14 August. Friday 2026
Kawasaki Ninja 1000 - 2012 Specifications and Reviews
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.
General information | |
| Category | Sport |
| Year | 2012 |
| Model | Kawasaki Ninja 1000 |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | 4-into-2-pre-chamber-into-2 layout. |
| Driveline | X-ring Chain |
| Transmission type,final drive | Chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Ignition | TCBI with digital advance |
| Fuel control | DOHC |
| Fuel system | Injection. DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Bore x stroke | 77.0 x 56.0 mm (3.0 x 2.2 inches) |
| Compression | 11.8:1 |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 1043.00 ccm (63.64 cubic inches) |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Rear brakes diameter | 250 mm (9.8 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc |
| Front brakes diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Front brakes | Double disc |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 190/55-ZR17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 5.4 in. |
| Front suspension | 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload / 4.7 in. |
| Trail | 102 mm (4.0 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 24.5° |
| Frame type | Aluminum backbone frame |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Fuel capacity | 18.93 litres (5.00 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,445 mm (56.9 inches) |
| Overall width | 790 mm (31.1 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,106 mm (82.9 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,229 mm (48.4 inches) |
| Seat height | 820 mm (32.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 228.0 kg (502.7 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Metallic Spark Black/Metallic Flat Micron Gray, Candy Lime Green/Ebony |
| Factory warranty | 12 Months |
| Starter | Electric |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
3.3s
0-60 mph (est.)
Best For
Track60%
City68%
Cornering82%
Daily Riding78%
Touring80%
Passenger72%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to riders with at least some prior experience on powerful machines, as the in-line four delivers strong, fast-building power that rewards confident throttle control. |
| Purpose | 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. |
| Rider Fit | A moderately tall 820mm seat height and 231kg wet weight mean it favors riders of average-to-taller height and reasonable physical confidence at low speeds and when maneuvering. |
| Character | 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. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
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