Kawasaki’s U.S. dealer meeting is underway in San Diego, California, and a significantly revised 2014 Ninja 1000 ABS is on display. The U.S. MSRP will be $11,999 when bikes show up in dealers, and the available colors for 2014 are pictured, and include Candy Lime Green and Candy Cascade Blue. All the details are in Kawasaki’s formal announcement below, but here is a list of the significant new or upgraded features:
- UPGRADED 1,043cc inline-four with DFI® offers even more power and torque for effortless passing and backroads entertainment
- NEW KTRC Traction Control system features three different modes, plus “off” for maximum performance and enhanced rider confidence in varying conditions
- NEW Selectable Power Modes offer a choice between full power and approximately 70 percent power output to help suit changing conditions
- NEW One-piece “monobloc” radial-mount front brake calipers offer superb braking power and control, along with a premium laser-etched Kawasaki logo and black alumite finish
- NEW Taller 6th gear provides a more relaxed ride when covering highway miles
- NEW Analog + Digital instrument cluster includes a large tachometer and a digital display offering a wealth of information on current bike conditions and settings
- NEW Remote rear spring preload adjuster allows quick tuning for passenger and luggage weight
- NEW Subframe with built-in compatibility for Kawasaki’s new accessory saddlebag mounts
- NEW Optional Kawasaki Quick Release (KQR) 29 liter hard saddlebags[2] are cleanly integrated with the new subframe and can be removed in seconds to leave a clean, rack-free tail section
2014 KAWASAKI NINJA® 1000 ABS
A Stylish and Comfortable Sportbike Upgraded for Today’s Rider
Riders who want real world, open class performance need to look no further than the upgraded 2014 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000 ABS sportbike. With an unmistakably aggressive profile that could only come from the Ninja family tree, this premium quality sportbike has the perfect combination of power, handling, looks, technology and rideability.
For 2014, Kawasaki engineers concentrated on making the Ninja 1000 ABS even more usable. Its advanced new KTRC Traction Control system features three different modes to deliver maximum performance and increased rider confidence, regardless of the riding conditions. Similarly, the dual selectable Power Modes serve to match engine performance to conditions, further expanding the rider’s confidence. Great looking one-piece “monobloc” radial-mount front brake calipers offer world-class power and feel. A new, taller 6th gear drops the RPMs at highway speeds for improved comfort when covering miles on a long ride. Since riders will probably want to take their Ninja 1000 everywhere, its subframe was redesigned to allow the cleanly integrated fitment of stylish and functional Kawasaki Genuine Accessory hard luggage.
Ninja 1000’s impressive thrust comes by way of an even more powerful inline-four – a 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine that features revised intake cams that boost its low-to-midrange torque—where most street bikes spend their time. When the road opens up, this big Ninja can better stretch its legs thanks to additional airbox vents and new cylinder connecting passageways that strengthen mid-to-high RPM performance by improving breathing and reducing the pumping losses associated with displacing air inside the crankcase. The more pronounced growl of the intake at low-RPM and intoxicating howl at full-song will put a smile on even the most jaded rider’s face. This engine’s all-around performance allows it to excel at almost any street-going activity, be it commuting, sport riding, touring, or eating up the miles on the freeway.
But this engine’s magic is more about flexibility and easy-to-use oomph than simply peak horsepower numbers. The extremely reliable inline-four produces the sort of power that launches you out of corners and away from stops in a way that’ll keep you entertained – and your riding buddies impressed – for years to come. At seemingly every RPM level, the Ninja 1000 engine produces smooth, instant-on thrust that many hardcore sportbikes simply can’t match.
Kawasaki’s perfectly calibrated electronic fuel injection helps make this so. The four 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies inject a perfect mix of fuel and air into each combustion chamber with help from an advanced ECU, oval sub-throttles and an updated cool air intake system that routes fresh air to the airbox via extra ducts at the front of the bike. A new, non-woven air filter element increases air flow for stouter high-RPM performance. For 2014, equal-length velocity stacks provide snappier throttle response, increasing the engine’s fun factor. Digital Timing Advance contributes to the increased low- and mid-range power, while spark plug-mounted ignition coils help ensure perfect timing for each cylinder. Warm up is easy—regardless of the temperature—thanks to the ECU’s idle speed control system.
