2017 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 released
Kawasaki Motors Australia has announced the arrival of the all-new Ninja 1000, with the third-generation version of the popular sports tourer boasting a number of new and upgraded features.
Powered by a 1043cc engine shared with the Z1000 naked and Versys 1000 dual sport model, the inline four powerplant features revised ECU settings on the 2017 Ninja 1000, primarily designed to reduce emissions, but also resulting in smoother power delivery. In Ninja form, output is 105kW at 10,000rpm and 111Nm at 7,300rpm.
Also new for 2017 are advanced rider-assistance technologies lifted from the ZX-10R, including Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) and an Inertia Measurement Unit as part of the enhanced electronics package. The KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters through the turn, modulating power output and braking force from the ABS to facilitate a smoother transition from acceleration to braking and back again when cornering. KCMF also impacts on the 3-mode KTRC traction control, wheelie control and KIBS corner braking control systems.
Style-wise, the new Ninja 1000 is now closer in appearance to its ZX-10R cousin, with more aggressive bodywork, particularly in the front cowl, and a slightly wider fairing compared to the outgoing model. The mirrors are wider, while the LED headlamps are improved (1.3 to 1.5 times brighter), with a broader and longer light spread, too.
Touring friendly features remain, like the adjustable clutch lever and three-position-adjustable windscreen, but don’t impact on the Ninja’s aggressive sports looks. Similarly, the attachment points for the optional panniers are now what Kawasaki call ‘Clean Mount’ style, which means the slots in the pillion grab rails are more integrated, as are the pannier supports in the pillion footpeg stays. With the panniers off, the brackets aren’t “obvious”, with the new system also making panniers easier to attach and remove.
Improving comfort for both long and short rides, the seats have been redesigned, with a wider, more supportive rider’s seat and longer and more deeply padded pillion seat that’s also been reshaped for the 2017 model, with underseat dampers to reduce vibration.
Instrumentation is all-new for 2017, with a central analogue tacho flanked by the usual warning lamps on the left and a multi-function LCD screen on the right. The latter features a digital speedo and gear position indicator, which combines with the tacho needle that changes colour to indicate the optimum shift position in the rev range. Also on the LCD screen are the usual odometer, tripmeters, range, temp, fuel consumption and other indicators, as well as an ‘Economical Riding Indicator’.
Carryover features on the 2017 Ninja 1000 include the stiff aluminium twin-tube frame, fully adjustable suspension (including remote preload adjustment on the rear), assist and slipper clutch, power mode selector, Cool Air engine ventilation system, 19-litre fuel tank, 17-inch wheels and braking consisting twin semi-floating 300mm front brake discs and 250mm rear disc with ABS. A range of touring accessories are also available.
Available in Candy Lime Green and Metallic Carbon Grey or Metallic Spark Black and Metallic Graphite Gray, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 is priced from $16,299 + ORCs. See your Kawasaki dealer for details.
