2010 Kawasaki Z1000 vs Triumph Speed Triple review

[@FireRescueFL]

I had the opportunity to ride both these bikes within an hour of each other this past week at Daytona Bike Week. I don't own either a Triumph or a Kawasaki (I'm a Ducati guy) but my vote hands down is for the Speed Triple. The eronomics were more comfortable, it was just as easy to throw over into a corner as the Z1000, the Brembo brakes performed better, and the engine had a much more useable powerband. Between the two, I'll take the Triumph.

[@G_volve]

watching this in 2022 is pure blessing

[@jeroenverheij2286]

Of all the bikes I owned these two are my favourite. Love them both

[@UvidCo]

I'm Canadian and Triumph will always hold a place in my heart. I sold my 02Daytona last year and I still miss it to this day.

[@aliwhitwell]

Got to say that the 955i triple that I have owned for 5 years is superb. Never once let me down and for a bike that is now 10 years old it can still compete with any street fighter for grunt! I just wish my cars were as reliable.

[@sloppyzowe]

You have to admit many of the Japanese bikes out today are of superb build quality. The Z1000 is just an awesome bike! I'd have them both. Even though the Speed Triple holds a special place in my heart..

[@KBBF3]

That lack of low end power on the Zed he's talking about, being a pain having to rev it to when trying to commute; I say LOL. Just bought mine a cpl days ago, and he's right... but by the time you pass 6k RPM, you're well over the speed limit. 0-6k revs is very docile...perfect for commuting.

[@chasearchibald2039]

What a surprise; MCN choses a Triumph.

[@chasearchibald2039]

I'll be dammed.

[@sodoffbaldric4750]

Steven Varley You mean.......There are two "O"s Don't correct people on their spelling when you cant get it right yourself. Idiot.

[@Checkmate025]

+Steven Varley smaaack, take that son

[@MrBlueberrypie44]

I want to hurt myself

[@Chrispage2]

Ofc Triumph always better because UK makes it :D

[@UrbanGypsy27]

Both awesome bikes, but I'm loving the street triple!!! Smaller, lighter, more agile, more fun and cheaper!

[@Krezo200]

Owned the z1000 for 8 years and now got my second speed triple Both have their pros and cons Love both

[@7ru]

I own a '07 Speed Triple right now and I have to say that where this thing shines is around town. Having 90% torque at 3500 rpm produces the kind of fun-factor that in my experience compares only to a motard. (A really f*cking fast motard) I also haven't had good experiences with build quality in the past concerning Kawis. After 25000 kms the Speedy has been flawless (just a lot of rear tires).

[@an50331]

the speed triple looks so damn badass, just classic

[@Rogge73]

Yes, that design and sound is just ❤❤

[@MrBlueberrypie44]

Wow MCN has come a long way in their videos.. no surprise I guess as technology has improved massively over the last 5-10 years, especially as the number of independent VLOG riders have access to pretty good gear these days for cheap. Love the rivalry though, as 'do it themself' reviewers have pushed the bar higher. Still these old 'crappy' videos have their place for people who aren't well off and are looking to purchase 2nd hand bikes, but still want a first class review 'as new'. great

[@MrVirtualVlogger]

speed triple is a favorite in my book. I haven't rode the z1000 but between my gsxr1000 and my triple.. i love the triple. The power at low and mid makes it an absolute blast to ride around town while running with some of the fastest super bikes on the highway. He commented how you have to clutch up low speed wheelies with the z1000, that would be a deal breaker for me. I ride my gsxr when I want top end power.

[@mpdowd]

The Speed Triple is gorgeous!

[@kinderutz]

Not with those headlights 🤮

[@trippplefive]

nice no bs review. i'm hoping to get a street triple r eventually and it's good to know that it'll be a bit better than my cousin's z1000.

[@dumbcat]

(-_-)

[@randyheiser5367]

I had a 2010 z1000 and the ecu flashed by Ivan's performance and it changed the whole bike. It would wheelie from a stop just cracking the throttle.

[@kd350]

First gen Z wins...at least here. Bought mine new in '03. New brakes in the mail for delivery and am prepping this morning. 44,000 miles and nary a problem...cleaned the filter in the pump, 2nd ZX10 front sprocket with the original factory chain still un-stretched, weepy valve cover gasket, and replaced both EGR hoses. Did have the shop do my only work not self wrenched: replaced the fork seals for one hour of labor. Far better looks and original exhaust still spotless. One of 12 bikes plated.

