings modified to match the rigid chassis
  
• UNI-TRAK(r) bottom link rear suspensions features a nitrogen gas-charged shock
  
• Shock equipped with piggyback reservoir, spring preload and rebound damping adjustments
  

Lightweight Disc Brakes

• Dual front, semi-floating 300mm discs are gripped by lightweight 4-piston calipers providing impressive braking performance
  
• Rear brake caliper holder designed for low weight and mounts directly to swingarm
  

Wheels and Tires

• Polished rims contrast nicely with painted hubs and spokes
  
• 17-inch radial tires deliver excellent traction
  
• Large diameter front and rear axles are hollow, for high rigidity and low weight
  

Defining Bodywork and Ergonomics

• Seat cowl with LED taillight and swingarm-mounted inner fender give an aggressive, sporty image
  
• Bikini cowl accentuates the bike's provocative lines
  
• Sleek fuel tank constructed of galvanized steel to resist corrosion
  
• Seating position is very comfortable and allows the rider to mold to the machine
  
• Dual, multi-deflector headlights enhance front-end appearance
  

High-tech Instrument Panel

• Lightweight, compact instrument cluster features a bar-type LCD tachometer and digital LCD speedometer
  
• Cluster includes digital temp gauge, clock, tripmeter, fuel gauge and a comprehensive range of indicator lamps
  

Details

• Tamper-resistant ignition switch
  
• Rubber mounted aluminum handlebar dampens engine vibration
  
• Forged side stand is strong and tucks nicely out of the way for ample cornering clearance
  
• Seat utilizes special low-slip surface material for high comfort
  
• Aerodynamic passenger seat cover comes standard
  

2003 Z1000 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 4-stroke In-line Four-cylinder DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement: 953cc
Bore x Stroke: 77.2 x 50.9mm
Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Cooling: Liquid
Induction: Four 38mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Diamond, high-tensile steel
Rake/trail: TBA
Suspension, front: 41mm cartridge fork, rebound/spring preload Adjustability
Suspension, rear: UNI-TRAK(r), rebound/spring preload Adjustability
Wheel travel, front: TBA
Wheel travel, rear: TBA
Tire, front: 120/70R17
Tire, rear: 190/50R17
Brakes, front/rear: Dual hydraulic disc/Disc
Overall length: TBA
Overall width: TBA
Overall height: TBA
Ground clearance: TBA
Seat height: TBA
Dry weight: TBA
Fuel capacity: TBA
Wheelbase: TBA
Colors: Black Pearl/Pearl Blazing Orange

For more information go directly to the Z1000 page at Kawasaki's website: Z1000