MotoSpecs

2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2009 Buell 1125CR

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 2008 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
2009 Buell 1125CR 2009 Buell 1125CR

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 72° V-Twin
Power
109 kW / 146 hp @ 9800 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
168 kg / 370 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2007 - 082009
ColoursMetallic Diablo Black-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000Buell 1125CR
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)160 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)6.3 inches-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in775 mm / 30.5"
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1384 mm / 54.5"
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in-
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs168 kg / 370 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal21.2 L / 5.6 US gal
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed238 km/h / 148 mph-
Max Power127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm109 kW / 146 hp @ 9800 rpm
Max Torque95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm111 Nm / 11.3 kgf-m / 81.9 ft.lbs@ 9000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec / 122 mph-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement953 cc / 58.1 cu-in1125 cc / 68.7 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.Four stroke, 72° V-Twin
Fuel SystemInjection. EFI, Keihin 36mm throttle body x4-
Bore x Stroke77.2 x 50.9 mm103 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:112.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Fuel Consumption18.9 km/lit-
Fuel Induction4x 38mm throttle bodiesDual Ø61 mm downdraft throttle Bbodies, DDFI III Fuel Injection System
IgnitionDigital -
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operated-
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd / 1.28 / 4th 1.17 / 5th 1.04 / 6th 1.00
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Backbone frameAluminium frame with fuel in frame.
Suspension - Front41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustableø47 mm Showa inverted forks, adjustable compression damping. rebound damping and spring preload. 120mm wheel travel.
Suspension - RearUni-Trak, rebound spring preload adjustable120 mm / 4.7" | Showa® coil over monoshock, adjustable compression damping. rebound damping and spring preload.
Rake25°-
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in-
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7"
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)10.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)268 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.5 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)216 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, 2 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 R17120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Corsa III
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17180/55 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Corsa III

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Buell 1125CR

The 2009 Buell 1125CR edges out the 2008 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

2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 127 hp vs 109 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.

2009 Buell 1125CR - Advantages

  • Lighter: 168 kg vs 221 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 775 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: 1125 cc vs 953 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2009 Buell 1125CR - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2009 Buell 1125CR?
The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2009 Buell 1125CR is powered by Four stroke, 72° V-Twin.
Which is lighter, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2009 Buell 1125CR?
The 2009 Buell 1125CR is lighter at 168 kg compared to 221 kg for the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - a difference of 53 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2009 Buell 1125CR?
The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 produces more peak power at 127 hp, compared to 109 kW for the 2009 Buell 1125CR.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2009 Buell 1125CR?
The 2009 Buell 1125CR has the lower seat at 775 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 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 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2009 Buell 1125CR?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in more peak power, while the 2009 Buell 1125CR 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.

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