A three-mode KTRC traction control system combines with a two-mode power selector system to give the rider the best possible performance in varied conditions. The Power Modes give the rider the choice between full power and low power, allows the rider to set power delivery to suit their preference. The first two KTRC modes are intended to maximize acceleration similar to the ZX™-10R’s S-KTRC. The third mode is tuned for low-traction (wet/slippery) conditions, similar to the Concours® 14 sport tourer’s KTRC. The KTRC system can be turned-off by the rider, and its settings and the Power Mode ignition maps can be selected with the bar-mounted switch. The KTRC and power modes—as well as ABS and Economical Riding (ECO) status—are indicated on the updated LCD instrument display for at-a-glance monitoring of settings.
A balance shaft driven off the crankshaft keeps the solidly mounted engine operating smoothly, while a beautifully styled 4-into-2-into-2 catalyzer-equipped exhaust system offers a pleasing growl without being overly loud. It’s a perfect engine for a road-going sportbike – smooth, powerful, flexible and blessed with the legendary reliability associated with Kawasaki sportbikes.
The Ninja 1000 sportbike features an advanced aluminum frame similar in design to the Ninja ZX-10R’s. The lightweight assembly curves over the engine, cradling it from above and bolting solidly to it in three places, with a rubber-backed fourth mount provided for added vibration isolation and torsional rigidity. This design allowed engineers to keep the bike’s waist narrow for superb rider interface and maximum comfort and control. The main frame and swingarm pivot pieces are cast as a single unit, with welds eliminated wherever possible for seamless aesthetics. The new sub-frame allows for dealer installation of accessory Kawasaki Quick Release (KQR) 29 liter hard saddlebags[1]. Those new KQR accessory bags also feature aggressive styling that is more suited to the Ninja 1000 than previous bag options. The sub-frame design eliminates the need for side covers thus allowing a narrower midsection for an easier reach to the ground.
The wheels, brakes and suspension bits that allow the Ninja to move so gracefully and swiftly are truly state-of-the-art. Suspension is handled by a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork up front and a preload- and rebound-adjustable single-shock system in back with a new remote preload adjuster, the ideal scenario for dialing in the perfect settings for your weight and riding style or quickly adjusting settings for adding a passenger and/or luggage. The single-shock system features a damper mounted nearly horizontally above the swingarm for optimal mass centralization and heat resistance. The gas/oil shock offers superb wheel control whether you’re hammering along deserted backroads or navigating across pothole-infested city streets. On the Ninja 1000, you’ll always know what’s happening at the contact patches.
Stopping power is provided by ABS equipped disc brakes – 300mm petal-type rotors up front squeezed by new ultra-rigid radially mounted “monoblock” calipers fed hydraulic pressure by an equally race-spec radial pump master cylinder. The new, monobloc front calipers are machined from a single piece of aluminum delivering both increased caliper stiffness and lower weight. Riders will love the responsive braking power and improved feel at the lever. Out back is another tech-savvy disc. The power and feel of the brakes at both ends is amazing, giving rookies, pros and everyone in between supreme confidence hauling the bike down from speed. The Ninja 1000 ABS’ anti-lock brake system (ABS) offers additional rider confidence when riding in slippery situations.
The wheels working with those brakes – lightweight six-spoke supersport-style units – are also the latest in lightweight production technology. They not only reduce unsprung weight, which allows the suspension to function optimally, but also carry the latest in radial tire technology. The result is superb grip, precise handling and reasonably long tread life.
