2011/12 C14 vs. 2012 Ninja 1000 ABS

[lt1]

Both bikes have won Bike of the Year.  Both are quick, fast and decent handling.  I would think that friends riding one of each would be able to have an enjoyable ride together, whether they rode their own bikes or swapped mounts.  From the tests I've read, they s/b close enough in performance and capabilities that many, if not most, riders who like one or the other would like both.

The Ninja 1000 is not a ZX10R, nor it is it a C14.  I would not make any assumptions about someone else's insurance without calling their agent.  Normally, my insurance is based on displacement, and they do not typically surcharge performance bikes.  I believe that for me, the Ninja 1000 would be significantly cheaper to insure than the C14 (at least comparing the same model year for each bike).

[rcannon409]

I believe thats why we ALL suggested calling his insurance agent before making a decision.  I found Progressive did use engine size somewhat, but the cost was based on what CLASS the bike fit in.  My c14 was classified as a TOURING bike.

My SV650s was 1/3rd as much as a GSXR 600 would have been to insure for the year..same limits and deductibles.  The c14 was 1/2 as much as the same year zx14 was.

[Fearless]

I own a highly modified 2008 C14 and I wouldn't trade it for any other ST on the market (I've ridden them all). I've ridden the Ninja 1000 and will probably be buying one for track days, around town, and ripping twisties. You can't go wrong with either bike. Just go to bike week in Daytona and demo ride each of them back to back.

Has anyone compared these 2 bikes?  MSRP on the Ninja is $11,899 with ABS so it could be had for somewhere in the $10.5k range.  I'm not sure when it comes out, however, but I'm guessing sometime this winter.  My use would be more shorter trips (few hours), some twisties in the Carolina mountains and 10 mile commute on a daily basis.  The Connie almost seems like overkill for these tasks as I'm not going cross-country or even cross-state anytime soon.

Pros:
-lighter than C14 (more flippable, easier to move around garage)
-cheaper
-less "stuff" to break
-probably more fun to ride around town or short rides

Cons:
-no bags (although soft bags aren't all that expensive and one less thing to get scratched up)
-less wind protection
-heated grips not standard but can be added
-no electrical plug
-probably not as comfortable for longer rides

Has anyone gone down this road and come away with a Concours?  Granted, ABS is a new feature on the Ninja 1000 as of 2012 so probably not many have.  However, any thoughts? 

I owned a 2008 C14 (got cooked so sold it) and I loved it.  I'm down to C14, Ninja 1000 ABS and with an outside shot the Suzuki GSF1250A.  The Zuk technology is outdated and the price is high for what you get, so I'm leaning away from it.

[maxtog]

I believe thats why we ALL suggested calling his insurance agent before making a decision.  I found Progressive did use engine size somewhat, but the cost was based on what CLASS the bike fit in.  My c14 was classified as a TOURING bike.

My SV650s was 1/3rd as much as a GSXR 600 would have been to insure for the year..same limits and deductibles.  The c14 was 1/2 as much as the same year zx14 was.

Agreed.  It varies wildly from one company to another.  My 1.4 liter Concours, NEW, was only about $50 more per year than my old ZRX-11.  Sometimes there isn't much logic to the stuff.  Other times there is.

[Dave Bogue]

Wow, there's a lot of opinions on this topic.  I own both bikes; each has it's advantages. 

I have a 2009 C14: no flies, AreaP full system, PC3 with Fuel Moto map.  I have never used the bags: a 20 pound saving. 

My Ninja 1000 is a 2011 stocker, with MRA double bubble screen and 190/55 BT016.   

I love both bikes. 

The C14 has the tire pressure monitoring system, no maintenance shaft drive, and ABS.  Really good features!  I also have Pilot Road 2s to enhance handling, plus a ZX-14 seat to lower the seat height an inch.  All good. 

Both bikes handle really well in the twisties. 

Based on testing (racing!) with my friends bikes, the MODDED C14 is definitely faster.   However, stock to stock, my opinion is that the NinjaK would be faster. 

Really, both bikes are great.  If you want a FAST sport/TOURER, the C14 would be your choice.  If you want a one-up sportbike, with a great powerband and excellent handling, the Ninja fits the bill. 

Stock, the C14 is really restricted at low rpms, while the Ninja is not.  Pull the flies on the C14, add a PC, and the the bike pulls like a locomotive down low.   

Have fun,
Dave
Bradenton Florida

 

[DaveO]

the 1000 is a much more sporting bike than c-14

[vannooch]

I'm considering an update or addition, I currently ride a '05 C10 which I love! farkled it for my wife and I  (Day long saddle, both sets of air wings, highway pegs and rifle windshield, etc...) but also added some front end handling upgrades (springs that make just putting around with my wife a little rigid, and brace).
What are your thoughts on keeping my paid off C10 and buying the ninja, or should i start over with the C14? My wife is 5'11" and I am 6'1', we have the C10 set up where we both are comfortable and have done multiple week tours on it. But When I bought it new, I was looking at a ZZR 1200 after coming off of a GSXR 600 and would like a little more zing in my fling, but not the lay on the tank position anymore.

[MrPepsi]

Two is better than one, but the C-14 is a fantastic compromise between the two if you can only have one.

[rcannon409]

I got to try the Ninja 1000 today. Not an abs version, but close enough.  I liked the bike very much.  If I could only own oen machine, this might be the one.   Owning the c14 changes my perspective on  the Ninja, though.  It is lighter, but not light in the sportbike world.  It has good top end power, but not in the sportbike world. For obvious reasons it also does nto have the low end torque of a c14 with the flies removed.  Its also not as comfortable as I had hoped. 

For me, I'll get a zx10 instead.  If I'm paying for a seat rebuild anyway, I can do it to the zx10 as well.  Also, a set of higher bars can be fitted.  http://spieglerusa.com/handlebar-conversion-kit-4306.htm

If I start with a used bike, I'll save money as well.