Time for a new bike: C14 or Ninja 1000

[wlselph]

Spring is almost here and I've been thinking about this for about 3 months. I'm selling my DL1000 and VFR.

Last Fall, I rented a C14 for a day and loved it. Really loved it!  Now, we have the new Ninja 1000 with hard bags on the way. Same ergos for both bikes. The Ninja is much lighter, even with the hard bags.

I guess the bottom line is the ABS and traction control. Is it worth the price difference? A lighter sport touring bike sounds more appealing. Anyone have any thoughts?

[Robert Ford]

Last summer, the Connie was going to be my next bike until I tried an FJR on for size, but I digress.

Both bikes have ABS but the style of riding I do doesn't warrant the extra coin for traction control, so for me anyway, it was a non-starter. ABS is the shit though. Wouldn't buy another new street bike without it.

[wlselph]

When I rented the C14, I also had an opportunity to ride a FJR for about 30 minutes. The C14 felt better to me. It's a very refined motorcycle.

In 48 years, I've never had ABS. Certainly not traction control either. The lighter weight aspect of the Ninja is what is appealing to me. It's probably a $3500 difference when the haggling is over.

[falconati]

Ninja 1000 by a long shot.

[keepergale]

I have been lusting after a Ninja 1000. Went in to the local dealer today and saw a new/unsold 2009 C14 for $9,999. I think that is a pretty good deal for here in California. They didn't have any Ninja 1000's either.

[Fourstring]

Ninja 1000 by a long shot.

Yeah.

[wlselph]

One other advantage for the Connie is shaft drive although chain maintenance has never been a big deal to me.

If the Ninja was offered with ABS, this conversation would never have started. I think it is an option in Europe.

[JSharp]

They aren't even close to the same bike.  The egos aren't the same and they feel completely different.  Less fairing coverage and no ABS on the Ninja either.  But about 200 less pounds to deal with too and the performance and handing that would go along with that.

I guess it depends on the riding you do and if you want a big heavy sport touring bike or a sport bike that's been toned down to make it better for touring. Myself, I want to sell my '03 C-10 and buy a Ninja 1000. It would suit the kind of riding I do a lot better.

[todao]

Seems to me it's a choice of refined vs. raw touring.  On the C14, you've got adjustable windshield, lots of space, better seat, tire pressure gauges, ABS... and more.  Really all day comfort and convenience.

The 1000 is raw sport touring.  More wind, not alot of day to day conveniences but it's easy on, easy off, travel light kind of a mentality.

If it was me, I do more canyons than touring, so I would go for the 1000 (but then I have a ZX14).  If I was going to do more touring, the C14 couldn't be beat over the long haul.  And it can still haul in the canyons.

The 2010 C14 is better than the 2009 though so if you are going to get a Connie, get the 2010.

[SuperHans]

In my mind, the only reason to go with the C-14 is if you plan on doing a lot of two up riding. Being an FJR owner, I personaly see no real use for these types of bikes if you're riding solo.  That's my opinion and probably not a lot of others on this site.

If the vast majority of your riding is solo, the Ninja 1000 is the hands down winner.

Traction control would'nt even figure in to the equation for me and ABS would be something I'd want on a big pig of a ST bike like a C-14 or FJR. I would'nt be as concerned with having ABS on the Ninja 1000.

[RiderCoach]

I'm surprised the OP would say the ninja and the connie have similar ergos?

They aren't even close are they? My guess is the ninja would have ergos close to the VFR, and actually it seems if you are going to compare the ninja to anything it would be the VFR1200. They both have bags available, are definitely on the Sport side, and probably about the same weight.

Just go by what kind of riding you do, get what's appropriate for that.

[Rincewind]

If you want ABS in a lighter, more hooligan bike, see the 2011 Monster 1100 EVO, BMW F800R, or Speed Triple ABS.  Traction control on the Duc, too.  Woot.

[scottzilla]

Based on what i'm reading the new Ninja is more of a sport bike in regards to handling.
I think with C14's being drastically reduced at dealers and plenty of used examples to choose from that's what I would buy.

[wlselph]

All good points. I realize they are very different bikes. They just happen to be the two I'm interested in.

Actually, the ergos are very similar with regard to lean angle. Only about a 2 degree difference. Your feet are a little more back on the Ninja but lean angle is about the same. My VFR is way more forward. I've gotten to the point where I don't like to ride it anymore.

