[MetalMatty]

The z1000 was available everywhere else until 2021. It really didn't have a change from the 2014 version. The new version should look something like this, with maybe, possibly a different shade of black.
for the USA. It has to fit within the z900 series and the zh2 series, so there's not a good option for much else.

The z 1000 was never popular here. When I bought my new 2012 ninja, I could saved thousands on a 2010 z1000. It stayed in the shop for a long time. I've only seen one out on the road since 2010.

I think now is an odd time to get into this category. Honda just released their Hornet with an ohlins shock, Brembo calipers and 11,999 cost. With a good flash and exhaust, it will be a 160 bike before you start borrowing parts from the 2008 cbr 1000. The z1000 doesn't photograph well, but in person it's a nice bike, but it won't be able to compete with the Honda.

View attachment 39608

I can honestly say that I've never seen a Z1000 on the road. I've never even seen one for sale.

I also agree that it wouldn't be the best in the category, and really my opinion of it would definitely falter a little if it wasn't basically a slightly bigger Z900SE.

I wish I was a smaller person because while I'm not super into most naked bikes, both the MT-09 and the Z900 give me food feelings. I just don't fit on them comfortably.

My buddy has a '19 MT-09 and it's a fun bike but I look absolutely ridiculous riding it. Honestly even the N1K is just a bit too small for me, at least it looks it when I catch myself in reflections.

I just really really like how the Z900SE does the "Kawasaki so it's green" thing but more subtle than just GREEN FAIRINGS FOR ALL!

 

[MetalMatty]

I'm hoping the Z1100 is more ZRX-like, a UJM style ala the Z900RS, not another bug eyed, squatty monster.

That would be absolutely insane.

 

[MetalMatty]

We don't even dare hope for that, do we?

The z900 frame with boxy zrx bodywork would be different and cool. Load it with the good electronics to make it an upgrade from the z900 that's already a 948cc bike.

No, I think I already saw the Kawasaki van drive to Home Depot for the black paint and a set of paint rollers.

The thought of that gives me modern era Suzuki Katana vibes and now I'm curious if they still make it.

Edit: Looks like 2024 was the final year. Sad. Company branches out and does something unique and nobody bought them, .

 

[MetalMatty]

Matty, now that you mention it, the last z1000 I saw for sale was in 2014. I've seen that orange 2010 I mentioned and a green 2014. That's it.

A z900 based bike would be easy to build. The z900 engine, z 1000, and this 1100 all use the same engine block. We could build this z1100 or a z900 ninja in our garages if we wanted to.

This is a Japanese kit for the z900 series. I say "kit" but it's probably 1 of 1. View attachment 39609

I would ride the tires off that thing.

 

[MetalMatty]

I would as well, or this one. This one is supposed to be a "kit" from Japan, but I've never seen it for sale. As I recall the tank piece was a little bit sketchy, but that wouldn't be an issue if Kawasaki built it. This would be very similar to the z900 rs only the retro look is 82 vs the mid 70's.

Oh, the rear shock has some issues, but those could be left off without hurting the look. There is a web site called "Planet Japan" that features these project bikes. The info is translated from Japanese to English so you never know how legit the descriptions are.

View attachment 39610

I freaking love throwback designs. Modern bikes are all so... Buggy. Every single one looks like it's trying to be a praying mantis.

 

[MetalMatty]

You also mentioned how small they are. That's what I noticed about the kid I saw riding the z1000. I noticed how large the rear tire was and how minimal the bike looked. The rider appeared to be normal size. It was a good demo to see how small the frame is on our ninja 1000 as compared to a First Gen fz1 or Suzuki bandit. Both of those bikes were size large....we have a medium.

When I'm ready to upgrade I'm going to heavily consider a Versys 1100. I'm 6'4 300lbs, I need a big *** bike to feel totally comfortable, though the N1K isn't uncomfortable by any means.

