Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: motonerd14 on July 02, 2017, 04:14:05 PM

Title: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: motonerd14 on July 02, 2017, 04:14:05 PM
Hi folks. I'm shopping for a new commuter bike as my C14 is getting up in miles and I'm trying to save it for longer road trips. I've narrowed down my choices to the Versys or Ninja 1000s and can't make up my mind. As an added bonus, I work in a Kawasaki dealership on Saturdays and get dealer pricing on all new bikes, so either would be a good deal and the price difference is only $600 between the two, though the owner said he'd take another $500 off because he likes me. :D

The Versys is a tall, comfy tourer with soft suspension and strong brakes that also has standard hard saddlebags, which I probably won't use, since I can legally lane split in California and have quite a bit of traffic to contend with. It can double as a backup long-distance tourer and has a centre stand for easy chain maintenance.

The Ninja is fast, sexy, comfortable, and can be fitted with a trunk and saddlebags if desired (though it's expensive for all the parts...) The handling is purported to be excellent and IIRC, a magazine article noted that the Ninja 1k was faster in real world conditions than a ZX-10R due to having better midrange power.

I've been using a 2005 KLR650 as my daily beater and though I love Ms. Klara, she's far too slow for California freeways. I top out at ~85mph and can't go any faster! With 35bhp and only one cylinder, overtaking is easier with my VW Passat 5 cylinder than it is with this bike. Which brings me to my two replacement choices.

Versys 1000: 118bhp - ~48mpg
Ninja 1000: 138bhp - ~41mpg

Tough call. So, of these two, which would you folks choose? I'm convinced I'd be happy with either, but can only choose one!
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: mikeyw64 on July 03, 2017, 01:50:36 AM
what's the dealer price on an H2 ;)
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: mikeyw64 on July 03, 2017, 01:56:03 AM
when you say Ninja 1000 is that what's called this side of the pond the url=https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/Sport_Tourer/2017/Z1000SX/overview?Uid=090DWFBcC1gMW1xcXAkKXAlYDVFbXVwMDAlYXwoODgkMXFo]Z1000[/url] , no Ninja designation ??
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: just gone on July 03, 2017, 08:38:11 AM
The Ninja is fast, sexy, comfortable ..... The handling is purported to be excellent and...

purported?....so dealers don't employees take test rides either ehh?


No experience with either, but going on just what you presented: The Ninja.
 Because you said it is comfortable and fast and fun.
 You've got the C14 for trips, if you didn't I would have picked the Versys for you.

Now get back to your boss and negotiate those test rides and make your own decision.  ;D
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: just gone on July 03, 2017, 08:49:39 AM
when you say Ninja 1000 is that what's called this side of the pond the Z1000 (https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/products/Sport_Tourer/2017/Z1000SX/overview?Uid=090DWFBcC1gMW1xcXAkKXAlYDVFbXVwMDAlYXwoODgkMXFo) , no Ninja designation ??

It would appear so, except as usual, you get more color selection, and an adult name for the model.  :(
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: mikeyw64 on July 03, 2017, 09:10:46 AM
It would appear so, except as usual, you get more color selection, and an adult name for the model.  :(

I'm quite partial to a bit of Candy Burnt Orange :)
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: connie_rider on July 03, 2017, 03:36:06 PM
I'll stir the pot.
I would think a "650" Versys or Ninja would be better for a commuter bike as it weighs less and would be more nimble in traffic.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: motonerd14 on July 04, 2017, 04:11:51 PM
I'll stir the pot.
I would think a "650" Versys or Ninja would be better for a commuter bike as it weighs less and would be more nimble in traffic.

Ride safe, Ted

I've been thinking the same actually. The savings over the 1000 in price and fuel would be quite nice. Back to the drawing board for now haha...
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: 556ALPHA on July 04, 2017, 04:25:14 PM
It seems by your initial post speed or power is a desire.  The Versys 650 will not satisfy that but it is a nice commuter.
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: Steve in Sunny Fla on July 04, 2017, 04:52:28 PM
It seems by your initial post speed or power is a desire.  The Versys 650 will not satisfy that but it is a nice commuter.

