Previous post: https://www.reddit.com/r/SuggestAMotorcycle/s/VP2j7cnn9V

I watched the local used market for a bit looking for a zzx1400 to no avail. I test drove a H2 SX SE, and squirmed for a long time contemplating taking on almost 30k in debt for it. It was an absolute thrill, and as used ones become more available and as my finances improve, I’ll certainly be revisiting that idea. Ultimately, I can’t take that kind of debt on right now.

Then a 2011 ninja 1000 came along on the used market. Previously dropped, but fixed up very well by a shop I trust and respect. 14k miles, aftermarket exhaust, and runs beautifully. Was ~6650 out the door (factoring in the miserable trade value of my wrecked cb500). I paid a bit for dealer convenience here, but they also said that if issues come up that evaded their qc they’ll help me out.

I am in love with the additional power, and though I was a bit apprehensive about the big change in power and weight, I actually feel quite safe on it. The power delivery is smooth through the low end with a big bump around 7k rpm, and is easily tamed when necessary by staying in a higher gear. The faring and windshield offer a welcome reprieve from the wind. Overall it’s pretty comfy.

I bought it and immediately took it on a long road trip (530 miles northwest from NC, through WV twisties, into bumblefuck Ohio). It performed so, so beautifully. I learned what too fast feels like in a tunnel straightaway at 2am with no traffic. How quickly that thing can hit 140 is scary. I also learned, thanks to a goddamn fool in a minivan in suburban Ohio, that the front brakes are phenomenal. Despite weighing over 100lbs more, my stopping distance is considerably shorter than on the cb500.

I think the road trip gave me a good idea of what I might change about it. I’ll probably replace the factory pegs with something that has a touch more vibration dampening, and I’m going to swap my phone mount location.

The aftermarket exhaust is deafening, and I’m contemplating grabbing a factory exhaust off eBay. I’m going to give myself a few months to adjust before pulling the trigger on that. I do like that it inspires a bit of situational awareness in other drivers, but I also like my hearing and a few of my neighbors. Solidly fenced there.

I did manage to use the exhaust noise to scare a dog out of rush hour traffic on a 6 lane thoroughfare back into the neighborhood he was walking out of, so there’s that. Looked like a stray. A car went after him to help. That felt pretty neat.

Other than that I think perhaps a brake light modulator and one of the accelerometer based triggers for the brake lights/turn signals. Perhaps some heated grips come winter.

If y’all have other suggestions for comfort/safety mods, please lmk!

Unfortunately the oem saddlebags are a fortune, so I’m sticking with my $15 cargo net for now.

Big, big thanks to u/daan994 in particular!

ETA: tried to add pics but reddit app ui is confusing. Just put them in a new post. https://www.reddit.com/r/SuggestAMotorcycle/s/31M0BctUqP