MotoSpecs

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 2009 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
2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
427.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2009-
ColoursPearl Crystal White-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-135 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in815 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1,460 mm / 57.5 in.
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in1,060 mm / 41.7 in.
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in2,140 mm / 84.3 in.
Width770 mm / 30.3 in770 mm / 30.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs194 kg / 427.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed238 km/h / 148 mph-
Max Power127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm-
Max Torque95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm106.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.7624 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec / 122 mph-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.1 inches
Displacement (ci)-60.90 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 53.6 mm
Displacement (cc)-998.00 cc
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeIn-line four
Stroke-4
Displacement953 cc / 58.1 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.-
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection
Bore x Stroke77.2 x 50.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.2:111.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Fuel Consumption18.9 km/lit-
Fuel Induction4x 38mm throttle bodies-
IgnitionDigital TCI (digital)
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedWet, multiple-disc coil spring
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Backbone frameAluminium die-cast, diamond shaped
Suspension - Front41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustableTelescopic upside down forks
Suspension - RearUni-Trak, rebound spring preload adjustableSwingarm (link suspension)
Rake25°-
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in-
Wheel Travel - Front-130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm245 mm
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersDouble disc. ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. ABS
Tyres - Front120/70 R17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17190/50-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS

The 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS edges out the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 145 mm vs 135 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS - Advantages

  • Lighter: 194 kg vs 221 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS?
The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS is powered by In-line four.
Which is lighter, the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS?
The 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS is lighter at 194 kg compared to 221 kg for the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 - a difference of 27 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2008 Yamaha FZ1 ABS stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. 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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