I dunno about that. I have versys 650lt. is it a powerhouse? no. I have a c-14. But the versys is a freakin' blast to ride. it's light and short and turns on a dime. Fuel economy is good, and for a commuter it is my choice.  If I was going to ditch the c-14 and the versys, I'd get the versys 1000. I haven't ridden one, but I think I know what to expect. Oh and on the ninja 1000 - I've ridden one, and I can tell you I can pull alot of power out of it, it's really dead up til 8000 rpm. I expect the ninja is to, so my radar is up. Steve

Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: harry76 on July 04, 2017, 07:03:02 PM
You owe it to yourself to check out an FZ10 also, with a tune they are 150 plus hp.
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: Conniesaki on July 04, 2017, 10:51:21 PM
At 20,000 miles a year and $3 a gal gas, the total fuel bill for the year for the Ninja would be $213 more than the Versys.

Is that really a factor?
Title: Gas Prices
Post by: mikeyw64 on July 04, 2017, 11:42:58 PM
jeez I feel really sorry for you, $3 per (US) gallon?


I pay around £1.10 per litre so allowing for exchange rates (£1-$1.30) and conversions(3.8 litres -1 USG)  that's around $5.40 per US Gallon


Ok must admit that isn't as big a gap as I thought there would be, sure the differential used to be a lot higher.

Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 05, 2017, 05:21:04 AM
I'm paying about $2.60 per gallon for premium now.  Regular is going for 1.80 to 1.95.
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: mikeyw64 on July 05, 2017, 05:27:51 AM
This is an interesting comparison on price per litre (or liter if you prefer)  globally (in US$)

Looks like Venezuela is the place to go for fuel, that's crackers!!
Title: Re: Gas Prices
Post by: Conniesaki on July 05, 2017, 08:07:33 PM
jeez I feel really sorry for you, $3 per (US) gallon?


I pay around £1.10 per litre so allowing for exchange rates (£1-$1.30) and conversions(3.8 litres -1 USG)  that's around $5.40 per US Gallon


Ok must admit that isn't as big a gap as I thought there would be, sure the differential used to be a lot higher.

I was trying to exaggerate high on gas price. And hopefully the annual mileage total  :o And still the diff is only $213.

He'd get to ride around with 20 extra HP for only $213. I'm taking that deal  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Gas Prices
Post by: motonerd14 on July 06, 2017, 07:59:24 PM
I was trying to exaggerate high on gas price. And hopefully the annual mileage total  :o And still the diff is only $213.

He'd get to ride around with 20 extra HP for only $213. I'm taking that deal  :thumbs:

Hence why I wasn't thinking about the 650 too much. My price on these is about $3k under MSRP and no additional fees. I just pay tax. As for the gas, it's closer to $3.15 for premium in my part of California. I've seen some areas where it's closer to $4 if not over. Depends on how greedy they want to be...

I'll get to ogle all 3 again on Saturday while I'm working the showroom. I have a good arrangement with these folks that has gotten them a nice increase in sales, a good chunk of change in my pocket, and a killer deal on a new bike. I need to go back to all the particulars and get an insurance quote. Monthly cost is somewhat of a factor but not a deal breaker. Excessively expensive insurance will be (at least for now...)

Regardless of what I want, I don't have the money to do anything until I sell my KLR. It's on Craigslist and a facebook group. I even...cleaned it. When that's out of my garage, I'll decide.  8)
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 07, 2017, 08:19:27 PM
You CLEANED it?   :yikes:
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: connie_rider on July 09, 2017, 08:32:39 AM
I'll stir the pot.
I would think a "650" Versys or Ninja would be better for a commuter bike as it weighs less and would be more nimble in traffic.

I forgot about insurance. The 650 will cost less too..

