Ninja 1000 Review Part 1 [motorcycledaily.com]

[UFO]

After attending the press intro for Kawasaki’s new Ninja 1000, we immediately asked Kawasaki for a test unit.  We will have the bike for a long-term evaluation, and will test it both in its stock form and with assorted modifications.

If you read our First Ride, you will see that we were very impressed by the Ninja 1000.  Its performance is very close to a full-blown superbike, in terms of its engine, chassis and brakes.  Combined with ergonomics that are more comfortable than some sport tourers, very low vibration and a trick, three-position adjustable windscreen that requires no tools (change it at the next stop light, if you desire), we couldn’t wait to see what it would be like to live with the new Ninja for several thousand miles.

The bike has been every bit as impressive as it was at the press intro, and we are preparing a full report on our experiences with the stock model for publication next week.  This is a preview, of sorts, of our long-term test and an opportunity for our readers to suggest modifications to try on our test unit.

Read Part 1 of the review here:
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/02/2011-kawasaki-ninja-1000-md-long-term-test-part-1/

[garry]

I'm liking the pipes. It doesn't look like they give you any more room for your boot though when on the balls of your feet. A taller, comfier seat might be all I need to get the leg room I want for a bit more comfort.

[staedtler]

cool akras...  
 

[rajflyboy]

UFO = Kawi fan = Good

[JSharp]

I'm liking the pipes. It doesn't look like they give you any more room for your boot though when on the balls of your feet. A taller, comfier seat might be all I need to get the leg room I want for a bit more comfort.

Swapping the rubber topped Ninja pegs to the metal ones used on a Z1000 will give you about 1/2" more legroom.  It doesn't seem like much but it's noticeable when you step off the Ninja and onto the Z1000.  It's also easier to move your feet around with the metal pegs.

[Smoker]

UFO = Kawi fan = Good

I'll give him $5000 for the Duc. Running, of course...

[crispiegee1]

Although I'm not really into inline fours anymore, this seems like a great all-rounder, like my YZF600R. I'm glad the manufacturers are paying attention to those of us who want a sporty bike with livable ergonomics.

[knuckledonkey]

Read Part 1 of the review here:
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/02/2011-kawasaki-ninja-1000-md-long-term-test-part-1/

Did I miss Part 2?

[Squidlius]

Did I miss Part 2?

Not much to it.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/03/2011-kawasaki-ninja-1000-md-long-term-test-part-two/

[veefer800canuck]

[Hoochie Papa]

I have been told that if the lawyer stops sucking the life out of me this year, I may be in line for a new bike.  This just may be the one.  I sat on one last night at the shop and me likey.
I could not feel the 530lbs. It felt lighter than my EX 500. Very comfortable, and I looked really cool.

[knuckledonkey]

I could not feel the 530lbs.

I think you meant 503lbs.

I got mine on Friday and have 73 miles on it. Weekends coming!  

[garry]

I am looking forward to a test ride in June when the Kawi factory demo truck comes to Pittsburgh. This could be an expensive test ride :-)

[knuckledonkey]

I am looking forward to a test ride in June when the Kawi factory demo truck comes to Pittsburgh. This could be an expensive test ride :-)

Make sure you sign up for that $500 in Demo Dollars!

http://tickettoride.kawasaki.com/Events/EventDetail.aspx?id=18

[crispiegee1]

503 pounds? Wet or dry?

How could they make the thing 90 pounds lighter than the Triumph Sprint GT?

[jasonc32amg]

Sweet bike, I hope it sells.

[DredheadV2.0]

My first impression was "Oooh!"

The Bandit is aging, and I need to start thinking about the next one.  Maybe...

[drbenjamin]

503 pounds? Wet or dry?

How could they make the thing 90 pounds lighter than the Triumph Sprint GT?

Disclaimer - I own a Sprint GT, and am an unabashed advocate for the bike. If I didn't ride with a pillion as often as I do I'd own a Ninja.


The weight difference between the bikes reflects the fact that the Sprint GT is a bona fide 2-up bike while the Ninja is really suited for solo riding. Look at side shots of the 2 bikes and you will see how much more metal the GT has behind the rider's seat, also reflected in the 3.5 inch longer wheelbase.

Things that add weight to the GT:
Stronger/longer subframe to support the large passenger seat and top box
Panniers (15 lbs each)
Center Stand
ABS system

I like both the centerstand and the ABS, the panniers are superb; large and it takes 3 seconds to mount/dismount them. It's hard to imagine how to have a bike that 2 of us can take on a multiday trip in comfort with significantly less weight.

[JSharp]

You have it exactly right. Everything on the Ninja is more like what's seen on a sport bike than any kind of 'touring' bike. ST or otherwise. Once you get past the fasteners most everything is either light alloy or plastic. The rear subframe is a single diecast alloy piece. The entire rear fender and light mounts are almost entirely plastic.  The shock linkage is a pair of thin stampings. The electronics all live in the tail section and don't have any fasteners at all, just some rubber mounts. It has a single wall fairing with no storage, no centerstand, no helmet hooks, the seats are thin foam over a thin plastic base. etc etc.