But easily the most stunning aspect of the Ninja 1000 is its sleek, wraparound bodywork. Designed with an eye on Kawasaki’s race-ready ZX-6R and ZX-10R, the Ninja offers a thoroughly radical look, but one that’s unique and memorable. Despite its edgy, rakish demeanor, the bodywork carves a surprisingly large hole in the atmosphere, giving riders a quiet cocoon in which to work. A manually adjustable, 3-position windscreen helps, allowing riders to pick just the right setting for their height and riding style. Integrated front turn signals, a ZX-6R-spec front fender, a stylish tail-section and an updated, full-featured instrument panel complete the look.
And despite its radical look, the Ninja 1000 offers surprisingly comfortable ergonomics. The handlebars are mounted higher than on race-oriented machines, the pegs a touch lower, all of which makes the Ninja 1000 a capable sport tourer, and certainly a sportbike you can spend the day aboard without undue strain. Passenger comfort and security are improved with new grab-rails. To sweeten the day- or weekend-trekking deal even more, Kawasaki offers a line of optional touring-oriented accessories, including redesigned hard-case saddlebags and top trunk, heated grips and more.
It’s rare to find such all-around functionality in a sporting motorcycle today. But the 2014 Ninja 1000 is a different beast – one with wide-ranging talent in sport, sport-touring and commuting roles. As Motorcyclist magazine wrote recently: “In the real world we ride through every day, it doesn’t get much better than the Ninja 1000.”
A large selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories is available through authorized Kawasaki dealers.
2014 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000 ABS
Features and Benefits
Key Features
- UPGRADED 1,043cc inline-four with DFI® offers even more power and torque for effortless passing and backroads entertainment
- NEW KTRC Traction Control system features three different modes, plus “off” for maximum performance and enhanced rider confidence in varying conditions
- NEW Selectable Power Modes offer a choice between full power and approximately 70 percent power output to help suit changing conditions
- NEW One-piece “monobloc” radial-mount front brake calipers offer superb braking power and control, along with a premium laser-etched Kawasaki logo and black alumite finish
- NEW Taller 6th gear provides a more relaxed ride when covering highway miles
- NEW Analog + Digital instrument cluster includes a large tachometer and a digital display offering a wealth of information on current bike conditions and settings
- NEW Remote rear spring preload adjuster allows quick tuning for passenger and luggage weight
- NEW Subframe with built-in compatibility for Kawasaki’s new accessory saddlebag mounts
- NEW Optional Kawasaki Quick Release (KQR) 29 liter hard saddlebags[2] are cleanly integrated with the new subframe and can be removed in seconds to leave a clean, rack-free tail section
- Relaxed, upright riding position contributes to all-day comfort and impressive maneuverability
- Lightweight aluminum frame is narrow and tuned to transmit optimal feedback to the rider
- Fully adjustable inverted fork has settings designed for sporty performance and ride quality
- Design of horizontal back-link rear suspension contributes to mass centralization
- Sleek styling gives the Ninja® 1000 a distinctive sportbike look
- Large 5-gallon fuel capacity offers substantial range
- Windscreen is adjustable to three positions, allowing for optimum wind and weather protection
DOHC, 16-valve, 1,043cc Engine
- 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-four offers true open-class power from idle to redline
- NEW Cylinder connecting passageways reduce pumping losses and improve mid-to-high RPM performance
- NEW Intake cams provide improved low-to-midrange torque
- Easily accessible torque offers instant thrust for maximum rider satisfaction
- Bore and stroke dimensions of 77.0 x 56.0mm offer an ideal balance of peak power and low- and mid-range flexibility
- 38mm Keihin throttle bodies cram the air/fuel mixture directly into combustion chambers via downdraft intakes for maximum power
- Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim, and a slim midsection allows an ideal bike/rider interface for maximum comfort and control
- Engine’s rev limiter comes into play “softly,” providing usable overrev character because power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high RPM
- The engine’s relatively low crankshaft position allows a moderately long stroke without adding engine height
- A secondary engine balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration and contributes to rider comfort
UPGRADED Cool Air System
