The Bike Many Have Been Waiting For
This is one of those bikes that we think has the potential to be a big seller. There's a growing number of riders out there who want good, accessible sportbike performance, but without the skill and physical commitments required by supersport machinery. They want reasonable comfort and range without the bulk and heft of the bigger sport-touring motorcycles. And they want it to have the versatility to fill multiple roles with surprising aplomb, all without breaking the bank.
At an MSRP of just $10,999 - only $400 more than the naked Z1000 - the new Kawasaki Ninja 1000 looks like it ticks all of those boxes. Kawasaki USA was certainly aware of the potential, and it's had to wait patiently for a year before the bike could be added to its lineup. But more importantly, this just might be the bike that many of you out there have been waiting for.
Specifications
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000
MSRP: $10,999
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, transverse inline-four
Displacement: 1043cc
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 56.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.8:1
Induction: Keihin DFI, 38mm throttle bodies w/oval sub-throttle plates, single injector/cyl.
Chassis
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Dunlop D210F Sportmax
Rear tire: 190/55ZR-17 Dunlop D210 Sportmax
Rake/trail: 24.5 deg./4.0 in. (102mm)
Wheelbase: 56.9 in. (1445mm)
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal. (19L)
Claimed wet weight: 503 lb. (228kg) full fuel, ready to ride