2011 Ninja 1000 Walk-Around with Gabe Ets-Hokin from CityBike

[Thaibiker85]

deff. want one.

[hunter371]

Great review man love going over all the different aspects of the bike that get glossed over in all other videos.....I wish I could afford this bike seems like a dream come true, and I love that they kept the analog dial for the tachometer!

[hntr51]

Love the information, but the audio drove me nuts... overall.. Love the new bike!

[getshokin]

@hntr51 Sorry dude! I'll stay out of the wind next time.

[DTProductions188]

Enjoyed the preview! .. the audio was unbearable :(

[getshokin]

@DTProductions188 Sorry about that! Windy!

[Rhunyen]

I appreciate the more frank initial review. All the current reviews I've seen/read have been glowing, so it's nice to hear that the brakes and EFI aren't perfect. I'm sure those quibbles are totally livable, but it's nice to hear a critique instead of a brown-nose fest like some reviewers seem to do. I saw it a the San Mateo International Motorcycle Show and it's a damn sexy bike, so "budget withstanding" I'll be buying one in 2011 and trading in my FZ1.

[getshokin]

@Rhunyen Thanks for that! I think the Ninja really hits the mark in a lot of ways the Yammie doesn't.

[Rhunyen]

@getshokin Can't argue with that. My FZ1 is no slouch (had to mod it a bit to get it just right), but it's still bit on the soft side suspension-wise and handling is a bit slow (though rock solid) unless I put on super sticky sport tires. The R1-derived engine is great, but requires high RPMs to really be fun. That said, a good Kawi engine is hard to beat and the styling and ergos of the Ninja 1000 look spot on to me.

[TheReapersSon]

I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Kawasaki cycles. Kawasaki understands what it is to have fun on a motorcycle, no matter what your skill level or demographic.

My 650R was one of the best bikes I've owned because, like the Ninja 1000, it did nearly everything well. The only thing I wanted from it was a bit more power. The Ninja 1000 looks like it has similarly excellent ergos and a better seat, for starters. Did you burn through a tank of gas yet? What was your observed fuel range?

[hellostevelee]

thanks for the review. is it available right now in the bay area? i would love to go check it out at the dealership.

[getshokin]

@hellostevelee I don't know! Call Mission Honda/Yam/Kawi: 650/992-1234. It's my favorite Bay Area Kawi shop.

[hellostevelee]

@getshokin - thank you for replying so quick. i have to ask one more question. do you know if this bike have a slipper clutch?

[getshokin]

@hellostevelee Pretty sure it does not.

[dracdrum]

@hellostevelee It does not, but I am sure one will be. The 650r has an Aftermarket Slipper available.

[KOTH2002]

I ran out of space in my other comment but wanted to tell you I have enjoyed your write-ups on Motorcycle Daily.

I did an 8,000 mile cross USA trip this past summer on a 2008 Hayabusa with aftermarket Givi bags. It was a great ride but the addition of some basic touring amenities on this bike I think makes for the kind of sport touring that people like me are looking for. Mostly sport from weekend to weekend but can go long distances when needed.

[KOTH2002]

Thanks for the review Gabe. I appreciate your insights on the bike.

A few items:

- Some foam over the mic area would help reduce wind howl.

- The phrase is "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts".

- The fuel tank holds 5 gallons according to the Kawasaki web site.

- Heated grips are supposed to be optional according to other reviewers.

- It would be nice to hear it start and do a few light revs.

- US$ 10,999 price

Thanks again. I appreciate the walk around shots.

[getshokin]

Thanks for your feedback! I do mention MSRP in my comments above.

Don't know how I'll get foam on my iPhone...

I usually do start the bike and rev it! I forgot...so sorry.