Most of my riding is too and from work. I take long weekend trips to East Tennessee and Northern Georgia. My wife will not ride on a motorcycle so 2 up riding will never be a question. Once a year, I take a week long trip somehwere. I'm the type of person who travels light. My brother tows a trailer with his Harley and takes everything but the kitchen sink. Not me.

Having said all that, the lighter Ninja seems more appropriate. I would like ABS but knowing the way I am and most other enthusiasts, in 2 years, I'll want something else.

[deagle10]

You sound like your mind is made up.  Get the Ninja.

Personally I'd take the C14 in a heartbeat (2010 and later model)....but I pack like a girl.

[Justin]

If you really liked the c-14, then you can't go wrong IMO. As you haven't tried the Ninja yet, it's taking a chance. For some reason when I test *sat* on the Ninja it really hurt my bike, too upright of a position for me. Other than that, it seemed like it would be fun little ST. But really comes down to what you are really looking for in a bike.

[gradus]

My VFR is way more forward. I've gotten to the point where I don't like to ride it anymore.

2 up riding will never be a question.

IMO, as someone said above, no 2 up riding eliminates the C14.  

I'd want to be VERY confident about the Ninja's seating position if the VFR forward lean is a problem for you.  Without ever sitting on a Ninja 1000, I'd expect a similar position to the VFR.    

[RiderCoach]

Actually, my apologies to the OP.

After having looked at some pics of the new 2011 ninja, it is much more relaxed ergos then in the past. It indicates this feature as being new for this year.

Have to admit, it looks pretty sweet. Like the OP, aggressive ergos, I just can't do anymore. The Ol' back just aint cuttin it.

Nice looking ride for sure.

[Flying W]

If you want ABS in a lighter, more hooligan bike, see the 2011 Monster 1100 EVO, BMW F800R, or Speed Triple ABS.  Traction control on the Duc, too.  Woot.

????????????  not sport touring bikes and while you can tour on almost anything those choices would certainly be one of my last to tour or do a long day in the saddle on.

[Nitro]

Spring is almost here and I've been thinking about this for about 3 months. I'm selling my DL1000 and VFR.

Last Fall, I rented a C14 for a day and loved it. Really loved it!  Now, we have the new Ninja 1000 with hard bags on the way. Same ergos for both bikes. The Ninja is much lighter, even with the hard bags.

I guess the bottom line is the ABS and traction control. Is it worth the price difference? A lighter sport touring bike sounds more appealing. Anyone have any thoughts?

Never having driven the new 1000,  but having time on the connie and owned a fjr, I would say if you liked the handling and physical size of your vfr, then I wouldnt touch the tanker bikes with a ten foot pole if you could take the smaller agile ninja. I hated the diff in weight on mine, huge bikes,  took the fun out of riding for me.  Especially coming from a bike like the  vfr. Sounds like you cant go wrong with the ergos and power.  You really need try  them out first, then you can't go wrong whatever you bring home. If the abs is a must then u have no choice.  good luck! Going for a ride myself once the snow melts..

[Cricket1]

Actually, my apologies to the OP.

After having looked at some pics of the new 2011 ninja, it is much more relaxed ergos then in the past. It indicates this feature as being new for this year.

Yeah, and because of marketing, they call it the NINJA in the US, too bad. It really should be called the Z1000ST or something similar. It does NOT have the ergos of a NINJA 600, CBR, GSXRSDREF, etc. more like ergos of the Yamaha FZ1.

[Rincewind]

????????????  not sport touring bikes and while you can tour on almost anything those choices would certainly be one of my last to tour or do a long day in the saddle on.

I don't see a huge benefit of the Ninja 1000 over the bikes I listed, besides some (ugly) plastics, a heavier weight, and maybe 1/2-gallon of gas or less which might equate to something like 20 extra miles range (but probably not given the economy of their bikes).  Horses for courses.

[RiderCoach]

Yeah, and because of marketing, they call it the NINJA in the US, too bad. It really should be called the Z1000ST or something similar. It does NOT have the ergos of a NINJA 600, CBR, GSXRSDREF, etc. more like ergos of the Yamaha FZ1.

And you are exactly correct. I was misled. It's a big change but kept the same name.

but now, it should be evaluated for what it is. And I kind of like it!

