The Kawasaki Z1100 Performance is the equipped specification of Kawasaki’s big capacity naked bike, a machine that delivers serious four cylinder performance in a package you can genuinely use every day. This edition arrives with an Akrapovic carbon exhaust and a full set of protective parts already fitted.
The engine is a 1099cc liquid cooled in line four producing 100kW, or 136PS, at 9,000rpm with 113Nm of torque at 7,600rpm. That is a substantial amount of performance, but the way it is delivered is what makes the Z1100 special: the four spins up smoothly and relentlessly, with enough low down drive that it never feels peaky, and a top end that rewards a committed throttle. A six speed return gearbox handles the ratios. The Akrapovic carbon exhaust cuts weight high on the bike and gives the inline four the hard, layered howl that only this engine configuration produces.
The chassis is built to contain that performance. A 41mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping plus spring preload adjustment lets you dial in the front end, while the Horizontal Back link gas charged rear shock offers rebound damping adjustment. Braking is handled by dual semi floating 310mm discs with radial mount monobloc opposed calipers, the sort of specification usually reserved for sports machines. It runs 120/70ZR17 front and 190/50ZR17 rear tyres, weighs 221kg at the kerb on a 1,440mm wheelbase, and the 815mm seat gives a commanding but manageable riding position. The 17 litre tank supports proper distance.
A wet multi disc clutch with assist and slipper function keeps the lever light and the rear wheel settled when changing down hard, and a single 260mm rear disc completes the braking package. Emissions are quoted at 126g of CO2 per kilometre. The Performance kit finishes it thoroughly, with a single seat cover for a purposeful tail, a smoke meter cover, a tank pad and a dashboard screen protector. This is a bike for a rider who wants genuine superbike derived power without the wrists and knees of a full sports machine. Come and see it at GT Motorcycles in Plymouth, serving Kawasaki riders across Devon and Cornwall, with finance available and test rides arranged to suit you.
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