Kawasaki’s popular Z1000SX superbike gets updates for 2016, including a ‘slipper clutch’. The semi-naked, sports-touring hybrid has been topping the sales charts for Kawasaki since its launch a few years ago, and also comes with ABS as standard plus some new colour options.
This 2016 SX’s lever action is 30% lighter thanks to the slipper clutch, which will additionally help with stopping of the beast of a bike. The total spring load is reduced while operating under normal circumstances, as the clutch works like a self-locking mechanism. The faster it spins, the tighter the plates draw together, while rolling the throttle off releases a bit of tension.
During hard engine brakes and rougher downshifting, the clutch disengages a bit, allowing the plates to slide against each other, reducing the brutal deceleration and preventing the rear wheel from hopping.
It’s one of the fastest superbikes on the market and Kawasaki has tried to combat potential customers opting for the Suzuki GSX-S1000F by ensuring no price hike for the revised model next season. Kawasaki says. The race-proven gas-charged horizontal back-link rear suspension comes with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability, just like the front forks.
Othe valuable features have also been retained, such as the dual power modes, 3-way traction control, dual-stage throttle valves and the Eco Riding light indicator.
The 2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX will be offered with an array of fresh paint choices: Candy Lime Green, Candy Plasma Blue, and Metallic Carbon Grey.