Yesterday I had the opportunity to ride the Ninja 1000 at Kawasaki's Ticket to Ride event. It was well worth the time to schedule a demo. I try to avoid riding anything that I think I'll like and don't exactly "need" to buy at the time. This time I violated my own rule and may regret it.

The demo ride was an escorted group ride for about 30 minutes through various industrial areas and on the highway. When I first started up the Ninja 1000, I was surprised by the extremely low vibrations. The engine sounds so smooth and ready when revs are added. The rider position was pretty much perfect for me. Slightly sporty and forward, but upright enough that very little pressure was transferred to my forearms. The stock seat was nice and firm and most importantly flat without a tendency to slide the rider forward.

The biggest immediate impression was how all-around smooth the bike is. Very low vibrations. The mirrors are rock steady all all RMPs. Smooth shifting and easy to clutch. The power delivery is really perfect for the street. In sixth gear, a twist of the throttle would send it rocketing. I hit 96 mph indicated and I'm sure there was plenty more available.

The fairing and stock windscreen are really well designed to reduce noise and buffeting. The windscreen on the demo I rode was adjusted all the way lowered and I still had no complaints. Even at 80 mph on the highway I was surprised at how smooth and quiet the airflow is around the motorcycle.

Coming from the Versys, the lower center of gravity on the Ninja 1000 was a nice change as well. I'm sure it was all in my head, but I felt I could be more aggressive cornering. The added weight wasn't noticeable at all.

In all, the ride left a huge smile on my face. I wish I could have had a couple of days with it. Of course the list price of the Ninja 1000 is double what I paid for my 09 Versys. It did help me decide to set up my Versys as an adventure orientated super-KLR and someday down the road add a Ninja 1000 or similar as more of a performance sport tourer.

Thanks for the warning Zac, I'll do my best to stay away! :)

"I hit 96 mpg indicated"

Awesome! Thats like double the V!


I had to give you a hard time. Im sure it is just a typo.

"I hit 96 mpg indicated"

Awesome! Thats like double the V!


I had to give you a hard time. Im sure it is just a typo.

I wish 96 mpg! It would be so easy to rationalize to my wife. Thanks for catching that. The funny thing is I just finished reading the AP style guide reference for mph and mpg.

I bought the Versys after doing a ticket to ride event. I was not impressed with the Ninja 1000. I agree with the reporters about the buzziness at certain RPMs. I expect some buzziness out of a parallel twin, not an inline 4. I also didn't feel like it was so much more power that I would want to replace my Ninja 650R with it. The versys on the other hand had the things I was looking for. Higher seat height, nimble handling, great torque. Comfortable enough out of the box.

It is great that so many different bikes are made so we all can find the one or two or three that put a smile on our face.

It is great that so many different bikes are made so we all can find the one or two or three that put a smile on our face.

That is so true. Sometimes we get caught up in the brand or style, that we forget how lucky we are.

On my Ninja 1000 demo ride ... I got a chance to pull the trigger , wide open , from a dead stop, freeway on ramp, through the gears into triple digits for bit, than back to cruzing...the torque curve is amazing on this motor...crazy power...speeding ticket power...:loveeyes:

On my Ninja 1000 demo ride ... I got a chance to pull the trigger , wide open , from a dead stop, freeway on ramp, through the gears into triple digits for bit, than back to cruzing...the torque curve is amazing on this motor...crazy power...speeding ticket power...:loveeyes:
Hah Hah! Speeding ticket power! I got a ticket Easter Sunday for 55 in a 35 on my Versys. What was I thinking! The madam cop stopped both me and my son. She said i stopped you both but this is how it works , one of you gets the ticket. Who will it be? I said me of course I was leading and he is my son. I also said we were having such a great ride till this it is Easter can't you give us a break? She said sure you can continue your ride and enjoy it after I write your ticket . She said I will give you a break and make it 45 in a 35:clap:. She thanked me for being coperative after she noticed my license surround!

The Ninja 1000 & Versys put me in a real purchase decision quandary, too. I rode both at a Demo event, and never having owned an inline 4 sport bike, it was very tempting.

The insurance on the 2011 1000 is absolutely insane, I checked a number of places.

In the end, the 'versatility' factor of the Versys won out (and much less expensive!!) and I enjoy it a lot. Probably wouldn't be doing too many gravel/bumpy back roads on the Ninja 1000.:)

I think you made the right choice on the Versys. A dealer near me has a new 08 ZX-10R that they are practically giving away. I checked on what insurance would cost; $780 a year. I'm sure the Ninja 1000 isn't cheap to insure either. That would take a bit of that smile off my face for sure.

I really like the color of the 2011 Versys. I'm sure you're having a great time on those bumpy roads.