[dkaile]

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 in Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Carbon Grey - The Comprehensive Review

A Gentleman's Sports Tourer

If you don't have a motorcycle, then this is basically WHY you have a motorcycle!

Presenting

The Kawasaki


Ninja


1000 - MY 2018




Now with the Harley Heritage Softail already in the garage, time was apt for a good long distance tourer. I was contemplating a bike for nearly the past one year and my mind was nearly made up for the Versys 650. It was comfortable but understated, enough power for our roads and could tackle all roads. Now in this waiting and deciding process, Kawasaki separated from Bajaj in April 2017 with a new set of separate manufacturing plant, showrooms and service stations. That was good news. And immediately they announced that they will be bringing in their latest and highly improved Ninja 1000, now assembled in India, at a mouth watering price of Rs. 9.98 Lacs ex-showroom pan India. That changed the equation immediately.

As I mentioned on the launch thread of the Ninja 1000, it has so much more going for it which the Versys cannot be. A bike capable of doing 300 kmph (electronically limited to 256). A 0-100 kmph time of 3.3 seconds (nearly faster than all the high end 1-2 crore rupee cars). A proper 1000+cc 100+bhp (142) 4 cylinder bike, fly by wire, LED lighting (1st in class), Slipper and Clutch Assist, 2x2 exhausts, all latest electronic aids including that Bosch 6 axis inertia IMU system, both Adjustable Suspensions, good enough Wind Protection, dedicated Pannier Mounting System, 3 mode Traction Control, Cornering ABS, dual Power Modes, average kmpl of around 17 giving a range of 300+kms on a tankful plus all other bells and whistles of a litre class bike @9.98L is just too mouth watering... And my primary aim is cross country riding on paved roads, not off road. So the choice was made.

My pre-delivery thoughts/dilemmas/color issues etc. can be found here and it's subsequent posts - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superb...ml#post4257402

So the bike was booked on 24-08-2017 at a quotation 11.12L on-road price and the bike was delivered on 12-10-2017, whereas the bike actually costed me on-road 10.95L (998000 + 15000 Comprehensive Zero Dep Insurance + 82000 RTO Delhi) plus the accessories I got from AliExpress.

My delivery photos are also here -
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superb...ml#post4285886

and here - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/superb...ml#post4286192

So what's new in the 2018/17 from the earlier models (2016 and before) are, according to Kawasaki -

1. Now equipped with the same IMU as Kawasaki's top sports machines, six parameters of attitude are measured aiding the cornering management function and intelligent braking system among other features. Acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes, plus roll rate and pitch rate are measured. The yaw rate is calculated by the ECU using Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modeling software has been added.
2. A new, taller double-bubble windshield also contributes to the increased wind protection. As before, the windshield is adjustable by hand (without tools), with three available positions to suit rider preference.
3. All-new sophisticated instrument design features a large analogue tachometer flanked by warning lamps on one side, and a gear position indicator and multi-function LCD screen on the other. Also added are adjustable shift up indicator lamp and needle, outside temperature gauge, indicators for IMU and KIBS.
4. Dual LED headlamps, first in class, (each featuring low and high beams, as well as a LED position lamp) offer significantly increased brightness, casting their light wider and farther forward.Both left and right LED lights now remain lit together.
5. The redesigned rider seat now has a wider seat area, while the passenger seat is longer (+25 mm), with 3 mm thicker urethane padding and a design that swells at the front.
6. Cornering ABS (KIBS) and Cornering Traction Control is now included due to the IMU
7. Kawasaki’s supersportgrade high-precision brake management system is standard equipment on the 2018/17 Ninja 1000 now. This is the same base system used on the Ninja H2 and Ninja ZX-10R, with programming and settings revised to suit the performance parameters of the Ninja 1000.
8. New Front cowl design with new front and side fairings with sharper lines. Also improves wind protection.
9. New chin spoilers similar to those on the Ninja H2 and Ninja ZX-10R to make a similar family line
10. New front and rear turn signals are more integrated and not bulging out.
11. New Rear Brake Pads are supposedly more effective.
12. Adjustable Clutch and Brake Lever (6 positions) is new
13. Passenger hand grips have been redesigned
14. Mirrors are now positioned 20mm further out.
15. New clean mount side case system is now integrated
16. New DC Power out knock out has been added.
17. New Cornering Management Function (KCMF) with inputs from IMU has also been added.

