Aggressive and with a mission to fight for supremacy in the competitive Supernaked class, the new 2014 Z1000 from Kawasaki is forthright, uncompromising and, above all, distinctive. Distilling the Z concept further still, this is Kawasaki Sugomi design at its purest.

Put simply the Sugomi philosophy – which was first used to great effect on the Z800 and Z800 e version - encompasses every aspect of the styling and engineering approach. Using such evocative terms as awesome, imposing, exuding presence and awe inspiring for inspiration, it is a distillation of all of these, carefully combined to create the ultimate Z.

Put simply, the Sugomi approach is conceived to be experienced by the rider in terms of the whole Z1000 riding experience both visually and in respect of engine character and chassis response.

Stripped down, naked and with almost primeval intent, the latest litre class Z expresses this Sugomi design philosophy with a feline character underlining the intimidating presence that has come to define the successful Kawasaki Z line. With dynamic, functional looks, the new Z1000 reveals further seductive upgrades with game-changing lines and inspired detailing.

Highly effective, fingertip controllable Tokico monobloc calipers are one of the most obvious additions to the impressive Z. Radially mounted and matched to a radial pump master cylinder, these calipers not only look impressive, they also mate with the characteristic Kawasaki petal rotors to deliver perhaps the best braking response and feel in the Supernaked sector.

New Big Piston, Separate Function Forks are tuned for plush feeling and an ability to cope with aggressive sport riding as well as relaxed city cruising. With damping and pre-load adjustment, these forks underline the quality of the fearsome front end; a front end characterised by the stunning plunging headlamp cowl with its narrow aspect ultra-bright LED headlamps. Used for the first time on a Kawasaki motorcycle, the LED lamps are compact low energy, long-life units employing the inner two bulbs for low beam and all four units for high beam.

Taking Z power to the next level, the latest incarnation of the Z1000 features an uprated engine with more power, more torque and, fittingly, even greater instant throttle response than ever.

Not only is there more power and urge, but now the way it is delivered is even more stimulating. With revised ECU settings and camshaft timing plus oval connecters between the header pipes and numerous other revisions such as connected cylinders for less pumping loss, the Z1000 now has extra low down urge but not at the expense of its characteristic screaming top end power rush.

Incorporating changes to the airbox and a new airbox resonator, the sensation of speed is underlined by a carefully crafted intoxicating intake howl adding to riding exhilaration.

The feline stance of the Z1000 entices you to climb aboard and experience a forward-inclined riding position with large tube aluminium handlebars, stylish wide mirrors and an upgraded LCD meter arrangement totally in-keeping with the focussed personality of this premier Japanese Supernaked machine.

Evoking the iconic Z 1, the latest Zed proudly displays a four exit exhaust system abruptly styled to accentuate the uncompromising attitude of the rear quarters of this muscular motorcycle. With open space above the large section rear tyre and its angular rear seat accentuated by the characterful LED tail light, the 2014 Z1000 and its Sugomi design philosophy are poised, potent and primeval – ready to answer The Call of the Wild.

For Kawasaki Motors Europe, the latest Z1000 is a significant step in terms of design and brand equity according to Managing Director, Yasushi Kawakami.

“Kawasaki is a major player in the Supernaked category and machines such as the Z750 have been European best-sellers in previous seasons. We believe that, with its unique Sugomi design approach, the latest Z1000 will appeal to the growing number of riders who feel an affinity this type of machine as well as acting as a visual benchmark, reflecting much of what makes the Kawasaki brand so distinctive and appealing”.