2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX vs 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Sport touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
507.1 pounds
2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC with mixed gear/chain timing system, 4 valves per cylinder Twin Spark
Power
125 hp / 91.9 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
214 kg / 471.7 lbs 228kg / 502 lbs Travel Pack
Full Specifications
General
Year-2015
ColoursBlack, green/black-
Make Model-Aprilia Caponord 1200
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)5.3 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)135 mm-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase1,445 mm / 56.9 in.1564.6 mm / 61.6 in
Height1,170 mm / 46.1 in.1440 mm / 56.6 in
Length2,105 mm / 82.9 in.2245 mm / 88.3 in
Width790 mm / 31.1 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-214 kg / 471.7 lbs 228kg / 502 lbs Travel Pack
Fuel Capacity19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons24 Litres / 6.34 US gal
Wet Weight230.0 kg / 507.1 lbs-
Performance
Max Power-125 hp / 91.9 kW @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 11300114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84.6 lb/ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 56.0 mm-
Displacement (cc)1043.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)63.64 cubic inches-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.2 inches-
Displacement-1197 cc / 73.0 cu in
Engine DetailReed valve.Four stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC with mixed gear/chain timing system, 4 valves per cylinder Twin Spark
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke-106 x 67.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.8:112.0 ± 0.5 : 1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump-
Exhaust-2 into 1 exhaust system in 100% stainless steel with three-way catalytic converter and lambda probe
Fuel Induction-Integrated engine management system. Injection with triple map Ride by Wire throttle management: Sport (S), Touring (T), Rain (R)
Fuel Reserve-5 Litres / 1.3 US gal
IgnitionDigitalDigital electronic, integrated with the injection, two spark plugs per cylinder
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualMultiple discs in oil bath, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainChain.
Final Drive Ratio- 17/42
Gear Ratios-1st 14/37 2nd 18/32 3rd 21/28 4th 24/26 5th 25/24 6th 27/24
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium twin-tubeModular tubular steel frame fastened to aluminum side plates by high strength bolts. Removable steel rear
Suspension - Front41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustabilitySachs ø43 mm upside-down front fork with fully adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload.
Suspension - RearHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustabilitySachs hydraulic shock absorber with adjustable rebound and preload.
Rake24.5°26.1°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in.125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front-167 mm / 6.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-150 mm / 5.9 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-690 W/6000 rpm
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs.2x Ø320 mm stainless steel floating discs. Brembo four-piston radial callipers. Metal braided brake hoses.
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle Ø240 mm stainless steel disc. Single piston Brembo caliper. Metal braided brake hose. Continental two channel ABS system and Aprilia Traction Control (ATC).
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 -ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50-ZR17180/55 -ZR17
Wheels-Lightweight aluminium alloy with three split spokes.
Wheels - Front-3.50 X 17
Wheels - Rear-6.00 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX edges out the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 thanks to its lower seat height and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 840 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX vs 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX and 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 is powered by Four stroke, longitudinal 90°V twin, DOHC with mixed gear/chain timing system, 4 valves per cylinder Twin Spark.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX or the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 sits higher at 840 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX or the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 stands out for liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.