Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Forum banner

Ready to Pull the Trigger in NY

2164 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  NinjaDen
I've recently sold my ST1300 and looking for something to fill that spot. Getting older and it was just a bit heavy for touring. The N1K seems to be the most logical choice for light touring and sport. I was considering the VFR 800 but it has a more aggressive seating position and down on power. This brings me to a few questions::

I'm looking at a 2014 model with bags. reading some reviews there seems to be some people who mention vibration through the pegs and bars. I'm usally traveling 75-80 on the highway, hows the vibration on these bikes at highway speeds?? This is my biggest concern, i know the handling, torque and HP will be fine.

Thanks in advance for your response.
Steve
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
Edit:What would be a good price on a 2014 with/bags
No vibration on mine

I just purchased a 2015 N1K, and I have no vibration at highway speeds. Smooth as butter:) and very nice!!
I you find a 2014 with boxes I think 10-11K is probably around where the best deals are. I think people are finding them for under 10 without boxes.

Vibration is not really an issue. The issue is the steep factory gearing. 75mph is over 5K rpm. A lot of us have changed out the front sprocket which drops the rpm by about 500. It is inexpensive, makes the intermediate gears use-able, and makes for much better touring. You could do rear if less gearing is needed(I haven't). The engine has plenty of tq so no loss of performance.

The next thing for highway is wind screen. If you are over 6ft even with the shield up you will get quite a bit of buffeting- which sucks at 80mph.

The bike is perfect for sub 500 miles days and spirited riding through twisties it is definitely more SPORT then tour but doesnt have the down side ergos of pure sport bikes.

Welcome to forum and good luck on your search!
I you find a 2014 with boxes I think 10-11K is probably around where the best deals are. I think people are finding them for under 10 without boxes.

Vibration is not really an issue. The issue is the steep factory gearing. 75mph is over 5K rpm. A lot of us have changed out the front sprocket which drops the rpm by about 500. It is inexpensive, makes the intermediate gears use-able, and makes for much better touring. You could do rear if less gearing is needed(I haven't). The engine has plenty of tq so no loss of performance.

The next thing for highway is wind screen. If you are over 6ft even with the shield up you will get quite a bit of buffeting- which sucks at 80mph.

The bike is perfect for sub 500 miles days and spirited riding through twisties it is definitely more SPORT then tour but doesnt have the down side ergos of pure sport bikes.

Welcome to forum and good luck on your search!
Thanks Gary, I just signed the papers and picking it up in a couple of hours. I paid 11K with the bags. I'll post once I have had a chance to take her out for a ride.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
There are some very good discussions in this forum about break-in fyi. Might be worth your while because you don't get a do over.

Personally at about 1300 miles now I believe I am just now starting to get the bike broke in. fwiw - followed the oem guidelines (mostly), I think I would have benefited from breaking it in harder.
There are some very good discussions in this forum about break-in fyi. Might be worth your while because you don't get a do over.

Personally at about 1300 miles now I believe I am just now starting to get the bike broke in. fwiw - followed the oem guidelines (mostly), I think I would have benefited from breaking it in harder.

Just brought her home, did 50 miles this eve, brought it through the gears to 8K, will post again when i put a few miles on.

See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Congrats cip57! You'll love the bike!
Great choice in bike & the faster candy green color!! Where are you located in NY? I'm in a suburb of Buffalo.
Great choice in bike & the faster candy green color!! Where are you located in NY? I'm in a suburb of Buffalo.
Thanks Mickey, I'm on the other side of the state in Westchester county 20 min. north of Manhattan
Thanks Mickey, I'm on the other side of the state in Westchester county 20 min. north of Manhattan
I'm up near Bear Mtn. If you wanna ride sometime... give a shout/
Welcome,
From across the border, in the great white north!
Cheers,
Den
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top