So for 2014 Kawasaki pointed the Ninja 1000 in a slightly different direction. With the ZX 10R satisfying the hardcore sport market Ninja 1000 was essentially redundant. So for 2014 Kawasaki gave Ninja a shot of touring to compliment its sports back ground.
New features for the Liter Ninja include KTRC traction Control, dual power modes, more power and better binders. The goal is to make Ninja 1000 a more usable bike for a wider scope of riders.
For '14 Ninja 1000 saw a power boost thats evident in the low and mid ranges (where this bike is going to spend 80% of its time) via a revised intake cam. Top end performance is boosted by additional airbox vents. Engine efficiency was increased by reducing pumping losses inside the crankcase. This was done by revising the cylinder passageways. Also between your legs a new non-woven air filter increases flow to the four 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies for better high-rpm response. New equal-length velocity stacks provide peppier throttle response while improvements to Digital Timing Advance creates even more in the low and mids.
KTRS traction control uses similar modes as the ZX-10R. Modes 1 and 2 maximize forward traction for optimized acceleration, while mode 3 is calibrated for wet and slippy conditions. Handlebar mounted switch allows you to select or disable.
Two power modes allow the 1000 to operate at full power or low power. It lets you tailor delivery to your comfort level. in low power the bike will operate at only 70% power.
The ABS-equipped disc brakes get new ultra-rigid monobloc calipers that pinch 300mm petal-type rotors. Pressure is routed via a radial mount race-spec master cyl. While out back, a single 250mm petal-type rotor is mated with a single-piston caliper.
The Ninja 1000s new subframe allows for the quick install and release of top boxes and side saddles.
Front forks are unchanged from '13, 41mm inverted with pre load and rebound adjustments. The rear shock has been upgraded to include a remote pre load adjuster to dial in passenger ride height or luggage speedily.
Lastly a taller sixth gear has been added to drop revs during highway cruising. Best part is for 2014 the Ninja 1000 is retailing for $100 less than its 2013 counterpart....
it's amazing how there's so many good upgrades to the 2014 and it's cheaper than the 2013 model, i wonder if people who bought 2013 models are regretting their purchase, wishing they waited for 2014.
it's amazing how there's so many good upgrades to the 2014 and it's cheaper than the 2013 model, i wonder if people who bought 2013 models are regretting their purchase, wishing they waited for 2014.
Its possible, but how would they of known? I'm sure If they're really regretting their decision Kawasaki would be happy to take their slightly used '13 Ninja 1000 and sell them a new Ninja 1000 for another couple grand
Its possible, but how would they of known? I'm sure If they're really regretting their decision Kawasaki would be happy to take their slightly used '13 Ninja 1000 and sell them a new Ninja 1000 for another couple grand
although we do have to consider that buyers of a '13 ninja 1000 may be glad they purchased the more sport oriented Ninja from last year vs this years touring focused offer...
although we do have to consider that buyers of a '13 ninja 1000 may be glad they purchased the more sport oriented Ninja from last year vs this years touring focused offer...
Hi,
I like the small refinements but bought the 2013 ninja 1000 ABS new as a leftover for $4,000 off the price ! I would never use traction control so am very happy with it.
PK
If the price is even close, the 14 is a better bike. Better brakes, better suspension, and traction control. Big drawback is nto having Ivans reflash available.
I dont know if older is really more sport oriented, though. Are you thinking abs?
I spoke to Ivan a few weeks ago. He is a great guy and I can't wait to work with him. He is playing the 14's close to the vest... in other words I get the impression that he is considering the 14's but is not ready to put anything on the page.
The bike is just so new that the performance community is just not there. Ie no full exhaust(just slip-ons).. no tuners.. heck really cant even find good dyno plots of the 14 versus the 13... for instance I found lots of dynos on the 13's that show around 125whp... I read where someone said the 14's were already in the 140whp range with the revamp... so yeah its really to new and we need to wait.. so there is a big albeit not easily seen difference.
not jack this thread out of shape too much... but when I say no full exhaust for the 14s that should be full exhaust WITH boxes. The Akrapovic will work if you discard the boxes. I called them too and they will only support slipons with boxes.
Not being able to reflash the 2014 is a bis deal. The bike does nto run right wihtout it. Figure an extra 25-30 hp right in the range you ride in.
Yes, top end is only increased @20 hp, LOL, but the range you ride in, that 6000 rpm range...its unreal. By far, the best money you can spend on the bike.
Hi,
The 2013 lists the HP at 136, some say 138 HP. The new 2014 says 140 HP with less camshaft lift on intake so it runs smoother at low rpm. I do not think even 4 HP will be felt. I think the 2013 will run harder if launched at a brisk pace.
Has anyone run the Ninja 1000 at the drag strip? when stock vs a tune ?
Perry.
At one time, the Blackbird was the king of speed. It could reach in stock form 170 to 180 mph. From what I read regarding the Ninja, it tops out around 150 mph. This seems perplexing if you compare the specs. So I wonder what accounts for this.
Blackbird
137 hp
563 lbs. wet...
I hate that the ninja 400 has a better looking dash than I have on a 1000 that's just 2 years older....
I have no idea why they didn't put a gear indicator in to the '16.....and LED lights......whereas Honda started treating some of their bikes to these as standard starting in 2015...
Not really thinking of getting a new bike but after reading about the Versys LT+ today it seems like it would be a nice alternative. Anybody here test rode one? If so, what was your opinion of it compared to the N1k? I like the Versys analog tach/digital speedo setup alot. Also like the idea of...
2 bikes, the perfect combo, yes, for me.
Good job we’re not all the same.
The Duc is a BIG TALL thing for sure.
Suits me that way, fits me & the special lady 2 up better than the Ninja for touring trips, plenty roomy.
Not that we’re big people.
Allows for some exploring ( within reason )...
First of all, thanks again to everyone for the warm welcome. I purchased a new to me 2014 Ninja 1000 ABS this past week. The bike was as new with only 860 miles. It has the factory bags and a Puig windscreen. I paid $7K at Hopper’s Motorsports in McKinney Texas. I traded in my 2014 Honda VFR800...
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