Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX (2020) Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Kawasaki’s road-going sports bike inherits the Ninja title, gets a TFT display, improved traction control, ABS and comfort. Join BikeSocial's Steve Rose as he shares his thoughts from the European Launch in Córdoba, Spain
#kawasaki #ninja #1000sx
See our full review of the new 2020 Ninja 1000SX at
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...or I could get a less reliable BMW with the same features for twice the price. This is gonna be a hard call.
When dealer support became problematic I punted off a pair of fancy late-model European bikes for a 2018 Z1000SX. Barely an hour into owning it I thought the same thing: if it carried a Euro brand name it would cost double! It really IS that good.
Enjoyed the review. Please make it a practice to check the lighting for night riding. It is, I think, always overlooked but I'll bet many of us find ourselves riding at night at some point when touring.
'Sports tourer' seems a great description of the bike to me. Sporty bike thats fine to go holiday two up.
I currently have 2017 model which has been faultless in the 3 years of ownership, not a single issue and looks as good as new when all cleaned up and polished.
I use it for weekend rides and short tours and it is perfect for this, and it would commute with out issue as well.
Plan to upgrade to this new model in about 12 months time and I believe the addition of cruise control, heated grips, quick-shifter and a better seat with a little extra leg room will be great addition. I would love to see the addition of a centre stand, but I guess you cant have every thing at this price.
I think I agree with what you’re saying here but let me phrase it in my own words. I am an old man. I passed my bike test in 1976 on a Honda Superdream 250 and then went straight to a GS1000. Since then (apart from one moment of madness) I never dropped below a 1000cc sports or sports tourer. Why...... because I love to ride motorcycles. I want to be left in absolute awe when I ride a bike. I don’t want something that is ok, I want to feel I am alive. ABS and Traction control are the nanny state. Not what bikers want and if we tour we want to have something that tours but can also scare the living daylights out of us. Otherwise what’s the point? We buy hayabusa’s and H2’s not because they are safe but because we want to ride something that’s beyond our skills to tame. Riding a bike should always be on the edge otherwise give it up and become a nun/monk. Enough said. Oh and keep up the good work.
Great honest review, well done. This bike seems like it's one of the best out there, your getting all the goodies for a reasonable price. I just won't spend 18k plus for a bike
I have the 2019 z1000sx and i absolutely love it. Done everything from short commutes to spirited riding and long multi-day trips and it's just been delightful ☺️👌
"ride like a tired idiot" - sold it for me.
Sports Tourer in my head means it's not like a normal Tourer by the size and weight and not like a normal Supersport cause of raised handlebars and more lower to mid range power (less upper range than Supersport). It's something of both worlds, a balance. And that's what I feel about Ninja 1000SX.
Best review I have seen for a bike. Great job 👍
Probably the only current bike that I'd upgrade my 2000 Honda vfr800fi for
So expensive though. I am happy about my VFR800 - and a bit sad that the VFR1200 didnt turn out better.
usbsol the VFR1200F wasn’t and isn’t a bad bike... I have one..
IMO Honda just needed to make it a Chain Drive, leave the stupid power reductions through gears 1-3 out, and at the bare minimal have both the front and rear springs stiffer than what they put in them. Would have loved fully adjustable, but it was already an expensive bike.
Damn... I went from a ZX14 to a Concours .. probably should of seriously considered this bike!
You answered two questions here that I always wondered about. My mate had the 2017 version and he said that he wouldn't want to use it to commute in slow traffic due to the heavy steering, so Kawasaki have fixed that by changing the rake angle but that makes it less stable at high speed hence you can EITHER have the top box OR panniers (although there are plenty of aftermarket products that let you have both). Great review, love the style and delivery, good job.
Depending how you drive, and how the others respect the rules, comuting in slow Traffic is not such a hard job in some cities or it can be almost Impossible in others... For my experience.
hi, which other bike like this with this power can go to 50 mph/g ?
What a plank!!😂 Sport Tourers are for people with brains who want more than 100 miles per tankful and cannot afford a chiropractor.
The "Sports" bikes are fine for track days and impractical for most other jobs.
Had an '11, best bike I've ever had.
I like this single sided exhaust upgraded(and everything else!) model.
Looking to get a '21 or '22.
COST OF INSURANCE WARNING!!!! I am thinking of buying one of these but there is a fly in the ointment, the cost of insuring it is double that of insuring an MT09 SP. I’m an older guy in a quiet area and with a clean licence and umpteen years no claims and pay about £100 per year for my Honda Blackbird and around £120 per year for my Ducati Supersport S (1018). The values of the MT09, and the Ducati Supersport are comparable to the Kawasaki so why is this bike so expensive to insure. Even Kawasaki insurance which was one of the cheapest quotes came in at £216. Not disastrous for me but every one should be aware that this bike is going to cost them for insurance. It appears to be due to the name change to Ninja. The older Z1000sx is much cheaper. Come off it insurance companies. Kawasaki should offer their insurance at a decent rate at least.
The Ducati Supersport S mentioned above is a 2018 model Not 1018
I was so close to buying a 2018 ninja 1000 abs, but luckily got a insurance quote prior and it was through the roof. I am a younger guy but it was 3 times as much as my xsr 700. I ended up with a 2016 FJ-09 and insurance was much more manageable.
I had a 2014 version, loved it. Now I´m a GS fan; for the comfort I guess. But I do miss those 4 cylinders sometimes... FYI: Cordoba is NOT in northern Spain
Great review, I just got a 2024 ninja1000sx about 2 months ago and I love it.i live in Alabama and make short rides.
Wonderfully personal review, still too sophisticated for an old man like me.
Great review, really like this motorcycle!
I bought one of these last week. Can’t wait to get it, the days can’t pass quick enough!
Does anyone know why the akropovic exhaust available in the UK is not offered by Kawasaki at all in Canada? All other options are available as accessories
Lets see a pillion review.
Spending time on this would be very, very helpful. So many bikes today, even though, they are very capable of putting on the miles, have incredibly stupid pillion seats.
The mirrors fold in on a "detente" thing? 🤔 I guess it's supposed to be a detent thing 😉 😆
I didn't realise "Sports Tourer" had negative associations. I'm leaning the other way with nomenclature. I think a lot of ADV bikes should be properly called "Sports Tourers". Beaks or not. Very capable machine though, whatever you class it as.
Cruise control is a given in Australia. Long roads, you need this
A sports bike that you could ride everyday….aka a “sports tourer.”
Realest talking road tester I've ever seen.
The most complete bike for me. Just perfect ✌️
That with the pannier or top box.....is quite shaddy.
You either have pannier or you take a pillion...... So it's either your sox, or the miss? On a sports-tourer?
They aught to see us on a Z900 or H2 with panniers, top-boxes and a fat pillion :))....
I've always loved Sports Tourers. I used to sports tour on my old $400. Nighthawk 650 in 1990. I'd strap my tent and backpack to it and go Sports Touring
I am looking at the Ninja 1000SX this year. I've read conflicting information concerning the passenger backrest/top luggage rack is not an option or even possible to install for whatever reason. Can anyone verify this? Bit of a deal breaker for me (well... my wife anyway). Thanks!
A surprising number of sports tourers don't have the load capacity for a top box AND panniers, and this is the case here. There could be third-party solutions, but whether you should do it will depend on the weight of you and you wife, and the amount you'll be carrying; too much on the rear can make the front unstable. But, it is possible to use a top box instead of the panniers with no problem, and remain within the load capacity, so maybe don't buy the 'Tourer' model... get the standard one and buy the optional top box. Or go for an aftermarket option like Shad or Givi. Cheers, John
www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/accessories/luggage/Ninja_1000_SX/2021?UidCat=01FFWUYNBkU9Iw&UidSubCat=0546WlhZXFhaWllYWFlYWVhcW1pZRg0GRT0j&CodeBaseInternal=0175MjBZWFha&Uid_Model=099AX1BdUVANCQ1fDVEJXF5aDQoKDg4MDFBcDApQXQ4JWF0&Uid=0921DllYDQ4KDAtfWl1aXFwKDAoNCl5ZWVBdDl5QCg5bUVo
@@bennettsbikesocial Thank you for the response - my wife is small and if I keep the top box super light or only there for a backrest, it seems like it should be fine. Thanks!
