The bike can run effortlessly in the triple digits all day long, slowed only by flashing red lights or pangs of social responsibility. With dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, It develops more than 100 horsepower. The Kawasaki engineers have retuned the mill to deliver lots of low-end and midrange power. A gear-driven counterbalancer takes much of the buzz out of the inherently buzzy design. The six-speed transmission matches the motor perfectly.
Power gets to the wheel via shaft drive, so leave the chain lube at home.
The Concours takes corners confidently and smoothly. Even scary, overcooked curves don't seem to fluster the machine. Just push the inside bar and the bike keeps on leaning, giving the rider sinister thoughts that he could actually win at Daytona on such a machine if only given the opportunity. But going fast requires stopping fast and the ZG1000 is more than up to the task. Double disks in front and a single in the back are adequately powerful with excellent feel and feedback.