Ka-El

My buddy has the Z1000 and I just bought the 2011 Ninja 1000 between the two we have road and swamped about 200 miles on each and this is what I thinnk.

- Its really the same bike with a little difference the Ninja 1000 FEELS bigger, bulkier, a bit more solid than the z1000. This is probably due to the larger tank on the Ninja 1000.

- We got both bikes up to about 150+ mph on a closed air stripon Jacksonville Air base but I felt the z1000 has a bit more zip off the line.

- Speed and Tach a bit easier to read on the Ninja 1000 vs the Z

- Ride position is a bit more up right on the Ninja 1000 vs the Z.

- Curves aren't as easy as they are on flat out racsing bikes and my buddy is a bit shorter than I am (6'1 vs 5'7) getting off the seat and deep into a corner is a bit easier on the Z1000 than the Ninja 1000; however, prepping for the curve and downshifting is MUCH smoother on the Ninja 1000. [I don't pretend to be a racer]

- The Ninja 1000 has a smoother throttle response, and I think more responsive.

- The Ninja 1000 is quieter than the Z1000....

- The windshield, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE even at speeds of 60 - 70 but you notice it much more after about 75mph. With the shield all the way do the air hits you direclty in the chest, with it up it tends to hit at neck height, my buddy is shorter than I and he says it goes right over his helmet. At around 90+ You can tell a big difference, but wind noise is much lounder on the Ninja 1000

- I do like the placement of the side view mirrors on the Z1000 over the Ninja 1000, I can't see around me but this isn't enough to be of much trouble.

- The Ninja 1000 simply LOOKS more agressive. LOL...almost pissed off.

All in all both bike are BEASTS.....running with the out right racers in my club and both fair well in corners, enough power, control...Both are sick bikes. You will feel more comfortable on longer rides on the Ninja 1000 vs the Z1000.

I pick the Ninja 1000 over the Z1000 but honestly there isn't much difference in the two.

Arkbird

So you and your buddy have the same bike?

Ka-El

Oh no...not one of thos message boards.



I corrected the first line. Thanks.

RacinJason44

Thanks for the review.

__________________
2007 Kawasaki EX650 street/track 636 forks - Hyperpro shock - Woodcraft - LeoVince - Dynojet
2003 Yamaha R6 race/track Ohlins - Arata - Vortex - Woodcraft - Dynojet
OMRRA Novice # 744

Byron Sexton

okay...err thanks

__________________
Kawiforums BBW lover thick chicks get it too

Arkbird

Sorry, it's kind of an OCD thing. It's not personal. But good review. Personally I don't like the look of the ninja or Z1000 but I bet they are pretty fun and comfortable to ride.

__________________

Scoopo

Great review/comparison! Good read too
I absolutely love my Ninja 1000 and fully know exactly what you're talking about re the N1k.
This friggin bike is so fun to ride for that and the butter smooth throttle response and power curve. Piles of torque!
I have wanted a Ninja ever since the first one came out back when I was a teen. I swear this is the bike I've always wanted well over and above the Ninja name.
My timing was just perfect for the '11 Ninja model with this particular engine!

I would love to have a buddy with a Z1k so we could go out and do exactly what you've done! Too fun!

__________________
.
2011 Ninja 1000 - black (cuz it's faster)

HawaiiKid

Good info

__________________
07 Kawasaki Ninja 650R-SOLD
05 Suzuki GSX-R 600-Custom paint, TOTALED
07 Kawasaki ZX-6R-Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it." -Ferris Bueller

Ka-El

This is the best bike I have ever owned. 6th Kawi in 20 years. After a few stop off with Honda....I'm a strictly Kawi

Ka-El

I started to do a comparison between the Ninja 1000 and the Zx14 but really I can't compare the two bikes. I owned the 14 for about 6 months, didn't really like it.