[sugarbear]

Upgraded from the Ninja 250.

I picked up my new N1K one week ago. Did the first oil change over the weekend, oil was clear and no visible metal. I will need to schedule the 500 mile service for later this week.
(And I'm probably going to lurk a lot in the maintenance threads on here....)

Ah, it's been tough to keep the rpms down for the break-in period! The bike wants to GO! This should be an awesome sport touring bike. Best of both worlds. Hoping to do some long distance rides this summer.

I've been obsessing over this bike for about 3 years - ever since riding one at a Kawasaki Demo Ride. I finally got over the insurance rate sticker shock and bought the bike!

 

[sprockethead]

Welcome sugarbear and congrats on your new steed. You're gonna love the power!

 

[marvinsanremo]

Another SoCal welcome. That is quite an upgrade lol. Ride safe.

 

[ToNY97]

Welcome
That is a leap. So you're liking the inline 4. It's a different sound than the v-twin.

Yes I was shocked and dismayed by the insurance rate especially for my age and multicar supposed discount. I switched to AMIG and my wallet rejoiced.

 

[GaryK]

congrats!

There are some good threads here about insurance for the bike. It comes down that age + some companies classify the n1k as a full sport. I am 48 and my insurance is about 300 and change for full coverage per year from dairyland for point of reference.

 

[Mikey1000]

Welcome newbie! What color did you decide on?

 

[sugarbear]

Thanks to everybody for the warm welcome!

Well, I will admit that it wasn't exactly a straight line leap from the 250 to the N1K...
I had a BMW 1150RT sport touring bike for 9 years. Then I got the Ninja 250 for the spirited local rides, then a BMW F800GS was added last year. I sold the 1150RT last summer, but the 800GS just doesn't put a big stupid grin on my face, so I was back to looking at sport touring bikes! After riding the N1K 3 years ago, I was hooked.
Nothing else seemed to compare, so I finally pulled the trigger and got one.

It's a beauty, too. It's dark gray and black metallic, a.k.a. "The Bat Bike".

Oh yes, I am loving the smooth power and acceleration! Since I am in the break-in period, I'm running at low power and keeping the rpms around 4k. But I can see the future potential! The BMW 1150RT was a nice touring bike, looked sporty, but was a heavy, slow bike compared to the Ninja 1000. And the N1K really leans well into the curves. The Ninja is definitely more of a SPORT (touring) bike!

I am hoping to learn more about doing my own maintenance here, so that after the warranty period I can only visit the dealership for major stuff - and more farkles!

Carol

 

[GaryK]

There is another thread in the forum about breakin. I have about 1K mileage on mine (bought in october) and I broke mine in softly.. I am pretty sure that I am still not broke in as the bike continues to run better and better with mileage. I think you could break the bike in a bit harder then recommended and be fine. Just maintain the oil.

take care!

 

[sugarbear]

Thanks for the comment on the break-in period, GaryK.

I am sure the manual errs on the side of caution as far as rpm recommendations during the first 1k miles.

But I am also trying to keep the right hand from being too "happy" and getting myself into trouble until I know what this bike is capable of!


Carol

 

[NinjaDen]

Thanks to everybody for the warm welcome!

Well, I will admit that it wasn't exactly a straight line leap from the 250 to the N1K...
I had a BMW 1150RT sport touring bike for 9 years. Then I got the Ninja 250 for the spirited local rides, then a BMW F800GS was added last year. I sold the 1150RT last summer, but the 800GS just doesn't put a big stupid grin on my face, so I was back to looking at sport touring bikes! After riding the N1K 3 years ago, I was hooked.
Nothing else seemed to compare, so I finally pulled the trigger and got one.

It's a beauty, too. It's dark gray and black metallic, a.k.a. "The Bat Bike".

Oh yes, I am loving the smooth power and acceleration! Since I am in the break-in period, I'm running at low power and keeping the rpms around 4k. But I can see the future potential! The BMW 1150RT was a nice touring bike, looked sporty, but was a heavy, slow bike compared to the Ninja 1000. And the N1K really leans well into the curves. The Ninja is definitely more of a SPORT (touring) bike!

I am hoping to learn more about doing my own maintenance here, so that after the warranty period I can only visit the dealership for major stuff - and more farkles!

Carol

Welcome, Sugarbear!

I also came from the dark side, BMW.
Lol

Traded-in my 2011 BMW F800R and like you she just did not satisfy me, she great in the city commuting in traffic but not great for sport touring.
I have had my N1K13 for just over a month now and done 3 rides and breaking mine in too.
Just so you know the owners manual says you can go up to 6,000 RPM's so don't be shy, crank her a little.
I do and she just wants more!
Can't wait to get past that break-in period!
Cheers,
Den

 

[GaryK]

Just work your way down the traction control modes, until you feel comfortable and you will be fine. Personally I think the bike is a big baby.. I was really hoping that it would have been an unchained beast with good ergos...

I now have traction control off and it's still a big baby lol.

 

[sugarbear]

Welcome, Sugarbear!

I also came from the dark side, BMW.
Lol

Traded-in my 2011 BMW F800R and like you she just did not satisfy me, she great in the city commuting in traffic but not great for sport touring.
I have had my N1K13 for just over a month now and done 3 rides and breaking mine in too.
Just so you know the owners manual says you can go up to 6,000 RPM's so don't be shy, crank her a little.
I do and she just wants more!
Can't wait to get past that break-in period!
Cheers,
Den

BMW = The Dark Side. LOL

Once I had the Ninja250, I knew there was another world out there...

I admit that I did get on the Ninja a little bit on the ride home from the dealership. Just couldn't help myself. See, there was this Harley guy sitting next to me at a red light, and... Well, let's just say I never saw him again!

Agreed. This bike begs for more. Trying to avoid Performance Awards will be a challenge. The Ninja 1000 makes it all seem so effortless.

Carol

 

[NinjaDen]

Happy to report I am officially past the break-in the period and I am telling you it is a whole different world when you get up to 7 and 8k rpm shifting, you get into the triple digits in no time!
But like GaryK mentioned she is still a Big Baby.
Me thinks it's time soon for some aftermarket exhausts and a K&N filter to get even more HP's.

 

[sugarbear]

At about 1,200 miles now, and I think the Ninja rides better and better as it gets broke in.

Also added the hard cases a week ago. They look great. Must say that life is much better without a backpack! Looking forward to some distance riding this summer!

And yeah, I reluctantly agree with the statement that this bike is a Big Baby. (And I mean that only in the nicest way.)



Carol

 

[GaryK]

LOL Yep ^^^^