Sidetracked

[FJscott]

Went to look at a new KLR 650 yesterday but couldn't get my eyes off of the 2014 ninja 1000 with the factory panniers. After bullshitting with the salesman for a while we gravitated over to the Ninja(tractor beam standard equipment) Then came the death blow, salesman said it was a Demo and asked if I brought my helmet.
What a machine! Ill never sell my FJ however I'm now looking for a used KLR to go with the new Ninja I ordered yesterday...

[TexasDave]

Very nice looking bike. Should have a more relaxed riding position than the FJ. I realize Kawasaki green is a company color but could they offer a prettier color for us old guys. Oh well maybe next year. I'm green with envy.  Dave

[movenon]

Vary nice Scott ! That's one of the reasons to stay out of dealers show rooms ........  So how long will it take them to deliver ?
George

[FJscott]

I'm stoked. I ordered a blue one. Ill find out on Monday how long it will take as they will try to find one.

[FeralRdr]

Oh No!  Another poor victim of the local Ninja dealer. 

Damn Ninja 1000's are more addicting than Crack. 


Seriously, just got to check out the 2014's at the IMS in Seattle yesterday.  I was pretty impressed with the new hard luggage system.  The factory luggage option for my year is just a rebadged GIVI system.  There's nothing wrong with that (IMO), but the new luggage system has a more integrated frame system, and is keyed to the ignition so you only need one key. 

One piece of advice; start looking for you next set of tires.  The OEM BT-016's on mine were pretty much toast by 3200 miles, and that was on both the front and rear.  Your mileage will probably vary, but a lot of N1000 riders up here in the PNW have also noted the relatively short life span.

[Dan Filetti]

Congrats Scott!  Good luck with the Ninja 1000.  Iy sure has a good strong motor, and good chassis.  A lot of fun could be had on such a bike.  I take it you test rode it?  Accordingly, I wonder if Kawasaki has ironed out a couple of the fueling foibles I notice a few years back when I test rode one.  Did you notice a touchy on/ off action on the throttle?  I also remember it would hunt a bit.  I had trouble cruising at a specific speed without frequent small throttle adjustments.  I gotta figure Kawasaki (or you if need be) could have worked this out with just a small tweak to the fuel mapping. 

Curious about your impression from the 2014 (as apposed to the 2012? that I rode)...

Cheers!

Dan   

[FJscott]

Hey Dan,
The 2014 is an entirely new bike. New frame, engines are similar but the 14 has different intake cam that produces more bottom end torque. The factory panniers mounts are well designed and integral to the frame.
I did ride the bike and had to hide my erection when I returned it to the dealer. It has ABS, 3 levels of traction control but no cruise control. I didn't notice anything quirky with the throttle. It has a 3 position adjustable windscreen, rubber topped foot pegs and a more upright riding position than previous years.

Scott

[yamaha fj rider]

Congrats Scott on the new bike. Hope you get it soon and have great weather to boot.

Kurt