[mrsand]

A topic thats sure to invite comment......

I have about 3100 miles on my 2014 Ninja. I am enjoying the ride. I've seen 150 on the speedo at least once. The bike is totally stock as of now. I know I have more than enough horsies under the hood for my talents, but some how if I could find a few more ponies I wouldn't mind. I guess its all about how much money per horse. I'm in no hurry. I'd like to hear from you guys......

 

[GaryK]

When you find more let me know. I dont think its enough.

 

[cowasockee]

I giggle everytime I pass someone on a liter bike on my 80 horsepower Hypermotard on a curvy section of road.

 

[Norskie]

Enough vs. Adequate?

In my experience, the N1K has plenty. My FJR had plenty. My VFR had plenty. My Magna had plenty. My SV650 has plenty. Even my on Seca 600 had plenty.

The only bike that I found myself occasionally wanting more was the SV650. Having upgraded the suspension, I'd find myself bouncing off the RPM limiter in the fast (100+ mph) sweepers. Track days I have to use the gearbox for all it's worth.

What seems more important is how these bikes make power, not how much, and how well it is mated to the gearbox.

The FJR had a mountain of midrange torque I could usually leave in 2nd or 3rd through the twisties. Like the N1K, passing cars doesn't really need a downshift either. So in this case, more power simply means less footwork. And a more relaxed touring RPM.

The N1K has a nice big pile of torque in the middle RPM's and less weight to haul around, but gears 3,4,5 are too close together to really be usefull and again the power is mainly used to avoid shifting and riding in higher gears.

Both the N1K and FJR had decent power above 7k but both engines vibrate enough there to feel unsettled. Not the VFR800 (gen 5 .. no vtec). The VFR's engine is the best engine I have ever ridden. It is down on power compared to the N1K, but it has smooth, linear and useable power at every single RPM. It never complains or feels like it is at an awkward RPM. In my opinion, it is also one of the best sounding (and feeling) motors made. I just can't do the riding position anymore, and I would so love to buy it back from my brother and fix the ergo's.

Power is an insidious thing. Each of my bikes had more power than the last, none were inadequate, but eventually I got used to it, and then appreciated more.

 

[Buelligan]

well said...

 

[mrsand]

80 hp

I giggle everytime I pass someone on a liter bike on my 80 horsepower Hypermotard on a curvy section of road.

Cowasockee

Those Ducati's are very fast...is the 80 HP at the crank or rear wheel?

 

[GaryK]

I think everything you buy should be better than what you had before. For the most part my n1K is 99% better than my 11 gsxr 600. But the maniac in me (which is probably more than just 1%) misses the high rpm howl of a 125HP 379LB super sport.

I will probably just need to buy a second bike to appease that 1%. I do love the s1000RR maybe an old one with roughed up plastic could be had. Oh wait, how does that saying go... BMW motorcycles turning people into motorcycle mechanics one rider at a time

 

[Warprints]

It's enough for me ... at least for now. Maybe when I hit my mid-life crisis, I'll want more power. I'm 61.

 

[mrsand]

Is It Enough

It's enough for me ... at least for now. Maybe when I hit my mid-life crisis, I'll want more power. I'm 61.

This is the most powerful bike I have ever owned/ridden. I don't have a recent bike I have owned that compares to this. Now back in 1974 I bought a 1974 Ducati 750 Sport. That was one **** of ah bike. It was light and nimble. I wish I could ride it again. I'm a better pilot now. Just turned 64 years young and the thrill this machine gives me is undeniable.

 

[robertv19]

Starting to ride in 1987 on a Yamaha 400, I gradually moved up to a 500, to a 650 and then the big jump to a 1200 Bandit in 1999.
Then I bought a VFR 800.
For all the reasons stated above regarding that smooth V4, I didn't really miss the extra 400cc. I certainly didn't miss the buzzy-ness of these Bandit.
And then I bought a ZX-9R and thus began my love affair with Kawasaki motorcycles.
From there a ZX-12R and finally not one, but two ZX-14s.
And now a Ninja 1000.
To me, this bike is what Honda should have done with the VFR, not the monstrosity that the 1200 represented.
Does it threaten to pull my arms out of their sockets like my 14 did?
No, but it's way more fun one twisties and the power is sufficient and much more manageable than my old bike.
I think Norskie said it well.
Just like you and I, bikes have their own personalities. Key is to match them up.

Cheers,

Rob

 

[cowasockee]

Cowasockee

Those Ducati's are very fast...is the 80 HP at the crank or rear wheel?

At the rear wheel. It's such a hoot to ride. I never tire of it. It's just not pratical for everyday use....ahhh heck who am I kidding. I have over 30k miles on the Duc!!!

