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Anyone come from a supersport?

7766 Views 34 Replies 21 Participants Last post by  luciano136
Hi all,

I'm new and have joined because I'm contemplating a potential upgrade to the N1k. I was wondering how many people on here have made the transition from a supersport to a Ninja and what were their thoughts? I currently ride a honda cbr600rr and my first bike was a ninja 300.
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What do you consider a supersport?
I came from a Buell 1125, and have to say the Ninja isn't even close.
You may not notice coming from a 600, but for me, the poor suspension, and lack of torque are killing it for me. I find myself back on the Buell more, and am glad I didn't get rid of it when I bought my N1K.
Don't get me wrong, the N1K does have some good points, it's smooth as glass, makes decent HP, but I'm used to better suspension, and tons of torque.
Low torque?
Is it an issue of subjectivity? Comparing the 1000 to a super sport?
Low torque?
Is it an issue of subjectivity? Comparing the 1000 to a super sport?
I was about to say...

I would imagine the buell having more torgue as the configuration of the engine is a v-twin if I'm not mistaken??

I couldn't speak to the suspension of a buell, but I know I'd be giving up some stability and suspension performance if I did in fact go NK1 seeing as how my CBR has Showa Big Piston Forks, where the Ninja's would probably not be on par, but I'm aware of that fact as it's not a full on race bike like mine is anyway.

That said, I know it wouldn't be able to perform the same, I'm just contemplating the idea of maybe finding a good middle ground machine that fills the gap between race and street bike effectively. Sport Tourers don't call my name because they're too big and clumsy for everyday use (although I wouldn't mind one to hit the road for 500+ miles and do some trips) but the NK1 seems like a good blend. I'm just not sure where I stand as far as type of bike and, seeing as how dealers won't let you test ride in south florida, I kinda have to go by the feedback I get from other people to make an informed decision. :/
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I was about to say...

I would imagine the buell having more torgue as the configuration of the engine is a v-twin if I'm not mistaken??

I couldn't speak to the suspension of a buell, but I know I'd be giving up some stability and suspension performance if I did in fact go NK1 seeing as how my CBR has Showa Big Piston Forks, where the Ninja's would probably not be on par, but I'm aware of that fact as it's not a full on race bike like mine is anyway.

That said, I know it wouldn't be able to perform the same, I'm just contemplating the idea of maybe finding a good middle ground machine that fills the gap between race and street bike effectively. Sport Tourers don't call my name because they're too big and clumsy for everyday use (although I wouldn't mind one to hit the road for 500+ miles and do some trips) but the NK1 seems like a good blend. I'm just not sure where I stand as far as type of bike and, seeing as how dealers won't let you test ride in south florida, I kinda have to go by the feedback I get from other people to make an informed decision. :/
based on your statements above, this bike (N1K) is the bike for you. We all say it on here. It doesn't do any one thing perfectly. It does all things very well. If you have to have one street bike, this has the best of it all. I had a cruiser and sport bike. this bike is not a either. It's better. I could not find a more perfect bike. I love the sport bike look, hate the riding position. It doesn't handle like one but it doesn't have that motor either. For what this bike is, it does it better than any. You will not be disappointed.
I've "come from" a 2012 CBR 1000rr, and before that the last few bikes I've owned have all been supersports, all CBRs. The Hondas are the least uncomfortable of the supersports that I've tested, and I've tested a lot over the years. I say come from but I still have the CBR 1000. After the CBR I've bought a 2013 Z800 which I love for driving around the city but nakeds are no good for out of town. I recently got the 2015 ninja 1000. I'm really busy with work at the moment so I'm not out of town often and use the Z800 for my short daily ride to work. Why not one of the other bikes? Because you get a tiny space to park bikes here and the likelihood of getting a scratch is high. The Z800 was the cheapest bike and would hurt the least if it got hit. When I go any distance at all I choose the Ninja 1000. The CBR is very rarely used. Supersports are just not comfortable at all, even if you adjust the suspension well. Supersports are not meant for comfort, they are meant for speed and track days. The Ninja 1000 has almost the power of a supersport, has the power at a more usable place (lower down the rev range), is far more comfortable, is not that much heavier and you can tour very easily if you choose to. I love the look of the bright red 2012 cbr, and I can't get myself to sell it yet, but I've been close a few times.
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I like using this site to see the difference in ergonomics :) CBR 1000 compared to Ninja 1000

Motorcycle Ergonomics

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I came from an 11 gsxr 600.

I can tell you that I miss the 80MPH plus first gear and high redline of the gxxr. I miss the ultra low weight and razor edge handling as well.

But I don't miss the pain of a SS. I do need to agree with the poster above the Hondas are more comfortable than most.

