Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

Overview

Compared to the very stiff and focused litre class siblings like the Ninja ZX-10R and Z1000, the Ninja 1000 has a calmer and friendlier nature. Thus giving it a very unique proposition in the litre class portfolio of Kawasaki. This flagship sport tourer from Kawasaki is based on its litre class sibling, the Z1000, and shares almost everything, save for the front fascia. The Ninja 1000 is priced at RM 82,933 and is being offered in a single paint shade of grey.

Design

Just like its naked sibling, the Z1000, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 manages to look handsome and up-to-date even after remaining unchanged for almost five years now. Yes, there is an all-new Ninja 1000 on sale in other global markets, but this previous generation version still has the ability to turn many heads owing to its proportionate and sporty design.

At the front, the devilish and futuristic looking face of the Z1000 has been replaced by a larger, bulkier and more conventional in comparison, full fairing. This fairing incorporates two large and angular headlamps which do manage to give it the required Ninja flavor. The fairing mounted rear view mirrors and large, transparent and fully adjustable windshield do give it the conventional big bike stance, while the side fairing mounted turn indicators is a nice and different touch.

The full fairing extends sideways, fully covering the engine as well as the exhaust pipe. Like the Z1000, the Ninja 1000 comes with almost non-existent body panels. However, here the tail section has been completely redesigned to make it more pillion-friendly and larger in appeal when viewed from the rear. The split seats are large and very accommodating, while the new tail lamp looks larger than what seen on the Z1000.

The Ninja 1000 also comes with a very different part digital instrument console, which is more conventionally designed as compared to that on the Z1000. However, it manages to show all the data that is there on the Z1000’s unit too, which includes an analogue tachometer and an LCD screen showcasing speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge and temperature gauge.

Ride & Handling

The engine is not the only mechanical component on the Ninja 1000 that has been lifted off from the Z1000, even the suspension has been shared with the naked roadster. At the front, the Ninja 1000 comes with 41 mm inverted telescopic forks with step-less compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability. While at the rear, it has a Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, mono-shock with step-less rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability.

Like the engine, the suspension on the Ninja 1000 too has been tweaked to make it more comfortable and friendlier for long distance touring with enhanced suppleness. The dual 300 mm petal disc brakes at the front and a single 250 mm disc brake at the rear give a fantastic braking experience on the Ninja 1000.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 shares its four-stroke, inline four, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, 1043 cc engine with its naked sibling, the Z1000. In the same state of tune as that on the Z1000, the engine on the Ninja 1000 develops a maximum power output of 142 PS and a peak torque output of 111 Nm.

As compared to the Z1000, the engine on the Ninja 1000 has been retuned a bit to develop more usable midrange and better torque spread across the rev range. The gear ratios of the 6-speed gearbox too have been tweaked to match the engine’s revised torque band.

Braking & Safety

Save for the presence of the dual channel ABS, traction control, and power modes, there is nothing much in the list of electronic riding aids on the Kawasaki Ninja 1000.

Verdict

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 makes perfect sense to all those who want the aggression of the Ninja sub-brand, but in a more user-friendly and practical package. While it is every bit a Ninja in terms of styling, the performance makes sure that you don’t feel intimidated while you ride it. The ride quality and ergonomics are comfortable enough to make it suitable for long distance touring as well as daily commutes with equal ease.