I think the whole reason for the NIV is basically to reach those who have had a hard time with the KJV. The NIV is written in plain English. True it takes away the beauty of the KJV but on the other hand it makes it easier to read. I like to have both on hand.
Which is what makes the ESV so good. It has an even better readability than the NIV and is as literal (moreso) a translation as the KJV.