[scottzilla]

Yeah, and because of marketing, they call it the NINJA in the US, too bad. It really should be called the Z1000ST or something similar. It does NOT have the ergos of a NINJA 600, CBR, GSXRSDREF, etc. more like ergos of the Yamaha FZ1.

I believe the Name "Ninja" helps Kawi sell motorcycles, that's why they use it.  

[doublen675]

I'm really feeling the Ninja personally.  It's the bang for the buck that I am seeing in that one.  It's a do-all bike for a very reasonable price.  I had been looking at a C14 or FJR, maybe even a Sprint GT, but the pricing difference is huge.  To be fair though, a C14 is a way different animal.  Nothing like the pull from a 1400cc engine.  

[wlselph]

I really enjoyed the day I spent on the C14. It was a fantastic motorcycle. Most of my riding is around town with short weekend trips to some fun roads though. The idea of a lighter weight bike is appealing.

The Kawi dealer here in town has them side by side. You can get on one then the other and they are the same lean angle. I will ask if I can ride the Ninja a little bit before I decide. Hard bags will not be available until about May.

[Fun Dog]

For some reason when I test *sat* on the Ninja it really hurt my bike, too upright of a position for me.

Which one, the Busa or the Bird.  I'd be jealous too, ya two-timer!

[Cricket1]

I believe the Name "Ninja" helps Kawi sell motorcycles, that's why they use it. 

Scott,

Ummm... that's why my comment started "and because of marketing" . 

[Kaneto]

Yeah, and because of marketing, they call it the NINJA in the US, too bad. It really should be called the Z1000ST or something similar. It does NOT have the ergos of a NINJA 600, CBR, GSXRSDREF, etc. more like ergos of the Yamaha FZ1.

I have to disagree with this.  The Ninja 1000 doesn't have the ergos of the Ninja ZX bikes, but it does have ergos that are pretty similar to the Ninja 250 and Ninja 500.  Ninja just seems like Kawi's name for any fared bikes, not necessarily the super-sports. EDIT: At least, of course, in the U.S.  Of course it's a marketing ploy, but it's not exactly a new one in Kawi's part.

I do have to say, I looked at the Ninja 1000 in person today.  That thing is way uglier than the pictures make it out to be.

[Justin]

Which one, the Busa or the Bird.  I'd be jealous too, ya two-timer!

Oops typo, meant to say hurt my back.  That certain position just did not feel good to me at all. And I'm down to one now - the bird has flown.

[dietDrThunder]

When I rented the C14, I also had an opportunity to ride a FJR for about 30 minutes. The C14 felt better to me. It's a very refined motorcycle.

In 48 years, I've never had ABS. Certainly not traction control either. The lighter weight aspect of the Ninja is what is appealing to me. It's probably a $3500 difference when the haggling is over.

My grandfather never wore a seat belt either...doesn't mean wearing a seat belt is a bad idea.

ABS is a very big leap forward for motorcycles, and it's great that both of these bikes can be had with it.

[XLR8]

I've had this very conversation with myself.

After thinking about it, I can't get excited about the Ninja for 3 reasons:

-It doesn't offer enough value to differentiate it from my VFR
-No ABS
-No centerstand  


So that brings me back to to the C14 vs the FJR

[KodiakRS]

I've had this very conversation with myself.

After thinking about it, I can't get excited about the Ninja for 3 reasons:

-It doesn't offer enough value to differentiate it from my VFR
-No ABS
-No centerstand  


So that brings me back to to the C14 vs the FJR

Ditto, sort of.  I think the ninja is a good sport bike, but it lacks a bit in the touring department.  That doesn't mean you couldn't tour on it, but given a choice between a ninja 1000 and a c-14 for a 3+ day trip I would take the c-14.  As a real world sport bike on the other hand....

Just called progressive to get an insurance quote on the ninja.  Progressive quoted me a rate just under 3x higher than my 09 650R.  It may not have the performance and squid factor of a liter bike, but the insurance companies think it does!  

[DogBoy]

I'd shop around beyond Progressive. Their rates on most big bore bikes are shocking.

[XLR8]

I'd shop around beyond Progressive. Their rates on most big bore bikes are shocking.

+1

Every time I see a Progressive motorcycle insurance commercial I think to myself that they should just give it up. Their rates are the some of the highest in my area and I have a perfect record.

[KodiakRS]

+1

Every time I see a Progressive motorcycle insurance commercial I think to myself that they should just give it up. Their rates are the some of the highest in my area and I have a perfect record.

