New bike impressions (Ninja 1000)

TwistedKestrel

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So an opportunity presented itself finally for me to get a Ninja 1000. I've had it for almost two weeks now ... here's how I feel about it.

-Fuel cut/closed throttle: this is kind of an annoying feature. I'm sure I'll adjust in time, but for now it feels like I'm completely forgotten how to shift. I can do maybe every other shift smoothly, and the other half the bike drops anchor for half a second until the fuel injectors come back on.

-No coolant temperature: Funny, I remember complaining once that most bikes don't really need a coolant temperature readout, because it only makes new riders paranoid. (see: many questions about "is my bike running too hot") Well, this bike doesn't share any info on coolant temperature except an overheating light. :P Feels like I'm missing something, but I'll get used to it.

-"Weird" noises: The stock exhaust is so quiet I can hear everything the bike is doing, making me paranoid about stuff being broken :P. Also I've noticed that in the two weeks I've had it, I've had three cages change into my lane ... in the ZX-11 (with a full Hindle exhaust) I would get maybe three people do that a year, max.

-Seat: Probably going to replace it. At first it feels comfortable, but it's a weird mix of firm/soft that makes my nards go numb after about an hour. Also the sandwich compartment is TINY - you could not even fit a beer can in there.

That all makes it sound like I hate it, but I don't, I love it. The adjustable windscreen makes a surprising difference, I'm not wanting for power (and if I was, you can get about another 20hp through standard mods), modern suspension is bliss, the riding position is just about perfect. The gas tank felt tiny at first, the ZX11 could take 24 litres but it did about 20mpg around the city and this bike is doing much better than that.
 
How is the power and handling compared to the ZX-11

The ZX-11 had a bit more power (well, MINE did anyway :P), but it built up in a way that snuck up on you. E.g. "I'll just pass this truck here, aannnd check my speed halfway through the pass and HOLY SHEESUS" etc. The Ninja 1000 has less but the power is right there all the time.

Handling-wise ... I guess I'd begrudging say the Ninja 1000 is better. The ZX-11 handled very well at anything above a walking pace (I took mine to the Gap and loved it) but it definitely had a high centre of gravity, and low-speed manoeuvres were a bit dicey particularly if you turned the handlebars to the stops. The 1000 just turns, no problem ... I haven't experienced any scary handling or feedback from it.
 
Definitely interested in these. What sort of fuel economy are you getting and what's the range on a tank?
 
Buddy bought a 2011 z1000 and absolutely loves it.

I don't think it has the fuelling issues you talk about, but then again I've only ridden it a handful of times.

The quiet exhaust is definitely apparent on his bike as well. Right above idle the bike seems to shake a bit (loose fairing or something, but he swears he's checked every bolt). It drives him crazy.

He also has people pull into his lane all the time.

Of course the second they see it, they never come close again lol. They think it's something straight out of Transformers.
 
The Ninja 1000 is my favorite bike on the market right now.

Would be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous.. if you get tired of it, we could discuss a 1 for 1 trade for a 2010 650r ;)
 
What year is your Ninja 1000? Those green beauties look so fabulous at the dealership, I want one!
 
So an opportunity presented itself finally for me to get a Ninja 1000. I've had it for almost two weeks now ... here's how I feel about it.

-Fuel cut/closed throttle: this is kind of an annoying feature. I'm sure I'll adjust in time, but for now it feels like I'm completely forgotten how to shift. I can do maybe every other shift smoothly, and the other half the bike drops anchor for half a second until the fuel injectors come back on.




http://www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/2010z1000.htm
 
Definitely interested in these. What sort of fuel economy are you getting and what's the range on a tank?

Since you asked I've been trying to figure it out, but I haven't been doing one type of riding consistently. Worst case scenaro, range is about 260km to a tank and it takes an average of 16 litres on a fill-up. I definitely broke 300km last Friday, but I wasn't paying close attention when I reset the trip meter, d'oh. So mileage is good I think, however it does require premium. (Not a big deal, just something to keep in mind)

What year is your Ninja 1000? Those green beauties look so fabulous at the dealership, I want one!

2011 ... mine's red. I didn't like the green ones much myself, however they are MUCH easier to find.


I'm keeping that in mind, but I *am* getting used to it. "Dropping anchor" doesn't happen as often now, but it does still happen. Like most bikes I suppose, shifting gets easier the angrier you ride it. :P
 
Forget to mention that the fuel gauge works pretty much like it did on the ZX-11D, where it is far from linear. Maybe the first 15-25%, it doesn't budge, then it starts going down. Each bar disappears faster than the last one, and I'm pretty sure the manual underestimates how early the reserve light comes on.
 
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