2011 Kawasaki Z1000 Base

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

A thrill to look at, a thrill to ride. The Z1000 – carving a powerful line as it cuts through the atmosphere and even as it stands still – is one of those rare motorcycles that balance a distinctive aesthetic with an engine that pumps out arm-straightening power.

Completely redesigned two years ago, the Z1000's aggressive bodywork reveals the design team's attention to detail. The aesthetic showcase begins with a low-mount front cowl that slopes back radically, highlighting the Z’s prow and, behind it, an adjustable instrument cluster featuring a multifunction LCD display covered by a trick-looking orange lens. The line-beam headlight's guts are integrated nicely into that angled cowl. Moving rearward, you come to a shapely fuel tank that’s flared on the sides to let you grab it with your knees and that’s trim at the back for a snug fit. The seat is low and narrow at the front to make ground contact easy, and flows beautifully rearward to end in a futuristically retro LED tail light behind a red lens. It’s a thoroughly athletic shape, one sure to garner attention wherever it’s ridden.