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You are here: Home --- 2012 Models --- Kawasaki --- 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS Review
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2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS Review
Max Street Performance Meets Max Rideability and Control
From the earliest days of Japan Inc.’s legendary chokehold on the open-class streetbike category, Kawasaki has been right there, building motorcycles that have blown away the press, the public and nearly every performance record of note. From the original Z-1 to the ZZR®1200, these do-it-all motorcycles combined the power, handling, comfort and aesthetic appeal that repeatedly dominated their categories.
And in the case of the ultra-capable 2012 Ninja® 1000, little has changed.
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.
With the Z1000’s impressive engine and chassis package as a starting
point, Kawasaki engineers added beautifully swooping bodywork and a handful
of brilliant features (including optional ABS this year), all of which combine
to make the 2012 Ninja 1000 an amazingly capable all-around sporting machine.
Power comes by way of a highly advanced inline-four – a 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine featuring a long-stroke design for instantaneous power, a smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox with ideal ratios, and no-fuss electronic fuel injection for absolutely seamless throttle response – warm or cold. There’s plenty of power, too – way over 100 rear wheel horses.
But this engine’s magic is more about flexible and easy-to-use oomph than simply peak horsepower numbers. This dead-reliable inline-four produces the sort of power that launches you out of corners and away from stops in a way that’ll keep you entertained – and your riding buddies impressed – for years to come. At seemingly every rpm level, the Ninja 1000 engine produces smooth, instant-on thrust many hardcore sportbikes simply can’t match.
Kawasaki’s perfectly calibrated electronic fuel injection helps make this so. The four 38mm Keihin downdraft throttle bodies inject a perfect mix of fuel and air into each combustion chamber with help from an advanced ECU, oval sub-throttles and a cool air intake system that routes fresh air to the airbox via ducts at the front of the bike. A balance shaft driven off the crankshaft keeps the solidly mounted engine operating smoothly, while a beautifully styled 4-into-2-into-2 catalyzer-equipped exhaust system offers a pleasing growl without being overly loud. It’s a perfect engine for a road-going sportbike – smooth, powerful, flexible and blessed with the legendary reliability Kawasakis are known for.
Like the superb-handling Z1000, the Ninja 1000 features an advanced aluminum frame similar in design to the Ninja ZX™-10R’s. The lightweight assembly curves over the engine, cradling it from above and bolting solidly to it in three places, with a rubber-backed fourth mount provided for added vibration isolation and torsional rigidity. This design allowed engineers to keep the bike’s waist narrow for superb rider interface and maximum comfort and control. The main frame and swingarm pivot pieces are cast as a single unit, with welds eliminated wherever possible for seamless aesthetics.
The wheels, brakes and suspension bits that allow the Ninja to move so gracefully and swiftly are truly state-of-the-art. Suspension is handled by a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork up front and a preload- and rebound-adjustable single-shock system in back, the ideal scenario for dialing in the perfect settings for your weight and riding style. The single-shock system features a damper mounted nearly horizontally above the swingarm for optimal mass centralization and heat resistance. The gas/oil shock offers superb wheel control whether you’re hammering along some deserted backroad or bopping along a pothole-infested city street. On the Ninja 1000, you’ll always know what’s happening at the contact patches.
Stopping power is provided by race-spec brakes – 300mm petal-type rotors up front squeezed by ultra-rigid radially mounted calipers fed hydraulic pressure by an equally race-spec radial pump master cylinder. In back is another tech-savvy disc. Braking power and feel at both ends is amazing, giving rookies, pros and everyone in between a feeling of supreme confidence. And new for 2012, the Ninja 1000 is available with confidence-inspiring optional anti-lock brake system (ABS).
The wheels working with those brakes – lightweight six-spoke supersport-style units – are also the latest in lightweight production technology. They not only reduce unsprung weight, which allows the suspension to function optimally, but carry the latest in radial tire technology. The result is superb grip, precise handling and reasonably long tread life.
But easily the most stunning aspect of the Ninja 1000 is its sleek, wraparound
bodywork. Designed with an eye on Kawasaki’s race-ready ZX-6R and ZX-10R,
the Ninja offers a thoroughly radical look, but one that’s unique and
memorable. Despite the edgy, rakish look, the bodywork carves a surprisingly
large hole in the atmosphere, giving riders a quiet cocoon in which to work.
A manually adjustable, 3-position windscreen helps, allowing riders to pick
just the right setting for their height and riding style. Faired-in front
turn signals, a ZX-6R-spec front fender, a stylish tail-section and a full-featured
instrument panel right off the Ninja ZX-6R (with custom graphics, of course)
complete the look.