Rest all other features as optional pannier system, dual throttle valves, assist and slipper clutch, power modes, traction control, horizontal back link rear suspension, remote pre-load adjuster for the rear suspension, 41 mm inverted front fork featuring stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability and most importantly the powerful 1,043 cc liquidcooled, 4-stroke In-line Four engine making 142 bhp etc. remains same as before.

Few Photos -

In the shade


or in the sun






The beautiful derriere with those shot gun dual exhausts is to die for


The broad front


Close up of the LED headlights


Low beam


High Beam


The LED Tail Light


Switched on


With the hazards


The cockpit


The beautiful, legible and clear Instrument Panel (odo reading at 2km on delivery)


Whether under shade


Or under direct sunlight


Or at night


Right side engine casing with oil filler cap and throttle adjustment knob


The front wheel


The beautiful ribbed annulling on the upside down front shocks oozes quality


The now flushed front indicator lamps in the fairing


A closer view. Made by Minda.


The front brake calipers


The beautiful 2x2 exhausts


A closer view


The beautifully sculpted 19 liters fuel tank. Note the dazzling emerald green shade in the sun. Also note the quality tank pad from AliExpress.


more to follow...

[pramods]

Kawasaki is changing the motorcycling game in India, the current lot are way better and cost "effective". Congrats again.
Weather in North is going to be pleasant again, hoping to see some "big" ride reports soon!

-Pramod

[ashroy_6]

Congrats sir.

Its indeed a very good bike and i am sure you will enjoy as you discover the bike more.

Once again congratulations

[dkaile]

cont...

A closer view of the fuel tank and the tank pad


The Fuel Rating Requirements and Warnings. Though the label says 95+ Octane (RON) rating requirement, it is clearly stated on the Owner Manual's cover and as also confirmed by their Service Head that anything over RON 91 will suffice.


The Fuel Filler Lid


With the key slot now visible


The LHS Handlebar controls. Notice the Menu Up/Down and Select switch and the Hazard Light Switch. All switchgear is of high quality and feels built to last.


The Pass Light Switch and the adjustable Clutch Lever. It is adjustable to 6 positions for reach


The RHS Handlebar controls with the starter switch. Kawasaki says in the manual that this Red Engine Kill switch should remain on at all times except in emergency. The rider should switch off the bike with the Key ignition switch. Only one of the plastic parts whose color/quality I did not like. It should have been darker.


The Front Brake Lever again adjustable to 6 positions for reach. Notice the NISSIN branding of the supplier.


The 12V Waterproof Power Socket that I procured from AliExpress and made the OE wiring to make it totally plug and play, and fitted it to the original slot provided in the MY2017/18 model onwards. Kawasaki is now asking 14k (previously 7k) for this part!! Are they nuts??


The power socket fitted with a Powerstro Dual USB Fast Charger with Battery Voltage Display. A very nifty and must have device indeed!


Adjustable LHS Front Shockers for Preload (S= Soft, H= Hard)


Adjustable RHS Front Shockers for Rebound (S= Soft, H = Hard)


The Front Brake (DOT 4) Reservoir


The 3 stage adjustable double bubble Front Windshield. It does a excellent job of protecting the body and the head from wind blast with minimal wind buffeting. Does a far better job than the flat windshield on my Heritage Softail.


And the windshield adjustment lever with warning signs about not to adjust it during riding (though it is possible to do so)


The Key Slot with the IMMOBILIZER function. Surprisingly Kawasaki has skipped the immobilizer for the US version of bike. It is available for the Asian and European versions only. Also note the two positions in locked state. The 2nd locked position with the two dots allows for the use of the hazard lights while keeping the bike locked.


The handlebar stem hole covered


Now with the plastic cover removed. This is where I will be attaching the RAM Mount. More on that later.


The Front Radiator with the Radiator Guard installed from AliExpress. It is a costly affair if damaged (about 60-70k)


A closer view of the AliExpress radiator guard with laser etched Z logo


The dual front LED Headlights each with two clearly visible portions. The upper one is the Low Beam while the lower portion houses the High Beam and the LED Parking Lights. Excellent visibility and range which I experienced first hand while riding to Meerut after taking delivery.


The key hole slot to open the pillion seat located below the seat cowl


With the key attached


The Rear Suspension and Coolant Reservoir. Notice the low and full markings on the coolant reservoir.


