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