And despite its radical look, the Ninja 1000 offers surprisingly comfortable
ergonomics. The handlebars are mounted higher than on a true supersport machine,
the pegs a touch lower, all of which makes the Ninja 1000 a capable short-haul
tourer, and certainly a sportbike you can spend the day aboard without undue
strain. To sweeten the day- or weekend-trekking deal even more, Kawasaki offers
a line of optional touring-oriented accessories, including hard-case saddlebags
and top trunk, heated grips and more.
It’s rare to find such all-around functionality in a sporting motorcycle
today. But the 2012 Ninja 1000 is a different beast – one with wide-ranging
talent in sport, sport-touring and commuting roles. As Motorcyclist magazine
wrote recently: “In the real world we ride through every day, it doesn’t
get much better than the Ninja 1000.”
Supersport Seduction with Everyday Versatility
The Ninja 1000 ABS offers street riding excitement wrapped in seductive full-fairing styling that embodies its sporty performance. Add a number of convenience features and the result is a unique package more than able to satisfy a rider's every desire.
Whether looking to move on from a supersport or super-naked ride, or step
up from a mid-size sport model, the Ninja 1000 ABS offers the performance
and versatility for a fuller bike life than ever experienced.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS Features and Benefits
Key Features
• 1,043cc inline-four with DFI® offers prodigious torque for effortless
passing and backroads entertainment
• Lightweight aluminum frame is narrow and tuned to transmit optimal
feedback to the rider
• Fully adjustable inverted fork has settings designed for sporty performance
and ride quality
• Design of horizontal back-link rear suspension contributes to mass
centralization
• Radial-mounted front brake calipers combine with the radial-pump front
brake master cylinder to offer superb control and feel
• Sleek, supersport styling gives the Ninja® 1000 a distinctive look
• Relaxed, upright riding position contributes to all-day comfort
• Larger fuel capacity offers substantial range
• Windscreen is adjustable to three positions, allowing for optimum wind
and weather protection
DOHC, 16-valve, 1,043cc Engine
• Liquid-cooled inline-four offers true open-class power from idle
to redline
• Easily accessible torque offers instant thrust for maximum rider satisfaction
• Bore and stroke dimensions of 77.0 x 56.0mm offer an ideal balance
of peak power and low
• and mid-range flexibility
• 38mm Keihin throttle bodies cram the air/fuel mixture directly into
combustion chambers via downdraft intakes for maximum power
• Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim, and a slim midsection
allows an ideal bike/rider interface for maximum comfort and control
• Engine’s rev limiter comes into play “softly,” providing
usable overrev character because power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high
rpm
• The engine’s relatively low crankshaft position allows a moderately
long stroke without adding engine height
• A secondary engine balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of
the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration and contributes to rider comfort
Cool Air System
• Intake system routes cool air to the airbox via ducts in the fairing,
minimizing performance loss due to heated intake air
• Duct positioning – close to the rider – allows the intake
howl to be heard and enjoyed
• Airbox resonator reduces noise at low rpm and enhances intake sound
at higher revs
Exhaust System
• The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout.
Silencer end caps maintain the quad-style image
• Main and pre-catalyzers ensure cleaner emissions
• Thanks to the under-engine pre-chamber, silencer volume is reduced,
and silencer weight is low. Exhaust system offers excellent mass centralization
and contributes to a low center of gravity
Slim-type Fuel Pump
• Slim-type fuel pump features an integral fuel gauge
• Fuel tank design and slim-type fuel pump minimizes dead volume inside
the tank; fuel capacity is 5.0 gallons
Bodywork
• Supersport-style full-fairing bodywork gives the Ninja 1000 a distinctive,
head-turning look, and also offers plenty of wind and weather protection for
short-tour ability
• The fairing’s slat-style leading edges direct wind around the
bike, allowing the fairing to be narrower at the middle
• The fairing flares at the rear, keeping hot engine air off the rider’s
legs
• Front turn signals are integrated into the fairing and are attached
to the inside of the fairing with rubber mounts that minimize damage if the
bike falls over
• ZX-6R-spec front fender contributes to excellent aerodynamics and racy
looks
• Slim and compact tail cowl moves mass physically and visually toward
the front of the bike
• LED taillight features red bulbs and a red transparent lens
• Slim rear fender gives the bike a light-looking rear end
• Windscreen is manually adjustable for optimum wind/weather protection
• Windscreen has three available positions spanning approximately 20
degrees and ranging from sporty to maximum wind protection. Adjustment can
be done by hand (no tools required) by depressing the release button below
the instrument panel. Windscreen adjustment should always be done with the
bike stopped
Aluminum Backbone Frame
• Aluminum backbone frame is similar in concept to the Ninja ZX-10R’s,
and helps make the bike narrow and easy to grip with the knees for maximum
rider comfort and feedback
• The frame is lightweight and highly rigid, and uses the engine as a
stressed member for solid handling and optimum stability
• Frame elements are tuned to transmit optimal engine feedback to the
rider
• The frame’s five-piece construction consists of steering stem,
left and right main frames, and two cross pieces. The two main frame components
have open C-shaped cross sections
• Welds were eliminated wherever possible for simplicity and appearance;
the frame beams and swingarm brackets are single die-cast pieces
• The new frame uses four engine mounts, three of which are rigid, one
of which (the upper rear crankcase mount) is rubber
• Rear subframe is a three-piece aluminum die-casting assembly that’s
light, strong and optimizes mass centralization
• The sub-frame is an example of form and function combined, negating
the need for side covers and allowing underseat narrowness for a shorter reach
to the ground
Horizontal Back-Link Rear Suspension
• All-new rear suspension design positions the shock unit and linkage
above the swingarm where it’s less exposed to exhaust heat and contributes
to mass centralization
• Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the
Ninja 1000’s ultra-sporty appearance
• Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard Uni-Trak®
system: Wheel movement versus shock stroke is the same ratio
• The shock features stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
for a custom-tuned ride
Fully Adjustable 41mm Fork
• The Ninja 1000’s inverted fork is adjustable for compression
damping, rebound damping and spring preload – and is protected from harm
by a cool-looking shroud
• Settings are designed for both sporty performance and ride quality
Rider Interface
• Separate, raised handlebars contribute to the sporty, comfortable
riding position; bar stays are mounted to the fork tube tops, which extend
above the top clamp
• A thick urethane seat provides a high level of rider and passenger
comfort
• Tapered-type grips, like those used on supersport models, offer a more
direct feel
• Ninja ZX-10R-style footpegs with knurled surfaces offer secure grip,
direct feel and control, and no-nonsense looks
• The passenger footpeg brackets incorporate convenient luggage hooks
Instrumentation
• Sporty instrument panel features a large analog tachometer and multi-function
LCD screen. It’s a design based on the ZX-6R’s unit, but which features
original graphics and coloring
• Functions include speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, clock,
dual trip meters and warning lamps
• Hazard switch located on left bar pod
Brakes
• 300mm front petal-type brake discs are gripped by opposed four-piston
radial-mount calipers. (Caliper piston size is 4x30mm)
• A radial-pump front brake master cylinder contributes to the superb
control and feel offered by these high-end calipers
• The rear brake is a single-piston, pin-slide caliper gripping a 250mm
petal-type disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by
a torque rod
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Small and lightweight ABS unit with a high-spec ECU is capable of
detailed calculations for ultra-smooth operation
• A low-battery mode maintains ABS function as best as possible when
the battery charge is low. In this mode, ABS timing and pressure relief functions
are maintained to help preserve brake effectiveness (although riders will
notice that ABS operation is less smooth than in normal mode)
Large-volume Fuel Tank
• Five-gallon (19L) fuel tank offers substantial range
• Steel construction facilitates use of magnetic tank bag
• Tank shape (flared edges and a trim shape at the back) allows riders
to easily grip tank with their knees
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS - USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $11,899.00 USD
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 24.5 deg / 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,
ABS
Rear Brakes Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston caliper, ABS
Fuel Capacity 5.0 gal.
Seat Height 32.3 in.
Curb Weight 509.4 lbs.
Overall length 82.9 in.
Overall width 31.1 in.
Overall height 48.4 in.
Color Choices Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Flat Micron Gray, Candy Lime
Green / Ebony
Warranty 12 Months
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36, 48 months
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS - Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See Canadian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.
ENGINE
Type 4-stroke, In-Line Four
Displacement 1,043cc
Bore and Stroke 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression Ratio 11.8:1
Valve System DOHC, 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Fuel System Digital fuel injection with four 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies
with oval sub-throttles
Ignition Digital
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, with positive neutral finder
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 1.627 (83/51)
Gear Ratio: 1st 2.600 (39/15)
Gear Ratio: 2nd 1.950 (39/20)
Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.600 (24/15)
Gear Ratio: 4th 1.389 (25/18)
Gear Ratio: 5th 1.238 (26/21)
Gear Ratio: 6th 1.136 (25/22)
Final Reduction Ratio 2.733 (41/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Aluminium twin-tube
Wheel Travel: Front 120 mm (4.7 in.)
Tire: Front 120/70-ZR17
Wheel Travel: Rear 138 mm (5.4 in.)
Tire: Rear 190/50-ZR17
Caster (Rake) 24.5°
Trail 102 mm (4.0 in.)
