VFR new 2011 replacement finally found!

Hahaa! Finally a new bike with the right dimensions I actually will checkout that could replace my old vfr! Since I hate tankerbikes( my fj13) (and gorkballs ( my pos vstrom) and have no interest in the 1200vfr, this is top of my list...Red one of course....2011 Ninja 1000! Of course I will keep the old vfr...

Blasphemy or what?

 

You must be spending too much time out in that Kamloops Summer Sun without a hat.

 

Could I suggest the cbr 1000rr.

 

hahaha, nice. A good ride report is now needed.

 

Not if you're keeping the VFR and using the Ninja as the mileage mule to save it. :wink:

Re the Ninja 1000, light for an ST, good fairing coverage, comfortable riding position and plenty of usable power. I haven't seen one in the flesh but as an ST looks like the big K has finally nailed it with a bike I'd buy.

 

The 2011 Ninja 1000 is getting rave reviews. Now if it only had a V4 instead of the I4, but I'd consider one anyway. Looks like a great bike!

 

We may start to lose those Ninja 250 pilots that want to graduate to longer tours and more power! Before, the question was Ninja 650 vs. VFR. No contest, VFR wins hands down. Now with the Ninja 1000, the equation may shift. Still want to see a heads up between a 6th Gen VFR and a Ninja 1000.

 

That wouldn't be much of a race...



..

 

I like the looks of the new FZ8 too, if you want to stay with the 800 theme. (I also like what I have seen of the new Ninja 1000 though too.)
and what exactly is a "tankerbike?"

 

Nah,not really Nitro. ^^^^^

Other than that god-awful exhaust that seems to be "de riguer" with bike manufacturers these days I guess it's really not a bad looking machine. Although I gotta admit at first glance it did kinda remind me a little bit of my nephew's old Buell XB9SX.
502.7 lbs listed curb weight isn't bad either,and ditching that exhaust for something aftermarket I'm thinkin' should easily drop that number to sub 500.
Dunno about you but that's a BIG plus in my book.





The bars are up high and the seating position looks to be plenty relaxed and comfy. Those cut-outs in the windscreen though look kinda funky.
I suppose they had to do something to make clearance for the hand controls at full steering lock but hmmmm.......hwell:



Not too bad a looker with luggage either.



I'm not really a big fan of the IL4 machines myself,I prefer Vee configuration engines-twins and fours,but thanks for posting this up anyway Nitro.
Hopefully they'll have one of these Ninja 1000's out on display when the IMS Show comes to Chicago.
It's an interesting machine,I think I'll have to walk down and take a peek.

 

Agreed! This is what the VFR800 replacement should have been. I think it will do well - same as the original FZ1. This inline-4 has very good torque at low rpm. Exhaust looks horrible, but surely can be replaced. I like the grab handles and the fact that the instruments are complete. Windshield at highest setting looks a little weird

 

Video on the Ninja Z1000SX features and styling - Select 480 after play for more detail.

[video=youtube;zUdIGikjO40]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=zUdIGikjO40[/video]

 

I must admit, it is a very appealing bike. Had I not bought a VFR1200F, I would be considering it.

Mark

 

The only negative view I have read about in reviews is the excessive vibration. One magazine had three in their stable and they all vibrated rather badly. That would be a deal breaker to me. Looks and performance is very positive though.

 

Cycle World just did a review of it and loved it, don't remember them saying anything about vibration.
They also did a 4 way comparo of SportTourers, and the VFR1200 came in last...

 

Personally I don't mind the looks of this bike. It is quite apparent they are to some degree trying to pull some of its appearance from the Stealth Bomber. Especially when you look at the pipes and the mirrors. And I don't mind that at all. It is fashion. You either like it or don't. Or don't care.

I wonder though, that vibration spoken of, could it possibly be because of wind turbulence or from the machinery itself. What I would have liked to see in this add, was someone, say 6' tall sitting on this bike. That give us a visual of how someone would fit on the bike generally speaking. I did take note of the claim of the larger tank but I would have to go back and actually do a comparison when I have more time. What i don't like is those rear signal lights. Just something to break off easier that what we have on our 6th gens anyways. I like the idea of the appendages being tight against substantive part of the bike. And that wind screen is ucking fugly but as mentioned before here, that may be out of necessity.. And that Snott green has to go.

 

The current Cycle World has in the letters section a reply by the editor referring to vibration in their 3 z1000's in their inventory. They also go on to state that they have not found any remedy. I would assume a test ride would resolve the issue. What is excessive vibration to one may not be any big deal to another. I personally like the bike and w the exception of this one issue, I think it's a terrific ride.

 

I had an 05 Z, plenty of power, had an 02 ZRX plenty of power there too. I like this new Ninja very much. If I had a reason to replace my VFR, this would definitely be the bike.

 

Now I've had a closer look at one have found a minus point, the riding position is too chook chaserish ie sit up and beg upright a something I didn't like about the newer model FZ1 I test rode a few years ago.

The VFRs slightly lean forward riding position suits me perfectly so would look for similar in a replacement.

 

Sport Rider's latest issue also has a test. Specifically comments that the engine is smooth, only minor buzz above 80 but not intrusive.