Joined
·
7 Posts
So I just picked up a 2012 ninja 1000. I was debating the hard saddle bags. Any opinions on them for those that have them? I understand that the 2014 model changed the mounting options, anyone know the difference and why?
Saddle Bags
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
I believe the sub frame is different allowing a quick attach and detach. This will not work or prior models I don't think.
I am thinking about something like these shown on post #23.
http://www.kawasakininja1000.com/forum/ninja-1000-general-discussion/610-year-model-3.html
I am interested it what you choose.
I am thinking about something like these shown on post #23.
http://www.kawasakininja1000.com/forum/ninja-1000-general-discussion/610-year-model-3.html
I am interested it what you choose.
Joined
·
60 Posts
I have a 2011 with the factory hard bags. I love them for thier utility. They work fine and don't look to bad in my opinion. They are a little wide and the bike looks worse with the bags off (brackets still on) so I just leave the bags on all the time.
When riding I don't notice them at all. Regardless of wether they are full or not.
I like the looks of the 2014 bags better but not so much as to mess with a new subframe to make them work on my bike.
When riding I don't notice them at all. Regardless of wether they are full or not.
I like the looks of the 2014 bags better but not so much as to mess with a new subframe to make them work on my bike.
Joined
·
7 Posts
So the 2012 saddle bags dont have a quick detachment? Dang thats part of what I was interested in. I know when they come off they have the ugly square frame. A necessary evil if you want convenience.
Joined
·
16,454 Posts
We have to find a way to put the new bags on the old bike. The 2014's just look so much better.
I'd not mind drilling holes, or some welding, either.
I think the new mount system is like they use on the Concours 14, or better. On that bike you can remove the bags and not even know they were there in the first place. Its awesome.
I'd not mind drilling holes, or some welding, either.
I think the new mount system is like they use on the Concours 14, or better. On that bike you can remove the bags and not even know they were there in the first place. Its awesome.
Joined
·
16,454 Posts
I asked one of the guys on another forum for the pic of the upper rear mounting area.
Lower woudl be no issue as the peg hangers should bolt right on.
That being said, soft bags are amazing. So much lighter, you dont even know they are on. Not as sexy, or finished looking, but in my mind its the way to go.
Even on the concours 14, you knwo when you've got weight in the bags, and the bike feels much better if you leave the bags in the garage.
Lower woudl be no issue as the peg hangers should bolt right on.
That being said, soft bags are amazing. So much lighter, you dont even know they are on. Not as sexy, or finished looking, but in my mind its the way to go.
Even on the concours 14, you knwo when you've got weight in the bags, and the bike feels much better if you leave the bags in the garage.
Joined
·
16,454 Posts
Heres some decent pics of the upper mounting bracket. Question re: 2014 side cases - Page 2
The do require cutting plastic, so if shimming was needed, or whatever, it would be mostly hidden.
The bags are too expensive to just order in and hope...BUT, I think it could be done. The factory never checks for backwards compatibility on these things. Also, if they do and run into turn signal issues, its over. They dont offer to relocate the signals, and could never leave it up to an owner to do so.
The do require cutting plastic, so if shimming was needed, or whatever, it would be mostly hidden.
The bags are too expensive to just order in and hope...BUT, I think it could be done. The factory never checks for backwards compatibility on these things. Also, if they do and run into turn signal issues, its over. They dont offer to relocate the signals, and could never leave it up to an owner to do so.
Joined
·
7 Posts
So I never pulled the trigger on any bags. Call me indecisive. Is there anyway the givi bags fit without that ugly mudflap? I havn't dont the circumcision on my bike yet but from what I can tell it looks like every hard bad system (kawi, motech, givi) all require the original mudflap in the back.
Joined
·
98 Posts
Yep your right on leaving the OEM tail on the bike for the rack install. The SW-Motech racks us the same mounting points for the Ninja 1000 11-14 model years. They mount using the supplied hardware using the passenger grab handle bolts, the points on both sides of the bike where the exhaust bolts to the passenger foot pegs and the supplied bracket that relocates the rear turn signals. Picked the SW-Motech racks from twisted throttle.com for $309.99 and the Givi PLX V35 side cases from a 2nd Gear Ebay store in Alberta, Canada for $469.99 shipped. That's cheaper than the $521 to $548 price range I have found in the U.S. , Kawasaki can keep there OEM 28 liter over priced luggage that goes for $1296.00. Robbery!!!
+1 to the above post. I wrote to Sport Rider about their great article on the N1K, "Factory Fitted Ninja 1000" (they even printed it 
) about the cost of factory vs aftermarket. Now that I've got one (as of yesterday) if I were to go to hard bags I'd use the Givi/SW-Motech setup. For now I'm going with a topcase, tailbag, tankbag. Gives up to 75 liters of carry space. Plenty for a week long journey and leaves the bike lean and mean.
) about the cost of factory vs aftermarket. Now that I've got one (as of yesterday) if I were to go to hard bags I'd use the Givi/SW-Motech setup. For now I'm going with a topcase, tailbag, tankbag. Gives up to 75 liters of carry space. Plenty for a week long journey and leaves the bike lean and mean.I would definitely either do the Givi or SW mounts (quick release for when you don't want the bags on). The OEM mounts sit too far out and cost twice as much.
The 2014 is a totally different set up. The whole rear subframe is new. The bag setup on the 2014 does look super clean though. But in order to get that look, you would need to replace the rear subframe completely.
Currently I have the Givi rear mount with a B33 Top-Case and love it. Soon to be adding the quick release brackets and some V35 Side-Cases.
The 2014 is a totally different set up. The whole rear subframe is new. The bag setup on the 2014 does look super clean though. But in order to get that look, you would need to replace the rear subframe completely.
Currently I have the Givi rear mount with a B33 Top-Case and love it. Soon to be adding the quick release brackets and some V35 Side-Cases.
The problem is that the SW-Motech mounts are backordered until mid-late summer.
The factory mounts work well, and only stick out about 1/2 inch more than the SW-Motech's, which gives the passenger room to use the grab handles.
Also, the factory mounts on Ebay go for a lot less than the SW Motech mounts.
Almost forgot, an additional advantage the factory racks have over the SW Motech rack, is that they have an additional mounting point (4 vs 3) and includes two tubes that run under the tail to strengthen the subframe (good thing if you plan to carry a passenger and luggage).
Joined
·
7 Posts
So givi vs motech racks, thoughts? I think I read the givi may interfere with the stock fender but it also appears that's a mounting point.
Joined
·
98 Posts
SW-MOTECH over the GIVI's IMO. In both rack kits the rear turn signals have to be relocated. The SW-MOTECH kit comes with nice block off plates that cover the stock location of the turn signals. With GIVI's you have two holes where the signals were mounted. Kind of cheap on GIVI's behalf IMO. Jay
Attachments
Joined
·
7 Posts
KQR's look good. A little much work for me. So 7 months later after the start of this thread I have finally bought bags. Im using the motech mounting rack. I also got the turn signals for the v35s. So I'm debating just completely taking the turn signals off and using an integrated tail light along with the bag lights. What do y'all think? also any idea where to get green v35 inserts now?
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
