The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 has always been a great bike and the 2014 model is no different. The 2014 model brings improvement in styling, traction control, hard panniers, more power and new top-spec brakes. The Ninja 1043cc inline-four engine has bolstered the Ninja 1000's low and mid-range power. The 6th gear is longer, which helps you reduce revs at freeway speeds for more smoothness. Brakes feature ABS, and a new one-piece "monobloc" radial-mount front calipers.
The Suzuki GSX1250FA has gotten great reviews. It excels in both power and comfort, making it a perfect sports-tourer. The 1255cc engine provides plenty of low down torque and the bike has great ergonomics. And for the price that it is going for, the bike has amazing value as well.
The GSX12500FA has a cutting edge fuel injection technology. The Dual Throttle Valve and advanced fuel injection systems make for instant throttle response, linear power, easy starting and economical running.
Honestly, the two bikes are very competitive. The greater displacement of the Suzuki GSX1250FA at a slightly lower price than the Ninja makes it an attractive choice. The Ninja 1000 has plenty of upgrades from last year's model though, like its new ABS brakes, selectable 2-mode digital ignition, and KTRC Traction Control. Ultimately, it might come down to a test drive and personal preference as there is not much light between these two great sports-tourer bikes.
My first bike was a GS500 from Suzuki and honestly it was a great little bike. Put 9,000 miles on it my first riding season as a commuter bike for work. It looked alright and I made plenty of mods to it like flush mount signals in front and integrated rear lights etc etc. But now that I have upgraded to the ninja 2013 I dont regret leaving suzuki behind...for looks, for power and agility, the ninja really seems to blow the competitors apples to apples away IMO. I agree that the 1250FA is quite on the ugly side for that price tag and the power it does indeed hold. And for crying out loud suzuki PLEASE do something about those ugly turn signals!
There is nothing at all wrong with the Suzuki. Its far heavier, and has less power than the Ninja. Ins tock form. That engine can be modified to make as much power as a drag racer wants. One could argue that its a more comfortable long distance bike, due to its larger size.
The exhaust? Thats what you get with a bike designed in the 90's that has to become emissions compliant in 2014. Nowhere to hide everything that is hidden on the Ninja.
My problem would be price. Why spend 12,000 when you can get pretty much the same bike for 3,000? I see Bandits for sale at LOW prices and they offer everything except abs as compared to the current model.
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