2018 Ninja 1000 / Z1000SX 

Congrats on the new bike, and sorry to hear that you dropped it already! Sounds like you’ve got a plan to get it fixed up. I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos!

Thanks, I have some good videos in the works that I think you’ll enjoy. So you have a Ninja 1000 on order?

Jonathan Long Yes, where I Live we can't get it immediately. Have to order it with a booking amount and it takes about a month or two to get the bike delivered. Currently waiting :)

Awesome! Let me know how you like it when you get it! And make sure to subscribe if you want to see upcoming videos on mods, service, and other accessories for this bike.

Awesome, let me know if you end up getting one! It’s a great bike!

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

You’re welcome!

I agree! It’s a really sharp looking display.

I’ll definitely put a review together, and cover things like dimensions, capacity, and ease of use.

Waiting for the trellis frame version.. They did it to Ninja 400 and Ninja605 and the weight was substantially less. Ninja400 lighter then Ninja 300. Just awesome. It should be more track oriented and yet you can still use it comfortably on the streets.

Thanks!

Nice! What is your current bike?

Jonathan Long Coming from a 2017 Duke 390 that I got for my previous (local) commute.. now I have to do long stretches of highway though and it’s murder.. I miss my old VFR for that, almost bought an 800 Vtec, but I wanted something with more guts. I think this bike will be right up my alley.

Mine has been parked all winter. I’m anxiously waiting for things to warm up and for the rain to clear all the salt on the roads away.

This bike definitely has a killer presence on the road! Kawasaki has a done great job with the styling on this bike.

Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

Awesome, congrats on the new bike!

Thanks!

Congrats on the new bike! The tourer edition is not an option in the US, so I’m building my own :)

Yeah, I figured with all the add-ons you are putting on. Love your phone mount. :) How much did you pay for the stock version of this bike in the US if it's not a secret?

Alan, I appreciate the feedback. There is plenty more content coming, so I hope you enjoy that too. Let me know if there is anything in particular you're interested in seeing. And congrats on your purchase! What color did you get?

Thanks!

Thanks! It’s definitely a sharp looking bike :)

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

I was reallllly close to ordering the black version. I think it looks great, especially with the red stripe on the wheels and the red shock spring. But after seeing pictures of the silver, I decided to go with that. Can’t go wrong with either option. I like the 2017 green a lot, but not the 2018 as much. Versys and Ninja do share the same engine. I think the Versys is a great bike and an amazing value. But I loved the look of the 2017/2018 Ninja as soon as I saw it. The Versys didn’t excite me in the same way. Another big factor is the enhanced safety features on the Ninja due to the addition of the IMU. I’d recommend sitting on both and see which one feels best and speaks to you to the most.

How are you enjoying the bike? I got the chock on Amazon, and the manufacturer is MJ Moto. It doesn’t seem to be available anymore, but it’s a copy of the popular Baxley Sport Chock. The Baxley will be just as good, if not better, but is more expensive.

Alright thank you for your quick answer! I loooove the bike! Put 8000km on it last summer and can’t wait to spring cause now in Quebec we are far from it! I’ve used yours videos to help me with some mods like adding 12v output, heated grips, ram mount on the fork like you, etc. Thanks again for your work!

Hi! I do not have a lowering kit. My suspension is stock and unmodified.

Thanks, I think the red tape added a splash of color that the silver needed. I love how it looks. Luggage was not included with the bike. I ordered the luggage during a Black Friday sale at the dealership to get 20% off. My out the door price for the bike (including taxes and fees) was roughly the MSRP.

Jonathan Long thanks for the reply and info! Love the detailed videos you post keep them coming!

Thanks for the question. I typically use a torque wrench for any critical parts, especially parts that require very high or very low torque. So when I do a chain adjustment, I will use a torque wrench. I’ll cover those types of service jobs in future videos once the riding season starts.

Jonathan Long thanks buddy.

I do not have a protector for the radiator, but I may add one this winter. If I do, I’d get the Evotech radiator guard.

Thanks! What do you ride?

Jonathan Long i want buy the same bike as u I dont know which color choose Green or grey Grey is really beautiful

I subscribe ur channel Hope to see soon video on board while ù ride

Thanks for subscribing! I plan sharing lots of riding videos as soon as the snow melts :)

I hope you’re able to get one! Let me know if you do. And all of the colors look great, but I really like the matte silver or the gloss black for 2018. I also like the 2017 green.

Yup, no difference between 2018 and 2017, other than color options.

