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Edition:
Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC - [2003]
This edition of the Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2003. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2004 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Mat Mladin Replica and the 2004 Yamaha YZF1000 R1.This particular Kawasaki Z 1000 has a 953cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.
An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]
The 2003 Z 1000 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the Z 1000's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Norton Superlight SS | 2020cc.2019 Norton Superlight Twin | 2019cc.
Weighing in at 221 kgs (487 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally, give or take 50kg.
The 2003 Kawasaki Z 1000 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ - [2025]
In terms of power the 953cc 16 valve Transverse 4 cylinder engine produces 127 bhp (94 kW) @ 10000 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm].
The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 70.5 lb-ft (95.5 Nm) @ 8000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [50.2 lb-ft (68.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki Z 1000 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2003 Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC.
The 2003 Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 574.6 bhp per ton and 319.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2003 Z 1000 competing with the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [598.9 bhp\ton] and the 1985 Honda CR 500 R [598.1 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki Z 1000 generating around 319.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2006 Kawasaki KLV 1000 V-Twin [343.6 lb-ft per ton] and the 2005 Kawasaki KLV 1000 V-Twin [343.6 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 6.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.6 secs, this makes the Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE (6.4 secs) and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC (6.4 secs). This Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2003 Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC and the 1992 Kawasaki ZR 1100 DOHC
When talking about the performance of the 2003 Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.3 secs @ 122 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1992 Kawasaki ZR 1100 DOHC (11.3 secs) and the 1981 Suzuki GSX 1000 SV Katana (11.3 secs).
The 2003 version of the Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC has a maximum speed of 148mph.
Top Speed of the 2003 Z 1000 equals the 2008 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 S
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2003 Kawasaki Z 1000 DOHC then how about a 2008 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 S (159 mph) and the 2007 Yamaha YZF-600 R6 Fiat Moto GP Replica (159 mph).
