2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
238 km/h / 148 mph
Weight
221 kg / 487.2 lbs
2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
437.0 pounds
2008 Buell XB12S Lightning 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

Naked bike

Engine
45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.
Power
86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Top Speed
216.2 km/h / 134 mph
Weight
179 kg / 395 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2005 - 062008
ColoursMetallic Raw Titanium-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000Buell XB12S Lightning
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)145 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.7 inches-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in765 mm / 30.1"
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1320 mm / 52.0"
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in110 mm / 4.4"
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in1092 mm / 43.0"
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in1924 mm / 75.7"
Width770 mm / 30.3 in768 mm / 30.2"
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs179 kg / 395 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal14 L / 3.7 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-386 kg / 850 lbs
Oil Capacity-2.37 L / 2.50 qts
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed238 km/h / 148 mph216.2 km/h / 134 mph
Max Power127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Max Torque95.59114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec / 122 mph12.2 sec
Engine
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement (ci)58.15 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)953.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.2 x 50.9 mm-
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.0 inches-
Displacement953 cc / 58.1 cu-in1203 cc / 73 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Mikuni VM24SS-
Bore x Stroke77.2 x 50.9 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Exhaust-Free breathing, 2-into-1 Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Fuel Consumption18.9 km/lit-
Fuel Induction4x 38mm throttle bodiesØ49 mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-2.8 L / 0.75 US gal
IgnitionDigital -
LubricationWet sumpDry sump
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.649 / 2nd 1.892 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.166 / 5th 1.000
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Backbone frameAluminium frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Suspension - Front41mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with Stepless Adjustable Rebound DampingShowa ø43 mm inverted forks compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable
Suspension - RearUni-Trak with Stepless Adjustable Rebound and DampingShowa coil-over monoshock, remote underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, 127mm wheel travel
Rake24.0°21°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in83 mm / 3.3"
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7"
Wheel Travel - Rear-127 mm / 5.0"
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersZTL type brake, 6 piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle Ø240 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 R17120/70 ZR17 Pirelli
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17180/55 ZR17 Pirelli
Wheels-6-Spoke, ZTL cast aluminium
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17"
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2006 Kawasaki Z 1000

The 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 edges out the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, fuel injection and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 145 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 179 kg vs 221 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 765 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1203 cc vs 953 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, while the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 is powered by 45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 is lighter at 179 kg compared to 221 kg for the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 - a difference of 42 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the lower seat at 765 mm, making it more accessible. The 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in liquid cooling and dual front discs, while the 2006 Kawasaki Z 1000 stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.