My new middle-weight sport-tourer

[nomagnashn]

My new 2015 Ninja 1000.

I actually got it home last Friday but wanted to wait to take pictures. I got the luggage installed but the dealer forgot about the painted panels. I just got those yesterday. These pictures are taken with the bike sitting next to my other favorite vehicle, 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.  

I've already got a list of farkles I want to install that's totaling about $1000.  
Topcase rack, windscreen, quick release side racks, Mondomoto lights, fuse block, RAM mount, etc.....

[Sport-Touring]

[cyjo]

Congrats on the new ride. It sure looks great in black.

[maddjack]

My new 2015 Ninja 1000.

I actually got it home last Friday but wanted to wait to take pictures. I got the luggage installed but the dealer forgot about the painted panels. I just got those yesterday. These pictures are taken with the bike sitting next to my other favorite vehicle, 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.  

I've already got a list of farkles I want to install that's totaling about $1000.  
Topcase rack, windscreen, quick release side racks, Mondomoto lights, fuse block, RAM mount, etc.....

very nice.

[MidLifeMike]

I sure like the top lines on that bike. The passenger seat looks like it wasn't a total after thought. Nice fairings. If I had the dough, that would be a righteous replacement for my ancient Yamaha FJ1100.

[Volfy]

Even though I love those GIVI V35s on my VFR1200, I'm surprised you didn't go with Kawi's new panniers for this bike.

[squeezer]

Now that's a pretty bike. Congrats!

[motrhead]

 Nice bike, and great choice for putting the sport in Sport-tourer...but I have a hard time calling a 1000cc bike a middleweight. I know everyone has their own definition, but I can't call a bike over about 850cc anything but big.  A "literbike" is a full size bike, no matter how low the weight. It's a heavy hitter...

[Oxblood]

Very nice looking ride! Both of them.

[Blunder]

A 1,000cc motorcycle is a middleweight?  

Nice bike.

[dietDrThunder]

Very nice!

Pro Tip: flip the chain adj. eccentrics so that they're on the bottom to gain some ride height, gaining available lean angle and quickening steering.

[chilipeppernorm]

Very nice new ride, congratulations!!!

[Volfy]

A 1,000cc motorcycle is a middleweight?  

Nice bike.

500 lbs makes it middleweight, when most "heavyweights" are 650-700 lbs, or more.

And it is "weight" we are talking about, yes?  Not middle-engine-displacement.

[HipGnosis]

500 lbs makes it middleweight, when most "heavyweights" are 650-700 lbs, or more.

And it is "weight" we are talking about, yes?  Not middle-engine-displacement.

[mica]

Um.... no. In fact the term does refer to displacement.

Sent from mica's Note 3

[Blunder]

500 lbs makes it middleweight, when most "heavyweights" are 650-700 lbs, or more.

And it is "weight" we are talking about, yes?  Not middle-engine-displacement.

Sorry.  Just getting old.

[Volfy]

Um.... no. In fact the term does refer to displacement.

Not to be argumentative, but what the term "middleweight" describes has been steadily increasing in engine displacement over the decades.  Back when I first got interested in motorcycles, 750cc was considered heavyweight, and middleweight typically described 350-500cc.  Then in the 80's and early 90's, 600-750cc became the middleweight, and 1000+ the new heavyweight.  This was the definition that stuck in most riders' minds - including my own - because this period was the "golden age of motorcycling", when Japanese motorcycles ruled supreme.

Then somewhere in the 15yrs I quit riding, that definition changed entirely.  I got back to riding in '10 and was dumbfounded by the fact that the Suzuki S83 (same as the old Intruder 1400 sold before my hiatus) was referred to as a "middleweight".  See here:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/honda-vtx1300c-star-v-star-1300-and-suzuki-boulevard-s83-rise-middle-class

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/middleweight-motorcycles-four-10000

Personally, I really could care less how many cc's is between my legs.  I go by how lightweight and agile a particular bike feels to me.  When I ride the likes of TuonoV4R, Speed Triple, FZ1, SV1000, N1K, I have a really hard time calling them "heavyweights"... not when I just got off a C14, FJR or ST1300.

Besides, if you go strictly by CC's, what are you gonna call all these blown engines fixing to come out?  A supercharged or turbo'ed 600cc that puts out 220HP and weights 450lbs...  

[mica]

I would say there is debate about what Is a middleweight but that debate, as you linked, is displacement based. I think those guys at that mag are smoking their lunch too, calling a 1400cc bike a heavy middleweight. My post was refering to displacement vs actual weight of the bike. Cycle World 'bumped up" their definition to 900cc in 2012. As based on displacement not the weight of the bike. I am an old guy too, I remember when the 750s were considered beast's. Heck i just wanted a CB400.

Sent from mica's Note 3

[barrypz]

I'm pretty sure my CB500/4 was middleweight when I got it in the early '70s.  I was more shocked when my SV650 seemed to be "light" rather than middle.
All academic anyway, we ride what we like.

[DeansZG]

   
     Nice looking bike & setup BTW....

