Kawasaki Z1000 2014 vs. Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Kawasaki Z1000 2014

Kawasaki Z1000 2014

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

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Overview - Kawasaki Z1000 2014 vs Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Kawasaki Z1000 2014 and the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 have in-line engines with liquid cooling. However, the Kawasaki Z1000 has a more powerful engine with 142 HP compared to the Suzuki GSX-8S's 83 HP. The Kawasaki Z1000 also has higher torque at 111 Nm compared to the Suzuki GSX-8S's 78 Nm. Additionally, the Kawasaki Z1000 has four cylinders and a larger displacement of 1043 ccm, while the Suzuki GSX-8S has only two cylinders and a smaller displacement of 776 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks in the front. However, the Kawasaki Z1000 offers more adjustment options with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for the rear suspension, while the Suzuki GSX-8S only has preload adjustment.

Kawasaki Z1000 2014

Kawasaki Z1000 2014

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z1000 has an aluminum frame, while the Suzuki GSX-8S has a steel frame. This may affect the overall weight and handling of the bikes, with the Suzuki GSX-8S potentially being slightly heavier due to the steel frame.

Both bikes have double disk brakes with four pistons in the front, providing good braking performance. The Kawasaki Z1000 also has radial and petal technology in its front brakes, which may offer enhanced braking capabilities.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have the same front tire width of 120 mm and front tire diameter of 17 inches. However, the Kawasaki Z1000 has a wider rear tire at 190 mm compared to the Suzuki GSX-8S's 180 mm. Both bikes have the same rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Suzuki GSX-8S has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1465 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z1000's 1435 mm. The seat height is also slightly lower on the Suzuki GSX-8S at 810 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z1000's 815 mm. Additionally, the fuel tank capacity is slightly smaller on the Suzuki GSX-8S at 14 liters compared to the Kawasaki Z1000's 15 liters.

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z1000 2014 is praised for its sophisticated design, extremely pleasant handling, pleasant sound, and good brakes. On the other hand, the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 is praised for its full-grown and high-quality overall concept, high-torque engine, first-class running culture, stable handling, and overall very high-quality impression. It also has a great naked bike riding position, good and precise quickshifter, high-quality controls, and a very good display. The suspension of the Suzuki GSX-8S offers reserves for a wide range of uses despite the lack of adjustment options, and it has good ergonomics.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z1000 2014 is criticized for its high purchase price compared to the S1000R. The Suzuki GSX-8S 2023, on the other hand, has some weaknesses such as the quickshifter and gearstick requiring a little more operating force than usual, the motorbike being somewhat heavier than other bikes in this class, the ABS controls being very defensively, and the engine lacking rev reserves upwards.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z1000 2014 compared to Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Kawasaki Z1000 2014
Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line crankpin offset
BoreBore77 mmBore84 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke70 mm
Engine powerEngine power142 HPEngine power83 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power10,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque111 NmTorque78 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,300 rpmRpm at Torque6,800 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12.8
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement776 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height50 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,045 mmLength2,115 mm
WidthWidth790 mmWidth775 mm
HeightHeight1,055 mmHeight1,105 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,435 mmWheelbase1,465 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height815 mmSeat Height810 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA2, A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z1000 2014

Kawasaki Z1000 2014

The Kawasaki Z1000 (2014) is a statement against the electronic trend of its time - and that is exactly what makes it special today. Its characterful four-cylinder engine, mechanical directness and uncompromising focus on the essentials strike a chord in a time when many bikes have become rolling computers. Yes, it does without modern Advanced Rider Assistance Systems and perfect wind protection. But it offers an authentic naked bike riding experience, paired with Japanese reliability and reasonable maintenance costs. The Z1000 is not a bike for data sheet junkies or electronics fans - it is a bike for people who still want to make their own decisions when rider. An honest bike with character that continues to inspire even after years and more than fulfils its role as an emotional alternative to the digital modern age.

Strong character 1043cc in-line four-cylinder

Outstanding running culture

Direct throttle response

Low maintenance costs

High reliability

Good availability of spare parts

High resale value

Balanced handling

Stable road holding

High-quality workmanship

Puristic driving concept

Authentic driving experience

Large fan community

Robust suitability for everyday use

Mechanical directness

Active owner community

No modern rider assistance systems

No quickshifter

In practice, the relatively small tank sometimes gets in the way

Hard seat

Vibrations at high revs

Relatively sluggish when changing direction quickly

Damper tuning relatively firm - Suspension performance not good enough for demanding riders

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Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

For years, Suzuki was the brand that offered nice bikes at a good price/performance ratio. With the Suzuki GSX-8S, the brand is much more self-confident. It presents itself as high-quality, mature and places itself at the top of a hard-fought class. The unspectacular performance data and the relatively high weight tarnish the picture only briefly. During the test rides, the Suzuki was completely convincing. A really good motorbike.

Full-grown and high-quality overall concept

high-torque engine

first-class running culture, stable handling, overall very high-quality impression

Very good seat

Great nakedbike riding position

Good and precise quickshifter

high-quality controls

very good display

Suspension offers reserves for a wide range of uses despite lack of adjustment options

Good ergonomics

Quickshifter and gearstick require a little more operating force than usual

Motorbike somewhat heavier than other bikes in this class

ABS controls very defensively

Engine has no rev reserves upwards

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z1000 vs Suzuki GSX-8S

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z1000 2014 and a Suzuki GSX-8S 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z1000 2014 is about 15% higher. Compared to Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 there are less Kawasaki Z1000 2014 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 12 compared to 173. It takes less time to sell a Suzuki GSX-8S with 59 days compared to 75 days for the Kawasaki Z1000. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 41 reviews for the Kawasaki Z1000 and 13 reviews for the Suzuki GSX-8S since model year 2023. The first review for the Kawasaki Z1000 was published on 9/2/2002 and now has more than 5,800 views. This compares to more than 47,300 views for the first review on Suzuki GSX-8S published on 11/8/2022.

Price Kawasaki Z1000

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Suzuki GSX-8S

Model year
Current average market prices

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