Focus on the new Ninja 1000 - Page 3

acalliste · 10-13-2010, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

So is this a supersport or a 1000 standard aka 650r's big bro?

It's in the Sport category, along with the Z1000, 250R & 650R.

Rangerscott · 10-13-2010, 11:42 PM

Dont forget my ER-6N. She may be a naked whore, but she likes to no be forgotten.

acalliste · 10-14-2010, 12:02 AM

Oops, sorry! You are right! The ER-6N is in the sport category, as is the Versys.

acalliste · 10-17-2010, 11:54 AM

I did a test ride on this bike at Daytona yesterday.

I am not sure of the actual seat height on it (or the Z1000 that I am going to compare it to), but it did feel a little taller to me. However, the Ninja feels much more plush than the Z1000, the suspension felt softer, and the bike felt like you were in it more, rather than on it. I could see that being a huge plus on a long trip.

Not to repeat myself, but the adjustable windscreen is awesome. Since it was really warm by the time it was my turn to ride, I was glad I had the option of lowering the windscreen. I've ridden bikes with full, upright windscreens before, and on a warm sunny day in Florida while wearing full gear, a windscreen that blocks the wind is like a trip to hell. So I set it on the lowest setting to ensure maximum access to the air while moving. If I had been riding that bike on my way to Daytona that morning (beginning at 5am), I would have had it up all the way.

The demo route was only on a few roads around the speedway and airport, about a 20-30 minute ride, but there were a few curves. The Ninja handled them all superbly. I could have railed the turns more than I did, but had to stay behind the ride leader and of course his goal was to get everyone back in one piece sans driving awards, so the pace was pretty tame. And since we saw a couple of bikes pulled over receiving their driving awards on the way, I completely understood that goal.

One thing I didn't like on the bike I rode was the rear brake. It barely felt like it slowed the bike down. The front brakes were great, but I had to mash down on the brake pedal with my heel just to see if there was really a rear brake at all. I don't use my rear brake that much, but when I want to use I'd like it to be there.

The power was great, at least as far as I was able to use it. Taking off from a stop, the power comes on smooth and I suspect if I could have played a little more I would have found more power. I believe my friend Tom (the guy behind me in the pic below) said the bike was a little buzzy at higher RPMs but I didn't rev it high enough I guess because I never experienced that.

Overall, I think this bike is a great sport-tourer. It is definitely in it's own category, not just a different Z1000. I could easily see owning both if money was no object. And if I were going to get serious about long, multi-state road trips, this would be the bike I would buy for it. Kawasaki hit a home-run with a bike that can hold its own with sportier bikes, while not torturing its rider in the process.

jalaan1 · 10-17-2010, 10:11 PM

thanks again for another review.

Porkchop · 10-17-2010, 11:42 PM

So please tell me again how you get these awesome test rides? Do you work for Kawi??? Can I has job?

acalliste · 10-17-2010, 11:53 PM

This wasn't anything special. Biketoberfest happens every October in Daytona Beach, and anyone who wants to get up early in and go stand in line can sign up for a demo.

If you are a member of ROK, there is a special VIP area where they have coffee, energy drinks, water and food. You can store your gear there while you walk around the rest of the speedway grounds to check out the other vendor tents. And you can sign up in advance for the next day's demo rides, so you don't have to get up before dawn to be there to sign up (if you remember to!).

derf · 10-18-2010, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acalliste

This wasn't anything special. Biketoberfest happens every October in Daytona Beach, and anyone who wants to get up early in and go stand in line can sign up for a demo.

If you are a member of ROK, there is a special VIP area where they have coffee, energy drinks, water and food. You can store your gear there while you walk around the rest of the speedway grounds to check out the other vendor tents. And you can sign up in advance for the next day's demo rides, so you don't have to get up before dawn to be there to sign up (if you remember to!).

Yep, when I went to bike week it was the only way to ride the kawasaki's without a multi hour wait in line.

Phenix_Rider · 11-21-2010, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

1000 standard aka 650r's big bro?

That's my guess. I would have preferred a triple though

Looking at the stats, it looks the same size as the 650R. Very nearly the same wheelbase and rake/trail. 60 lbs heavier, and 50 more HP.