No problem! My wife's the same - she's not happy on anything unless we have a top-box. Cheers, John
I have a top case from Shad with a nice back pillow for wife and it works just fine...
I hope it helps. ✌️
My gf doesnt ride without a top box either. I have the givi one with a nice little givi backrest bolted on.
It is a great motorbike & an excellent package!
But, this motorbike has balance related design flaw (drifts to the right due to heavy exhaust). That is why the previous generation Ninja 1000 had dual side exhaust(equal weight distribution on both sides).
Unfortunately, Kawasaki is not willing to solve the issue! They are in denial. So, Isn’t as perfect as typically one would expect from a Japanese Company.
If you are willing to ignore this flaw & perfect balance doesn’t matter to you, it is a great motorbike & smooth as butter!
The lighter exhaust version sold in some countries will work better!
The new Honda vfr 👌
Would love to see a 2up review.
Boss whats your height
You obviously haven't heard of yoga, have you?
Heard of it, tried it, rather be riding my bike. It's much better for you (see link below). Thanks for the suggestion though; I'm sure that yoga is brilliant for some people.
www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/blog/why-motorcycling-should-be-available-on-prescription
My tongue was firmly in my cheek! However, I will just say that as a way of staying fit to ride, which is what I personally do at 60+, yoga & Shaolin Qi Gong are just the ticket. Keeps you strong & supple to keep riding. Just a thought!
Why does both boxes have heat shields? The bike has a single endcam.
How does it gets compared to bmw f900xr ?
Whats the difference between this and the z1000 sx?
Minor updates and a name change.
2019 Z1000SX (Europe name), 2019 Ninja 1000 (USA name)
updates overall
2020 Ninja 1000SX (Global name)
Difference: Z1000SX vs. Ninja 1000SX (www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/)
Max Power: 101.5 kW @ 9600 rpm vs. 104.5 kW @ 10.000 rpm
Max Torque: 110 Nm @ 7800 rpm vs. 111 Nm @ 8000 rpm
Gear Ratios: 1-5 all the same but 6th 1.136 (25/22) vs. 1.107 (31/28)
Frame: Aluminium Backbone vs. Twin Tube Aluminium
Rear Wheel Travel: 135 mm vs. 144 mm
Rear Brake: Single 292 mm vs. Single 250 mm
Rake: 25 degrees vs. ? degrees (but different)
Trail: 102 mm vs. 98 mm
Length: 2105 mm vs. 2100 mm
Width: 790 mm vs. 825 mm
Height 1230 mm vs. 1190 mm
Wheelbase: 1445 mm vs. 1440 mm
Seat height: 822 mm vs. 835 mm
Wet weight: 231 kg vs. 235 kg (518 lb)
Fuel capacity: 18 litres vs. 19 litres (5 US gall)
The single panniers vs twin panniers. The electronics and the display, full led vs digital with rev counter analogical
Hello Bennetts Bike, just a question. I live in Florida and just got ownership of my 2020 Ninja 1000 SX. My question to you is. Are there any good interned sites that make aftermarket parts for this bike? It seems there is very limited parts available for this bike. For example, windshields, mirror delete plates, etc
Nothing yet, but how have you liked it so far, I am looking for one identical to this vid and will probably get a full system in time. Have you found it to have enough? I owned a ZX14 prior and have a mint 9R w goodies as well as a ZX11
I so want to buy this bike but fear my parents and wife would throw me out of the house even buying out of my own pockets.. Lol
One of the major reasons why we ride - It's dangerous. So live dangerously, move out of your parents house and let your wife know that you will be back soon (after a ride on your new bike)!!
But they are : ) - comfortable that is
A professional review ! Bravo !
I have the 3rd generation Z1000, which is pretty much this bike but minus 30 lbs worth of plastic bits. It's such a well rounded bike, it does everything incredibly well and reliability is among the best out there, which you really, really want on a distance-cruiser. I would personally get the Versys 1000 instead because it has a more comfortable riding position but if you're in it for the "sporty" looks, you can't go wrong with this bike either.