- Intake system routes cool air to the airbox via ducts in the fairing, minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
- UPGRADED Airbox features additional atmospheric intakes to further enhance the engine’s intoxicating intake howl
- NEW Non-woven air filter element provides better flow for enhanced high-RPM performance
- REVISED Velocity stacks are now equal-length and provide improved throttle response and a more exciting engine character
- Intake ducts are positioned close to the rider to allow the intake howl to be heard and enjoyed
NEW Selectable 2-Mode Digital Ignition
- Rider selectable Full & Low maps offer a choice between full power and approximately 70 percent power output to help suit changing conditions
- Digital Timing Advance enhances low- and mid-range power
- Individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each of the four spark plugs independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder
- ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up
NEW KTRC TRaction Control
- KTRC traction-control system features three different modes for varying conditions
- System can also be switched-off by the rider to disable traction control
- Modes are controlled by a handy switch assembly on the left handlebar
- Modes are indicated on the LCD cockpit display
Exhaust System
- The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout to provide ample silencer volume without requiring excess bulk in the rear mufflers
- Main and pre-catalyzers ensure cleaner emissions
- Exhaust system offers excellent mass centralization and contributes to a low center of gravity
Slim-type Fuel Pump
- Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel level sensor with enhanced accuracy for 2014
- Fuel tank design and slim-type fuel pump minimizes dead volume inside the tank; fuel capacity is 5.0 gallons
NEW Monobloc ABS Brakes with Petal-type Rotors
- NEW One-piece “monobloc” radial-mount front brake calipers offer superb braking power and control, along with a premium quality look from their laser-etched Kawasaki logo and black alumite finish
- Small and lightweight ABS unit with a high-spec ECU is capable of detailed calculations for ultra-smooth operation
- A low-battery mode helps preserve ABS effectiveness when the battery charge is low. (although riders may notice that ABS operation is less smooth than in normal mode)
- Petal-type 300mm front brake rotors are full-on sportbike hardware
- A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb control and feel offered by these high-end monobloc calipers
- The rear brake is a single-piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm petal-type disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod
Stylish Bodywork
- Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Ninja 1000 a distinctive, head-turning look, and also offers plenty of wind and weather protection for short-tour ability
- The fairing’s slat-style leading edges direct wind around the bike, allowing the fairing to be narrower at the middle
- The fairing flares at the rear, keeping hot engine air off the rider’s legs
- Front turn signals are integrated into the fairing and are attached to the inside of the fairing with rubber mounts that minimize damage if the bike falls over
- Front fender design contributes to excellent aerodynamics and racy looks
- Slim and compact tail cowl moves mass physically and visually toward the front of the bike
- LED taillight features red bulbs and a red transparent lens
- Slim rear fender gives the bike a light-looking rear end
- Windscreen is manually adjustable for optimum wind/weather protection
- Windscreen has three available positions spanning approximately 20 degrees and ranging from sporty to maximum wind protection. Adjustment can be done by hand (no tools required) by depressing the release button below the instrument panel. Windscreen adjustment should always be done with the bike stopped
Aluminum Backbone Frame
- Aluminum backbone frame is similar in concept to the Ninja ZX-10R’s, and helps make the bike narrow and easy to grip with the knees for maximum rider comfort and feedback
- The frame is lightweight and highly rigid, and uses the engine as a stressed member for solid handling and optimum stability
- Frame elements are tuned to transmit optimal engine feedback to the rider
- The frame uses four engine mounts, three of which are rigid, one of which (the upper rear crankcase mount) is rubber
- NEW Subframe features built-in compatibility for Kawasaki’s new accessory saddlebag mounts
- The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach to the ground
UPGRADED Horizontal Back-Link Rear Suspension
