Bikes: Kawasaki Ninja 1000

 Like the original – and highly acclaimed – Ninja 1000 of 1986, the 2012 version delivers a dominating mix of power, handling, looks, technology and rideability. Here’s a sportbike that delivers an aesthetic uppercut the instant you lay eyes on it – and then follows up the punch with brilliant all-around performance you’ll quickly learn to love. And for those who want the ultimate in braking technology and performance, Kawasaki offers an ABS version of the Ninja 1000 for 2012. This system offers confidence-inspiring braking action on all types of surfaces.The Ninja is blessed with rideability – an incredible blend of ability on the street and extreme ease of operation. The source of all this two-wheeled goodness is Kawasaki’s own – and now legendary – Z1000 super standard, the engine and chassis platform upon which the Ninja 1000 is based. The Z1000 has earned some of motorcycling’s highest accolades, including the prestigious Motorcycle of the Year “MOTY” award from Motorcyclist magazine and a slot in Cycle World’s Ten Best collection as the “Best Standard” for 2010 and 2011. With guts like that, it’s easy to see where the big Ninja’s impressive chops come from.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Features And Specifications:

• Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
• Displacement: 1,043cc
• Bore x Stroke: 77.0 x 56.0 mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.8:1
• Fuel System: DFI® with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
• Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
• Transmission: Six-speed
• Final Drive: X-ring Chain
• Rake/Trail: 24.5deg / 4.0 in.
• Front Tire Size: 120/70 ZR17
• Rear Tire Size: 190/55 ZR17
• Wheelbase: 56.9 in.
• Front Suspension / wheel travel: 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.
• Rear Suspension / wheel travel: Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in.
• Front Brakes: Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with radial-mount four-piston calipers
• Rear Brakes: Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper
• Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gal.
• Seat Height: 32.3 in.
• Curb Weight: 502.7 lbs.
• Overall length:82.9 in.
• Overall width: 31.1 in.
• Overall height: 48.4 in.
• Color Choices: Ebony, Candy Fire Red / Ebony
• Warranty: 12 Months