     Are there exhaust heat deflection panels under the bags?  I'd wonder if the bottom of the bags would start melting when you're stuck in stop-n-go traffic on a 95+ degree day?

[Dan K]

Given the crazy size of engines these days, I definitely go by actual weight, as in lbs. when wet and ready to ride. That Ninja 1000 is (unbelievably) a middleweight sport tourer, when you consider the curb weight of the FJR/Connie 14 etc. vs. the weight of bikes like the FJ-09 and BMW 800GT

Regardless, great bike, very refined and agile. I test rode one before I bought the VFR and I expect Kawi has solved the minor issues I had with the older 2012 non-abs model...

Enjoy! Really looks good in black.

 -Dan

[JTM]

Sorry.  Just getting old.

It's getting really old.

[nomagnashn]

A 1,000cc motorcycle is a middleweight?  

Nice bike.

I missed the last few days of discussion on this topic.

You make a good point that I honestly didn't consider when I posted this.  As many others have pointed out, in the last decade or two, the term "middle-weight" has definitely shifted.  But, based on what I'm coming from (Concours 14), this is (in my opinion) a middle-weight for me.  

Pro Tip: flip the chain adj. eccentrics so that they're on the bottom to gain some ride height, gaining available lean angle and quickening steering.

What do you mean by this?  I'm no expert by any means so this is a new one for me.  I'll do some research....

[RangerG]

Nice bike!  Don't like the pipes, but I haven't read anywhere that anyone does.  I was thinking that the weight classification refered to the rider.  I used to be a lightweight but I'm now a mid weight.  

[nomagnashn]

Nice bike!  Don't like the pipes, but I haven't read anywhere that anyone does.  I was thinking that the weight classification refered to the rider.  I used to be a lightweight but I'm now a mid weight.  

Then I'm one of the few that DO like the stock pipes.  In fact, I'm taking them in today to get powercoated.  Still on the fence whether I'll get them done in matte or gloss black though.  Kinda leaning towards gloss.  

Oh, and if the rider's weight is used to classify the bike, then this is definitely a heavy weight.  

[Blue is Best]

Based on the last couple of posts, my FJR and ZX14 are light weights!!!!!!!

 

 

[Volfy]

What do you mean by this?  I'm no expert by any means so this is a new one for me.  I'll do some research....

The rear axle on the N1K is on an eccentric adjuster, which you rotate to adjust chain tension.  What you can do is rotate this eccentric hub all the way around so the axle sits at the bottom, instead of on top (see pic).  This effectively raises the rear ride height by probably an inch or so.  In addition to raising ground clearance, this also decreases the rake angle and trail of your front end.  It also increases weight transfer toward the front wheel.  The end effect could be sharper turn in and more responsive steering... and it could also decrease stability, particularly on hard braking.

I did the same thing on an '09 Sprint ST... except it was to lower the rear ride height (for my midget legs).  Either way, you are changing the handling characteristics and possibly load handling of the bike.  I would suggest that you do not do this, unless you are fully aware of the pros & cons of this mod are and able to use them to you advantage - rather than to your detriment.

[dietDrThunder]

re: above

Good explanation for sure. I recommended it having ridden the N1K set up both ways, and IMO it was better with the added rear height. Turn-in was sharper, ground clearance was increased, and there were no negatives that I could discern...the bike was still very stable under braking etc.

I just mentioned it because it's a free and quick way to get a little added rear ride height without changing parts or spending money.

[wibornz]

Very nice bike and nice car. Looks like you are winning.  

The saddle bags on a bike make you faster, because your bike becomes almost invisible to the cops. hahahaha

[Roadscum]

That's one damn nice looking mc... congratulation on you new N1K! Ride far, have fun, be safe!  

And feel free to call it a middle weight , it's yours do you can call it anything you want. Of course there's always a "Grand Poobah's" of all things motorcycle who will take exception to almost anything.  

Paul

[Blunder]

And feel free to call it a middle weight , it's yours do you can call it anything you want. Of course there's always a "Grand Poobah's" of all things motorcycle who will take exception to almost anything.  

Paul

No sense of humor in this one.

[rwortman]

I really liked the bike.   Chain drive and no centerstand means it gets ruled out for touring as far as I am concerned.  Lubing a chain in a motel parking lot is something I have done for years, doing it with only a sidestand is just too much of a hassle.

[mugwump58]

I'm going to open myself up to the possibility of a chain oiler. I'll confess that the weight loss of chain drive is becoming more and more appealing.

[Akumu]

I really liked the bike.   Chain drive and no centerstand means it gets ruled out for touring as far as I am concerned.  Lubing a chain in a motel parking lot is something I have done for years, doing it with only a sidestand is just too much of a hassle.

When I had an SV650 I just used the rear spool sliders and a PackJack. Voila, tire lifted and lubed with 0 problems.

Is a center stand nice? Absolutely. There are ways around it, though...

[barrypz]

I still use a jack on my SV650 spools.  Quick and easy, but does not help me when on the road for a week.

[Akumu]

^Why wouldn't it?   The Pack jack fits in a tiny tank bag as does a small can of lube.