[@timmyp77]

My pick is the Trumpie too. Love the bottom-end power and the note of the triple, especially the over-run. To all the Americans who had trouble understanding what he was saying or immediately thought of the only British film you've ever seen, may I suggest you try 'traveling'.

[@toto8504101080]

MCN, please tell me you base your judgment of a ride more than just riding around 3 corners hanging off craping knee on ground or pulling wheelies... I like the all-round comparison you guys talk about - brakes, comfort, trottle responce etc... You get 3.5/5 in my book due to the lack info of how the bikes feel in traffic

[@davesmith9734]

Nice review m8 ,im lucky to own both ,i use the triumph for local runs 60 miles or so and the z for long distances ,there both great.

[@bastardjunkie]

Anyway, I've had different motorcycles, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Triumph being the Japanese more reliable overall, but being the Brit the most enjoyable of them all. Triple engines are fun. Inline engines are solid. The one thing I like better on the 3 cilinder is their capability of doing everything so right, in all the rev range. I've had an Hayabusa and let me say, from 0-180 km/h I prefer the Triple: it's power delivery is so enjoyable that you have to drive one to understand - seriously!

[@ukspizzaman]

I have ridden the Z1000 for a day in twisties, and I dont really get why he says that it lacks low end power. I dont think it does. I have never even sat my ass on the speed triple, so I cant compare them. I am trying to get a test ride though, but my only local triumph dealer only have the street triple in store. Its gonna be one of these two next spring.

[@TheSaneRider]

Kawi has reliability and power. Triumph has more character and fun factor. Just picked up a street triple myself. Curious to see how she compares to my Z I had.

[@jamesc6363]

The kwaka isn't even close. Triumph has built something absolutely magical with the Speed Triple.

[@dahveed284]

Good review. Thanks. Was that the Speed Triple or the Speed Triple R?

[@weezerhopw]

Speed triple wins. no surprise really. I have been riding for 35 years and have owned and ridden almost every brand of motorcycles and several different styles. In the past 15 years, I have been more sport riding than anything and I have to saw, the Speed Triple wins hands down. It really doesn't matter which one "Newby Joe" wants because .."this or that" is faster...lol..sounds like somthing a Fast n Furious fan would say. In the end, it's all about riding skill.

[@nimlil]

He was siteing rear wheel horspower. Seems like the kawi puts out more than claimed if it puts out 131 at the wheel. The old Z was rated at 122-125hp and put out around 108 at the wheel.

[@RottenJeeves]

I can you which one is a better deal. I picked up a 2010 z1000 with 15k for 5500 about a month ago. Cant beat that.

[@cornish_boy6235]

I got my 2011 speedy with 4400 miles(and extra bits like pipe) 5 months ago for £6250. My mate has the same z1000 as in the clip and they are amazing bikes and bloody quick! Lol

[@redraiders2K9]

I'm trying to sell mine with only 3.9K miles for $5,000

[@dtfaaron]

I agree. I got just bought a 2010 Z1000 with 4500 miles for $5000.00 even. Practically brand new bike.

[@Grabonator86]

The Speed Triple is a great Bike but i just dont like the way it looks. The Z1000 looks much better, i dont like the front lights from the Speed triple

[@BlackZ062007]

The Speed Triple wins because it goes to 11 !! Thank You Nigel Tufnell!

[@BestMotorWerks]

Triumph speed triple is sick

[@TheSentinelGuardian]

They are both outstanding bikes, just different, it's a matter of personal preference really, you get the one that appeals most to you and you win!

[@HondaFife]

Speed Triple all the way. Absolute n total stunner of a bike! Incredible.

[@cavediverjc]

Both bikes are good looking bikes. I'm a Triumph Speed Triple fan though, so it wins out for me. The Z1000 sounds like it's a pretty badass bike though.

[@qikqbn77]

For some reason, maybe cause I grew up watching anime cartoons, but I just always loved the looks of the Z1000. That's why I bought one over the speed triple. I know the triple is good, but I can't get over the looks of the speed triple. to me, kind of boring, kind of like a face only a mother could love.. but that's just my opinion. still a great bike....

