IRVINE, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2013)— Since its introduction in 2003, the Z1000 has been regarded as a benchmark “naked” sportbike. Kawasaki will unveil the next exciting iteration of the Z1000 family on Nov. 5, at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy. Reflecting a radical new design philosophy, the Z1000 is a result of Kawasaki’s unique “Sugomi” approach, which has created a machine with the palpable energy and appearance of a predatory animal stalking its prey. Harnessing the awe-inspiring, dark brooding menace of a crouching panther, the “Sugomi” approach has resulted in a machine which appears poised on the verge of exploding into action, focused on its prey, its body crouching low, muscles tensing in anticipation. Rather than simply being “fastest” or “most powerful”, the new Z1000 concentrates on the overall emotional intensity of the ride, the tactile feeling of physical control and a carefully measured balance between the two extremes of outstanding engine and chassis dynamics that only Kawasaki could have realized. As Head of Motorcycle Design for Kawasaki, Keishi Fukumoto, notes: “The new Z1000 delivers an increase in overall performance combined with an emotional spirit which will appeal to riders looking for a motorcycle with a strong, discernible character in terms of both looks and riding feel.” “We were delighted to be asked to take a “clean sheet” approach to styling the new Z1000, a naked sportbike with a refined blend of unique Kawasaki spirit and bold “Sugomi” emotion. “From a styling perspective, we wanted to capture and distill the look and feel of a crouching predator getting ready to pounce and combined them with refined engineering features and performance updates to reinforce the Z1000’s position as the class leading naked sportbike,” concluded Fukumoto. Sugomi: The Japanese word “Sugomi” describes the intense aura or energy given off by a person or object of greatness and felt by the viewer. Someone, or something, possessing Sugomi inspires awe, leaves an indelible impression, is daunting in stature or ability, and commands respect. Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and personal watercraft through a network of more than 1,200 independent retailers, with an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters. Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. For five decades, the Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.