LA Times reviews the Kawasaki Ninja 1000

Cpt. Joe · Nov 28, 2013

Read a review of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and thought I would post up some of the interesting parts.

"The throttle is sensitive and the power is either full on or full off." Slack on the throttle a bit and you engine brake, twist a bit and you're off. No in between.

"In other words, though it's outfitted with ABS and a three-mode KTRC traction control system, what it really requires is TTC -- total throttle control."

For a touring bike, the Ninja 1000 lack s in a few areas. "The seat may be too hard for long-distance touring, the windscreen doesn't shield much wind, and even with a six-speed transmission the unequaled 1000 cc inline four-cylinder engine still feels like a race bike."

Check out the full review @ First Times Ride: Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS - latimes.com

stayup · Nov 29, 2013

well thats not very comforting to hear..

Cpt. Joe · Nov 29, 2013

To me it just sounds like the Ninja 1000 is better as a sports bike than a touring bike. Maybe it will be just right for people who want something in between a sport bike and a touring bike, but I think people should realize that if they are looking for one or the other, the Ninja 1000 might be disappointing.

ToNY97 · Nov 30, 2013

I think people realize if you want more SPORT than touring, the N1K is the way to go. If you want more TOURING than sport, the Concours is the best option (if you're staying in the Kawi family).

N1K is a sport bike not a SS. It has a more than capable powerful engine but has a more comfortable ergo, which means easy to reach handlebars.

For more mature riders who don't want a cruiser but like the sport bike niche, this is a great choice.

Cpt. Joe · Dec 3, 2013

It definitely is walking a line between the two types of bikes. If you really are planning on driving long distances, you should probably go with a touring bike. The Ninja 1000 is great as a sport bike that you can travel with a bit easier. If you want a full on sport bike, you should also maybe look around a bit just to make sure you are getting exactly what you want.

KawiRider · Dec 3, 2013

this just goes to show, you really have to do your research and see what bike is more suitable to your needs and demands of it. The Ninja 1000 won't be perfect for everyone.

-VOID- · Dec 5, 2013

KawiRider said:
this just goes to show, you really have to do your research and see what bike is more suitable to your needs and demands of it. The Ninja 1000 won't be perfect for everyone.

I didn't realize these details about the Ninja, so I'm happy to have read this, and for the person who posted it in the first place. I am still considering the Ninja 100 but I will be looking into some other segments some more just to make sure I am getting what I am looking for.

stayup · Dec 6, 2013

The ZX10R would be the super sport

The Ninja 1000 is meant to be sporty but not as sporty as the ZX10R

Bravus · Sep 28, 2016

The Ninja is an all-rounder, and intended as such. I'm really pleased it's in the range and, for my specific needs, it ticks the boxes. I like to carve up the twisty roads, but have to commute 60 miles each way to work on a freeway a couple of days a week. Without the commute, either a ZX-10 or a Z1000 would be great, but with it the Ninja is better. The ZX-14 is lovely, but can't get out of first gear without fines and loss of license around here, at least if ridden with any spirit. Some portion of the commute usually involves splitting/filtering stationary and slow-moving traffic, and while a 1400GTR would eat the miles well it would be less adept in those skinny gaps. And so on. Putting it all together, this is the best match for what I need.

(and this post has only looked at the Kawas, but similar things apply to other marques... the Ninja really does fit the particular niche most useful to me better than anything else)

Bravus · Sep 28, 2016

(Sorry, I think the 1400GTR is called the Concours in the US)

Ishikawa · Sep 28, 2016

The Ninja 1000 seems to get a lot of criticism when it is viewed as a pure touring machine. It makes for an article that writes itself, but ends up being of no use to anyone. The N1K is not a concours, not an FJR, not an r1200rt. Try getting those bikes down to 500 lbs.

The N1K fits a niche, and that niche is my sweet spot.

rcannon409 · Sep 28, 2016

Many years ago, Dirt Biek magazine tested a full dress harley. It was for their april issue,and they never let on like the test was a goof. Theres a pic on this page of them jumping the bike.

http://www.chronicmx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Holley-jump-2.jpg

This LA Times article had a similar feel.

Mark59 · Sep 28, 2016

Sounds like all there review bike needs is ivans flash and a new seat and that ought to take care of most problems

rcannon409 · Sep 28, 2016

In the old days, if a magazine knew a bike would benefit from a small mod...a tire, reflash, gearing...stuff owners would do, they would make the mod, then report on the outcome.

It made things so much better.

MikSchultzy · Sep 28, 2016

rcannon409 said:
In the old days, if a magazine knew a bike would benefit from a small mod...a tire, reflash, gearing...stuff owners would do, they would make the mod, then report on the outcome.

It made things so much better.

There is one that still does that. In their long-term test rides at least, they indicate what changes the people with the long-term bikes do to them, the why, the cost, etc. Usually a quick 8 paragraph write up.

Geldscheisser · Sep 28, 2016

I am a weekend warrior, riding about 250 miles per week generally on a Saturday or Sunday. With a pit stop at 10-10:30 am and lunch noonish, the Ninja perfectly fits my need. I've often thought of getting an FJR1300, but can't see the extra 140 lbs., for the way I would use it.

steklodelxhb · Nov 11, 2016

стеклянные ко

Здравствуйте товарищи!

rcannon409 · Nov 12, 2016

Q: Did you hear about the Polak who thought his wife was trying to kill him? A: On her dressing table he found a bottle of "Polish Remover".

Q: What happened to the Polish hockey team? A: They all drowned in spring training

Q: Why did the Polak cross the road? A: He couldn't get his dick out of the chicken.

Tim L · Nov 13, 2016

Geldscheisser said:
I am a weekend warrior, riding about 250 miles per week generally on a Saturday or Sunday. With a pit stop at 10-10:30 am and lunch noonish, the Ninja perfectly fits my need. I've often thought of getting an FJR1300, but can't see the extra 140 lbs., for the way I would use it.

I think you are exactly right.

I have been riding an FJR for three years, 20,000 miles now. It is a fantastic bike, and in terms of almost everything touring it beats the Ninja without a doubt; especially wind protection and riding two up. If I was going across country it will be on the FJR. In comparison I find it hard to even see the Ninja as a touring bike.

I have only had my Ninja for about two weeks now, and I see it as a more comfortable sport bike. It is sooooooo much more fun to ride.......for the first 100 miles that is. I have only ridden the FJR once since I got the Ninja, as it now has grown to enormous proportions. When I look at it I swear it is as big as a Gold Wing. But, in my opinion the Ninja is pretty thin in terms of long range touring.

rcannon409 · Nov 13, 2016

Tim, I agree. It sure makes you question how, and why those bikes got so large. My concours 14 feels the same way.

I heard one guy that was selling his c14. He described his 14 as "excessive", and I liked the description.

Yes to long distances, but the fun factor sure goes away when you don't have the giant bikes in their element, doesn't it?

Not saying they are bad bikes, but that touring focus means just that, and for any short distance, maybe under 200 miles, I know what I'll be riding.

LA Times reviews the Kawasaki Ninja 1000

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