- Rear suspension design positions the shock unit and linkage above the swingarm where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes to mass centralization
- NEW Remote rear spring preload adjuster allows quick tuning for passenger and luggage weight
- Stepless rebound damping adjuster allows damping characteristics to be tuned to suit spring preload and passenger/luggage weights
Fully Adjustable 41mm Fork
- The Ninja 1000’s inverted fork is adjustable for compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload – and is protected from harm by a cool-looking shroud
- Settings are designed for both sporty performance and ride quality
Rider / Passenger Interface
- Separate, raised handlebars contribute to the sporty, comfortable riding position; bar stays are mounted to the fork tube tops, which extend above the top clamp
- A thick urethane seat provides a high level of rider and passenger comfort
- Tapered grips, like those used on supersport models, offer a more direct feel than traditional designs
- Ninja supersport footpegs with knurled surfaces offer secure grip, direct feel and control, and no-nonsense looks
- NEW Grab-bars are redesigned to provide a more comfortable hand-hold for the passenger
- The passenger footpeg brackets incorporate convenient luggage hooks
- Left handlebar features switches for KTRC Traction Control, Power Mode Selector, High/Low Beam and headlight flasher
Instrumentation
- NEW LCD functions include KTRC, Power Mode, ABS and Economical Riding (ECO) indicators
- Additional LCD functions include a digital speedometer, odometer, dual trip meter, clock, instant and average fuel consumption, coolant temperature, and low-fuel warning lamps
Large-volume Fuel Tank
- Five-gallon (19L) fuel tank offers substantial range
- Steel construction facilitates use of magnetic tank bag
- Tank shape (flared edges and a trim shape at the back) allows riders to easily grip tank with their knees
2014 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000 ABS Specifications*
| Engine: | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four |
| Displacement: | 1,043cc |
| Bore x stroke: | 77.0 x 56.0mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel injection: | DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles |
| Ignition: | TCBI with digital advance |
| Transmission: | Six-speed |
| Final drive: | X-ring chain |
| Rake / trail: | 24.5 degrees / 4.0 in. |
| Frame type: | Aluminum Backbone |
| Front tire: | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tire: | 190/50 ZR17 |
| Wheelbase: | 56.9 in. |
| Front suspension / wheel travel: | 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in. |
| Rear suspension / wheel travel: | Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, remotely adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in. |
| Front brakes: | Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with radial-mount four-piston monobloc calipers and ABS |
| Rear brake: | Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper, with ABS |
| Overall length: | 82.9 in. |
| Overall width: | 31.1 in. |
| Overall height: (Windscreen DN/UP) | 46.1 / 48.4 in. |
| Seat height: | 32.3 in. |
| Curb weight: | 509.4 lbs. |
| Fuel capacity: | 5.0 gal. |
| Color choices: | Candy Lime Green,Candy Cascade Blue |
| MSRP: | $11,999 |
| Warranty: | 12 Months |
| Kawasaki Protection Plus: | 12, 24, 36, and 48 month plans are available |
| Wholesale distributor: | Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. 9950 Jeronimo Road Irvine, California 92618 949-770-0400 www.kawasaki.com |
*Specifications are subject to change. Media are encouraged to visit www.kawasaki.com for most current specifications.
[1] Dealer Installed Option
[2] Dealer Installed Option
Great looking bike for 2014
Such a shame about the exhaust. What whas wrong with round? I can’t take the baffles out of that with a 2 1/4″ whole saw.
so is CALIFORNIA going to get ABS at last? I’ve been waiting for a NINJA 1000 ABS for 2 years now….
If you ask me, this is the riding position Kawasaki should have given the ZX14.
+1
+1
OK, the USA market gets an upgraded Ninja 1000, but when do we get the Versys 1000 that other markets have had for a year?
I’m with you. When is the U.S. getting the Versys 1000? Canada has it. That would probably be my next bike if it was here.
I guess you guys havent had it because the US demand for it isn’t strong. Just like the Ninja 400.
Yeah. The Ninja 400 would be cool, Too.
It’s my understanding that the Ninja 400 is a sleeved down 650 to answer Canada’s licensing requirements. It offers no advantages from being a smaller displacement (size, lightweight) so there’s not a compelling reason to pick it over the 650 in the US.
I thought he was refering to the old style 400 4 cylinder sportbike.
That would indeed be a cool bike.
