Every decade, Kawasaki has been building sportbikes that offer top-level engine and handling performance combined with comfort and practicality.
Playing off these comfortable land missles, Kawasaki releases the all new 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000, which offers an alluring blend of capability and technology, from the very latest racetrack components, to astounding engine and chassis performance, and to cutting-edge styling that'll stop you in your tracks the instant you lay your eyes on one.
Kawasaki says using the Kawasaki Z1000s new-think engine and chassis package as a starting point, engineers added radical, knife-edged bodywork along with a host of cool features that push the Ninja 1000's performance, capability and flexibility envelopes to amazing heights.
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Reliable Proven Power
The new Ninja 1000 motorcycle features the advanced open-class powerplant: a 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve inline-four that features a long-stroke design for instantaneous power.
Kawasaki says Digital fuel injection helps, and the quartet of 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies slam the perfect mix of fuel and air into the combustion chambers with help from an advanced ECU, oval sub-throttles and a cool air intake system that routes fresh air to the airbox via ducts at the front of the bike.
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Proven Chassis / Suspension
Concerning the chassis, the new Ninja 1000 features an advanced aluminum frame similar in design to that of the all-conquering Ninja ZX-10R sportbike. Kawasaki says the wheels, brakes and suspension parts that control that frame/engine duo are thoroughly advanced. Strong, responsive stopping power is provided by the new Ninja's racing-spec brakes. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000: Racy Appearance
Kawasaki says perhaps the most stunning aspect of the new Ninja 1000 is its racy, full-coverage bodywork. Designed with one eye focused directly on Kawasaki's track-ready ZX-6R and ZX-10R, Kawasaki has blessed the new bike with a thoroughly radical look, one that's fresh and riveting.
Integrated front turn signals, a ZX-6R-spec front fender, a stylish tail section, a wildly styled exhaust system and a full-featured instrument panel help complete the look. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Features and Benefits
Sourcing the same engine and chassis of the Z1000 streetfighter, the new Ninja adds a full fairing for sportbike looks and relaxed ergos for street-riding comfort.
The liquid-cooled mill displaces 1043cc with its 77mm bore and 56mm stroke. Suspension duties are handled by a 41mm inverted fork and monoshock rear. The front sticks offer three-way adjustment for compression, rebound and preload. Brakes are radial-mount, four-piston Tokico calipers up front, pinching down on a pair of Kawasaki’s familiar petal-style rotors (300mm). The real distinguishing feature of the Ninja 1000 is its bodywork. Backing up this touring claim, the new Ninja 1000 offers hard saddlebags and top case as accessories, as well as other touring accoutrements like heated grips.
As far as weight goes, Kawasaki claims 502.7 pounds for the Ninja 1000 curb weight. The Z1000 measuring 481 pounds during our comparison test.