They were the lowest for the 650R in my area.  Gotta love insurance companies.  

[OKC-N1K]

So what did you decide? I don't know if it will help or hinder you decision but I just sold my 2010 C14 and purchased the Ninja. The story goes like this:

After owning a 2004 VFR (which was a great bike and the most comfortable to date) I decided I wanted more oomph and I sold the VFR and purchased a 2008 C14 put about 5,200 miles on it when I laid it down. I waited awhile to rethink whether or not to purchase another C14 since it was extremely hot while sitting in traffic and just putting around town and it is a heavy bike (approx. 150 lbs. more than Ninja). Anyway, Kawi releases the updated C14 addressing the heat issue and adding heated grips, updated front tire to address initial turn in, etc. So, I purchased the 2010. I did my second  3,200 plus trip to Colorado and road the rockies on the C14 (first trip on the 2008 C14) and one thing I loved about both C14's is that they munch the miles like no other (especially on the super slab - I-40). However, it just was not as much fun in the twisties as the VFR, the C14 is big and I had to really wrestle it around. I found that I did not like to commute on the C14 either because it was a pain to get out of the garage (I know lazy).

Now back up to the Colorado trip (last June) I remember making the statement to my riding buddies that "I just wished the C14 made more torque down low and was a bit lighter, even better I wish I had something about the weight of the VFR, handled as well or better and was as comfortable but with the torque of the Suzuki Bandit 1250".

Then when I saw the first article on the N1k I thought "man that thing looks to be exactly the bike I have been wishing for". So, when our local dealer finally got one in stock I took it for a test ride and sure enoght it was the bike. So I sold the 2010 C14 just this last weekend and purchased a red/black Ninja. I won't receive it until about April 8th but I know it's going to be the perfect bike for my needs: Commuting, once a year long trip and some sporting fun in between.

I gave up some ammenities by replacing the C14 with the Ninja but I made up for it with lighter, better handling bike that can still do the miles comfortably and will be for fun for me in the twisties.

Hope this helps you make up your mind if you have not already.

[JSharp]

I've had this very conversation with myself.

After thinking about it, I can't get excited about the Ninja for 3 reasons:

-It doesn't offer enough value to differentiate it from my VFR
-No ABS
-No centerstand  


So that brings me back to to the C14 vs the FJR

Ditto, sort of.  I think the ninja is a good sport bike, but it lacks a bit in the touring department.  That doesn't mean you couldn't tour on it, but given a choice between a ninja 1000 and a c-14 for a 3+ day trip I would take the c-14.  As a real world sport bike on the other hand....

Just called progressive to get an insurance quote on the ninja.  Progressive quoted me a rate just under 3x higher than my 09 650R.  It may not have the performance and squid factor of a liter bike, but the insurance companies think it does!  

Progressive quoted me $1697 per yer on the Ninja for $250 full coverage vs. the $240 I had been paying on my Concours. I'm 54, home owner, good credit etc. Shocking isn't an adequate description. State farm was $309 for $500 deductible if you have an auto insured with them. I do now along with the new bike.  

The ABS has little value to me. If it's free I'll take it. If it costs much of anything I'll pass.

No centerstand? I bought a Quickstand to throw under the seat and a Pitbull stand for home.

But everyone has different ideas about what they need and how to get it. That's why they make so many different models.  If a person ended up with a C-14 or an FJR they sure don't seem to be bad choices. Too many very happy owners of both bikes.

[falconati]

Progressive also the lowest on my Speedy

[Sprintboy]

I've never had a bike with ABS and never missed it.  I do believe its worthwhile on a heavier touring bike.  My friend with a loaded FJR said he felt it kick in during a few hard stops.  Probably won't notice it on a lighter Ninja, especially coming from a VFR and V-Strom.

My vote goes to the Ninja.  I think Kawasaki is going to sell a lot of these.

[Akumu]

I've read they rate the insurance on this bike as that of a SS/RR liter bike. Being it's faired and 1000cc I4. A faulty assessment, but that's everything I've read. Sure enough to be a deal breaker to some.

