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What Would I Do With My Z1000?

What Would I Do With My Z1000?

Author: Tomas Yoko
Date: 2014-04-11
I walked into a whirlwind of excitement at East Coast Motorcycles, Juan De Wit had just finished putting the wraps over the latest new bike from Kawasaki as I reached the top of the stairs.

I could tell by the glazed look in his eyes and the ear-to-ear grin on his face that he had something special under the covers. "Not for public consumption?" I asked as he pulled the last tie down tight. "Not yet," came the reply, however it was too late, my interest had been stirred and I wanted to see more.

It didn't take a lot to get Juan to strip off the cover and reveal the source of his manic excitement. As he peeled away the covers I was blown away. The latest Kawasaki Z1000 was being kept under wraps until the embargo had passed. It didn't take a lot of convincing and Juan was raving about the bike. "Kawasaki's Z1000 has long been one of our favorite naked street bikes," enthused Juan with bulging excited eyes, "it earned the distinction of being named Cycle World's Best Standard in 2010 and 2011."

Then I popped the question, "What would you do to this bike if it was yours?" I asked because of what Juan has done to his Z, and I got my reply. "First I would take it on a long ride and show it off to all my friend's, he laughed. "It has a new face-lift and just looks like a bat out of hell." Jaun was already red lining it in second gear. "With a 17 litre tank and a 16 valve, one thousand and forty three cc inline-4 cylinder engine, which has been thoroughly reworked for improved midrange and top-end power, it also goes like a bat out of hell."

By now Juan was well on his way, "Thanks to a new intake camshaft that has 0.3mm less lift and six degrees less duration, plus a modified air box motor I am sure I can find some excitement on the road." There was no stopping him, "Second I would put on two Acropovic slip-ons just so that I can make sure you know I am on my way or even just for the pure sound of the motor." By now Juan had the new Z1000 off the stand and out from under its wraps, and I was truly impressed with the futuristic looks, he stood back and asked "What more could I do?"

You tell Juan when you pop in at East Coast Motorcycles showroom, and look at the new Z1000. You will be impressed if not as excited as Juan. Call them on 031 566 3024 or pop in at 10 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge.