2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 Specifications

Name: 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000
Brand: Kawasaki

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 Overview

For 2008, Kawasaki offers the Z 1000 as a naked bike motorcycle with 953 cc on tap. The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 is built around an In-line four, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.2:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 77.2 x 50.9 mm. Out on the road, the Z 1000 delivers 127 hp @ 10000 rpm of peak power and 95.6 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 238 km/h. In everyday use, the 2008 Z 1000 tips the scales at 221 kg, carries a 18.54-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1,445 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 12.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 spec sheet below.

2008 Z 1000 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the Z 1000 is 127 hp @ 10000 rpm and 95.6 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Large fuel range: With a 18.54-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 820 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on DOHC-equipped engines like the Z 1000's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Double disc up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by 41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustable up front and Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the Z 1000 means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Backbone, high-tensile steel tubes and cast aluminum engine sub-frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The Z 1000's 221 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

Z 1000 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept Z 1000 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a Z 1000's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A Z 1000 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a Z 1000's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 have?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 953 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 has a factory-quoted top speed of 238 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 weigh?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 weighs 221 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 make?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 produces 127 hp @ 10000 rpm of power and 95.6 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 has a 18.54-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 309-370 km between stops.

Is the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 have?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses Double disc at the front and Single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 use?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 190/50-ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 have?

The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

Kawasaki Z 1000 Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki Z 1000 was produced across 15 model years (2004-2021). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2004	2006	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Max Power	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Wet Weight	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	221 kg / 487.2 lbs	220.0 kg / 485.0 lbs	220.0 kg / 485.0 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs	221.0 kg / 487.2 lbs
Dry Weight	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	205 kg / 451.9 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.	Reed valve.	-	-	-	-	-	-
Engine Type	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	V2, four-stroke	V2, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke	In-line four, four-stroke
Top Speed	238 km/h / 148 mph	238 km/h / 148 mph	238 km/h / 148 mph	238 km/h / 148 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in	820 mm / 32.3 in.	820 mm / 32.3 in	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815.3 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.	815 mm / 32.1 in.
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	18 Litres / 4.8 US gal	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 US gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 US gallons	17.00 litres / 4.49 US gallons

Key Specifications

Engine

In-line four, four-stroke

Power

127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm

Torque

95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

238 km/h / 148 mph

Weight

221 kg / 487.2 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18.54 litres / 4.90 gallons

Full 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 Specifications

Year 2007 - 08

Colours Pearl Crystal White

Colours Metallic Diablo Black

Make Model Kawasaki Z 1000

Ground Clearance (mm) 160 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 6.3 inches

Seat Height 820 mm / 32.3 in.

Seat Height 820 mm / 32.3 in

Wheelbase 1,445 mm / 56.9 in.

Wheelbase 1420 mm / 55.9 in

Ground Clearance 145 mm / 5.7 in

Height 1,064 mm / 41.9 in.

Height 1055 mm / 41.5 in

Length 2,090 mm / 82.3 in.

Length 2080 mm / 81.9 in

Width 780 mm / 30.7 in.

Width 770 mm / 30.3 in

Dry Weight 205 kg / 451.9 lbs

Fuel Capacity 18.54 litres / 4.90 gallons

Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.8 US gal

Wet Weight 221 kg / 487.2 lbs

Top Speed 238 km/h / 148 mph

Max Power 127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm

Max Torque 95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm

Max Torque 72.80 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.7 ft.lbs) @ 8200

Standing Start ¼ Mile 11.3 sec / 122 mph

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type In-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

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.0 x 2.0 inches

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type In-line four, four-stroke

Displacement 953 cc / 58.1 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.

Fuel System Injection

Fuel System Injection. EFI, Keihin 36mm throttle body x4

Bore x Stroke 77.2 x 50.9 mm

Compression Ratio 11.2:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Engine Oil Specification Synthetic, 10W/40

Fuel Consumption 18.9 km/lit

Fuel Induction 4x 38mm throttle bodies

Ignition Digital

Ignition TCBI Digital Advance

Lubrication Wet sump

Spark Plug NGK, CR9EK

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Wet, multiple discs, cable operated

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 6-speed

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Backbone, high-tensile steel tubes and cast aluminum engine sub-frame

Frame Type Steel, Backbone frame

Suspension - Front 41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustable

Suspension - Front 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.

Suspension - Rear Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® with gas-charged shock, stepless rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 5.9 in.

Suspension - Rear Uni-Trak, rebound spring preload adjustable

Rake 24.5°

Rake 25°

Trail 102 mm / 4.0 in.

Trail 102 mm / 4.0 in

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 - Rear Diameter (mm) 216 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 8.5 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 268 mm

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 10.6 inches

Brakes - Front Double disc

Brakes - Front 2x 300mm 4 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Brakes - Rear Single 292mm disc 2 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 120/70-ZR17

Tyres - Front 120/70 R17

Tyres - Rear 190/50-ZR17

Tyres - Rear 190/50 R17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.