The Rear Suspension Spring Pre-load Adjuster and the Rear Brake Fluid (DOT 4) Reservoir


Another view of the same along with Foldable Pillion Footpegs and Tie Hooks for luggage (on both sides)


Closeup of the Rear Pre-load Adjuster


Low and High settings on the same to easily adjust according to the load of the pillion and the luggage


Rebound Damping Force Adjuster on the Rear Monoshock


Rear Brake Fluid (DOT 4) Reservoir


More to follow...

[dkaile]

cont...

The spring loaded and rubber mounted front footrest with lean guards and gear shift lever to minimize vibrations. Also visible is the side stand.


The foldable rear footrest. All rubber quality is very high.


Battery Charging SAE socket with waterproof rubber cap which is compatible with my exisiting battery charger. Another accessory from AliExpress got beforehand.


Another view of the same with the rubber cap removed


LHS Engine casing. All high quality stuff.


A peep into the beautiful in-line 4 headers


The radiator fan


Denso Engine Oil Filter


The meek single horn hidden inside the fairing below the instrument cluster. Next item to upgrade.


The side mirrors are large and provide excellent coverage without vibrations at high speeds.


The front tyre is a BRIDGESTONE...


and is a 120/70 ZR17M/C Battlax Hypersport S20F N (58W)


The Rear Tyre is again a BRIDGESTONE


and is 190/50 ZR17M/C Battlax Hypersport S20R N (73W)


A view of the tyre valve. Both tyres are tubeless and high speed rated.


and are MADE IN JAPAN


as is the alloy wheels. Also MADE IN JAPAN


A view of the Rear Disc Brakes and the chain tightening system


A closer view of the system which I think is one of the most easiest to use and innovative. Just requires a allen key.



The RHS rider footpeg, again spring loaded with lean guard and the Brake Lever. All these are again rubber mounted to reduce vibrations.


A closer view of the rear brake light switch. Very well built to last a lifetime.


8mm Rear Spools which I got from AliExpress, color matched to the bike. The scratches you see are from the factory itself as they use these mounting points to transport the bike.


A closer view of the engine oil filler cap


and the throttle adjustment screw


The engine from the RHS


Oil Level Inspection Window when the bike is on the side stand


and with oil level visible when the bike is straightened. Notice the low and high markings. Oil used is Fully Synthetic SAE 10W-40. Capacity on every oil change is 3.8L (4 L when completely dry). The dealerships use Motul 300V as standard.


The side railings with dedicated slots for pannier mounting and removal. The system is quite innovative and it takes a few seconds to mount and unmount the side boxes (panniers) which come color coded with the bike and also use the same single key to lock and unlock. But they cost about a lac. But a must with this bike. Soon...


The underbelly catcon canister for fulfilling emission and noise requirements. Also the lowest point in the bike. The ground clearance is 130mm but I did not touch the bottom anywhere even on extremely bad roads on NH58 and on the highest speed breakers.


The seats of the Ninja 1000


more to follow...

[dkaile]

cont...

The Rear Pillion Seat, now wider and more padded than before.


Removed to reveal the small storage compartment which houses the tool kit and the first aid kit. At maximum you can probably store the user's manual and the bike documents and a small cleaning cloth here.


The front seat also removed by removing the two rubber mounted allen bolts holding it in place to reveal the battery compartment


The maintenance free YUASA Battery YTX9-BS 12V 8Ah and the fuse boxes. Also note the attached battery charger cable with a fusible link.


Tyre and Load Data. Recommended tyre pressure is 36 psi in the front and 42 psi in the rear.


Chain information and slack information


The two immobilizer chip fitted keys with key number information


The Owners Manual and Warranty Booklet. Standard warranty is 2 years or 30,000 kms.


