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2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 Overview
The 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 is a naked bike motorcycle built around 953 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.2:1. The bore and stroke measures 77.2 x 50.9 mm. 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 delivers 127 hp @ 10000 rpm of peak power and 95.6 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 238 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, 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. Scroll down for the complete 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 Z 1000 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 makes 127 hp @ 10000 rpm with 95.6 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000 is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
DOHC engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Low-speed confidence
At 221 kg, the Z 1000 is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
Z 1000 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2008 Kawasaki Z 1000, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Z 1000 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Z 1000. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Z 1000's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Z 1000. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
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.
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 |
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- |
- |
- |
- |
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| 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 |
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 |
198 kg / 436.5 lbs |
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| 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. |
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- |
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- |
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| 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 |
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| 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
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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
198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.54 litres / 4.90 gallons
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.8 US gal
Wet Weight
221 kg / 487.2 lbs
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
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
Final Drive
Chain
Gearbox
6-speed
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
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