@The Underground Man Z900 is much closer in character, but much lighter. It's also equal if not better power-to-weight ratio. th-cam.com/video/5xBQ-o_1Ihg/w-d-xo.html
@HahrtDood Yeah in general the SX is the more roomy machine. I blame the seat on the Z900 for being so thin, add a good 1.5 inches foam and leg room would improve a lot.
140 bhp at the crank, no?
Pegs too high. I'll wait for the new Bandit 1300R
This is the third time I've seen you post the same comment on reviews of the 1000 SX - seems to me that you're dissing the SX?
Do you have a link to the new Bandit 1300R? Never heard of it, so info from a regular MC website referencing it would be appreciated.
btw - the pegs are perfect for this 5'10" (with 32" inseam) owner.
That’s a great review!!
Any good for taller riders?
Yes. Very much so. I am 6 feet 4" (105 kg) and sit/ride very comfortably on it.
@@charltheron2769 Thanks!
For taller riders maybe the versys1000. You should try them both i think.
Not a fan of the single exhaust I’ll stick to mine 2019 model, colour tft and quick shifter is nice addition though :)
those dual exhausts is the ugliest thing ive seen....huge and inelegant
Terrible audio. The music is super loud but I can barely hear this guys voice.
You are the problem I can here this gentleman no problem and music to loud what are you on about you must be an unhappy person in general
Heated grips.
The only thing missing from it being the perfect bike is a centre stand.
extra?
for what? It's not an adventure bike, you're not going to be swapping tire tubes on the side of the road. Only reason I can think of from a center strand is for chain lubing, but on the 2020 model they got rid of the left side exhaust so chain accessibility is now unhindered. It's not worth lugging around a 15 lbs weight penalty for something that's not really needed that often on this kind of bike. If the bike was already a 300 lbs fatso like the Goldwing then it wouldn't make much of a difference to add a center stand, but this bike is supposed to be nimble and sporty, a center stand would be a hindrance.
They can't fit one due to the chassis and/or exhaust configuration I think. Shame as it's a PITA if you tour solo IMHO.
@@rickp9946 the Versys 1000 has the same frame and same breadbox resonatore. If that bike has a center stand then the SX could have had one too. But I stand by my reasoning, it's not needed this type of bike.
Ian Derzsi Thanks for the info. I’d still like a centre stand though 😊
Love this bike. How heavy is it to maneuver around when parked. That's my only worry. Otherwise cracking bike.
@@mistery00t29 I have an SX and I don't have any problem keeping my speed reasonable. To answer Balaji's question: it is very easy to manoeuver.
You feel the weight but is a very well balanced motorbike. I think you can handle it easily.
Loved this
Too much irrelevant talking
Sport touring is, indeed, the category. Of course, they have more performance and are more capable than before! This is happening - thankfully! - in all categories. If they weren't, you'd be complaining about how they aren't keeping up with the times. The reality is the "details" are not actually details, but central to the bikes use. The seating position is certainly not like the older sportsbikes. Gee, that would make them, what, more comfortable to ride longer? The seats are more generous and designed for longer rides. Again, that speaks to the purpose. There is more wind protection, there is - actually - luggage space. There is - and this one is actually a big deal - a much better, far less torturous pillion seat. All for...better long-term comfort. That would make this a better (what for it...) touring mount! What a surprise. This, and a few others out there, now, are truly do it all bikes, and they are incredibly welcome! I'm now looking at this one, the Tracer 900GT, the Kaw 900RS (though with aftermarket bags and a small windshield), and have been trying to remove the Guzzi V85 TT from my mind (just knowing it might not be the stone reliable, or at least easily repairable, rig needed for weekenders), but I really like it. So, yeah, sport touring is a real thing.
Love the bike just heard that the quickshifter/blipper is a bit hit and miss.
