Do we own a rare bike?

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
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?

ToNY97 said:

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?

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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!!

siskin said:

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!

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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

omniron said:

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.

Click to expand...

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?