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Do we own a rare bike?

3840 Views 10 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  mrsand
I live in an area that is very popular with bikes, especially sport bikes. Whenever I'm riding my bike or driving in my cage, I always look at other bikes whenever I see them on the road. I have only seen ONE other N1K. I know these are awesome bikes so I can't quite understand why I don't see more on the street.
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Hmm, maybe the N1K is still too modern for the causal rider to own. Around my area I mostly see cruisers/non-sport touring, or pre-2010 sport bikes. My wife saw another N1K the other day, but it was the first and only one.
Ha! I usually see tons of zx6, R6, Ducati's, and of course a mix of cruisers.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of leading a group of riders to Taos for lunch which included a CBR1000, BMW S1000, Ducati Panigale, ZX10R, BMW RnineT (sweet bike!), FZ09, and a ZX6. It was great watching them all disappear in my mirrors, and I have to admit, I did dog the Ducati rider for not keeping up :p
But, same here, I've NEVER seen another Ninja 1000, except for the one my buddy had before he sold it and bought his ZX10.
I dont like to use that word rare. I prefer to use "Unique". :-D
I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I've only seen two ninja 1000 on the road. The first time I saw one was south of Bragg Creek. I was heading west on Hwy 22, he was going east, "hey man, nice bike, ninja green looks good!" The other one, in red, is ridden by a good guy who is a member in a local riding group which I also belong to.

I ride a 2012 in grey. I'm happy with her, good bike!
I think we're part of a niche market. Most riders of our premium age are usually found on a cruiser. Hey, what do I know?
I think we're part of a niche market. Most riders of our premium age are usually found on a cruiser. Hey, what do I know?
You are exactly right. I have cruiser buddies who keep saying that I am trying to be a nutty kid (43 yrs old) riding one of them 'crotch rockets'. I tell them constantly, it's more comfortable, handles better, quicker, stops better, turns better, carries what I need....so tell me why a cruiser is better? I think people are waking up to the fact that a single bike that can do most things well is better than one that can do one perfectly. I, for one, can't stand the big heavies. I have had them and they just aren't fun to ride. I don't like going bar to bar. i put miles on and this bike is the best for that all around.

But that is why we have choices!!
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I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I've only seen two ninja 1000 on the road. The first time I saw one was south of Bragg Creek. I was heading west on Hwy 22, he was going east, "hey man, nice bike, ninja green looks good!" The other one, in red, is ridden by a good guy who is a member in a local riding group which I also belong to.

I ride a 2012 in grey. I'm happy with her, good bike!
I have seen a couple in Black Diamond.
I bought mine in 2012 and I only saw one or two a year back then.... now I am seeing them more and more often. I think it's a great selling bike.. we even have our own forum now, LOL
It seems the N1K is a kind of a sleeper, recognition-wise. I probably wouldn't have considered this bike if I hadn't ridden with someone that owned a 2013 model.

But there may be another factor. The local dealer from whom I bought my 2015 told me last week that he can't get any more N1Ks this year. The production run is sold out. He said there are a limited number of 2014s in the Kawasaki warehouse, but no 2015s. And the 2016 won't be announced until late July-early August, with shipping in October.
2016 Ninja

It seems the N1K is a kind of a sleeper, recognition-wise. I probably wouldn't have considered this bike if I hadn't ridden with someone that owned a 2013 model.

But there may be another factor. The local dealer from whom I bought my 2015 told me last week that he can't get any more N1Ks this year. The production run is sold out. He said there are a limited number of 2014s in the Kawasaki warehouse, but no 2015s. And the 2016 won't be announced until late July-early August, with shipping in October.
This motorbike was my first Japanese bike. It is impressive. Prior to this I rode a HD - FXDL for 12 years. It was good at what is was designed for.

I am enjoying the thrill of the ride with this machine. Brings me back to the days when I had a Ducati 750 Sport in 1974. I only had it for 2700 miles. The Ninja is a more powerful machine but alot heavier. I plan to keep it for a while. Wonder if 2016 will bring any changes?:D
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