 

[MetalMatty]

I looked at the Versys, and it is larger, but not that much. It was a confusing bike. They are all based around that original z1000 frame and that makes for a small bike. I think that keeps costs as low as they can be, but doesn't make for comfortable touring bikes.

If I were any larger I would find a Suzuki bandit 1200 and build a project bike. They don't sell for very much, used, and with a fork and shock swap you would have modern brakes and good suspension.

It's an old GSX-R based motor, so you can have about any horsepower level you want. A first Gen fz1 would be a good choice, too. The zx14 would be decent, but the low bars hurt its comfort level.

I'll have to take a Versys for a spin then.

I've never actually sat on one I just always assumed that the bigger size meant it was roomier, but if it isn't then might as well just stick with a Ninja 1100, lol.

 

[MetalMatty]

I would want to ride one before I bought one. The seat was nice, and the taller bars were comfortable , but the wind protection wasn't that great and the motor wasn't near what we have in the old Ninja. It didn't feel bulky compared to a Concourse 14, but the fun feel we have wasnt there.

If you have Ivan flash it, you'll know what the low end is supposed to be. I think Kawasaki was worried because the bike didn't have traction control so they limited the low end power and that hurt throttle response. Then again, they still limit low end power, so who knows why?

I DID decide to go Ivan, FWIW. I'll just chalk my experience up with him to an off day, or an off hour, or whatever.

I have a box and bubble wrap in the garage, after this weekends couple hundred miles I'm gonna pull the ECU out and send it Monday morning.

Hopefully have it back Thursday since I'm overnighting it to him from PA.

Also doing a bread box delete while it's down. Full header will come over winter but I'm tired of the fires of Hell roasting my legs at stop lights. Plus, it's ugly as sin.

 

[MetalMatty]

I've ridden several V1Ks from the '15-19 generation. They are definitely more upright and roomy than the same gen N1K. Terrific bike, doesn't yield much to the N1K performance wise and somewhat more practical- definitely better for two up riding. I almost bought one... almost, but the FJR1300 caught my eye and fit my needs better. The current gen V1Ks are updated w/cruise control and other amenities but I find them fugly and I can't ride a fugly bike.
Lee

I'm very curious how the V1100 feels now since it now has the same engine numbers as the N1K. It was always strange to me that they detuned it in the Versys lol

 

[MetalMatty]

You'll know a lot more once you get your ECU back. Our bike is two different topics. With flash vs without flash. It's a dramatic difference on these old bikes.

If you talk about our modded bikes vs a stock versus, it's a 40 HP loss. It's fixed for 2025, but it never made much sense.

It makes literally 0 sense to me that until now, the Versys was so much less power.

Could a tune fix those or was it physically different?

 

[MetalMatty]

Maybe it fit in the line up better with lower power? It should be a move up if you bought a Concourse 14 or zx14, and maybe even the H2 sx? It also made it a performance jump if you bought the more sport oriented ninja 1000? Ok, I tried. I would have had a hard time selling that crap in a meeting. The ninja and Versys are not similar enough to compete with each other, are they? Using the same motor would have saved hundreds of thousands in emissions testing as well.

A tune worked very similar to what it did on our bikes, but it started at a lower number. Versys stock was around 100-105 HP. Modified, with a good exhaust 115-120.

Ours started 20 HP higher. 120 stock, 140 modified. The cams are different and I think it runs lower compression, so it was quite a bit different. It did have a better, wide ratio transmission.

This is common sense, but it has always fascinated me. With any engine, you have to give something to get something else. If you build strong low end, you can't have high top end. Strong low end doesn't mix well with strong top end. Supercharging and turbo charging blur the lines on this, somewhat. Larger displacement does as well. BMW and Suzuki both use a vvt system that helps, but still doesn't change the give to get idea.

Maybe they wanted it to be as low stress as possible? And/or maybe it got noticably better fuel mileage?

I dunno, it's so strange. I can't imagine the fear was that it would hurt N1K sales, like you said they're so different.

Hell, maybe they even planned to run a supercharged model and that could explain the lower compression, but money got tight and they said screw it, lol.