Seeing the guy in blue- doesn't really look like there's any more room for a passenger

Any idea how tall he actually is?

acalliste · 11-23-2010, 01:16 PM

Rockertom? He has to be 6' at least.

10-17-2010, 11:54 AM	#24
acalliste Canyon Carver Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: FLooRi.D.A. Moto: gsx-r750 Posts: 378	I did a test ride on this bike at Daytona yesterday. I am not sure of the actual seat height on it (or the Z1000 that I am going to compare it to), but it did feel a little taller to me. However, the Ninja feels much more plush than the Z1000, the suspension felt softer, and the bike felt like you were in it more, rather than on it. I could see that being a huge plus on a long trip. Not to repeat myself, but the adjustable windscreen is awesome. Since it was really warm by the time it was my turn to ride, I was glad I had the option of lowering the windscreen. I've ridden bikes with full, upright windscreens before, and on a warm sunny day in Florida while wearing full gear, a windscreen that blocks the wind is like a trip to hell. So I set it on the lowest setting to ensure maximum access to the air while moving. If I had been riding that bike on my way to Daytona that morning (beginning at 5am), I would have had it up all the way. The demo route was only on a few roads around the speedway and airport, about a 20-30 minute ride, but there were a few curves. The Ninja handled them all superbly. I could have railed the turns more than I did, but had to stay behind the ride leader and of course his goal was to get everyone back in one piece sans driving awards, so the pace was pretty tame. And since we saw a couple of bikes pulled over receiving their driving awards on the way, I completely understood that goal. One thing I didn't like on the bike I rode was the rear brake. It barely felt like it slowed the bike down. The front brakes were great, but I had to mash down on the brake pedal with my heel just to see if there was really a rear brake at all. I don't use my rear brake that much, but when I want to use I'd like it to be there. The power was great, at least as far as I was able to use it. Taking off from a stop, the power comes on smooth and I suspect if I could have played a little more I would have found more power. I believe my friend Tom (the guy behind me in the pic below) said the bike was a little buzzy at higher RPMs but I didn't rev it high enough I guess because I never experienced that. Overall, I think this bike is a great sport-tourer. It is definitely in it's own category, not just a different Z1000. I could easily see owning both if money was no object. And if I were going to get serious about long, multi-state road trips, this would be the bike I would buy for it. Kawasaki hit a home-run with a bike that can hold its own with sportier bikes, while not torturing its rider in the process. Last edited by acalliste; 10-17-2010 at 12:31 PM.. Reason: spell check

10-17-2010, 10:11 PM	#25
jalaan1 orangina Zed Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LI, NY Moto: '12 Z1000 Posts: 700	thanks again for another review. __________________

10-17-2010, 11:42 PM	#26
Porkchop 125GP Champion Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worthington, OH Moto: Empty Garage Posts: 3,418	So please tell me again how you get these awesome test rides? Do you work for Kawi??? Can I has job? __________________ *Coming soon? 2010 Ducati Monster 696 - Sold 1984 Honda VF500F - Sold 1999 Yamaha R6 - Sold

10-13-2010, 11:42 PM	#22
Rangerscott Viff6N Mutated Warrior Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Moto: '01 Honda VFR 800 & '09 ER-6N Posts: 8,704	Dont forget my ER-6N. She may be a naked whore, but she likes to no be forgotten.

10-14-2010, 12:02 AM	#23
acalliste Canyon Carver Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: FLooRi.D.A. Moto: gsx-r750 Posts: 378	Oops, sorry! You are right! The ER-6N is in the sport category, as is the Versys.

10-17-2010, 11:53 PM	#27
acalliste Canyon Carver Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: FLooRi.D.A. Moto: gsx-r750 Posts: 378	This wasn't anything special. Biketoberfest happens every October in Daytona Beach, and anyone who wants to get up early in and go stand in line can sign up for a demo. If you are a member of ROK, there is a special VIP area where they have coffee, energy drinks, water and food. You can store your gear there while you walk around the rest of the speedway grounds to check out the other vendor tents. And you can sign up in advance for the next day's demo rides, so you don't have to get up before dawn to be there to sign up (if you remember to!).

11-23-2010, 01:16 PM	#30
acalliste Canyon Carver Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: FLooRi.D.A. Moto: gsx-r750 Posts: 378	Rockertom? He has to be 6' at least.