[4jranch]

Still trying to decide. I definitely want ABS beyond that not sure.

The 2014 have the new sub frame, minor engine mods, traction control and maybe a few other minor changes. Are these worth the difference in cost between a '14 and an older model?

Those in the know please chime in.

For me this will be primarily my around town and local riding bike. I have a Honda ST1300 for the real long distance rides and am not sure I would even opt for the fancy new panniers. Might be a useful option when I sell someday?

Appreciate any feed back...

 

[KawiRider]

People I know say it's worth it to get the 2014 model, to them it was worth the cost difference. I think the best thing you can do is watch reviews of the 2013 and 2014 model to help you more with deciding

 

[4jranch]

People I know say it's worth it to get the 2014 model, to them it was worth the cost difference. I think the best thing you can do is watch reviews of the 2013 and 2014 model to help you more with deciding

I have read the preview from "Motorcyclist" but not sure where to find reviews. Where do you find reviews?

 

[-VOID-]

Well, the 2014 Ninja 100 is $11,999 and the 2013 Ninja 1000 costs $11,099. The 2013 doesn't come with ABS though. I think that given what you wrote in the OP, you should probably go with the 2014 model. Not much more money and it comes with the features you want.

 

[blue cheer]

stole the thunder void, yea no ABS available on the '13s. But I will say that ergos on the '14 Ninja 1000s have been massaged into a more platable around town thing. No more of that vicious sportbike crouch. I think based on the want of ABS plus your intentions a 2014 N1K is on your horizon

Now the BIG question, what color

 

[4jranch]

Prefer the Ninja Green...

I did a google search on reviews and was able to read several, most with similar info but some new to me.

Anyone with a 2013 that wishes they had waited? The new pannier mounts really do seem much better.

By the way you can find the 2013 with ABS.

 

[blue cheer]

Prefer the Ninja Green...

I did a google search on reviews and was able to read several, most with similar info but some new to me.

Anyone with a 2013 that wishes they had waited? The new pannier mounts really do seem much better.

By the way you can find the 2013 with ABS.

Yes that is true, I meant standard. Should of clarified. Are you finding many '13s with ABS?

 

[KawiRider]

a few guys I know that bought 2013's said they don't regret not waiting for 2014's.

 

[4jranch]

Yes that is true, I meant standard. Should of clarified. Are you finding many '13s with ABS?

I have found both a 2012 and a 2013 with abs.

KawiRider a few guys I know that bought 2013's said they don't regret not waiting for 2014's.

That is what I suspected. The cost differential is significant.
The way the panniers fit on the 2014s is really nice. Not sure it is worth $2-3,000. The mounts for the panniers on the pre 2014 look so clunky and really detract from the overall look. Not sure if a top box looks so good either.
Decisions, decisions...

 

[KawiRider]

to make it even more pro-2013 Ninja 1000, you can likely find them slightly used if you look hard enough, even 2012 models.

 

[4jranch]

Has anyone tried or seen any after market saddle bags used with the Ninja 1000?
Look at a 2012 in Harvey LA today and noted no obvious attachment points. Maybe the best option is an over the seat set that just hangs down. I am hoping to use this bike for more that just around town.

 

[rcannon409]

Unless your doing some serious touring, I cannot think of a big advantage to permanent mount bags. I have that on my Concours 14. Sure, its nice. Its also nice to have a top box. If it son there, you'll find a use for it. You can carry three bags of potato chips in a good, top box. Still, th ebags and box are bulky. You kick them getting on and off the bike. Unless I HAVE to carry something big, I leave them in the garage and enjoy the lack of bulk and weight. They do offer a little bit of security, I guess, as oposed to soft bags.

For me, the Ninja 1000 is nto a great long range tour bike. Obviously, people have gone around the world on less. With that in mind, a set of soft bags woudl be excellent for the Ninja 1000 and a nice, 300 mile tour. Leave the soft bags stuffed with the 3 grand you saved and live happily ever after.

Plus, by the time you add the hard bags, the Ninja 1000 is priced to close to the concours 14. It puts the Ninja in a tough competition.

 

[4jranch]

Very excellent points. I have an ST1300 for the long range stuff. The bags are great but too much to haul around town just for fun. The 2012 and 2013 models are really looking a lot more like the best choice. Appreciate everyone's thoughts and advice.

 

[shadowproject]

As for year model and getting pre 2014....I just purchased my 2013 in white from a dealer in Ohio, BRAND NEW, no miles, for $8,500 out the door...winter is the time to buy my friend I dont doubt this bike will be back up to near MSRP prices come spring. Probably still time to nab some good deal out there. I had to do a bit of research but there weer several deals I found that came close to this price. Some were better but too far for me to drive for it to be worth it. As of now I think there is still a dealership in NJ with a black 2011, brand new, for $7,400.

As for the saddle bags, I agree with rcannon, unless you are gona be hardcore traveling long distances I would ditch them. They look ugly and for all the more you can really get into them Id just as soon strap down my backpack to the rear seat (my primary mode of junk transit for my work stuff which I did all last summer).

Best of luck to you, hope you find some good deals while they still exist!

 

[4jranch]

...I just purchased my 2013 in white from a dealer in Ohio, BRAND NEW, no miles, for $8,500 out the door..

Is yours an ABS model?

 

[rcannon409]

I think your are buying your Ninja for the exact reason I bought mine.

Now, if you really want some fun, take some of the left-over money you saved on the older bike and get Ivans ECU reflash for the Ninja.

Oh, as your closing the deal, throw out..."Order me some 2014 mirrors, and we've got a deal." The 2014 mirrors are a real improvement.

 

[shadowproject]

Is yours an ABS model?

It is not but I do not see the price jump warrant enough to get ABS. Its a nice feature but I personally wouldnt seek it out. I have been on bike with ABS and have found that when they are really needed they can make the situation worse. At any rate even without ABS that price is still unheard of for a brand new bike of this caliber.

 

[ToNY97]

I think your are buying your Ninja for the exact reason I bought mine.

Now, if you really want some fun, take some of the left-over money you saved on the older bike and get Ivans ECU reflash for the Ninja.

Oh, as your closing the deal, throw out..."Order me some 2014 mirrors, and we've got a deal." The 2014 mirrors are a real improvement.

Tell me more about the improved mirrors. I did notice they look slightly different but I didn't know if there was any functional improvement.

 

[KawiRider]

I think these days ABS is good to have, most if not all have an on/off switch so you can make it optional. Although I could do without it, I'm still going to get it

 

[rcannon409]

Tell me more about the improved mirrors. I did notice they look slightly different but I didn't know if there was any functional improvement.

The Mirrors are a vast improvement. Really. Not much to say, except you can now see past your elbows. Even though I do have soem very nice elbows, I'm ok with nto looking at them while riding. They still need the extenders, but if you do that, they are very good. Different shape, and built more sturdy. No vibration, either. I think they are a legit upgrade.

The extenders are here:

Mirror Extenders Spacers Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Z1000SX Z1000 SX 2011 2012 11 12 | eBay