Note; Part of the reason I keep raising the 650 idea is;
                    I'm considering one too... <sly grin>
                    Want to hear what others think..

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: just gone on July 09, 2017, 10:18:39 AM
...... I don't have the money to do anything until I sell my KLR.. I even...cleaned it.

You CLEANED it?   :yikes:

That's it, we don't need to hear any more of this kind of talk here...take it to the arena where it belongs!
 A clean KLR,. (shudder at the thought)...indeed....darn trolls...  :battle:     
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: motonerd14 on July 10, 2017, 09:10:25 PM
That's it, we don't need to hear any more of this kind of talk here...take it to the arena where it belongs!
 A clean KLR,. (shudder at the thought)...indeed....darn trolls...  :battle:   

Normally I'd be 100% in agreement but I do believe that a clean vehicle will always sell faster than a dirty one. Makes it easier to check for damage or other issues and shows that the machine has been well cared-for. Our customers at the dealership always comment on how clean our used bikes are. This is a big reason why none of them ever sit very long. :D
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: olie on July 29, 2017, 04:15:42 PM
I chose the V1k to be my goto bike... keeping the C14 for longer trips.
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: rcannon409 on July 30, 2017, 12:57:37 PM
I have the c14 for my longer trips...well, that is if I did not work seven days, per week, and actually had the time for a long trip. They say the c1 4is good for that, anyway...

I also have a 2012 ninja 1000 for the short rides, and in town.  The ninja needs a lot of work before its a good sport bike.  Ecu reflash, exhaust, suspension work, and tires.

For that reason, I think id try the Versys, if I were commuting.  It has decent wind protection and is really comfortable. Its engine is not as powerful as the ninjas, especially modified, but its really, really good. Also, the Versys has a few rubber mounted engine mounts, so it should be more smooth. 

That 2017 ninja might make me change my mind. It has the cornering abs, which might make it more safe to commute on, depending on your skills, and luck?

Still, I THINK I would go Versys, all the way.  The new one looks better than the old one, and its a really good bike.  Also, the Ninjas insurance can go from a ridiculous level and finishes off at insane.

Be very sure you price insurance on the ninja before you buy one.  I found a great deal, on mine. Its only 5x as much as my c14.
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: motonerd14 on September 04, 2017, 12:44:19 PM
I'm between a Z900 and the Versys 1k now. Ninja is out as, like others here have said, the insurance even with my spotless driving record is prohibitively expensive. Those new 2018 Harley Softails look interesting as well.

In any event, I still don't have the money right now, so all I can do is dream, kick tires, and look at parts online. Part of the fun is dreaming of the next project before starting on it.  8)
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: rcannon409 on September 05, 2017, 07:16:21 AM
I think the z900 is the sleeper of the bunch.  Not quite as powerful as the z1000, but it is way lighter...@40 lbs.

Still, for me, it would be Versys , all the way.  And, when I went that direction, I would also consider Suzuki's v strom 1000. Much better electronics,  and it has cornering abs.  As much as I hate that idea, I think its worth having.
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: eng943 on October 27, 2017, 02:56:02 PM
I'd choose the Versys. More comfortable, smoother engine with the rubber mounting. Easy decision.
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: O.C. on October 28, 2017, 01:07:37 AM
I have a Versys 1000 and it is a very fine bike.

Here's another thought if you like naked   ;) 

https://paultan.org/2017/10/27/2018-kawasaki-z900-rs-retro-sports-bike-unveiled/
Title: Re: Ninja 1000 or Versys 1000?
Post by: motonerd14 on November 10, 2017, 09:45:27 PM
Thank you all for the information. Though I had hoped to have purchased something by now, a falling out with the dealership I was working at along with the loss of income from leaving that job has led me to hold off on any future vehicle purchases. My Concours 14 is paid off in January and I'm treating it like a Fabergé egg until I have the title physically in my hands. Nothing else happens until that day.

2 checks to go...