Adding a little more fairing to the Z1000 and calling the Ninja a 'Sport Touring' bike along with offering things like hard luggage was a way for Kawasaki to get people interested in what's more of a sport bike with an upright riding position IMO. The parts aren't all cutting edge like a ZX10R but the cost isn't the same either. And everything is more than adequate for sporty street riding even if it wouldn't be for track use.

Fortunately for some of us, that's just what we were looking for. It could use a few things to make it more comfortable for me but overall the more I ride it the more I like it.    

[7 Aces]

If you want some real world opinions on the Ninja 1000 check outhttp:// www.ninja1000experience.com. 10 of us are riding the Ninja 1000's for 90 days and writing about our experiences. Check it out.
- Mike Hammond

 

[chesthing]

Link didn't go anywhere, Mike.
Went to the local dealer to buy some gloves, stopped to look at the Ninja 1k and was asked about a test ride - I was in gear so I said what the hell.
Pros: Engine. Not like the typical inline 4 with power stacked in the upper end, power was strong everywhere.
Cons: Seat was a brick. Rear shock was WAY too stiff (not sure if adjustments would help much but I doubt it). Handlebar angle was everything but right, for me anyway. Wind noise was about what you'd expect from a sportbike, adjustment didn't do much. Ergos - sitting bolt upright may work for some, just not me.
I really wanted to like the bike and I think it could be a great bike with a bunch of money thrown at it, but I really expected it to be better stock.

[JSharp]

All the suspension adjustments are set exactly in the middle stock so there's some change available. The seat is a marginally padded battery protector. The w/s adjustment is subtle but noticeable, more so in crosswinds. A better aftermarket shield would help. The riding position intentionally isn't like a sportbike. If you're looking for that they sell ZX10R's.  Bikes that old beat up guys like me can't fit on anymore.

Here's his link fixed - http://www.ninja1000experience.com

I've been keeping up with those but I question some of them. I don't see how anyone is getting 40-50mpg. Mine does mid 30's. There are also a few misprints I think. For instance one person mentioned the bike will run 80mph in first. Not in this lifetime it won't.

[7 Aces]

Fixed the link. now it's working.

Also - The Ninja will do 80 in first gear, it's right at the Rev limit. It'll also pull the tire up in the first three gears. Trust me on this I've done it.  

[JSharp]

Fixed the link. now it's working.

Also - The Ninja will do 80 in first gear, it's right at the Rev limit. It'll also pull the tire up in the first three gears. Trust me on this I've done it.  

80MPH in first is about 1700 RPM past redline with stock gearing. I've never tried to spin mine that hard to see where the rev limiter kicked in but then again, I paid for mine with my own money.

See for yourself - http://www.gearingcommander.com/  The stock speedo is over 6% optimistic compared to my GPS.

The lower gear wheelies got old. I geared mine up 1 tooth on the front.

[RideDualSport.com]

I got mine 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.

[DogBoy]

Ride Dual Sport, I've enjoyed your ride reports but posting the exact same text and photos to every thread about the Ninja 1000 is starting to look like you're just trying to drive traffic to your site rather than contribute.

BTW, nice stable.

[Rincewind]

I tested one of these.  It was buttery smooth below 6k RPM, but the vibrations were very intrusive above 6k.  It was bad enough that I don't ever care to ride another one.  

[ray916mn]

I tested one of these.  It was buttery smooth below 6k RPM, but the vibrations were very intrusive above 6k.  It was bad enough that I don't ever care to ride another one.  

They get smoother with miles and break in.

At least that has been my experience. 9K so far on mine.

[Rincewind]

They get smoother with miles and break in.

At least that has been my experience. 9K so far on mine.

That's good to hear.  The demo bike I rode had over 4.5k on it and I considered the upper revs pretty harsh-feeling, but I'm sensitive to the I4 buzz.

[Dave.TX]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm thinking about upgrading from an FZ6 and saw this bike at the dealership this week, didn't even know it existed before then. So now I'm reading up on it. Funny how the last post was Sept. 01, 2011, the same day I bought my FZ6. I've since put over 8K miles on in 7 months.

The Triumph Sprint ST/GT was mentioned. I had read of its compact ergo's and finally was able to sit on one. Being 6'4" it was way too compact for me. Sad, too, because it would've been on my short list had it been "bigger". Because of my back issues I also need something that's more upright for seating.

I'll keep perusing, this is a great forum.

[crispiegee1]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm thinking about upgrading from an FZ6 and saw this bike at the dealership this week, didn't even know it existed before then. So now I'm reading up on it. Funny how the last post was Sept. 01, 2011, the same day I bought my FZ6. I've since put over 8K miles on in 7 months.

The Triumph Sprint ST/GT was mentioned. I had read of its compact ergo's and finally was able to sit on one. Being 6'4" it was way too compact for me. Sad, too, because it would've been on my short list had it been "bigger". Because of my back issues I also need something that's more upright for seating.

I'll keep perusing, this is a great forum.

I'm beginning my 12 riding season with my YZF600R (slightly longer stroke engine than the 600 used on the FZ), and I couldn't have asked for a better bike. Not sure how it would be if I were 6'4, though! My brother - who is - sat on it and looked kind of silly.

As for the Sprint being too compact, is the Kawi much bigger? If you need something more upright that tours, you may want to look into the adventure bike segment... especially due to your height. I'm in love with the Tiger Explorer.