New Kawasaki Ninja 1000 review, test ride

A quick look at the Ninja 1000 could remind you of the similar looking Ninja 650, yes, but that’s where the resemblance ends between these two very different motorcycles. Closer scrutiny portrays the bigger Ninja’s more substantial tank, with neatly embedded air-intakes on the fairing looking like claws, along with flowing body lines and an LED powered tail section, similar to the 2013 version, giving the new bike a thoroughly masculine look.

 

There’s a three-stage adjustable windscreen that enables the N1 rider to clock three-digit speeds effortlessly, with ample wind protection.

 

 

The headlight provides good visibility at night, while both mirrors are perfectly positioned and designed, to provide excellent rear view vision. Riders are provided with an instrument bay consisting of both analogue and digital displays. Fit-finish and overall quality are top notch.

The Ninja 1000’s four-stroke, 1043cc, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine generates 140bhp at 10000rpm, and 11.3kgm of torque at 7300rpm, which is managed and kept in check by Kawasaki’s brilliantly programmed three-stage traction control system (KTRC), helping the rider as he wants to deliver the big bike's brutal thrust back to the rear wheel.