Some more important information on the back of the Owner's Manual cover


Now coming to the Actual Riding Experience -

Now the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 sold in India (also sold as Z1000SX in Europe) is a motorcycle which was launched by Kawasaki since 2011. So, its does not have a very old legacy except perhaps it's 'Ninja' moniker. It is characterized by being a fully faired version of the Z1000 but more inclined towards Sports Touring due to better ergonomics, more storage options, larger fuel tank, better windshield, wider seat etc. So let me cover a few things that I found in these few days with the bike -

Engine - It is largely unchanged since it's launch in 2011 except a few updated to the clutch to add clutch assist and slipper clutch a few years back. It is a 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled with a displacement 1,043cc putting out 142 bhp @10,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 111 N.m @7,300 rpm. Even at Low power mode it displaces 70% of it's power i.e. about 100 bhp!! But then why change something which is bulletproof. It has a solid reputation and I concur with whatever I have heard about this engine. There is a slight initial harshness as can be expected with any brand new engine which I have been told will smoothen out after the first service at 1000kms and once the bike has broken-in past 1600kms. So for the initial 800kms I am keeping the rpm levels down to 4k levels which means I should not be exceeding 85-90kmph. Post 800kms I can take the bike to 6k rpm till it reaches 1600kms. I am sticking to that for the time being. And have really not used the bike to it's potential which can only be done after the bike has been fully broken in. I have kept the bike at LOW power mode with Traction control at Level 2 (Level 3 is the most intrusive but is mostly for wet conditions) as recommended by the service technician till the break in is completed. Overall the engine is just a peach till now. It scared me a bit when I tried testing it's potential on the first day. It has so much power that right now I feel I am not using 20% (at 70-80kmph) of what it is capable of. Also it has a electronic speed limiter (as per wikipedia) because this engine is capable of exceeding 300 kmph in unrestricted form. However it is still capable of exceeding 250kmph even with this limiter in place. Now that's scary on our roads and therefore requires a mature head behind the bars. As I mentioned before, the engine oil used is of SAE 10W-40 grade and the dealership uses Motul 300V as standard. Capacity is 4.0L when completely dry, otherwise 3.8L is used on every oil change with the oil filter replacement. Though the company specifies a oil and oil filter change period of 12000kms (after the initial one at 1000 kms), I would recommend it to be changed at each service every 6000 kms keeping the Indian conditions in mind. Air cleaner element needs to be replaced every 18000 kms, the Coolant every 36000 kms or 3 years (capacity is 2.9L), Spark Plugs every 12000kms and the Brake Fluid every 2 years, as specified in the manual.

Gearbox - Now that another gem. Butter smooth and with a positive neutral finder. And the gearing is a little short. In 5th and 6th you can easily potter around whole day in the city without feeling the need to shift down. I could easily use the 6th gear for speeds as low as 30kmph. So to think that it can do 30-250 in 6th is quite remarkable.

Clutch - Again no issues. Light and responsive. The levers as I mentioned are adjustable for reach according to the size of one's hands. Also it has Clutch assist and Slipper Clutch as standards, though I am yet to use those capabilities. Read more about all these and more Kawasaki capabilities that are included in the bike here - https://www.kawasaki-cp.khi.co.jp/te..._clutch_e.html

Suspension and Wheels - The front suspension is a 41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload with a wheel travel of upto 4.7 in while the Rear is a Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, remotely adjustable spring preload and with a additional wheel travel upto 5.7 in. No grouses there too. But I feel the wheel rims are made of softer aluminum alloy because they are more calibrated for perhaps the butter smooth roads of the West. Though the softer compound is good that on very bad roads it may bend a little rather than crack and can be easily set back in shape. Will have to wait and see how it copes with our actual riding conditions.

Handling and Ride Quality - The tyres are grippy. Though I have not tried any heavy cornering yet, the handling is very neutral and good and I do not foresee any issues there. Though the bike weighs 239 kgs for the Indian version (although I have taken out the saree guard and front plates to reduce the weight back to 235 kgs) the ride quality is quite smooth. Even with some heavy cross wind in yesterday's 100km ride, I could not feel the bike budge. The bike did not bottom out anywhere till now with it's 130mm of ground clearance even on our pretty bad NH58. Minimum turning radius is 3.1m.

Braking - The Front Brakes are of Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with radial-mount 4-piston monobloc calipers and ABS and the Rear Brakes are a Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper and ABS. Both are manufactured by Nissin and have very good bite.

Ergonomics - I found the ergonomics to be spot on for my height (6') and weight (slightly heavy...lolz). The stance is a little forward and I did feel I could add a small riser to the handlebar to be more ideal for me. Though The Versys 650's stance and comfort would be slightly more than on this bike. On the 100kms ride yesterday I was less tired than I would have been on my Heritage and the seat is also comfortable enough. I can very well see myself doing 1000kms per day on this bike, if needed, with slight help for a air cushion pad.

Extra Storage - As I mentioned that the extra panniers (side bags) are a costly affair on this bike (nearly a lac) but then this bike is incomplete without those. Will plan those shorty.

