Kawi Ninja 1000 owners...

[keystonejenks]

Not a long-time owner, but I was disappointed in the handling when I demo'd one (Kawi factory demo truck). Stonking engine, smooth transmission, good brakes. The ergos were weird for me and the bike just didn't handle like I thought I should/would based on specs/etc. When I'm ready to part with money I will give it another shot (maybe it was worn tires, badly tweaked suspension, dunno), but I would strongly suggest a long test ride first.

I remember several reviews of the Ninja 1000 mentioning the handling issues. One review in Motorcycle Consumer News said the engine was fantastic but it was temperamental causing the front end to feel loose going in or coming out of turns. They strongly suggested a steering damper. I remember one of the Euro rags mentioning the same thing. They said once they added the damper on one of their long term units it was what the bike should have been coming from the factory.

[Sport-Touring]

[chadhargis]

Granted, I've not had the bike on a track, but it doesn't "need" a damper that I can tell. It feels plenty stable. Of course, I firmed the rear and softened the front to get some more front weight bias. I weight 250lbs, so I'm squishing the back like crazy. It is under sprung for me.

The engine IS torquey. Inline fours in supersport bikes are typically very buzzy and you have to wring their necks to make them do much then the power comes on in a rush. Because of that, I have been a twin guy for years. Big flat linear torque curves. I had an FJR 1300 that was a long stroke motor. It was nice. The N1K feels very similar to the FJR motor, only with more top end rush. It's really a wonderful compromise.

I'm way past my boy racer days. I like a good twisty road, but I'm in no hurry to drag knees on the N1K. Been there, done that, and consider myself extremely lucky that I'm not dead. Had lots of close calls and figure my luck is bound to run out if I keep pushing things. I might do a track day on the Ninja some day, but I'll wait until I have a 55 series rear on the bike and sprung for my weight.

I love the Ninja. I'm not quite ready for a cruiser or a Goldwing. I've owned a heavy 640lb sport tourer and wanted a lighter more nimble bike. The N1k fits the bill for me.

[chadhargis]

Got a few mods bolted on this week. Very pleased with them.

Seat
Fantastic! Big, wide, supportive, and the extra height combined with the peg lowering kit is awesome. Fit and finish are excellent! I had Loren add an extra 1" to the seat and remove the forward slope.









Peg Lowering Kit

Another quality part. The Motowerk peg lowering kit was easy to fit, and dropped the pegs straight down. The brake lever didn't need adjustment (it's better now) but I had to lower the shifter down a bit.



12V and Powerlet Outlets

Installed a standard 12v outlet and wired it into the switched accessory connection. I wired the Powerlet outlet under the tail so I can plug in my heated vest and battery tender. It's direct to the battery.

[sprockethead]

I have about 10,000 miles on mine.  Handling improved dramatically when I changed the stock rear 190/50 to PR2 190/55.  I also had the suspension professionally adjusted.   Added a Puig racing screen and OEM gel seat.  I can log consecutive 300 mile days no problem - did one track day but it was my first and only so I can't say I really tested the limits of the bike.  I am a pretty new rider - about three years, and my previous bike was a Yamaha FZ6r so I can't really tell you how it compares to other bikes in its league.

Haven't read about the steering damper until now but I haven't had any problems that would indicate I need one.

[kwb377]

Bumping this one back to the top...


Rode with a buddy this past weekend who was on a Z1000. I started checking it out more closely, and now I've got the itch to sell the '14 and get an N1K.

Anyone had both that can offer some insight and comparison? I absolutely love the ZX, but the raised bars and more upright riding position of the 1000 looks very appealing. And I won't lose my bags.