2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2013 Triumph Bonneville

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2013 Triumph Bonneville 2013 Triumph Bonneville

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
49 kW / 66 hp @ 7250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
225 kg / 495 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20122013
ColoursOrange/black-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000Triumph Bonneville
Warranty12 months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)236 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)9.3 inches-
Seat Height815.3 mm / 32.1 in.739 mm / 29.1 in
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1488 mm / 58.6 in
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in1130 mm / 44.5 in
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in2113 mm / 83.2 in
Width770 mm / 30.3 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs205 kg / 451 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal16.0 Litres / 4.2 US gal / 3.5 Imp gal
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs225 kg / 495 lbs
Performance
Top Speed 239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph-
Max Power101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm49 kW / 66 hp @ 7250 rpm
Max Torque110 Nm / 1.2 kg-fm @ 7800 rpm71 Nm / 7.24 kgf-m / 52 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.1 sec-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement1043 cc / 63.7 cu-in865 cc / 52.8 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles-
Bore x Stroke77.0 x 56.0mm90 x 68 mm
Compression Ratio11.8:19.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir-cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40Synthetic, 15W/50
Fuel Consumption17.1 km/lit-
Fuel InductionDFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttlesMultipoint Sequential Fuel injection
IgnitionTCBI with digital advanceDigital
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectric-
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedWet, multi plate
Final DriveChainChain, X-ring
Gear Ratios1st 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-speed-
Primary DriveX-Ring Chain-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeType: Aluminum BackboneTubular steel cradle, swing arm: twin-sided, tubular steel
Suspension - Front41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload41mm Kayaba telescopic forks
Suspension - RearHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preloadKayaba chrome spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake25°26°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in106 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.4 in106 mm / 4.17 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting system30W x 2 halogen-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston Nissen floating calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliper-
Tyres - Front120/70 R17100/70 R17
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17130/80 R17
Wheels - Front-Cast aluminium alloy, 7 spokes, 17 x 3.0 in
Wheels - Rear-Cast aluminium alloy, 7spokes, 17 x 3.5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 edges out the 2013 Triumph Bonneville thanks to its higher torque, liquid cooling, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 110 Nm vs 71 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1043 cc vs 865 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 106 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2013 Triumph Bonneville - Advantages

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

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2013 Triumph Bonneville - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2013 Triumph Bonneville?
The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2013 Triumph Bonneville is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2013 Triumph Bonneville?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in higher torque and liquid cooling, while the 2013 Triumph Bonneville stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.