Sugomi is a Japanese term which translates to - 'awe, leaves an indelible impression, is daunting in stature or ability, and commands respect'. Or at least that is what Kawasaki claims. This word is the inspiration behind the Kawasaki Z1000's radical design, essentially four years old now. But the Z1000 continues to looks futuristic even today, and is sure to continue doing so for a few more years.
The 2017 Kawasaki Z1000 was launched in India yesterday with a price tag of Rs 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). For performance fanatics, there is also a new higher-spec version, the Z1000 R edition, priced at Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). While the Z1000 is a direct competitor to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and the Triumph Speed Triple, there are a bunch of motorcycles for other segments that share the market space. Here is a rundown of what else you can buy for similar kind of money.
If you plan to stick to a street bike, then there are a couple of other options apart from the GSX-S1000 and the Speed Triple. You can also look at the BMW R1200 R and the BMW R nineT Scrabmbler, which retail at Rs 15.03 lakh and Rs 16.04 lakh respectively (both ex-showroom, Mumbai). Powered by boxer twin-cylinder engines, these bike were recently launched in India, which means that exclusivity is guaranteed. There is a catch here though. BMW Motorrad recently commenced operations in India, and their limited service reach across the country could pose a problem. You can also opt for the faired touring-focussed version of the R1200 R, called the R1200 RS, which is priced at Rs 16.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
For those looking for cruisers, there are the Moto Guzzi siblings - the V9 Bobber and the V9 Roamer. These bikes offer a nice blend of classic styling and modern underpinnings, along with an unusual powertrain setup - a transverse mounted V-twin engine. Priced at Rs 13.82 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune), these bikes are sure to attract a lot of eyeballs. You also have the classic American cruisers - the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob priced at Rs 13.92 lakh and the Indian Scout at Rs 14.87 lakh (both ex-showroom, Mumbai). The Triumph Thunderbird Storm at Rs 14.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune) is Britain's take on a classic cruiser, albeit with a parallel-twin engine. For those willing to go for louder and flashier power cruisers, the Suzuki Intruder M1800R and the Ducati Diavel are also available at similar price point. These can be yours for Rs 16.04 lakh and Rs 16.22 lakh (both ex-showroom, Mumbai).
Adventure touring is a growing segment in India, and one that makes more sense for the kind of roads we have here. There are quite a few options here too, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx and the Tiger 800 XCa being the most accesible at Rs 13.83 lakh and Rs 14.83 lakh respectively (both ex-showroom, Mumbai). There are sports tourers too, like the Ducati Multistrada 1200, Suzuki V-Strom and the BMW R1200 GS. Unlike the TIger twins which get spoke wheels, these sports tourers ride on alloy wheels and are meant to stick to the tarmac more often than wander off it. The Multistrada is available for at Rs 14.87 lakh and the V-Strom retails at 14.95 lakh. The R1200 GS is the most expensive of the lot at Rs 16.04 lakh (all three ex-showroom, Mumbai).
While a streetfighter has its own appeal, the Indian audience has a thing for fully-faired supersports motorcycles. And there is no lack of options here too. The Ducati 959 Panigale is a proper track tool at Rs 15.29 lakh. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is an outdated but a brilliant sportbike nevertheless, and it can be yours for Rs 15.95 lakh. And then there is the Ninja ZX-10R at Rs 16.40 lakh, which is one of the most advanced litre-class superbikes that you can buy. For those who don't visit the race track very often, you could lay your hands on the Suzuki Hayabusa for Rs 15.95 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Mumbai).