I’m coming from a 2015 Yamaha FZ09/MT09 that I had for 3 years and 16,000 miles. I used it for occasional commuting, day trips, and multi day touring trips. I loved the sportiness and comfort of the bike, but wanted something with better safety features, more convenient luggage, and more protection from wind. There are a few bikes that were interesting to me. Ducati Multistrada 950, Yamaha FJ09, and the Ninja 1000. The Ninja has everything I was looking for, like a great luggage system, IMU based traction control and ABS, great power, sporty handling, comfortable riding position and good wind protection, and somehow it still retains a really sporty nature. On top of all of that, it’s a good value for what you get for the money. I’ll cover more detailed thoughts when I am able to do a comprehensive review. But so far, I’m super happy with it and can’t wait to get out for some long trips in search of twisty roads.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to putting many miles on this bike! I added the rim tape because I thought it looked a little bland without it. I really liked the splash of red on the black version (also 2018) and decided to add something similar on the silver. Aesthetics are a matter of personal preference, though.

Big change from a Harley! What were your favorite aspects about the Ninja?

I had a Yamaha R1 long ago and it was the first motorcycle I owned........what a killer of a machine. In 2017 I bought a Harley Davidson VRod form the last lot of VRods as they stopped the production in the end of 2017. They were awesome bikes as they were designed in collaboration with Porsche, they were the only liquid cooled engine and most powerful bike in the Harley Davidson lineup. I sold it a year later as i got few $$$$ more than what I paid for it. I started regretting for having sold it and was looking for a bike which would suit my age and also easy on my back as I have a lower back problem. I bought a Harley Street Rod after selling the VRod and after few rides i started feeling that I was missing something. I always wanted a powerful super bike and I started researching on the bikes that had some grunt with an upright riding position that would be easy on my back. I had a test ride of Suzuki GSX 1000F it was good but it was too smooth for a litre capacity bike and the low torque were unpredictable, it was not suitable for having a pillion. I then came up with a new option of Ninja 1000 and i had a test ride. I was blown away by the features, the ride quality and all the goodies (the tech and gizmos) that came with the bike. I was impressed with the riding position as I felt it was not going to cause any harm to my back, the pillion option, agility, the grunt of the engine and the notes of the exhaust made me decide and here I go, I am happy to own one.

I’m not concerned about dyno numbers, because they don’t really represent real world performance for me. The bike is fast and it accelerates hard, even at highway speed. It also has plenty of torque low in the rev range. For street riding, looking at the torque curve is a better indication of real world performance than peak horsepower (for me). With all of that said, you have to remember that dynos are measuring power at the rear wheel. Manufacturers typically give horsepower specs “at the crank.” Once you factor in about a 10% power loss through the drivetrain, you can get an estimate of what you should see on a dyno. There are other 1000cc class bikes that will make a bit more power, but that slight performance increase is far less important to me than the other great qualities of the Ninja (price, design, comfort, luggage, versatility, aesthetics). The Ninja was an easy choice for me and I absolutely love riding it.

Thank you for your answer. I'm looking forward for the ninja. Here in my country you have to wait like a month or two to get the 2018 model. Its gonna be a long wait. 😄

@@JonLong +1 on this. Specs only matter if you're racing. Otherwise any litre bike will have more than enough performance for the street. Very nice bike man

Yes, the helmet loops are standard on the US model.

Jonathan Long Thanks for the info. I’ve tried searching the Internet, but cannot seem to find them as an after market part!

I don’t suppose there’s a part number on them? If not I’ll try Kawasaki.

I use www.partshark.com. They have parts diagrams and numbers. Look up the 2017 Ninja 1000 if they don’t have the 2018 listed yet.

Very cool! I'll be doing my first ride video soon and I'll share my initial impressions there. I loved the FZ09/MT09, but wanted better touring functionality in addition to the sporty and comfortable riding position of the 09. How do you like the Kawasaki compared to the XSR?

Jonathan Long Well I’ve had the MT09 before and I wanted the Z1000SX when I bought the xsr but the insurance was high as I had a bike stolen 2 years ago... I loved both the MT and the xsr in the summer but I mostly do motorways( freeway )in the winter so I feel it’s better !!! I’ve yet to try it on the twisties as it’s still too cold in England.But I can’t wait for the spring.. one thing I like better though .. is the 4 cylinder... I love the sound and feel of it better than all others .. I had a z800 as my first big bike and loved everything about it .. so I think this is for me ... I’ll pay close attention to your channel and see how you go on....:-))))

Hey Scott, this was also a concern of mine before I got the bike. The short answer is that there is some buzzing around 6-8k, but I don’t see it as a problem at all. The engine is so smooth from low revs up to 6k. And it makes great power from 4-6k. I feel like the transmission is geared to keep the bike in that 4-6k sweet spot. Cruising at 80 on the highway is just about 6k. Because the engine is so smooth up until 6k, you feel some buzzing kick in after 6k. It’s not bad or distracting (to me), but you can tell it’s there. But the only time I have the bike revving above 6k is when I’m accelerating hard, so I’m not in that part of the rev range for long. But even in the uncommon instances where I’m keeping the bike higher in the revs (like riding tight mountain switchbacks), I’m too focused on riding to notice any engine vibration. My buddies who rode the bike ride FZ-09s, which are known for their smooth engines. They both said the Ninja feels so much smoother and more refined.

