First rides, farkles and fixes: show off your bike here!

[CrashDummy]

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a new 2011 Ninja 1000. I've only put about 800 miles on it so far, mostly commuting and a ride to Yazoo to see family this weekend.

Lots of power, but I think they could have saved money by leaving out gears 2-5. Once you get to 6 there's almost no need to downshift until it's time to stop. I've slowed to about 35-40, rolled on the throttle a little and was right back up to speed.

On heat, I've noticed that it puts off a little more than my Strom, but not as much as the Benelli did.

The riding position is pretty comfortable, but the seat isn't as plush as the Strom or as fitted as the Benelli. My ass is ready for a break after an hour. I'll definitely be looking into a Sargent or Corbin.

No buffeting problems, windshield doesn't see much different in high, medium, or low position. Probably going to buy a bigger one to put on when it gets cold again and for longer rides.

Handling: oh yeah

Headlights, not sure. I haven't been out where's there aren't streetlights after dark yet.

Gas mileage has been between 32 and 37, averaged 35. Usually need to get gas somewhere around 130 miles. I think it would be closer to 39 or 40mpg if I could keep the speed in double digits.

Planned farkles:
better seat
touring windshield
GPS mount
hard luggage

[Supahflid]

Originally Posted by backwoodsKLR

Recently purchased a 2004 Wee Strom...

I put over 700 miles on it Saturday and have a few things to say about it.

1. It has adequate power for my intended uses. I could be cruising along in 6th gear, change lanes and roll on to pass cars with ease on two lane roads...

2. I did not notice any heat problems... Did have some buffeting and I'm not sure if it is from the Givi aftermarket windshield, my new helmet or the funky hand guards on the bike that seem to take a direct hit from the wind...

3. Comfort, OH YEAH... Coming from a KLR, the Sargent seat was great for the first 500 miles, but I think being in wet jeans may have skewed my test a little...

4. Buffeting.... A little head vibration over 60MPH. Will try putting the stock windscreen back on or adjusting height.

4. Handling. Like a dream. Well, almost... It had been lowered and this caused some problems. But as of today, it is back raised and feels much better. With more miles, i know how much this helped...

5. Headlights. One word, AWESOME!!! Better than my F150!!!!

6. Gas mileage, I have not calculated it yet, but did keep a mileage log and will add it up tomorrow. It appears I was in the mid to upper 40's in rough guestimation.

Overall, the Weeeeee is a great bike. I think it will be in the garage a while.

-----------

the bike came mostly fully farkled:

Hepco & Becker 37L side cases and racks.
Motech crash bars
heated grips
custom hand guards (will probably have to go, did not like)
Sargent and stock set
Givi and stock windshield
New Chain and sprockets
Lowering links and shortened side stand (going up for sale or trade in FM soon)
Skidplate (don't like the design and will be offering for sale when I get a new one that covers more)
Almost new Tourance tires
Center stand
etc so forth and so on....

I likes it!!!!

It looks like a great bike! Can't wait to see it!

[Supahflid]

Originally Posted by CrashDummy

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a new 2011 Ninja 1000. I've only put about 800 miles on it so far, mostly commuting and a ride to Yazoo to see family this weekend.

Lots of power, but I think they could have saved money by leaving out gears 2-5. Once you get to 6 there's almost no need to downshift until it's time to stop. I've slowed to about 35-40, rolled on the throttle a little and was right back up to speed.

On heat, I've noticed that it puts off a little more than my Strom, but not as much as the Benelli did.

The riding position is pretty comfortable, but the seat isn't as plush as the Strom or as fitted as the Benelli. My ass is ready for a break after an hour. I'll definitely be looking into a Sargent or Corbin.

No buffeting problems, windshield doesn't see much different in high, medium, or low position. Probably going to buy a bigger one to put on when it gets cold again and for longer rides.

Handling: oh yeah

Headlights, not sure. I haven't been out where's there aren't streetlights after dark yet.

Gas mileage has been between 32 and 37, averaged 35. Usually need to get gas somewhere around 130 miles. I think it would be closer to 39 or 40mpg if I could keep the speed in double digits.

Planned farkles:
better seat
touring windshield
GPS mount
hard luggage

MotorCyclist magazine named your bike the 2011 bike of the year. The article showcased a bike that was the same color as your bike. Very pretty and sounds like the two of you are bonding rather well!

[Rob Dirt]

I guess I'll play. I got a 2011 Tiger 800XC ABS from Capitol Sports back in April. I absolutely love the Tiger. I have 3 other bikes & have not even cranked them since I took delivery. It handles like a sportbike on the Tarmac. Offroad it is still impressing me everytime I ride. One day me & nanohiccup rode in the pouring rain for 10hrs including a deep mud hole that we went thru twice & the Tiger did not miss a beat. The stock windshield is more of a fairing than a windshield, but in this heat it's fine. The whole bike can be described with one word "SMOOTH".
My list of stuff:
15th front sprocket (down from a 16th)
Front fender extender
Center stand
Engine guards
Sump guard
Oil filter guard
Headlight guard
Jesse luggage
Micatech top case
Mud sling (home made)
Karoo T rubber
Throttle lock
Highway pegs
Givi windshield (for long trips & cold)
Seal saver wraps (Velcro type)
Shorty levers (waiting for some real handguards before I install)

I think thats about it.

