2010 Streetfighter Shootout: Kawasaki Z1000 vs. Triumph Speed Triple

[TheCycleGuy]

Nice article and excellent video! It's so nice to hear that the new Z1000 is an actual sportbike, and probably better at the track than the Speed Triple. The Speed Triple is an icon, though, and that counts for a lot.

[anrajala]

Originally Posted by Buzglyd

European Sportbike?

You might wanna ask a Brit if they consider themselves European.

I think they would admit through the gritted teeth. They carry European passports, belong to the Union and are geographically located in Europe. Not to mention the history, plus the fact that Anglo-Saxons are German in origin (hey that must be good news for many of you also).

But if you asked Brits if they want to be European, you get a different answer. Also if you asked the French whether the British Isles should be chopped off and dragged to the coast of Equatorial Guinea, you'd get a heartwarming response.

- cruiz-euro

[longride]

Speed Triple all the way. It's a modern classic. The Z1000 will be forgotten about after they stop making them, which should probably be next year. Just too goofy looking to stick around long.

[seruzawa]

Unfortunately for the Kawasaki it doesn't have the triple snarl. And those pipes...... yeeeesh. I doubt that the slight handling advantage means much to people who want hooligan bikes. LR is right though. Kwacker will sell about 5 of these things.

American don't care about naked bikes.

[longride]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

Unfortunately for the Kawasaki it doesn't have the triple snarl. And those pipes...... yeeeesh. I doubt that the slight handling advantage means much to people who want hooligan bikes. LR is right though. Kwacker will sell about 5 of these things.

American don't care about naked bikes.

Here is the death sentence for the Kawi, or maybe death sentences:

“Now that is a sick motorcycle!” raves MO forum member Kenneth Moore. “It looks mean as hell and ready to ride over a gaggle of nuns on their way to confession. The fairing gizmos that stick out from the sides are a little much, but it's still dope. Neat, neat, neat.”

It's over folks!

[mscuddy]

Why does Kawsaki insist on giving us those goofy pipes? Every year they get even more hideous. I expect to see finger valves off a trombone pretty soon....ick.

[Kenneth_Moore]

Originally Posted by mscuddy

Why does Kawsaki insist on giving us those goofy pipes? Every year they get even more hideous. I expect to see finger valves off a trombone pretty soon....ick.

I suspect it's a style younger riders like, especially those coming up with Moto GP and WSBK motorcycles with low, chunky mufflers. In person they really aren't that outrageous, and they have a really nice bronze finish. Of course, the vast majority of them will wind up in the scrap pile anyway; replaced with aftermarket cans.

[Dr_Sprocket]

Fonz, nice job on the photos. I just went through them a second time. Very nice. I even "borrowed" one for my desktop:

http://www.motorcycle.com/gallery/ga..._itemId=229644

Thanks!

[pushrod]

Nice write-up and a good vid!

The Zed is a decent-looking machine,and has pretty good numbers. However, I just don't see anyone walking into a Kawasaki dealership with a stiffy for one. The performance guys (or more accurately, the squids) will be there for a Ninja.

But Ol' bug-eyes...

Other than a very well-deserved reputation for destroying Driver's Licenses, it is (as stated above) an icon. And it's almost the definition of a "Hooligan bike."

Remember when it first came out it was called the 'pre-crashed bike from Triumph?'

[Duken4evr]

I don't care what is cool or in style, what the market wants or does not want. This is the best type of motorcycle on the road, period. Real power, real handling, bombproof reliable, comfortable do it all bikes.

Hard running liter class nakeds kick butt, got that?

Being stubborn guy that I am, I will still take my modded FZ1 over the Z. It revs to 12,000 rpm, makes 150 hp with bolt on mods and it looks clean. The Z style is a bit wonky for me.