[Kenny Sagawa : Webike News Editor]
Kawasaki has showcased a sport tourer model for overseas, the 2017 Ninja 1000 (Z1000SX), at Intermot 2016 in Cologne, Germany.
Ninja 1000 first came into the world in 2011 as a supersport model which can be used for touring. The traction control and a suspension with the remote rear spring preload adjuster were added on 2014 model.
This is the first full model changeover in last 3 years since 2014.
Fully Changed Over “Aggressively”
You may not notice any difference with a glance, but all-new bodywork includes a much sharper front cowl with a decidedly closer resemblance to Kawasaki’s Ninja supersport models. The more aggressive visage is complemented by fierce new LED headlamps.
Liquid cooled, DOHC, 4 Valve, 1043cm3 In-line four cylinder engine is revised based on the existing engine to accomplish the powerful yet smooth output characteristics to improve the controllability and comfortability. Its specification shows 142ps as the maximum output which is 5ps higher than the conventional model(Japanese model).
The Assist & Slipper Clutch is continued to be equipped as standard. Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams: an assist cam and a slipper cam. Under normal operation, the assist cam acts as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch plates together. This enables lighter clutch springs to be used, resulting in a lighter, sportier feel at the lever. The slipper cam comes into play when excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift). The race-style back-torque limiting function helps prevent wheel-hop when downshifting.
Further Advanced Electric Control
The electric control system is now more advanced ever before. A choice of Full Power or Low Modes allow the rider to set the power delivery to suit the condition and riding style.
Using the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s advanced modelling software and feedback from a compact Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that gives an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner.
On the Ninja 1000, KCMF oversees the following systems:
– KTRC (including traction, wheelie control)
– KIBS (including pitching and corner braking control)Three modes cover a wide range of riding conditions, offering either enhanced sport riding performance or the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Feedback from the IMU enables more precise control.
By the way, “KIBS” stands for Kawasaki’s original brake management system for supersports.
Kawasaki’s supersport-grade high-precision brake management system take into account the particular handling characteristics of supersport motorcycles, ensuring highly efficient braking with minimal intrusion during sport riding. KIBS also incorporates corner braking control, modulating brake force to counter the tendency of the bike to stand up when braking mid-corner.
“Riding Potential” Originated from Supersport
kawasaki says that New Ninja 1000’s electric devise are originated from Supersport ZX-10R, so we can expect much of its riding potentials.
The Ninja 1000’s highly rigid aluminum frame offers a high degree of mass centralization, ensuring a balance of sharp turning and firm handling.
A number of supersport-style components contribute to the Ninja 1000’s sport riding potential. An inverted front fork and horizontal back-link rear suspension are complemented by a supersport-style brake package, including triple petal discs, radial-mount monobloc calipers and radial-pump front brake master cylinder.
Both rider and passenger seats deliver increased comfort. The redesigned rider seat has a wider seat area, offering greater support, and enabling longer riding stretches. A longer passenger seat with thicker padding features a design that swells at the front to help keep tandem riders from sliding forward, all contributing to increased passenger comfort.
Yet the seat height is approx. 5mm lower to be 815mm.
Satisfactory Utility
The mounting system (now standard) for the accessory panniers allows the panniers to be attached and removed very simply, contributing to increased convenience. Seamlessly integrating the panniers with the rear of the bike, the clean-mount system positions the panniers close to the bike centerline, and, thanks to its clean clutter-free design, ensures the rear of the bike still looks good with the panniers removed.
Contributing to the Ninja 1000’s touring performance, a number of Kawasaki genuine accessories are available: GIVI panniers (28 liters), larger GIVI top case (47 liters), grip heaters, DC outlet, various sliders, etc. Only quality stock items can match perfectly with the body.
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In addition to contributing to the Ninja 1000’s sharper looks, dual LED headlamps (each featuring low and high beams, as well as a LED position lamp) offer significantly increased brightness, casting their light wider and 1.5 times farther forward.
All-new sophisticated instrument design features a large analogue tachometer flanked by warning lamps on one side, and a gear position indicator and multi-function LCD screen on the other.
“Ninja 1000” has evolved to a “Supersport Tourer”
An even more polished Ninja 1000 continues to offer the comfort and convenience to enable sport riding enthusiasts to take their seductively styled machines touring. Ninja 1000 is also highly admired by riders in Japan.
The latest model features a “matured engine” and electric control technology which was carefully examined with superbikes. Now the appearance is more stylish and improved cowls and seats provides you more comfort. It also contributes high functionality and convenience with come-along accessories such as a panier case.
This is exactly what we call “Supersport Tourer” evolved in all aspects.
Kawasaki announced the release day and the price in Japan are currently unknown, but it should be revealed sometime soon.
