2011 Honda CB 1000R vs 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Honda CB 1000R 2011 Honda CB 1000R

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph
Weight
217 kg / 478.4 lbs
2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm
Top Speed
239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph
Weight
643.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year20112012
ColoursPearl BlackOrange/black
Make ModelHonda CB 1000RKawasaki Z 1000
Warranty-12 months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)5.0 inches9.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)127 mm236 mm
Seat Height828 mm / 32.6 in815.3 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.8 in1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Height-1055 mm / 41.5 in
Length-2080 mm / 81.9 in
Width1,016 mm / 40.0 in.770 mm / 30.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight220 kg / 485.0 lbs198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight217 kg / 478.4 lbs221 kg / 487.2 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous modelAlso called USHighland 507 ATX QuadRacer.-
Top Speed228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph 239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph
Max Power123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm
Max Torque100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm110 Nm / 1.2 kg-fm @ 7800 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec11.1 sec
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cu-in1043 cc / 63.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. PGM-FI Fuel injection with automatic enrichment circuit and 36mm throttle bodiesInjection. DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Bore x Stroke75 x 56.5 mm77.0 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio11.2:111.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsMeets current EPA standards. Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment.-
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W/40
Fuel Consumption18.3 km/lit17.1 km/lit
Fuel InductionPGM-F1 Electronic fuel injection36mm throttle bodiesDFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
IgnitionComputer controlled digital transistorizedTCBI with digital advance
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, CR9EK
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/8.6AH-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiplate with coil springs.Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final Drive#530 O-ring sealed chainChain
Gear Ratios1: 2.538 (33/13) / - 2: 1.941 (33/17) / - 3: 1.579 (30/19) / - 4: 1.363 (30/22) / - 5: 1.217 (28/23) / - 6: 1.115 (29/26)1st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 1.950 (39/20) 3rd 1.600 (24/15) 4th 1.389 (25/18) 5th 1.238 (26/21) 6th 1.136 (25/22)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive#530 0-ring chainX-Ring Chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMono-back born coast aluminousType: Aluminum Backbone
Suspension - Front43mm Inverted HMAS cartridge type telescopic forks, with stepless reload, compression and rebound adjustable41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Suspension - RearMonoshock with gas charged HMAS damper rebound adjustableHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload
Rake 25.0°25°
Trail99.0mm / 3.9 in102 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear128 mm / 5.0 in135 mm / 5.4 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)256 mm250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.1 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Front2x 310mm discs 3 piston calipers2x 300mm 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 256mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 R17
Tyres - Rear180/50 ZR17190/50 R17
Wheels - FrontHollow-section 4-spoke cast aluminium-
Wheels - RearU-section 4-spoke cast aluminium-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 edges out the 2011 Honda CB 1000R thanks to its higher torque, greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Honda CB 1000R - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 110 Nm vs 100 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • More ground clearance: 145 mm vs 130 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 128 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2011 Honda CB 1000R vs 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - FAQs

What is the displacement difference between the 2011 Honda CB 1000R and 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000?
Both bikes share the same engine layout, but the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 has a larger displacement at 1043 cc compared to 998 cc for the 2011 Honda CB 1000R. The extra 45 cc gives the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 a broader torque spread and more low-end pull, while the 2011 Honda CB 1000R trades some outright displacement for a lighter, more nimble package.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Honda CB 1000R or the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Honda CB 1000R has the edge in fuel injection, while the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 stands out for higher torque and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.