Naked Motorcycles

2015Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition

39 fields on record

The 2015 Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition targets experienced sport bike enthusiasts seeking raw performance and aggressive styling. Known for its potent inline-four engine and lightweight aluminum frame, this middleweight superbike delivers sharp handling and responsive power delivery. The distinctive black and green colorway with orange-accented digital gauges defines its track-focused character and modern aesthetic appeal.

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 220.0 kg
Seat height: 815 mm
Power: 142.0 HP (103.6 kW) @ 10000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2015 Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition

vs the 2014

Spec	2014	2015
Power	140.1 HP (103.0 kW)	142.0 HP (103.6 kW) @ 10000 RPM

Other years 2013 2014 2015

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering88%

City riding75%

Daily riding70%

Touring45%

Two-up50%

Track70%

Best for: Built as an aggressive street and canyon-carving naked bike that blends big sportbike power with an upright, muscular stance.
Built for: Aggressive, muscular, and visually striking, this bike delivers a raw, torque-rich in-line four character with sharp handling and strong brakes for spirited road riding.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for off-road use, new riders wary of high power, or those seeking a relaxed, wind-protected long-distance tourer.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 815mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2015 Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Power: 142.0 HP (103.6 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Torque: 111.0 Nm (11.3 kgf-m) @ 7300 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.6455 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression: 11.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1440 mm
Overall length: 2046 mm
Overall width: 790 mm
Overall height: 1055 mm
Seat height: 815 mm
Wet weight: 220.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminium twin-tube
Front suspension: 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 122 mm
Rake (fork angle): 24.5°
Trail: 101 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Optional ABS. Petal-type rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers.
Front brakes diameter: 310 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Optional ABS. Petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper.
Rear brakes diameter: 250 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/50-ZR17