[shawn and gwyn]

  have you looked at the bandit 1250??   the wife just got one. and she loves it.  we also looked at the ninja 1000.. the seating position on the bandit is more upright. and you can get leftover 09s for a song.  oh and they can be had with ABS and factory hardbags.  just a thought..

shawn

[Uncle Leo]

My son and I both got to ride Ninja 1000s at the Kawasaki Ticket to Ride event in Tampa last week. We both liked the bike but both had the same comment. There could be heat issues with the Ninja. We rode different bikes but both came away with much warmer than necessary nether regions, and the boys got uncomfortable from the heat. Some folks who also rode the Ninjas said the same thing while others had no problems at all.

Just sayin'.

[knuckledonkey]

Ninja 1000 by a long shot.

+1

[GS1100GK]

I have an 09 C-14 with ABS and have no issues keeping up with my buddies in the twisties or super slab.  I wouldn't mind a lighter bike and the Ninja 1000 has that going for it.  If I went to the Ninja 1000 I would miss the following:

*  ABS - will save your bacon
*  Center stand for easy tire removal and maintenace
*  Wind protection
*  2 up comfort - Ninja seat looks pretty small
*  Much lower insurance premium
*  Long haul comfort
*  Would have to buy the hard bags...that's just me

I am sure some of the above items will be addressed by the after market, but the C-14 comes standard with those things.  The penalty is a lot more $'s, and weight.  If you intend 2 up or at least want that option, the C-14 is the way to go.

 

[Jules]

I had my heart set on a Ninja 1000 (ABS is standard in Oz) to replace my VFR800 based on everything I've read.

However, when I sat on one and put my wife on the back it just didn't float my boat. Too upright for my liking and also kinda sitting 'on it' rather than 'in it'. The screen and styling didn't quite do it for me either. It just didn't feel right compared with a mate's ZX14 that I've ridden a couple of times.

 Don't get me wrong, I think it will prove to be a great real world motorcycle, but it just isn't quite right for me right now.

This is the one I looked at - they wouldn't give me a test ride.





Anyway, I ended up buying a ZX14 instead. Sure it's heavier and less nimble, but the ergos, styling and turbine smooth engine are great. Insurance was only $40 per year more than the Ninja 1000.

[wlselph]

Yesterday, I bought a 2011 Concours C14. I test rode both bikes. The Ninja 1000 was very nice but what sold me on the C14 was interstate riding. Maybe I am just a puss but I don't think I could spend more than an hour on the interstate on the Ninja. If it were just a "around town" bike for me, I would have bought.

In the end, it's just personal preference. I had another post here comparing a left over 2009 version to the 2011 but some of the changes seemed nice to me. I'm happy as a clam and can't wait to ride a mile or 500.

By the way, thanks to those with input and opinions on the different bikes I was looking at.

[JSharp]

It's interesting how this is working for Kawasaki. The people that go in to look at the Ninja and don't buy one walk out with a different Kawasaki, mostly models that are even more $$ I guess it pays to come out with new products that will generate floor traffic.

[ceilingcat]

Grats on your purchase of a C14.   I purchased the bike for similar reasons in 2009.  I will probably get the ninja 1000 but not until it has ABS.  But you are correct about one area the C14 is really good at - highway comfort, and eating up milage.  A gold wing was out of the question, didn't really like the FJR and fell in love with the Kwak.

The only thing it really, really needs is a factory installed cruise control, but my throttlemeister is sufficient.  At this point I fully expect to put a ton of miles on it.

[OKC-N1K]

I've owned a 2008 and a 2010 C14 and decided to sale the 2010 and purchase the N1K. The C14 is an awesome bike but it is a big heavy bike, despite the fact that it carries it's weight well once moving. I really wanted something more manuverable and flickable but could do some touring. Myself I only do one long trip (2.5K or more) and several small trips (500 miles or so) and the N1K is more than capable. The C14 withou question is the most comfortable on the highway but the N1K is not bad. I do more commuting and the N1k is just more fun to ride and easier to just hop on and go than the C14 so it works best for me. There may be a day when I will want the comofort of the C14 on the highway again but for now the Ninja is perfect for me.

Oh, and the biggest thing for me is that the Ninja has power down low like a big bore bike should have. And yes i know, remove the flies. Well I've rode the C14 sans flies and PC and the Ninja still out pulls the C14 by a long ways. JMHO.