[Schickmeister]

I bought a Banana. I like it.

It flies.

[backwoodsKLR]

Originally Posted by Schickmeister

I bought a Banana. I like it.

It flies.

That is a very insightful report you posted... got any pics of said banana?

[Supahflid]

Originally Posted by Rob Dirt

I guess I'll play. I got a 2011 Tiger 800XC ABS from Capitol Sports back in April. I absolutely love the Tiger. I have 3 other bikes & have not even cranked them since I took delivery. It handles like a sportbike on the Tarmac. Offroad it is still impressing me everytime I ride. One day me & nanohiccup rode in the pouring rain for 10hrs including a deep mud hole that we went thru twice & the Tiger did not miss a beat. The stock windshield is more of a fairing than a windshield, but in this heat it's fine. The whole bike can be described with one word "SMOOTH".
My list of stuff:
15th front sprocket (down from a 16th)
Front fender extender
Center stand
Engine guards
Sump guard
Oil filter guard
Headlight guard
Jesse luggage
Micatech top case
Mud sling (home made)
Karoo T rubber
Throttle lock
Highway pegs
Givi windshield (for long trips & cold)
Seal saver wraps (Velcro type)
Shorty levers (waiting for some real handguards before I install)

I think thats about it.

How do you like the tires? Do they feel pretty good on the asphalt? How are they wearing?

Good looking bike. I am glad you are enjoying it!

[Rob Dirt]

I'm one of those riders that would rather ride on the street with knobbies than ride offroad with street tires. The first time I used them was that 10hr rain ride. The only time I can tell they aren't street tires is rolling to a stop. I have about 700 miles (90% tarmac) on them & they still look new. I did remove those little finger things before I used them, but I'm paranoid about new tires. I broke my wrist because of new tires once. Overall I give them 2 thumbs up. FYI, they are the Karoo T, not the regular Karoo.

[Schickmeister]

Originally Posted by backwoodsKLR

That is a very insightful report you posted... got any pics of said banana?

Surely...coming soon.

[Supahflid]

Originally Posted by Rob Dirt

I'm one of those riders that would rather ride on the street with knobbies than ride offroad with street tires. The first time I used them was that 10hr rain ride. The only time I can tell they aren't street tires is rolling to a stop. I have about 700 miles (90% tarmac) on them & they still look new. I did remove those little finger things before I used them, but I'm paranoid about new tires. I broke my wrist because of new tires once. Overall I give them 2 thumbs up. FYI, they are the Karoo T, not the regular Karoo.

Do you know if that's the same as Karoo 2? (I know, I know, lmgtfy)

[veriest1]

Bought this beast last Wed and rode it 1900 miles home. What can I say that hasn't already been said about these things? Not much. It's pretty much amazing and the shifter is starting to become a quirky endearment. The micatech luggage is cavernous and works well.

The stock seat doesn't seem terrible to me but the stock pegs are tiny for standing. I haven't been terribly impressed with this particular windscreen either (z-technic iirc). I have to slouch slightly even at the highest setting to keep the top of my helmet out of the wind.

[Supahflid]

Originally Posted by veriest1

Bought this beast last Wed and rode it 1900 miles home. What can I say that hasn't already been said about these things? Not much. It's pretty much amazing and the shifter is starting to become a quirky endearment. The micatech luggage is cavernous and works well.

The stock seat doesn't seem terrible to me but the stock pegs are tiny for standing. I haven't been terribly impressed with this particular windscreen either (z-technic iirc). I have to slouch slightly even at the highest setting to keep the top of my helmet out of the wind.

Most of the GS's I see have an extension on the windscreen. DQ's bike does and it really blocks the wind well. My only gripe is that you have to look through the windscreen; I prefer to see over it. I bet you have already looked in to something like though. Nice bike!

[CrashDummy]

Originally Posted by Supahflid

Do you know if that's the same as Karoo 2? (I know, I know, lmgtfy)

No, no, let me lmgtfy http://tinyurl.com/3r9ehr4

[veriest1]

Originally Posted by Supahflid

Most of the GS's I see have an extension on the windscreen. DQ's bike does and it really blocks the wind well. My only gripe is that you have to look through the windscreen; I prefer to see over it. I bet you have already looked in to something like though. Nice bike!

I'd prefer to see over it as well but it wouldn't be any worse than looking through this one. I'd been wondering how well the stocker with an extension would work but haven't had time to really research. I'm glad to hear this has merit and will look into it more.

[Mr2mch]

Originally Posted by veriest1

I'd prefer to see over it as well but it wouldn't be any worse than looking through this one. I'd been wondering how well the stocker with an extension would work but haven't had time to really research. I'm glad to hear this has merit and will look into it more.

I like the little adjustable aerofoil on my MRA shield. Course I have a V Strom but the shields should work similar & you can buy the adj spoiler separately to mount to the shield of your choice. See twisted throttle dot com