It is generally characterized as a fully faired sibling of the Z1000 streetfighter, sharing the same 1,043cc liquid-cooled, electronic fuel-injected, 16-valve four-stroke Transverse engine and aluminum twin-tube backbone frame,[8] but with ergonomics, storage, larger fuel tank and other design elements more oriented to the sport touring market.

[3] The Ninja 1000 thus has an upright seating position, large fuel tank, and adjustable windscreen among its features, as well a transmission geared for street-riding as opposed to racing.

The updated 2017 bike received a wider front fairing and a taller wind screen, also the addition of a brighter LED headlight replacing the previous halogen light.

[5] Compliant with Euro 4 rules, furnished with new styling and capable of competing with Suzuki GSX-S1000F, KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, MV Agusta Turismo Veloce and the Ducati SuperSport of 2017, the bike will contribute to the regained strength of the sports-touring class.

[12][13] Other changes include a re-designed dash with gear position indicator, changeable rev limiter and ambient temperature sensors.