Kawasaki India announces Dec 23 launch for the 2014 Z1000

As Indian Autos Blog reported earlier last month, Bajaj will launch the 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 this month, on December 23rd to be specific.

Unveiled in early November at the 2013 International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, Italy (EICMA), the new Z1000 shows off the brand's new 'Sugomi' design language.

Though the new Z1000 retains the same frame as the older model, it weighs 2.72 kg more. The increase in weight is partly because the fuel tank has been enlarged by 1.51 liters to 17 liters, and ABS is now part of the standard equipment (optional earlier).

Power for the new Z1000 comes from a 1,043 cc, four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine (borrowed from the new Ninja 1000), producing 140 hp at 10,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 7,300 rpm.

Indian Autos Blog was informed by its sources that dealers had already commenced pre-bookings for the new Z1000 last month. The pre-booking amount is INR 5 lakhs, and deliveries for these customers would commence in early January next year.

The on-road price of the new Z1000 is estimated in the region of INR 13 lakhs (the motorcycle costs USD 11,999/INR 7.58 lakhs in the American market). Bajaj will sell the Z1000 as a CBU (Completely Built up Unit) import, and hence the prices are expected to be high.