Versys 1000 is an outstanding motorcyle. A little top heavy, and a little divey on the forks in heavy braking. Very comfortable though, and smooth and quick with the 4 cyl motor. You’d really like it given the chance.
All in all, I’d rather have a ZRX…
Bring back the Eliminator. I love the motor, hate all the plastic. I want a cruiser with balls.
I’ve seen some trucks with balls…not sure how it would look on a bike though.
12 K?, bet the average dealer has a hard time selling one.
i dunno, $12k doesn’t seem so bad…? look to be getting a following. may even be displacing the FZ-1…? used to see those all the time, but now i see these and connies. particularly connies. couldn’t throw a rock back at indy without hitting one.
Oh crimany, it’s got a beak! There are turning up everywhere!!
not technically a beak, just a severely pinched nose (like someone sat on the windshield before the clay model was fully set). Everything else seems mostly normal, until you get above the “1000” sticker above the integrated turn signal (nice touch for that!), then everything above that gets squished down in the name of style, I guess…
At least you can’t see any seams for the gas tank!!
Nice colors also… much better than just black!
Beautiful color! The side bags looks awesome and blended into the bike. Not sure what the torque and HP number looks like but definitely something upward of 100. I currently have Yamaha FJR and Suzuki Bandit 1250SA. I used my Bandit mostly for hooligan riding around town, commute to work, quick into mountain roads and some long distance trips. The FJR is heavier but it handles better than the Bandit, and overly suitable for multi-day trip. If I were to replace the Bandit, this Ninja would be top of my list.
SportRider dynoed the bike a while back at 120 hp and 72 ft-lbs at the rear wheel. Plenty adequate. Supposedly, the 2014 has a wee bit more kick.
I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but that pipe looks like an anime waffle iron. Also, it’s funny to me that they pitch “effortless passing”. It’s not a Harley and it’s over 600cc. Of course it has effortless passing…
Looks good, missing two things. First, the simple one. Ambient air temp reading. Engine mgmt is already collecting info, they should display it. Second, electronic cruise control. Easy, IF it’s ride by wire.
I’ve only had one bike with an ambient air temp gauge and fail to see it’s value. I know when I’m hot or cold. Rather have a gear position indicator…or a center stand … or both actually
Cruise would be nice on a bike meant for sport touring long distances.
Yep, I forgot about the gear position indcator. That’s another thing it’s missing, compared not just to my bike but also to the FZ-09 and Street Triple. Still, just as the guy mentioned that he doesn’t need an ambient temp gauge since he already knows when he’s hot or cold, it’s not like we don’t quickly learn our motors well enough to known what gear we’re in simply by feel.
On your CB1100, are you ever in much doubt as to what gear you’re in? I bet you’re not.
And yeah, electronic cruise control would be great, but it’s not going to happen on a Japanese sportbike, particularly at this price-point.
Actually on both my ST and my CB I find myself riding along in 4th and discover I have another gear left. I had a gear position indicator as far back as on my 75 Suzuki GT 750 and it was one of the features I liked on the BMW R 1200R that I rented in Europe.
Yep, I like it too, but if I had to choose (not that we ever do) I’d rather have cruise control. I never had a gear indicator before and never missed it, but now that I have one I have to admit that I do find myself checking it a lot more than I ever would have imagined.
Laziness, I guess. The irony is that I only seem to check it when I’m in full-rip mode, wanting to know whether I’m in second or third. It’s silly, because it’s not like I don’t already know. Since it’s there, though, I keep looking at it!
give me gear indication or give me death…!!!
Wouldn’t the lcd display have a gear indicator?
It doesn’t look like this is getting the slipper clutch the 300, 636, 10r and 14 have. That’s more of a bummer on an “all weather” liter bike as far as I’m concerned. Those big motors have a lot of engine braking and inertia.
Not usually.
One of the most common complaints is guys looking for the next higher gear when they are already in the highest gear available. They say they keep trying to shift to the next gear where none exists… say 6 th when the bike is a 5 speed, (and if so they obviously don’t relate gear to rpm as some would suggest) but I think they are rather trying to verify that they are in top gear. Gear position indicator would stop this incessant shifting to a higher gear that doesn’t exist.