Hey Tony, I'm always open to hearing what mods people are interested in seeing. I don't see myself changing the handlebars at all, because I really like the seating position. I think it has just enough forward lean to handle acceleration and wind pressure, but is still mostly upright and comfortable. In terms of exhaust, I'm still looking at options. I'd likely go for a slip on and I'm looking at the Akrapovic system. I don't mind the look of the stock mufflers, but they get very close to where the rider and passenger feet go, and they swing very close to the spools mounted on the swingarm. What mods would you like to see?

Jonathan Long well minus the handlebars people with past models have done some of the following: Raising front forks in triple clamps for better steering Changing to a 190/55 rear tire for better handling over the 190/50 that comes stock Akrapovic or Arrow 4-1 or 4-2 header with exhaust Ivan's ECU flash for throttle response and power (still in the works for the latest model) 16t front sprocket for lower highway cruising rpm These are a few of the normal mods that folks have done to the older models of the Ninja 1000. but they've improved on so much with this generation over the 2011 original... Just some ideas for you man, I've subscribed now so I'll be watching to see if you're interested in any of these suggestions or any other mods! Enjoy man!

I've got a pair of sc-project slip-ons for my Z1000R.

YT1344 any noticeable difference in power and volume?

tony45x220 Thats my question too!!! I just received them last week. Its too cold here in Canada. I don't think i can get a chance to ride until end of march or mid April. Based on what I've heard, slip-ons don't need ECU flash and not singificant change in power. I wish I could do dyno run before and after. But I am short in budget and don't really care about a few HP more or less!

I’m a little over 5’10” (179cm). I can put my feet flat on the bike. The riding position feels upright to me, but there’s just a slight forward lean.

Thanks Jonathan. I love the looks of your bike. The Missenden Flyer has a great review of it too in Kawasaki green.

This was a pretty early video shot in a difficult acoustic environment. In my more recent videos, I’ve been using shotgun or lav mics. You’ll probably find those more to your liking.

I'm color blind, and I thought I did get green!

It’s a copy of the Baxley Sport Chock. I don’t believe my particular version is available anymore, but if you search the Baxley one, you’ll find some options. I highly recommend it!

@@JonLong thanks

Depends on how you define "good." Part of my reason for getting this bike was for comfortable riding with a passenger. I think the passenger seat is very well shaped. It has plenty of padding for comfort, and has a subtle curve to it to keep the passenger from sliding forward or backward. I also like that the raised height of the passenger seat creates a comfortable barrier between the passenger and me. The grab rails are another plus, and they're well designed. So...for a sport bike, i think it's good for touring with a passenger. But you can't compare it to a Goldwing / Harley / BMW touring bike. Those things have backrests, armrests, cupholders, heated seats, etc... If I was going to be a passenger on a long touring ride, I'd prefer something like that.

I agree, I really love the green colors for the Ninja. Especially the 2017 green. But I also love the silver, and the matte finish really accents the lines of the bike.

the red strip tyres went well too

What colors are available in India for 2018?

Jonathan Long green colour and black colour

From which country you are?

United States

Jonathan Long nice hope our country will also get this colour i like this colour too much its better than other colours,😃

Have you looked at the H2 SX? It has a slightly more sporty position than the Ninja 1000 (more sporty than I like for touring purposes), but is otherwise an insane sports touring platform.

I have. I understand how it's built and the power it makes, but it's not nearly as pretty. I find it super ugly. Also I don't understand why Kawasaki spent the money on it when they have a Ninja 1000, Versys 1000, Concours 14, and ZX-14R that all cover the touring and speed aspects. Seems very superfluous.

Then the mpg goes down. They've stuck with this recipe for a reason.

@@wolfiestreet6899 Eh maybe. Now that Suzuki put out the GSX-S1000GT it's got some competition. I personally like the K5 engine better than the Kawasaki lump.

@@exothermal.sprocket Perhaps, 6 of one and half dozen of the other. It will likely come down to taste.