The N1k is the best mix of every category. It is like a Swiss army knife. It turns in good enough that a decent rider can keep up with the sport guys in the twisties. it accelerates like a stump pulling diesel and has no problem running to triples with most of the sport bikes ... but we all know that is really about who gets on the gas first. It cruises at 80MPH without being too high strung. With boxes, it holds stuff. You can easily ride the bike(hard) 300 miles or more in a day with little need of rest or stretching. It is also a big baby to ride.
superninja

What do you consider a supersport?
I came from a Buell 1125, and have to say the Ninja isn't even close.
You may not notice coming from a 600, but for me, the poor suspension, and lack of torque are killing it for me. I find myself back on the Buell more, and am glad I didn't get rid of it when I bought my N1K.
Don't get me wrong, the N1K does have some good points, it's smooth as glass, makes decent HP, but I'm used to better suspension, and tons of torque.
Buelligan those are two different machines I agree.....the nj1 weighs about 509..what does the 1125 weigh?
I really considered an 1125. Never got to ride or sit on one though. Used prices and how cheap i got a new N1K for kinda made my determination. Now you have me intrigued to ride an 1125.
buellninja

"Buell 1125R

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Buell 1125R Manufacturer Buell Production 2008–2009 by Buell
2009– by Erik Buell Racing Class Sport bike Engine Rotax Helicon: liquid-cooled, 72° V-twin, 1,124.9 cc (68.65 cu in), DOHC, FI, 4 valves per cylinder, finger followers, shims, dual 61 mm (2.4 in) downdraft throttle bodies, ram-air intake, dry-sump lubrication Bore / stroke 103.0 mm × 67.5 mm (4.06 in × 2.66 in) Compression ratio 12.3:1 Top speed 158–161 mph (254–259 km/h)[1][2] Power 127.1–134 hp (94.8–99.9 kW) @ 9,800 rpm[1][2] Torque 71.1–75.9 lbf·ft (96.4–102.9 N·m) @ 8,300 rpm[1][2] Transmission 6-speed, belt drive, HVA slipper clutch Suspension Front: Fully adjustable 47 mm Showa inverted fork, 120 mm (4.7 in) suspension travel
Rear: Fully adjustable Showa coil over monoshock, 127 mm (5.0 in) suspension travel Brakes Front: ZTL2 8-piston rim-mounted 375 mm (14.8 in) single disc
Rear: 2-piston caliper,240 mm (9.4 in) disc Tires Pirelli Diablo Corsa III
Front: 120/70 ZR-17
@ 3.50 in × 17 in (89 mm × 432 mm) cast aluminium wheel
Rear: 180/55 ZR-17
@ 5.50 in × 17 in (140 mm × 432 mm) cast aluminium wheel Rake, trail 21.0° / 84 mm (3.3 in) Wheelbase 1,375 mm (54.1 in) Dimensions L: 2,040 mm (80 in)
W: 716 mm (28.2 in)
Seat height 30.5 in (775 mm) Weight 440 lb (200 kg)[2] (dry)
466 lb (211 kg)[1] (wet) Fuel capacity 20.1 l (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) Fuel consumption 32.6–36 mpg-US (7.2–6.5 L/100 km; 39.2–43.2 mpg-imp)[1][2] Related Buell Firebolt XB12R, Buell 1125CR The Buell 1125R is a sport bike that was made by Buell Motorcycle Company in the United States. It was introduced in July 2007 for the 2008 model year. Production of road-going 1125Rs, and all Buell models, ceased in October 2009. In November 2009, Buell founder Erik Buell launched Erik Buell Racing, which initially produced race-only versions of the 1125R.[3]
The 1125R is powered by a 1,125 cc (68.7 cu in) Helicon V-twin engine made by BRP-Powertrain (Rotax) of Austria. The liquid-cooled engine has a V angle of 72° and produces a claimed 146 hp (109 kW), with a rpm limit of 10,500.[4] Motorcycle Consumer News tested 127.1 hp (94.8 kW) and 71.1 lbf·ft (96.4 N·m) at the rear wheel,[1] while Cycle World reported 134.0 hp (99.9 kW) @ 9,800 rpm and 75.9 lbf·ft (102.9 N·m)} @ 8,300 rpm.[2] The two magazines reported top speeds of 158 and 161 mph (254 and 259 km/h) respectively, and 0 to 1⁄4 mile (0.00 to 0.40 km) times of 10.51 and 10.39 seconds at 134.32 and 134.09 mph (216.17 and 215.80 km/h).[1][2]
The Helicon engine's 72° layout differs from Buell's previous V-twins, which were based on 45° air-cooled Harley-Davidson Sportster motors, modified for greater efficiency and output.
The 1125R includes a number of unconventional design attributes. The patented frame design houses the bike's fuel. The single, eight-piston front brake, called ZTL2, has a 375 mm (14.8 in) inverted rotor that is directly attached to the front wheel rim. This enabled Buell to design a front end that was lighter and more responsive than traditional designs. The bike also uses an exhaust under the engine for greater volume. The frame, front end and exhaust all contribute to Buell's main design aim of mass centralization. Instead of a drive chain the 1125R uses a drive belt, which does not require lubrication or adjustment"

I have not rode one either...but both have similar horsepower and speed traits...the think the suspension is more supersport on the buell than the ninja1000---
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The ninja has plenty of torque after a Ivans reflash. Once you do that, you'll realize how restricted it was below 4000 rpm.

