2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX
2017 Kawasaki Z1000 SX gets Euro4 updates, and changes to
its styling as well as improvements to its sporting and touring capabilities.
The overall look is now closer to the Ninja family, while the fairings are
wider, and the adjustable screen is now taller and double-bubble shaped. The
headlamps have been replaced with all-LED new ones which Kawasaki claim offer
1.4 times the light intensity of the current model’s.
The dash gets an upgrade with new instrumentation
featuring a large analogue tacho, and an LCD screen for everything else you
need to know. This now includes a gear indicator, shift light, and a tacho
needle that goes from white to red as an additional shift reminder. Both rider and pillion seats have been treated to a
slightly wider bum-print, and both get thicker padding too, offering more
support.
The pannier system has been revised to make it easy
to mount and remove the cases – it was a little fiddly on the current model –
and options for luggage include 28-litre Givi-made panniers, and a matching
47-litre topbox, if desired. There are plenty of other creature comforts
available, from Ergo-fit low seat to heated grips, DC outlets, crash protection
and more.
More exciting is the addition of an Inertial
Measurement Unit (IMU) which controls the new Kawasaki Cornering Management
Function, which drives the SX’s traction control and cornering ABS, both of
which are invaluable in a two-up sports-tourer. The ECU has new settings to
match the revised 1043 cc Euro4 engine, and is claimed to deliver smoother
power, while revisions to the shock settings and linkage mean a lowered seat
height of 815 mm and better ride quality.
The new model will be available in Candy Lime Green,
Metallic Spark Black and Candy Burnt Orange.