[@kmetz2]

I didn't realize 2010 was 40 years ago based on the kit and video quality...

[@gwwayner]

Why are you people talking about cruisers? These are light and fine handling naked sportbikes! The advantage being a more upright and comfortable riding position, and a torquier powerband for real world street riding. I would give the nod to the Triumph though cos the three cylinder engines have better grunt at lower revs (nice on the street) as well as a nice top-end rush. (and better sound!) Peak hp beyond 100hp is only relevant to a racetrack unless you are suicidal lol.

[@gixxerfan33]

I agree with you there. Americans are the same way and all too often go for Japanese imports over American cars. You should try a truck though. Seriously, an F-150 that you can use to pull your bike to the track and what not. Think about it.

[@tglover879]

@09AMDBS the Z1000 is actually very up right to sit on. at least i thought it was. but the speed triple (i've never sat on one) but it seems really sweet. The Z1000 has been my dream bike for about 3 years now but now it's between the speed triple and the Z1000. but i have time to do a lot of research to find the bike i really love cause i have to save money haha. but yea i'm just saying don't give up on the Z1000. go and sit on one, cause it's pretty upright.

[@Jinidosful]

on the website they mention cranck horsepower not @ the wheels....so it has 135 @ the cranck and 113 @ the wheels. cheers

[@gixxerfan33]

1. Welcome to 2010. 2. Of course MCN loves the 675. Brits love British bikes. Just like Top Gear loves anything and everything that's made in England.

[@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454]

And just like gixxer fans and Busa boys are all about top end and keeping the revs up. Broad power band safer and more enjoyable in traffic.

[@dallatorretdu]

is the low end torque so much different?

[@luisronaldofigo]

are these considered standard naked or a sportbike naked

[@MotoErgoSum]

@GenomeSoldier71 Speed Triple is 10k. Base Streetfighter is 15k. I think your math is off. Check out State Farm for insurance. I have my 955i Speed Triple, Ducati 1098, and 05 Subaru STI on the same plan, plus renter's insurance for less than half of what I was paying Progressive or Geico. It helps being almost 30, having zero tickets, and 14 years of riding experience on the street. Good luck with insurance if you have any tickets and are under 25. Been there.

[@CampervanKevin]

I would rather ride in a t-shirt and cut off shorts than that MCN riding suit he has on. Do they have mirrors on other side of the pond?

[@ltgesq]

I think its pretty clear that the speed triple is better at those things listed: low end grunt, throttle control, plusher suspension, brakes, ride quality, and price. I would add classic styling over a hideous "transformer" look. As far as racetrack performance goes, I am not racing on the city streets. These are street bikes. If you want to race a triumph triple, you are always going to be down on power because there isn't a displacement allowance per cylinder. I

[@LiamXR]

When will you make a review on the Kawasaki ER-6n 2012?

[@kurt6154]

I bet the torque on the triple is better, I got an 07 triple and hang with zx10r's up to 120 and thats when they start to pull away

[@fullfunk]

just by the looks the speed wins not counting the rest! because that engine is killer!

[@amapolishplummer]

How much is the insurance for the bike? And what quote do you get more the litre bikes (Like an MV Agusta, Ducati or any Jap 1 lire?).

[@jeffdroid]

This guy is paid to pick. I own the Zed 1000 and the torque is from 2k rpm to redline. It is a torque monster!

[@bimmer666]

There is only 1 Test Worldwide where the old Triple won. Its MCN from GB. :)

[@jordy188]

The speed triple has got 130hp...

[@Megacatares]

not to rear wheel.

[@superfastgherkin]

OMFG!!!... I NEED that adjustable clock on my street fighter!!! Why FFS in a 4:05 minute shootout of two sweet street fighter/naked style bikes would you talk about this hinged clock and the "gimmicks"?!

[@lamilumag]

he's a triumph lover - we all know - but that's ok - i still like him a lot as a reviewer :)

[@darrens300]

Would help if they knew what they where talking about. The Speed triple is 130bhp...

