New Kawasaki Z1000 R Edition for 2017

Kawasaki has just confirmed that in addition to the standard Z1000, there will be an ‘R’ edition in the line up too.

The ‘R’ gets high-spec Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension and revised ECU settings.

Pricing details are being held until Motorcycle Live, and the first bikes could be with customers as early as January 2017.

Here’s the full release from Kawasaki:

With its unique Sugomi design philosophy and a reputation for being among the most authentic Supernaked machines currently available, the standard Z1000 has just been joined for 2017 by the stunning Z1000 R Edition.

Fully Euro4 compliant and sacrificing none of the power and performance of previous models, the Z1000 R Edition takes the combination of aggressive styling and incredible rider-focussed Kawasaki engineering to another level.

Equipped with braking and suspension components of the highest order, the R Edition has an evocative, menacing Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Graphite Grey colour scheme that is underpinned by a special graphic package complete with yellow-green accents, seat material embossed with the Z logo and further individual touches adding to an incredible visual appearance.

Catching the eye too are 310mm Brembo floating front disc rotors with lateral grooves for heat dissipation acted on by state-of-the-art Brembo M50 calipers supplied by stainless steel braided brake lines.

Handling care of an Öhlins S46DR1S rear shock is made easily adjustable thanks to a remote pre-load adjuster. Combined with revised front fork settings and a modified rear suspension linkage ratio, the handling of the Z1000 R Edition is both more refined and responsive.

In terms of electronics, revised ECU settings account for smoother power delivery while a digital gear position indicator is augmented by and an adjustable shift-up light which illuminates the rev counter display as the desired ratio change speed is achieved.

Already a highly respected and inviting machine, the announcement of the Z1000 R Edition will delight those fans of naked streetfighter class machines that like their ride to be refined yet raw.

Pricing is due to be announced at Motorcycle Live – where visitors will be able to see the bikes for the first time in the UK. Early customer orders could be delivered as early as January 2017.

The standard 2017 Z1000 will be available in two new colours: Metallic Spark Black and Golden Blazed Green as well as Candy Burnt Orange and Flat Ebony.