So it's time to say good bye for now with some parting shots



The Ninja


From this Sunday's 100km ride which started from the Wheler Club, Meerut founded in 1863




Cheers for now... Ride Safe Brothers

[rbp]

That looks like a slightly bent rim, did you by any chance hit a pothole.

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by rbp

Attachment 1686348

That looks like a slightly bent rim, did you by any chance hit a pothole.

Yeah, I did hit one big one on NH58. Now that you mention it, will see what can be done.

Cheers...

[v12]

Congrats Dhiraj on the N1000. And good choice of colour too - if it is a Kawasaki, it has to have green. I like the radiator guard - it really reeks of quality. In fact better quality than the steel one I had for my Z.

Love the rear shot of the N1000 - those 4 exhausts. Very rare to find this kind of a setup on any new bikes now. In most cases it would be 4*1 or 4*2.

[mobike008]

Congratulations again Dhiraj. Welcome to the buttery smooth world (Performance only, not after sales service) of Kawasaki

Hope now you got a taste of the smooth engines of Kawasaki's. Pretty comprehensive report like all your reports and I'm sure you are eagerly waiting to complete the run-in to unleash those 140+ horses

With regards to the bent rim, it is sad to see this happen so early in the ownership. I believe all Kawasaki bikes dont come with alloy wheels but, are regular steel rims with strength lower than alloy wheels. I assume they choose steel for sake of more strength to protect the rims.

Kawasaki must have designed it for USA/Europe type of road conditions where the steel rims actually prove advantageous

My Dark Knight front rim got bent at around 10,000kms and it took all of 1-hour and INR 300/- to get it fixed and it's perfect till date.

Btw, it has not deterred me to dunk the bike in harsh road conditions which i still do with aplomb. I'm just little cautious of really deep/big crater type of road conditions wherein I drop the speed to cross them cautiously

Dont let this dampen the new bike spirit. Get it fixed and have fun with your new green goblin (BTW, do you name your bikes?...LOL!)

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Congratulations again Dhiraj.
Dont let this dampen the new bike spirit. Get it fixed and have fun with your new green goblin (BTW, do you name your bikes?...LOL!)

Lolz Avinash. Not in the least. I just went and had a look at that rim and couldn't even make out or feel a thing where that 'dent' supposedly came out in the picture. Also had a 100 kms absolutely smooth ride yesterday and couldn't feel a thing. Will get it looked in the 1st service if necessary. Also steel rims are softer and pretty easier to fix than alloys if any such need arises. Hence they bend rather than crack like these modern alloys. From the looks of it, looks pretty cosmetic to me. Like they say in Hindi "Itna kaala tika to nayi bike par banta hi hai"... Lolz.

I have usually stopped naming my vehicles after my Millennium Falcon (Fortuner). Thanks once again for your good wishes.

Cheers...

[DieselDestiny]

Originally Posted by mobike008

. I assume they choose steel for sake of weight as alloys are twice heavier. However, the downside is these steel rims are susceptible to damages when they go through any potholes at high speed.

Thought alloys were much lighter than steel rims, though they would definitely be more expensive and not as easily repairable as steel rims.

https://auto.ndtv.com/news/alloy-whe...go-for-1247648

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by DieselDestiny

Thought alloys were much lighter than steel rims, though they would definitely be more expensive and not as easily repairable as steel rims.

https://auto.ndtv.com/news/alloy-whe...go-for-1247648

My bad! You are right. I dont know what I was thinking when I typed that. In earlier days, I used to move to alloy wheels in all my cars because they were lighter

Wonder why bike manufacturers dont use alloy instead of steel rims? Only reason I can think of other than additional cost is that alloys are hard to repair compared to steel when they get bent

Anyways, dont want to go off-topic on Dkaile ownership thread and this discussion is best suited in the technical section

[Cyborg]

Congratulations again dkaile and absolutely smashing review, as always!

Why does Kawasaki explicitly mention not to use the kill switch?

Look forward to your updates.

Ride safe.

Cheers

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

Congratulations

Why does Kawasaki explicitly mention not to use the kill switch?

Thanks a ton!

This is what the manual says for the engine stop switch -



I presume the 2nd note in that text is self explanatory as to why they do not want the riders to use the engine kill switch, in case he forgets to switch off the ignition key.

Cheers...