@will M the standard quickshifter/blipper on the new gsxr 1000r is supposed to be very good
BMW, Aprilia, KTM (new models) Ducati Panigale, seem to have tuned them pretty good from factory. Other brands not as much. Frankly I think it's the Euro5 restrictions that have played havoc on throttle/engine control and the quickshifter interrupt time has been hampered after the fact, whereas it was probably fine in the domestic (country of origin) markets before export/import regs.
Euro 3, 4, 5: Fun-haver haters.
A few motorcycles isn't the problem.
Have a look in the sky: flightaware.com/live/
Have a look on the sea: www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-83.1/centery:30.8/zoom:4
@HahrtDood There's some kind of spring assist on that shifter, ruins the solid snicky feel of a good Japanese shifter.
Very good review Steve
Bennetts make the best English bike reviews.
Japanese bike
@@jordizee I mean language.
Great Review..
Finally a new review on the N1000sx
the intromusic is too loud compared to the intro voice
Which bike do you think handles the best, the Ninja 1000sx or the Versys 1000 SE with its electronic suspension?
I drove both. The ninja is more easy handled, but for long trips the Versys have more Comfort, for the driver and for the pillon. ✌️
Nice bike but I couldn’t believe how high the bars are when I sat on one. Almost an adventure bike position! For me that ruled it out. Also, all the reviews go on about how creamy smooth the online four is. I found it surprisingly buzzy. Try an FJR if you want cream. Anyway, nice bike, I just need proper clip ons for my back.
I've been following motorcycle journalism for 25 years and have never been able to figure out exactly what is meant when they call a motor 'smooth.' Sometimes it seems they mean that it has no sudden jumps or drops in power across the rev range. Sometimes it seems they are talking about lack of vibration. Sometimes it seems they are talking about on/off throttle response. Sometimes it seems like they say it without knowing what they mean.
Also, I agree that vibration is a totally valid gripe against the Ninja 1000. Here you have a 500+lbs bike with a mildly tuned 1000cc inline-4 motor that is supposed to be a freeway smasher; How is Kawasaki going to accept that it has this much felt vibration? If this was an all out, 200hp, ounce pinching sport bike, one could excuse some buzziness, but it's not. It's a tourer. It should be smooth (in every possible meaning of the word).
I own a 2018 H2 SX and continue to love all of it’s capabilities
I rode one for 3 days. My wrist started to hurt as well as my neck. I loved everything about the bike except for the uncomfortable riding position.
@@Demonhunte whats your height as I am looking to get a 19 H2 SX SE , I am looking at a 2020 1000SX but leaning to H2. 5 10" 175 owned an 08 modified zx14 w risers, found comfortable, currently on 2000 ZX-9R w Apex risers and mods its very very very comfortable, as well as 96 ZX 11 w ABM bars its super comfy. Now I want all the electronics
Good review. I test-rode the earlier bike a few years back, and found low speed handling plain weird. I really like a bike to have a quick turn-in. Love the 1000 engine as I had the same (albeit with 20bhp cut) in the Versys - just was too heavy by a mile. I think I'll test ride this one, as I keep wanting to move back to a faired bike from the current crop of ADV's, but cannot handle the prone position of most sports bikes (like blade/GSXR).
Older models had nice twin exhausts. What happened?
A lot of people didn't like the old style silencers. A lot of people don't like the new one either.
Big fat racer replica styled bikes that arent tuned for responsive handling but for interstate travel are nothing else but sports tourers.
I can't understand a word he's saying. 🤦🏻♂️
Pay attention better.
Spiritual successor to the ZX-11/ZZR1100?
Not exactly. ZX-12R, ZX-14/R, and to a lesser degree the older ZZR1200/ZRX1200.
Ninja 1000SX is just lacking the buttery refinement (ZX-11 had dual counterbalancers) and high speed urge of the 170+ mph ZX-11.
Very nice, I love Kawasaki but it’s just too damn expensive! I’ll take the FJR1300 instead every time.
FJR is more expensive. It is also a lot heavier and does not have most of the same features. I used to own the FJR and loved it, but this is better if you want a more spirited ride.
@@pingdingdongpong I spend 100,000km on my FJR (Gen 2) & I agree with u, fully.
Fjr with the same options as this bike is 19.000 euros