My 2010 Street Triple R had a gear position indicator. Did they omit it on the new model?
Don’t have it on my 2013 FZ8, and to be honest, don’t miss it.
My 2010 Buell 1125R had gear position, but it went away when you had the clutch in. Kinda strange….
I had TRE gear position indictor on my ZX10r and really liked it.
I’ve had bikes with cruise control since 1993. Maybe have used it a dozen times. Don’t care for it. Same with my cars.
Since moving to a city/county with unusually-low speed limits (especially compared to my previous state of CA), I’ve become very fond of cruise control in my car. It has saved both my license and low insurance rates.
Those top exhaust exit mighty close to the hard bags…
Bags have cutouts and heat sheilds. visordown.com has a shot from the rear.
Looks great in blue.
No kidding! I like it in Green as well. Not being one to keep my bikes clean, I’d still take boring, old black or charcoal, though…
Of all the bikes I’ve owned, I never had a Kawi, but have always loved the green. Mine will have to be green.
In the Kawi videos, they show FF helmets being removed from both of the side bags. As long as the helmets were not smalls – bravo.
I also had though about getting this bike a year or two ago, but just couldn’t get myself to do it. With these improvements, I’m starting to think I’ll need more room in my garage very soon.
If a decent sized (L-XL non Schubert) lid fit in any of the cases, and they are as narrow as they seem; which pretty much demands they are heavily sculpted to precisely follow the contours of the subframe and cradle the wheel; and the throttle is not abrupt which is often the bane of comfortable streetability on liter bikes; I’m breaking down and getting one. I have NO need for something this big and powerful, but just sold an S10 for being just too much of a whale, and as much as my inner Mr. Practical says my remaining WR250R is all I really need; a narrow semiupright, fully modern sportbike with hard storage for a helmet is just too much to pass up. In the meantime, I’ll practice ending sentences before they’re entire paragraphs long…..
As long as the helmets were NOT smalls? Huh? Do you mean as long as they ARE smalls?
No. I mean what I wrote. As long as the helmets in the videos were not small size helmets – e.g. if large or even medium helmets fit in the bags, then bravo for making decent sized bags.
They are 29L bags. I have a hard time getting a helmet into my 36L bags on my VStrom. There is no way that a helmet larger than XS fits in there.
Another bike you can’t put a center stand on???
Best make that side stand foot a lot larger then.
really? a center stand hardcore? lets all lobby for some 8-track action while we’re at it!
how do you clean and lube a chain, when you are hundreds of miles from your garage, where you keep a bulky rear stand?
Center stands aren’t just for garage work…
Or fix a flat tire on the road?
Or check the oil properly on yer lonesome?
I like Centerstands too, but with today’s sticky rubber, a sportbike needs some ground clearance. And, having more of the exhaust under the bike instead of where the panniers are supposed to be, frees up more space to make the saddlebags more usable without being too wide.
It is clearly a wonderfu motorcycle, BUT: No self cancelling turn signals?
Other than that, I’d still rather have just two cyinders, for grunt rather than top end, because I don’t go 120 – 150 mph.
No worries then, for this thing easily has as much low-down grunt as any similar displacement Twin.
Funny enough, it always seems like Kawi gets the throttle response and such correct on all their bikes where it seems like Yamaha seems to struggle.
As far as a Ninja vs. Street Triple or FZ9… the ninja is not even in the same group being a PURE Liter bike 4cyl with 140 HP and meant to TOUR, where as the Street is meant to race around town.
If I was touring… this would be on my hit list… it’s received nothing but praise and my helmet will be on my head so not worried if it fits in the box. 🙂
I want them to remove and not look hideous and it sounds like we are good there.
Okay, first impressions…
-Love the description of the new, discreet hardbag mounts. The ones on the current version are just hideous.
-The remote preload adjuster is a nice addition.
