wheel travel while the SX has 144mm from its Showa
shock. Both machines have 120mm front wheel
travel, but the R has 5mm less ground clearance.
Overall, both are very similar machines
mechanically, but with a host of differences to
make them vastly different riding experiences.
Both can happily invade the others niche territory,
but neither does the other’s job extremely well.
Rest assured though, they’re excellent machines.
It’s horses for courses as they say – choose wisely.
QUICK QUOTE
2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX $18,990
Monthly premium: $104.25
Excess: $750
2017 Kawasaki Z1000R $20,599
Monthly premium: $75.42
Excess: $500
Agreed Value Full Cover premium including Apparel cover,
Roadside Assistance, Track Day cover, Keys and Locks
cover, Completion of Journey costs, Salvage Costs. The
quoted premium is based on the following assumptions:
Experienced rider, over 25, living in Auckland, correct
NZ Licence for the Motorcycle, no claims or convictions
within the last 5 years, private use only.
44KIWI RIDER
Z1000R
Fast; fun; flickable; great suspension
No screen/weather protection; pillion comfort
Z1000SX
Screen; pillion seat; panniers available; engine
Soft forks and vague(ish) steering