[@shiftyshamsk]

I had a speed triple 1050 and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Hard suspension, iffy fueling, harsh engine. I've a Z1000 2007 which is far better as an all-round bike. I've up geared it and it'll cruise at 85 easily now. Fueling is great, ride is better too. Good bikes Kawasaki's. They've had far more R&D money spent on bettering the breed since god knows when. Get a go. You'll be surprised.

[@KBBF3]

I hit 100, which wasn't horribly speeding by bike standards, and was prob well over 6k in his defense...but honestly not sure; was too busy trying to keep the front wheel on the ground

[@itzmatty]

I have always loved my kwakas for sports bikes, But when it comes to streetfighters and Naked bikes Nothing Comes close to the speed triple

[@cwugrad396]

This was a 2010 review and an older version. The 2012 produces 135hp

[@bastardjunkie]

Well, in fact i am 36 years old, so not so "junior". Well, amongst other things Kawasaki build their first motorcycle in 1950, Triumph did the same thing 50 years before. History is history my friend. Triumph Speed Triple is a 1994 bike, Z1000 is a 2003 bike (but let's consider it's origin on 1972's Z1 SUPERBIKE): If you want to go back in history to get Speed Triple's origins, go back to 1937's Speed Twin. You can argument with this and that but you can't go around history "senior" :)

[@Midnightsun675]

Triumph speed triple! FTW just love my Triumph

[@ghostrecon5460]

would be interesting to see one new match with 2012 Kawasaki Z1000 vs 2012 Triumph Speed Triple

[@GenomeSoldier71]

@kuhlka The Ducati Streetfighter will cost you nearly double what these will, not to mention the cost to insure. I was doing some shopping around and after comparing the Monster 696 to the Street Triple (insurance-wise), most companies were giving the Monster the super-sport rating (around 350%), just because it's a Duc.

[@kylehennen]

why stand like that? just, why?

[@Nas96__]

Kyle Hennen hmm... musculature imbalance?

[@BiodegradeableMan]

The Triumph is cheaper, more grunt, better suspension and better in all areas but only just wins the review?

[@ferrumignis]

Not as powerful as the Kawasaki, and he said it felt more dated.

[@gixxerfan33]

Too right. The different engines should put them in separate classes, who cares if they're both streetfighters.

[@MotoErgoSum]

Most powerful supernaked at 130rwhp? Um, I think you're forgetting about the Ducati Streetfighter...

[@Nekminute]

The speed triples are expensive as used, havent see one under 4 K euros and they all have some crash damage wtf

[@SuperMScountryboy]

man no kidding iv yet to see one that hasnt been laid down!!!!

[@progressiverebel]

So what is the top legal speed in the UK? When I was young I rode a cycle to just about 115. Montanat at one time had no legal top speed but that has changed. I checked and the top legal Speed down in parts of Texas is 85 mph. But what is it in the UK. It's very weird riding at 115 but on my current cycle a 2003 Honda Shadow Ace Delux the cycle wants to go 90... The State Patrol said to keep it under 70, but the acceleration move this cycle in seconds from 70 to 90. It's not the fastest cycle, or even nearly the fastest, but the Ace is stylish. So what can you do legally with a 200 mph cycle in the UK? Good Cycling . Rebel Strong.

[@TheBikePike]

Speed limit is 70mph on Motorways and 60mph in most rural areas, however police and speed camera's don't care if you do 80 on the motorway and just under 70 in rural areas.

[@mortulu]

@astra607 I think it´s the red leather. Shouldn´t look too awkward standing like that in flat black Sympatex.

[@pmccann74]

@fullfunk That's your opinion.You have an old fashioned taste but that's ok. Modern bike designs incorporate sharp lines. The street triple looks dated. But whatever rocks your boat

[@mosellid]

So powerful? I did even beat the z1000 with my cbr 600rr. A bike should be fun, so i would prefer the speed triple

[@unbelievabubble]

Need post on your videos man - Adobe Premiere and adjust your levels! darks need brightening

[@emsevas]

ill stick to my united motors v2s250r, its not fast by any means, it goes down the freeway just fine, gets 77 miles per gallon and handles like a dream.

[@tekmoe]

Speed Triple remains the king of naked bikes!

[@TurtleFactori]

@GenomeSoldier71 double? 11,200 compared to 14,995 is almost like twice as much right? $3,800 is roughly the same number as 11,200 ._.