As far as compared to a v twin....It does, but you need to rev an inline 4 to feel it.

Its rare to find a person who likes both styles.
So much of it depends on your age and riding experience. I'm fiddy now and have been riding for over 30 years. I can make the N1k do what I need it to do despite the weight.
Coming off a TLR, I was afraid to go with a 4 banger. It's been a good transition though. I think the n1k/z1000 is probably the best 4 banger out there for guys coming off a twin.

1125, Tuono, S1000R, SV1000S and N1K were all the bikes I considered before deciding on my new N1K.
So much of it depends on your age and riding experience. I'm fiddy now and have been riding for over 30 years. I can make the N1k do what I need it to do despite the weight.
Thanks Cowasockee.. I did the math and yeah me 2 :/ . well 30 on the street and then all those formative years before I was 18. I think I will go out and do some wheelies to make myself feel better LOL!
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2009 1125CR, 466 lbs wet
EBR race ECM, Keda MT1 exhaust, 138 RWHP, 91 ft lbs torque
I'm 60 yrs old, raced for about 25 years, I've been riding for 45 years, and I can't make the Ninja do what I want. I must be retarded...
The Buell, with it's mass centralization, all the weight is low, it's short, the rake is steep. It's MADE to conquer corners at high speeds. That's just what it does, perfectly. No traction control, no ABS.
The Ninja, as much as I love the smoothness of it's motor, I do miss that rush of torque coming out of the corners. With it's close ratio gearbox, I find myself shifting way too much. I do like the relaxed rake, which makes it more stable on big sweepers, but does not help on tight turns. It's a compromise I'm willing to live with.
I do plan on getting the Ivan flash, hoping it will improve the lower end more.
I've researched replacing the suspension from a '14 ZX10 so I can retain the ABS. It will require some serious mods, but is doable.
As is, both bikes serve a purpose, the Buell is my true sportbike for going out and strafing the corners, and the Ninja is my in town, and mild sport tourer.
One major con for the Ninja is the chain, I hate them. I hate lubing them, and I hate adjusting them. The rest of my street bikes have either belts or driveshafts. Zero maintenance, gotta love 'em.
For longer distances, I still rely on my Super Tenere, AKA the Mule...
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BuellNinja

2009 1125CR, 466 lbs wet
EBR race ECM, Keda MT1 exhaust, 138 RWHP, 91 ft lbs torque
I'm 60 yrs old, raced for about 25 years, I've been riding for 45 years, and I can't make the Ninja do what I want. I must be retarded...
The Buell, with it's mass centralization, all the weight is low, it's short, the rake is steep. It's MADE to conquer corners at high speeds. That's just what it does, perfectly. No traction control, no ABS.
The Ninja, as much as I love the smoothness of it's motor, I do miss that rush of torque coming out of the corners. With it's close ratio gearbox, I find myself shifting way too much. I do like the relaxed rake, which makes it more stable on big sweepers, but does not help on tight turns. It's a compromise I'm willing to live with.
I do plan on getting the Ivan flash, hoping it will improve the lower end more.
I've researched replacing the suspension from a '14 ZX10 so I can retain the ABS. It will require some serious mods, but is doable.
As is, both bikes serve a purpose, the Buell is my true sportbike for going out and strafing the corners, and the Ninja is my in town, and mild sport tourer.
One major con for the Ninja is the chain, I hate them. I hate lubing them, and I hate adjusting them. The rest of my street bikes have either belts or driveshafts. Zero maintenance, gotta love 'em.
For longer distances, I still rely on my Super Tenere, AKA the Mule...

I want your Buell too....have fun an be safe
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I have a Triumph Daytona 675 SE. Very light and nimble and extremely fun to ride! The Ninja is by no means a replacement but a very good complement. It is super comfortable, has plenty of grunt and manages its weight very well.

I was in a similar boat; I wanted a bike that is still sporty but comfortable enough to ride long distance without getting a big sport tourer. The Ninja does everything well and is a great value! Also a little confused on the torque comments; I feel like the Ninja has tons of it; seems effortless anywhere in the rpm range.

All that said, I will always own a supersport :D
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I came off a 2010 R1....love the riding position and user friendly 2014 N1K. Bike is smooth, ez to ride, comfortable and has enough power for public roads. Very happy with purchase. (Price is right too!)
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