An evolution of their popular Ninja 900, the Ninja 1000R was the fastest production motorcycle that Cycle World had ever tested at the time. From their January 1986 review: “One hundred fifty-nine miles an hour! We’re talking fast, here, as in the fastest production streetbike ever. Tucked-in and wrist locked, a Ninja 1000 rider with little regard for his driver’s license can cover the length of a football field in 1.3 seconds. Get caught, go directly to jail and sell the bike to pay your attorney’s fees.”
That sort of speed was possible thanks to the 997cc engine, which put out a claimed 125 horsepower. “Where the 900 bogs, the 1000 wheelies; where the 900 has to be revved, the 1000 tractors right up to its 10,500-rpm redline. Because of its long gearing, however. the 1000 does suffer in top-gear roll-on contests, necessitating a downshift or two in order to get things boiling.”
Cycle World concluded their review by noting “for now, the 1000 is as impressive a piece of Open-class sportbike hardware as you’re likely to find: less of a Ninja, sure, but more of an all-around motorcycle.”
This example is VIN: JKAZXCA11GB504769. The seller purchased it eight years ago from a motorcycle collector in New Hampshire.
During his ownership, the seller has not ridden the bike and solely kept it on display. The odometer shows 5,691 miles.
When the bike was delivered to Iconic, the shipper unfortunately dropped it on the right side while unloading it from the semi trailer. We were able to replace the brake lever, bar end, foot peg, and brake pedal with OEM units. We also had our painter touch up the right side fairing and belly pan. We were not able to source a right side muffler.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean/sync the carbs, get the gas tank professionally lined, change the engine oil/filter, install a new battery, flush the coolant, service the front brake switch, and install new spark plugs. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Good GTL Cleaned
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: NA
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Final Drive Condition: Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: OK
Parking Light: OK
Turn Signals: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: OK
Horn: OK
Kill Switch: OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 2001
Tire Date Code Rear: 1001
Tire % Remaining Front: 80
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80
Tire Press. Front: 36
Tire Press. Rear: 38
Battery Standing Voltage: New battery 12.73V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.66V
Running Condition: Running Well
Test Ride Completed: NO
Notes:
Tires too old for test ride
Bike placed on center stand and ran through the gears
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop ArrowMax GT501 tires with date codes of 1001 and 2001.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
In addition to this, the left side fairing appears to have been previously repaired. Here is a photo of the inside of left fairing.
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Kawasaki is offered on a clean New Hampshire title.
Have any Ninja 1000R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
