2020 KAWASAKI NINJA 1000 ABS
R I D E R E V I E W
P72
and a revised ECU for a smoother low-rpm throttle
response. Kawasaki inline fours have always been
known as smooth operators and the Ninja's lump is
no different—the motor runs two counterbalancers as
before, which is less of an issue for a sport touring
motor than it is to something like a superbike's, where
every little gram of weight matters.
The Ninja produces delightfully smooth yet punchy
acceleration. The new throttle mapping, combined
with the lack of vibrations and the slick action of the
standard fitment quickshifter, make the Ninja a joy to
ride. It's plenty fast enough for most riders and defi-
nitely fast enough if you consider the target market
of riders who want some ponies at their right hand,
but not at ZX-10RR levels.
The Ninja's low-speed table manners are impec-
cable and with relatively short gear ratios you can
zip around in sixth gear all day and not stress the
motor, letting it lug you from one corner to the next.
(Left) The new 4.3-inch dash is the same as what
you'll find on the Versys 1000. It's not that pretty,
but all the information is easily accessible and
easy to read, plus you can pair your phone via the
Rideology app. (Right) You can see here a little
more leg room would be nice, but Kawasaki has a
taller seat for that. (Bottom left) Plenty of space,
unless you try to fit a full-face helmet, at which
point you'll have none. But for the extra bacon, the
hard cases are absolutely worth it.
