2012 Kawasaki Ninja® 1000 ABS

Aluminum Backbone Frame

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

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• 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).
• Small and lightweight ABS unit with a high-spec ECU is capable of detailed calculations for ultra-smooth operation

Bodywork

• Slim rear fender gives the bike a light-looking rear end
• 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
• 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.
• Windscreen is manually adjustable for optimum wind / weather protection
• Slim and compact tail cowl moves mass physically and visually toward the front of the bike
• ZX-6R-spec front fender contributes to excellent aerodynamics and racy looks
• The fairing flares at the rear, keeping hot engine air off the rider’s legs
• The fairing’s slat-style leading edges direct wind around the bike, allowing the fairing to be narrower at the middle
• 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
• LED taillight features red bulbs and a red transparent lens

Brakes

• 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.
• 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

Cool Air System

• Airbox resonator reduces noise at low rpm and enhances intake sound at higher revs
• 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

DOHC, 16-valve, 1,043 cc Engine

• 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
• Bore and stroke dimensions of 77 x 56 mm offer an ideal balance of peak power and low and mid-range flexibility
• Easily accessible torque offers instant thrust for maximum rider satisfaction
• 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
• 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

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.
• Main and pre-catalyzers ensure cleaner emissions
• The exhaust system features a 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. Silencer end caps maintain the quad-style image.

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
• 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
• The shock features stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability for a custom-tuned ride
• Visible from the outside, the horizontal monoshock contributes to the Ninja 1000’s ultra-sporty appearance

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

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

Large-volume Fuel Tank

• 5-gallon (19 l) fuel tank offers substantial range
• 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

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
• 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
• Tapered-type grips, like those used on supersport models, offer a more direct feel

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