Sport Tourers

2012Kawasaki Ninja 1000

41 fields on record

The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 is a sport-touring middleweight designed for riders seeking aggressive styling with everyday usability. Known for its potent inline-four engine and composed handling, it bridges the gap between pure sportbikes and practical touring machines. The comfortable seat height and manageable weight make it accessible to experienced riders wanting spirited performance without extreme commitment.

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Wet weight: 228.0 kg
Seat height: 820 mm
Power: 125.2 HP (92.1 kW)

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Other years 2011 2012 2013 2014

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering82%

City riding68%

Daily riding78%

Touring80%

Two-up72%

Track60%

Best for: Built as a sport-tourer that blends aggressive engine performance with an upright, real-world riding position for fast road riding, commuting, and long-distance travel.
Built for: Feels like a muscular, refined all-rounder that can carve corners with sport-bike sharpness while still offering the comfort and range to eat up highway miles.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for off-road use, new riders seeking a gentle first bike, or anyone wanting a lightweight, minimalist machine.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 820mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1043.0 ccm
Power: 125.2 HP (92.1 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 123 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CKAXC1.04AAA-006-R01
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.24 L/100km (44.9 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 2.1 CO g/km
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5491 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression: 11.8:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: TCBI with digital advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1445 mm
Overall length: 2106 mm
Overall width: 790 mm
Overall height: 1229 mm
Seat height: 820 mm
Wet weight: 228.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum backbone frame
Front suspension: 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension: Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in.
Rake (fork angle): 24.5°
Trail: 102 mm