[HouTexNinja1000]

I just bought a Ninja 1000.  It slots perfectly between my '10 C14 and '09 1198S and that's exactly what I wanted.  Something that is light, sporty, and fast with a more relaxed riding position and some wind protection when I don't feel like enduring the ergos of the Ducati or if it's too warm to ride it and get your rear roasted with the undertail exhaust.   Don't get me wrong--I love the Duc and it's a blast, but it's not a bike you want to ride every day or any day all day.  In my opinion, there is no comparison between the C14 and the Ninja 1000--two completely different bikes.  The C14 is a true big sport tourer for long days on the superslab with great handling for when you get to the twisties--the Ninja is more akin to a lightweight kick ass sport bike with a ton of low end grunt and a comfortable less leaned forward riding position.  I guess you can rig it up for sport touring with bags and such, but it will never be as comfortable as the C14 for long trips.  I go on a 4,000 mile trip to the Rockies or the Smokies every year and you can't beat the C14 for that--I would not want to do that on the Ninja.

[7 Aces]

I actually own a 2011 C14 and a 2011 Ninja 1000 (at least for the summer). I'm currently writing a comparison of both bikes on my site http://sites.google.com/site/7acesmotolog/Home.

These are really pretty different bikes. Chain vs. shaft is a real difference in power delivery. The Ninja's seat is a torture device after an hour while the C14 is good for all day. The pegs on the Ninja are further back and the seat to peg is tighter than on the C14. However, the Ninja 1000 has amazing wind management with the windshield, very light and maneuverable, much more than the C14, and is a real blast to ride.

I really wish that I could pull the Ninja behind the C14 so that I could get where i'm going in comfort and then have the Ninja to burn up the roads.    

[exbanditrider]

Keep the DL and get a Connie....

[OKC-N1K]

I actually own a 2011 C14 and a 2011 Ninja 1000 (at least for the summer). I'm currently writing a comparison of both bikes on my site http://sites.google.com/site/7acesmotolog/Home.

The Ninja's seat is a torture device after an hour while the C14 is good for all day.     

I sent my seat to Sargent and they reworked it and sent it back, the N1k is now every bit as comfortable as the C14.

[falconati]

pics please

[staedtler]

did the ticket to ride yest in Houston...rode the C14 and the N1000 back to back...
can't add anything that hasn't already been said.
it's a catch 22, i remember on my old k1200r being neither comfy to get to the mountain pass nor
enjoyable at the pass, so if i was to choose,  it's something like this..
90% of the time, getting there in comfort
10% time... nimble and light
so if i have to compromise ill sacrifice the boring stuff for the fun stuff 90/10 ratio..
i remember saying that i would not mind taking a 600 (like an r6 or something like that) and enduring
the torture of getting there just to be able to really enjoy that mountain pass on a real uncompromised
sport bike.
i tried the zx10r...   that'll be my ticket,     i can always get me a massage afterwards    
rt now i only have the duc track bike, im really looking for a street bike to take to the trackday, comute a bit around town and do the once a year or so touring.






the N1000 front end felt vague, not really inspiring, could be the demo set up, i don't know..no t a deal
breaker but for sure it'll need susp work. its a nice ride. no gear indicator? c'mon on this dying age..i'll say, not the best of both worlds
it's a crime the C14 doesn't have cruise control....wtf? a bike like that?
hey Kawasaki...wan't to double your sales? put a gd-dm cruise control on that think!
i liked it though, i can see going across the country on it, peace of cake...did i said country? i ment continent



that seat was about 200deg!

[magus]

The Ninja's seat is a torture device after an hour while the C14 is good for all day.     

Wow, a torture device?!? I realize that I am coming off of a 1098, and I didn't even feel that was particularly uncomfortable, but having just spent the weekend and 450 miles on my new N1K all I can say is that comfort is not the issue with this bike - even for a 6' 4" humanoid.

The Ninja is a great sport touring bike with a strong emphasis on the "sport" side. The suspension will need work and I think the Sport Rider suggestion to raise the forks by 30mm will be a good one for me in order to get  a slightly better feel for the front end. Outside of that my biggest complaint is just how very quiet the bike is   and what appears to be a lack of useable space on which to mount gadgets.

A very enjoyable bike for comfortable and spirited riding IMHO.

[trippin]

Test rode a N1K. Awesome bike. Mine did not vibrate much. I think it is on my short list.

[trippin]

Oh...and the seat was not that horrible, either. Bar position would take a little getting use to

[Bama67]

I have nothing to add other than I bought a new Ninja 1000 about a month ago. I have only got to put about 700 miles on it, but I am in love.  

