2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000

Aluminum Backbone Frame

• Rear subframe is a three-piece aluminum die-casting assembly that’s light, strong and optimizes mass centralization
• Frame elements are tuned to transmit optimal engine feedback to the rider
• Welds were eliminated wherever possible for simplicity and appearance; the frame beams and swingarm brackets are single die-cast pieces
• 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
• 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.
• The frame is lightweight and highly rigid, and uses the engine as a stressed member for solid handling and optimum stability
• 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 new frame uses four engine mounts, three of which are rigid, one of which (the upper rear crankcase mount) is rubber

Bodywork

• The fairing’s slat-style leading edges direct wind around the bike, allowing the fairing to be narrower at the middle
• 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 rear fender gives the bike a light-looking rear end
• Windscreen is manually adjustable for optimum wind / weather protection
• LED taillight features red bulbs and a red transparent lens
• 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
• 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.
• The fairing flares at the rear, keeping hot engine air off the rider’s legs
• Slim and compact tail cowl moves mass physically and visually toward the front of the bike

Brakes

• 300 mm front petal-type brake discs are gripped by opposed four-piston radial-mount calipers. (caliper piston size is 4 x 30 mm)
• 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 250 mm petal-type disc. The caliper is mounted below the swingarm, and located by a torque rod.

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

DOHC, 16-valve, 1,043 cc Engine

• Easily accessible torque offers instant thrust for maximum rider satisfaction
• The engine’s relatively low crankshaft position allows a moderately long stroke without adding engine height
• Engine’s rev limiter comes into play “softly,” providing usable overrev character because power doesn’t drop off suddenly at high rpm
• Bore and stroke dimensions of 77 x 56 mm offer an ideal balance of peak power and low and mid-range flexibility
• Oval sub-throttles help keep the engine slim, and a slim midsection allows an ideal bike / rider interface for maximum comfort and control
• A secondary engine balancer, driven off a gear on the sixth web of the crankshaft, eliminates excess vibration and contributes to rider comfort
• 38 mm Keihin throttle bodies cram the air / fuel mixture directly into combustion chambers via downdraft intakes for maximum power
• Liquid-cooled inline-four offers true open-class power from idle to redline

Exhaust System

• 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.
• 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

Fully Adjustable 41 mm Fork

• Settings are designed for both sporty performance and ride quality
• 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.

Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension

• Linkage characteristics are the same as those of a standard Uni-Trak® system: Wheel movement versus shock stroke is the same ratio
• Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the Ninja 1000’s ultra-sporty appearance
• The shock features stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability for a custom-tuned ride
• 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

Instrumentation

• Hazard switch located on left bar pod
• Functions include speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, clock, dual trip meters and warning lamps
• 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.

Key Features

• Design of horizontal back-link rear suspension contributes to mass centralization
• Fully adjustable inverted fork has settings designed for sporty performance and ride quality
• Sleek, supersport styling gives the Ninja® 1000 a distinctive look
• Lightweight aluminum frame is narrow and tuned to transmit optimal feedback to the rider
• 1,043 cc inline-four with DFI® offers prodigious torque for effortless passing and backroads entertainment
• Windscreen is adjustable to three positions, allowing for optimum wind and weather protection
• Radial-mounted front brake calipers combine with the radial-pump front brake master cylinder to offer superb control and feel
• Larger fuel capacity offers substantial range
• Relaxed, upright riding position contributes to all-day comfort

Large-volume Fuel Tank

• Tank shape (flared edges and a trim shape at the back) allows riders to easily grip tank with their knees
• Steel construction facilitates use of magnetic tank bag
• 5-gallon (19 l) fuel tank offers substantial range

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
• Tapered-type grips, like those used on supersport models, offer a more direct feel
• A thick urethane seat provides a high level of rider and passenger comfort
• The passenger footpeg brackets incorporate convenient luggage hooks
• Ninja ZX-10R-style footpegs with knurled surfaces offer secure grip, direct feel and control, and no-nonsense looks

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 gallons