-The taller sixth gear for highway cruising sounds great.
-So does the extra low-down grunt, particularly if it doesn’t come at the “tuned for torque” expense of the top end.
-Glad they added traction control. For a year-round bike with so much power, that’s a good thing.
-Not so sure that I trust Kawasaki to nail the details when it comes to the digital mapping system. Hopefully this won’t result in another bike with overly abrupt throttle-response.
-Although they’re hardly any different, those new silver exhaust tips look a bazillion times better than the current black ones. I could actually leave these ones alone and not hate myself, which is important now in California since it’s becoming very difficult to do any pipe swaps here.
-Wish it came in something other than Kawi green or blue. The blue looks great, but dammit, all my gear is biased towards red bikes!
The main things that prevented me from getting the current Ninja 1000 were the lack of non-hideous hardbag mounts, plus that gawdawful exhaust system. This new version seems to fix both issues for me. Now I’m wondering how much (if any) weight was added with all these incremental changes.
IF the hardbags will hold a full helmet and IF this bike didn’t suddenly become a full-on porker, weight-wise, I’d have to say that this one definitely bumps the Yamaha FZ-09 off my list, and possibly the Street Triple too. Other than for the lack of shaft-drive, a centerstand, and an ambient temperature gauge, this new Ninja 1000 looks to offer everything my R1200R has, only with the additions of more power, potentially sharper handling, and a modicum of buffeting-free wind protection.
Oh, and few fewer major service intervals.
Hmmmm. This may be my next bike.
“Curb weight: 509.4 lbs.”
Not bad at all for what this is. Surprised you are considering this next to a pair of bikes that are so different in the FZ-09 and Street Triple.
Ah, thanks, I missed the inclusion of the spec sheet. So, basically the same weight as before. Not too bad, then.
For my purposes, this bike isn’t all that different from my R1200R, the FZ-09 or the Street Triple. Obviously it’s closer to the BMW than to the two triples, but they’re all upright, comfortable sportbikes, to varying degrees. This bike is really just the ZX1000 plus a fairing and a larger gas tank, and for all intents and purposes a ZX1000 is just a heavier, more powerful FZ-09 or Street Triple. The motor designs are different, but their mission briefs are similar.
The reason I’d want the FZ-09 or Triumph is for lighter, sportier handling in an upright, naked standard. The reason I’d want the Ninja 1000 is for sportier handling, a little more power, and a skosh of wind-protection for longer winter rides, while still being an upright, comfortable bike.
Take all these attributes, and my R1200R fairly splits the difference.
Except for the fact that the R series BMW’s all handle like trucks.
uh, not to sound like a hater… but it just looks, uh, WEIRD
Agreed. I remember the lustful design of early 90s Ninja’s in my teen years. I’d rid up to the bike shop on my (well worn) 125cc and dream of the day I would own one. Unfortunately, motorcycle design today isn’t very attractive. The R7 Yamaha is probably the last “recent” motorcycle that looked like something I would like to own.
how do you like your bags…? rare, medium well, or char-broiled…?
I was thinking the exact same thing. It sure looks like the lower leading edge of those bags will get torched by the upper outlet of the exhaust tips.
At 29 litres and with such an odd shape, I wonder whether those bags can hold a full-face helmet?
I wondered the same thing. This bike looks like Kawi has done their homework.
It’s my understanding the top half of that hideous muffler is not open.
All of the gasses exit through the bottom of the muffler.
I should hope so. still looks awfully close for comfort. I remember one time I had an extra helmet strapped to the rear of my bike that accidentally shifted off the seat and over to the right near the exhaust exit as I was riding. I hadn’t noticed it till I got to my destination, which ironically was only like 5 miles away. I grabbed the helmet figuring it would be fine…? wrong, the exhaust jet had literally cut half thru the shell digging it’s way to china. nearly new helmet I had just bought off a friend, needless to say I was pissed. still have the helmet, but it’s just a shelf decoration now along with some others. 🙁 gotta decorate sumptin’…!?