Launched in December 2013, the Kawasaki Z1000 costs Rs 25,000 more than the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and have almost similar equipment and power delivery. So, why are we comparing these two? Let's get into their detailing and clear the confusion with a quick comparison.
Japanese auto major Suzuki is one of the most reliable names in the superbike segment, known for offering pure riding experiences. Recently, the company launched its litre-class naked sport and sport touring superbikes, GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F in the Indian market.
Both the motorcycles have been introduced at a very reasonable price tag of Rs 12.25 lakh and Rs 12.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively.
Let's take a look at the streetfighter, GSX-S1000. If you are a street sport fan, you will definitely find it a very tempting deal. But we would rather compare it with another beast, the Kawasaki Z1000, and then let you take a call on what you want to possess.
Styling and appearance
Mostly, styling of a naked sport motorcycle is compared at the level of aggression in their appearance. Both the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and the Kawasaki Z1000 are well crafted for the segment, however, one is definitely wilder than the other.
If we use the word roadster, Suzuki GSX-S1000 perfectly fits the bill. It has a very compact design with bold looks and a forward design, which makes it stand above many other offerings in the respective segment. It has a masculine fuel tank with shrouds, a bold headlamp unit, raised tail and a short, side-slung type muffler making it a perfect streetfighter motorcycle.
Now when you look at the Kawasaki Z1000, you can say that it is one of the wildest motorcycles on this planet.
Front view of this motorcycle can easily make you recall some of the badass machines you have seen in science fiction movies. It is the most advanced example of the Kawasaki's 'Sugomi' design approach and 'Z' DNA, which can be seen in every part of this bike. The extremely low-set headlight unit of the Z1000 is something like you might not have seen before.
Engine and performance
Like many other naked sport motorcycles in the market, Suzuki GSX-S1000 and Kawasaki Z1000 share the power mill of their respective faired siblings, tuned for street riding.
Powering Suzuki GSX-S1000 is the same 999cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder motor that also powers the legendary GSX-R1000. The retuned unit makes a maximum power of 144bhp at 10,000 rpm and delivers a peak torque of 105.75Nm at 9,500rpm.
Kawasaki Z1000 sports a 1,044cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine coupled to an electronic fuel injection system with 38mm throttle bodies. The mill puts out power up to 142bhp at 10,000rpm and torque up to 111Nm at just 7,300rpm.
As you can see that the engine displacement of the Kawasaki is slightly higher than that of the Suzuki, however, the Suzuki motor makes 2bhp more. Also, the GSX-S1000 is 12kg lighter than the Z1000, which means that power to weight ratio of the former is better.
Equipment
Both the motorcycles have the almost similar type of equipment, manufactured by different vendors. These common features are like inverted front telescopic forks with preload, compression and rebound damping adjustability; rear mono-shock suspension with preload and rebound damping adjustability; dual front disc brakes with four-piston radial monobloc calipers; rear disc brake with single-piston caliper; ABS (Anti-lock Braking System); 120/70 section front and 190/50 section rear tyre; traction control and more.
Not only the vendors of these equipment are different, but there are also some minor changes in their specifications as well. The inner tube diameter of the Showa USD forks on the GSX-S1000 is 43mm, while that of the Kayaba USD forks on the Z1000 is 41mm. The diameter of the rear brake disc on the Z1000 is 30mm larger than the 220mm disc on the GSX-S1000. Traction control on the Suzuki gets three riding modes and that of the Kawasaki has just two modes.
Verdict
If we go according to the specs and performance of these two machines, no doubt Suzuki GSX-S1000 is better. However, the styling of the Kawasaki Z1000 leaves all these facts behind and that is the reason, why should you pay the extra Rs 25,000 for it.