 

[GaryK]

Exactly Robert. For a lot of us (who can hardly remember their 20's) this is the perfect bike. We actually have more HP and the same weight as the late 80's early 90's super bikes and about the same tq as every liter bike out there. I think the only time the we are really going to notice the deficit is when we are rolling triples next to a 2000's liter super bike. But at minute 50 we will still be riding and smiling and they will be doing road side yoga

 

[allserene]

amazing

Amazing there are so many old gits riding 140hp bikes. I am 67 and thought I was the only one. I love my 2014 N1K ABS, but I am still a little scared of it. I had 3 x 1200 bandits and a GSX R1100 before that. Roads in Wisconsin are all pot holes and loose gravel, so I don't push it in the few bends I can find on the boring grid system. I used to stretch the chains on my big bandits up in Scotland and that was pure heaven. Yes 140hp will do until I get to be the boss over it - like you do eventually - actually that GSX R1100...hum...

 

[bigthaw]

I sold my '03 VFR 800 Vtech....I had the spiegler handlebar riser setup that made it as comfortable as our N1K...sold it...not fast enough...nice bike though...Love my NIK with the urban brawlers...!!!!!!!!! yes 140 is enough...!!!!

 

[1cobra]

You can't use all the HP

Hi,
As an old drag racer I can say it's fast for the street.
Virtually nobody can use all the HP and launch full throttle on the street. This is a fast bike for 99% of the guys who ride it. Nobody rides at 9,000 to 11,000 RPM either where the 140 HP is.
Keep the rubber side down.
Perry.

 

[ninja22]

No it's not. I love my 2012 and my brother in law bought a ZX 14 and I am doing everything I can not to ride it. I won't be able to stop myself.
I came back to bikes in 2011 on a 650.

 

[GaryK]

I thought about this again. I also thought about 1cobra saying its too much for the street<- instantly that devil on my shoulder launched into a troll war.. but I shut him up

Most modern bikes can hit 60 in about 3 seconds give or take, faster than that requires some good rider skills. The US national speed limits top out at around 70-75. With that said in about 4 seconds you are officially breaking the law and 140HP is enough.

However By this logic you could get almost any modern bike.

To be illogical (its not a big reach), you bought a bike called a Ninja! A bike that looks like it is breaking the speed limit with the kick stand down. In stock form it will pin 6th gear(152mph) in what 15-20 seconds ? That sounds pretty fast. But in 15-20 seconds you are done. Most people will go this fast less than a handful of times.. its pretty stupid... but its a Ninja! IMO a liter bike should feel like it is limitless, I highly recommend changing the gears to improve that on that 152 mph top speed, not that you need to, 160 or 170 is probably faster than you will want to go. You may still go 152 and tell your friends that you did it one time but its nice to say'.. and there was a lot left' Not sure if anyone else gets my point. I think its human nature to want more...

 

[Warprints]

Glad to see there are folks older than me riding our bikes. Gives me hope that I can keep doing this for a while.

Also interesting that so many of us had VFRs. Mine was a 1999 that I kept for 12 years - the N1K replaced it. I probably should have kept it, but not enough room in the garage.

For the riding I do now, the VFR had almost enough juice. Like noted above, on the street, the fun only lasts 3 seconds or so. Handling has been more important for me than absolute power. Now, speaking of handling ... what was Kawi thinking with the tires they put on the N1K????

 

[robertv19]

I sold my '03 VFR 800 Vtech....I had the spiegler handlebar riser setup that made it as comfortable as our N1K...sold it...not fast enough...nice bike though...Love my NIK with the urban brawlers...!!!!!!!!! yes 140 is enough...!!!!

Hey Bigthaw
I also had a '03 Vtech. I didn't have risers, but did have a Sargent seat, Givi sidebags and Staintune pipes. It was a great setup for sport-touring. However, once I got a taste of the Ninja (ZX9R) the VFR just sat. No real good touring setups for the 9R (or the subsequent 12R). The N1K is a nice mix of power and touring capability.

Cheers,

Rob

 

[rcannon409]

No it's not. I love my 2012 and my brother in law bought a ZX 14 and I am doing everything I can not to ride it. I won't be able to stop myself.
I came back to bikes in 2011 on a 650.

]
I'll bet riding it wont make you want one. Yes, they are faster, but with that comes a whole lot of weight, and a very bulky feel. Unless yoru ride straight lines, this si a better street bike. I'm not saying faster, smoother, or any of the "'er's"...but for me, better.

If the road has curves, forget it. The Ninja, hands down.