[@bastardjunkie]

Of course you don't, otherwise you'd prefer the Triumph :) But thanks God not everybody thinks like me. It would be very boring! Now, every other aspect you may consider as pro and cons. S3 is lighter, has great brakes, and the tri-cilinder engine that causes serious addition. The Kawa is faster (probably), it has more power and the design is very modern. I guess leaving the "pedigree" thing apart each one has it's strengths and none has weakness. It goes with each one's criteria...

[@zioleone]

How about the b-king? It's a japanese super naked! And it's more powerfull than that 2 bikes.

[@mtbmac2692]

On looks alone. Triumph every time. very few people have the ability to use any bike this powerful to full potential. not legally anyway, hence its mainly about look, comfort , price. I'm sure the Kwak is a great bike but I just don't like how it looks....end of

[@carlosandleon]

the kwak looks beautiful

[@miyagimojo]

What the ??? Every other journo in the world rates the Zee as being ahead of the Speed Triple. Every test that MCN does with Triumph, the trumpy always comes out on top.

[@kmax]

As expected in MCN review, even with space shuttle , triumph will be better...

[@zepmon]

speed triple every time, just far better engine than any in line 4 only a twin can beat one if you ask me.

[@dieselmac]

@BlackZ062007 only goes to 11? but I don't get it.I thought it only had a 10.this one must be special.why didn't they just make the 10 better?

[@Tarten46]

the trumpet is much better looking than the kow.

[@davesmith9734]

both are just scary , i dont notice a diffrence ,but a like the kwak better.as a bike .but love the triumph for its great name.

[@FasterThanSoup]

@opmike343 hahaha, where is this from? monty python? i remember the line but, i cant remember where its from. please, please dont leave me hanging

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

@740ilPower Yeah, I do prefer the Japanese cruisers. They look and sound like a harley, but for much cheaper and more power. Kawasaki VN2000 is my favorite, and the Suzuki M109r.

[@dallatorretdu]

you need to try something likethe superduke or this triple here, they are still 1000s, with less top end power and more low. Of course the question is the same: you have shitloads of it and you have even more.. do you need it to "walk around" as he says? I guess he finds 600s too weak for take them for a walk

[@Aw3someToTh3Max]

Yeah...but the truth actually is that indeed the Triple is better than the zee, talking about 2012.

[@TheSentinelGuardian]

@DuckwalkSupreme Harley's are cool if you're stuck in the 50s; into the nostalgia of it all, but not if you want a good modern bike, because they don't make one!

[@ducatistaCH]

@Adam986 well, that is what you get when your suit fits really well....

[@asif555b]

I LOVE SINGLE SIDED SWING ARMS!!!!

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

@TheSentinelGuardian Well, straight up cruisers, whether they be Harleys or not aren't very modern to begin with. Cruisers are my favorite type of motorcycle, but I like all kinds and brands. They all have a place and they all exist because there's someone out there that wants one.

[@geonerd]

Kinda dumb to knock the Z1's low RPM power. You can't get big peak power without giving up a little low end.

[@derekbain28]

ive just watched another of this guys videos where he slated the z1000 for its handleing and suspension , then click on this and he say its a great bike , wtf is he talking about , make ure mind up mate

[@DuckwalkSupreme]

@740ilPower Crap! I thought you would be one of those guys that would get very pissed off about the Harley Davidson comment. All kinds of motorcycles have their positives and negatives. All that matters is what you like in a motorcycle. I like cruisers and touring bikes, but Harley Davidsons are very expensive compared to the Japanese cruisers and touring bikes.

[@Nomoredie]

Ok... a totally new 2010 design with 17 more RWHP It is a big deal for sure. If i had to choose between those 2 bikes , definitely i had to go for the Z1000 , the speed's engine isn't strong anymore in comparison with all other liter naked bikes ... Still ..... its air intake howl , its 3cyl sound , its "face" and its culture are enough ,at least for me, to singled it out ...

[@CallumSmith1470MAN]

@pmccann74 are you joking? the triumphs look amazing! the speed triple and street triple just look mean. perhaps its an acquired taste. what a naked bike 'should' look like. the z's look a little like kawasaki was trying to do too much. but they are great bikes nonetheless