[nomagnashn]

Good info on the PackJack.  I was looking at getting this one too.

[Blue is Best]

How about categorizing bikes as lightweight, middleweight, fullsize and oversize!

[Volfy]

How about categorizing bikes as lightweight, middleweight, fullsize and oversize!

That'll go over well like a Lead Zeplin.

Same reason there are no "Oversized" in women's clothing section.  Preferred name is "Full-figured".

And why there are no "Small" size condoms, just "Snugger Fit".

[caasland]

When I had an SV650 I just used the rear spool sliders and a PackJack. Voila, tire lifted and lubed with 0 problems.

Is a center stand nice? Absolutely. There are ways around it, though...

Me too, but I use a quick-stand:

http://www.motorcycleradar.com/quick_stand.htm

[caasland]

My new 2015 Ninja 1000.

Thanks for the nice photo's. Reminds me what my 2011 sort of looks like. It has been in storage since November and we have about three more months of winter to go .... !

[caasland]

    

     Are there exhaust heat deflection panels under the bags?  

Yes.

[caasland]

Then I'm one of the few that DO like the stock pipes.  In fact, I'm taking them in today to get powercoated.  Still on the fence whether I'll get them done in matte or gloss black though.  Kinda leaning towards gloss.  

Oh, and if the rider's weight is used to classify the bike, then this is definitely a heavy weight.  

On my 2011 the exhausts are blacked out and they blend in more with the bike.

I wonder if the 2011 exhausts will fit your 2015? Have you considered getting a used black pair rather than powdercoating your own?

[DDFZ1]

Back in the 1980's the middle weight class was the 750cc motorcycles.  Every manufacturer had one.
I had a 1981 750cc Kawasaki.  It weighed 500 lb. and made about 60HP.
1100cc motorcycles weighed 600 lb.
Today, 500 lb. motorcycles are 1000cc with at least 100HP.
I would say the FJ09 and Ninja 1000 are middle weight motorcycles.
I have a FZ1, 500 lb. 130HP (modded) and a 14r, 570 lb., 189HP.
The FZ1 feels like a dirt Bike compared to the Ninja pushing around the garage.

[Volfy]

I sure have fund memories of the 80's "middleweights"  Had an '82 Yamaha Maxim XJ650 and later an '86 XJ700.  Those air-cooled inline4 were darn near bulletproof, and with shaft drives about as low maintenance as they come.  They made some 70-80HP and went as fast as the measly suspension (by today's standard) could safely manage.  At 500 lbs or so, the middleweight moniker felt spot on.

Even then, I find the retro trend these day rather amusing.  As much as I liked those old machines, I wouldn't want to be riding them now... not when there are so much better handling and powerful beast - and lighter weight - available these days.  Sometimes, memories are best kept... as memories.

[motrhead]

Even then, I find the retro trend these day rather amusing.  As much as I liked those old machines, I wouldn't want to be riding them now... not when there are so much better handling and powerful beast - and lighter weight - available these days.  Sometimes, memories are best kept... as memories.

 I have one of those old bikes, an 83 or 84 XJ 750 Yamaha...the one with the XJ900 chassis and fairing. I think it was rated around 86 or 87 hp. The chassis is not lacking in any way and it really goes well! Sometimes air-cooled and simple is nice. That V7 Guzzi is still calling me...

[HipGnosis]

 I have one of those old bikes, an 83 or 84 XJ 750 Yamaha...the one with the XJ900 chassis and fairing. I think it was rated around 86 or 87 hp. The chassis is not lacking in any way and it really goes well! Sometimes air-cooled and simple is nice. That V7 Guzzi is still calling me...

I got my Vstar 950 partially because I think it's the perfect balance of old and new tech.  Air cooled V twin with fuel injection and elec. ignition.   Disk brakes, single rear shock and belt drive.
It's STUPID easy to change the oil, and filter now that I'm using auto filters that are longer than the OEM filters.

[DDFZ1]

When I first started riding, I weighed 150 lb.  Then the Government changed the speed limit to 55 MPH making high performance Bikes NOT needed.  I then moved to Colorado and discovered mountain roads at 12,000 feet and a 500 lb. motorcycle with only 60 HP (at Sea Level)  needed for POWER and TORQUE.  I graduated to 1000cc and have been on that size or larger since 1990.  And I gained 40 lb., too.
I really did like Bikes with shaft drive instead of a chain.

[Tortured]

Sharp looking machine !

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[Volfy]

When I first started riding, I weighed 150 lb.  Then the Government changed the speed limit to 55 MPH making high performance Bikes NOT needed.  I then moved to Colorado and discovered mountain roads at 12,000 feet and a 500 lb. motorcycle with only 60 HP (at Sea Level)  needed for POWER and TORQUE.  I graduated to 1000cc and have been on that size or larger since 1990.  And I gained 40 lb., too.
I really did like Bikes with shaft drive instead of a chain.

Yap, I rode 650 and 700 through the late '80s and never once thought I needed much more power.  There were a lot more bikes with shaft drive back then.  Many UJMs and even some sporty-ish bikes had them.  These days, it's mostly tourers and some cruisers.