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 31° / 31°
SUSPENSION
Suspension, Front 41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound
damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension, Rear Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound
damping and cam-style spring preload adjustability
BRAKES
Front: Type Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Front: Caliper Radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers
Rear: Type Single 250 mm petal disc
Rear: Caliper Single-piston caliper
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2,105 mm (82.9 in.)
Overall Width 790 mm (31.2 in.)
Overall Height 1,170 mm (46.1 in.)
Wheelbase 1,445 mm (56.9 in.)
Ground Clearance 135 mm (5.3 in.)
Seat Height 820 mm (32.3 in.)
Curb Mass** 228 kg (502.4 lbs.)
Fuel Capacity 19 litres (4.2 gal.)
Fuel Consumption TBA
** Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full
tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power‡ 101.5 kW {138 PS} @ 9,600 rpm
Maximum Torque‡ 110 N.m {11.2 kgf.m} @ 7,800 rpm
‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.
DETAILS
MSRP* TBA
Colour Candy Lime Green / Ebony, Candy Fire Red / Ebony
Warranty 12 months warranty
ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins
after the standard limited warranty expires)
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins
after the standard limited warranty expires)
* The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery
inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the
dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production
models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair
description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications
may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries,
Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment
illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available
colours may vary by market.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS - UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
UK/EU MSRP Price: See UK/European Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.
Engine
Fuel system
Fuel injection:?38 mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub-throttles
Ignition
Digital
Starting
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement
1,043 cm3
Bore x stroke
77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression ratio
11.8:1
Valve/Induction system
DOHC, 16 valves
Transmission
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Primary reduction ratio
1.627 (83/51)
Gear ratios: 1st
2.600 (39/15)
Gear ratios: 2nd
1.950 (39/20)
Gear ratios: 3rd
1.600 (24/15)
Gear ratios: 4th
1.389 (25/18)
Gear ratios: 5th
1.238 (26/21)
Gear ratios: 6th
1.136 (25/22)
Final reduction ratio
2.733 (41/15)
Transmission
6-speed, return
Final Drive
Sealed chain
Frame
Frame type
Aluminium twin-tube
Rake/Trail
24.5°/ 102 mm
Wheel travel, front
120 mm
Wheel travel, rear
138 mm
Tyre, front
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tyre, rear
190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Steering angle, left / right
31° / 31°
Suspension
Suspension, front
41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring
preload adjustability
Suspension, rear
Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and cam-style
spring preload adjustability
Brakes
Brakes, front
Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston
Brakes, rear
Single 250 mm petal disc
Single-piston
Dimensions
Dimensions (L x W x H)
2.105 x 790 x 1.170/1.230 mm
Ground Clearance
135 mm
Wheelbase
1,445 mm
Seat height
820 mm
Fuel capacity
19 litres
Curb Mass
228 kg / 231 kg (ABS)
Performance
Maximum power
101.5kW {138 PS} / 9,600 rpm
Maximum torque
110 N?m {11.2 kgfom} / 7,800 rpm
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS - Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See Australian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.
ENGINE
Type 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement 1,043 cm³
Bore and Stroke 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression ratio 11.8:1
Valve system DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel injection Ø 38mm x 4 (Keihin) with oval sub throttles
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Cooling Liquid
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission 6-speed, return
Primary drive Gear
Final drive Sealed Chain
Primary reduction ratio 1.627 (83/51)
Gear Ratios:
1st 2.600 (39/15)
2nd 1.950 (39/20)
3rd 1.600 (24/15)
4th 1.389 (25/18)
5th 1.238 (26/21)
6th 1.136 (25/22)
Final reduction ratio 2.733 (41/15)
Clutch Wet, multi-disc
Frame Type Aluminium twin-tube
Suspension
front 41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and
spring preload adjustability
rear Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged with stepless rebound damping and spring
preload adjustability
Tyre:
front 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) T/L
rear 190/50 ZR17 M/C (73W) T/L
Wheel Travel:
front 120 mm
rear 138 mm
Caster (rake) 24.5°
Trail 102 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 31° / 31°
LxWxH 2,105 x 790 x 1,170mm/ 1,230mm (with windscreen raised)
Wheelbase 1,445 mm
Seat Height 820 mm
Fuel Capacity 19 L
Curb Mass
231 kg with full tank of fuel
Brakes
Front brake Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Front caliper Opposed 4-piston dual radial-mounted with ABS
Rear brake Single 250 mm petal disc
Rear caliper Single-piston with ABS
Maximum Power 101.5 kw @ 9,600 rpm
Maximum Torque 110 N-m @ 7,800 rpm
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