Easliy my most favorite bike I have ever had. The ride, the looks, the POWAH, the fantastic price point, the comfort, etc.  

I find my seat comfy, then about 2-3 hours in, all of a sudden, my ass is on fire. lol. My wife is miserable after about 15 minutes.

I love the C-14, but the only way I would choose that over the N1K is if I toured cross country, or if I had a pillion most of the time.

[RideDualSport.com]

I got my 1000 Ninja last weekend and only have 200 break-in miles logged on it. I rarely buy new bikes, and I have to say that refurbishing my brother's 1980's 900 Ninja really got me excited about looking at the new 1000 Ninja.



I rarely buy new motorcycles, and am a big Buell fan, so I was concerned that the 1000 Ninja would not have enough personality to keep me interested in it. A bike has to excite me when I am riding it, or while I am sipping a beer and just looking at it when its parked. The Ninja does both! The motor feels a lot like the Buell 1125 CR, tons of torque from idle to the sky! My Buell TT is super exciting to ride and a very visceral experience, if not a bit quirky. The Ninja is super capable (like the TT) on rough narrow county roads. It was not phased one bit by cattle guards, pot holes and rough roads, and it flicked through the turns super easy.



The riding position, fairing, motor and handling really sold me on this bike. I wanted a bike that would gobble the miles with utter reliability, no stress, and comfortably. My Buell S3 has a similar riding position and wind protection, but I am tired of wondering if an engine temp sensor is going to fail, muffler bracket breaking, or a belt going south. Don't get me wrong, I still love my Buells, but my 08 KLR 650 sold me on Kawasaki's reliability and performance.
I would have liked better passenger accommodations and a better seat on the Ninja, but then it might not have been quite as sporting a bike. I also like the one piece cast frame with no welds at key points like the swing arm mount. Combined with the body work that attaches without visible fasteners, give the bike a super clean look, very sculpted and seductive! I don't mind the Ninja sticker either as it is a nod to is roots.

By the way, has anyone noticed any new sounds emanating from the bike after a few hundred miles? I think there is a slight buzz like some body work or something is rattling a bit. I went over all the fasteners and bolts on the bike and all is well.

[KodiakRS]

Any of you guys with the ninja 1k care to comment on the fuel injection coming off idle?  The one I rode the other day had a bit of a "lurch" coming off of idle.  Don't know if it was me or the bike.  Also don't know if I'll be able to adapt to the bike if that's the way it is.  

[JSharp]

Mine doesn't have any lurch off idle but the throttle was really sensitive. A product of a light throttle spring and what feels like instant throttle response I think. I geared mine up one on the countershaft and that helped. The front end stays down better in the lower gears at full throttle too and the fuel economy picked up.

But, it seems like first gear is a little tall now. So I'm considering going back to the 15T front and go down a couple in the rear to split the difference.

[vwtom]

In the end, it's just personal preference. I had another post here comparing a left over 2009 version to the 2011 but some of the changes seemed nice to me. I'm happy as a clam and can't wait to ride a mile or 500.

I'm looking at some used 2010 C14 w/ABS-traction control.  I think they have so much more to offer over the first gen C14's.  Just need to pull the trigger - have 3 used I'm looking at.

So help push me, I just need to commit to one!  

[Cablebandit]

Do it.  

[chrisz]

Just ordered my 2012 Ninja 1000 (in green) -- picking it up tomorrow! Can't wait!

[mesmotized]

Just ordered my 2012 Ninja 1000 (in green) -- picking it up tomorrow! Can't wait!

Good choice  I'm sure you'll love it.  Of course I may be partial...

nice first post btw.

[corndogs]

I've ridden a C14 for a day, I love it, seat was ok,  I have an 07 FJR 1300 AE stock seat is amazingly comfortable.  I have also ridden a 11 Ninja 1000 for a day. It was very comfortable sitting position in realation to the controls, I did have to adjust the bars to a more natural wrist position.  I was nice, handles great but by but was not happy on the stock seat at all.  

[blakebird]

Just ordered my 2012 Ninja 1000 (in green) -- picking it up tomorrow! Can't wait!

I was going to say "you won't be sorry".....but your post was over a week ago.

Looks good in the sunlight, doesn't it?  
*dang... sorry for posting the same pics again*

[wibornz]

Very nice bikes.  Kawasaki is leading the pack in  my eyes.