2003Kawasaki Z1000

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The 2003 Kawasaki Z 1000 is a middleweight naked bike designed for riders seeking responsive performance and everyday versatility. Its 953cc inline-four engine delivers 125 horsepower with excellent mid-range torque, making it equally suited for spirited riding and commuting. Known for aggressive styling and manageable weight, the Z 1000 established itself as an accessible alternative to heavier superbikes.

Capacity: 953.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Seat height: 820 mm
Power: 125.0 HP (91.9 kW)

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Other years 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering85%

City riding75%

Daily riding65%

Touring45%

Two-up45%

Track65%

Best for: Built for spirited street riding and weekend canyon carving rather than long-distance touring or utility use.
Built for: Aggressive, muscular styling paired with a punchy in-line four engine gives it a raw, in-your-face character typical of Kawasaki's Z-series street fighters.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders seeking a mellow first bike or for anyone wanting genuine off-road or long-haul touring capability.

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 820mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2003 Kawasaki Z1000, 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: 953.0 ccm
Power: 125.0 HP (91.9 kW)
Torque: 95.7 Nm (9.8 kgf-m) @ 8000 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.6313 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 77.2 x 50.9 mm
Compression: 11.2:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Performance

0-60 mph: 2.90 seconds
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 3.10 seconds

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1420 mm
Overall length: 2090 mm
Overall width: 770 mm
Overall height: 1054 mm
Seat height: 820 mm
Dry weight: 198.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.00 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Diamond, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 41mm cartridge fork, rebound/spring preload adjustability
Rear suspension: UNI-TRAK®, rebound/spring preload adjustability
Rake (fork angle): 24.0°
Trail: 102 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 250 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/50-ZR17

Other

Color options: Orange, Green, Black

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2003	2008	2012	2017	2021
Capacity	953 cc	953 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc	1043 cc
Dry weight	198 kg	198 kg	—	—	—
Seat height	820 mm	820 mm	815 mm	815 mm	815 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18.5 L	15.1 L	17 L	17 L