Hi Andy, I'm liking the more upbeat delivery of the info. The slightly quicker, more energetic format is in keeping with modern trends. I like the way you balance that aspect, with a more natural commentary when riding a bike. In addition, the Q and A's are a winner. A lot of competition out there so nice to see you have given your prsentation some thought and tweaked it here and there, twits etc. Quality as always !
Yeah, love the colour, and so glad Kwakazaki keep some of these less busy colour schemes. The top box/pannier issue would be a show stopper for me…..what a weird limitation on a tourer.
Nice review. Ive had a 2012, a 2018 and now a 2023 versions so can give an honest review of what they’re like to own long term and for the money, imo they’re unbeatable. I’ve toured all over Europe in that time and can assure anyone you won’t be disappointed owning one. You’ll get mid 50’s mpg ridden safely, I’ve found them comfortable as any other bike can be over long distances, reliable (not had a single fault with any of the ones I’ve owned, unlike my friends GS’s), they can hustle and cruise when the mood takes you. Rear factory suspension settings let it down but a 1/4 turn on rebound (softer) and a set of Michelin pilots at 36psi will cure any harshness. Found the panniers and a decent tank bag provide enough space for me and the tours I’ve done (you can get aftermarket top box and brackets that work along side the factory panniers, I personally have never needed them). They’re a good looking, honest, solid, well made bike. We can nit pick its short comings and it may not suite everyone but for context I paid £9999 for a brand new December 2023 model. Road to Germany and South of France in 2024 (7k+ miles, 2 trips) the bike was a dream the whole time, had a blast and no issues. That for me is what these bikes are £/smile/mile. Safe riding All, roll on 2025 and have fun on what ever bike you ride 🏍️🏔️
I tried the previous model for a day. It was a great bike, but the bike I ended up buying was even better (though a fair bit more expensive) - a BMW R1250RS. The no top box with panniers was an issue for me as well. Interestingly, my BMW has self cancelling indicators and I don't like them.
Preload won’t make the bike feel harder or softer. It purely sets the amount of travel in the shock and can also sharpen up handling on a lazy steering bike if wound up to raise the back end. You may be thinking of compression and rebound damping, which set the rate at which the shock responds to bumps and recovers from them. This is definitely a sports tourer, which absolutely does not need a shaft drive or self cancelling indicators. Man up bikers 😂
Good evaluation apart from stating the inability (without after market accessories) to have both panniers and top box being a bit “Naff” followed by stating the bike ticks all the right boxes! (this is no good for my OCD) 😂
A very detailed look at the bike, as a 2024 1000sx owner the only thing that bugged me was there is no centre stand, but other than that the bike is a fantastic sports bike and tourer. the standard suspension is superb, I am sure the Ohlins is even better.
My 350LC from the 1980's had self cancelling indicators, why is it still a "luxury" feature I'll never know. My brother had the 1000SX- it was terrific.
I've had self cancelling indicators, they can be a nuisance going off too early. I prefer the joy and challenge of turning them off myself. So far not been a problem in 53 years.😊🤞😂
I agree, these days heated grips, backlit switchgear and self cancelling indicators and proper luggage should be min requirements on any sports tourer / adventure bike.
Beautiful Green. Love the look of it. Hoping you can get the Versys 1100 to test at some point as its on my radar now for 2025. Great review as always. Thank you.
Thanks for the helpful review. I agree with many of yours and others comments regarding this bike not really being a sports tourer if there is no proper luggage provision. I also think all these bikes have a small tank 19L I think). My old fazer 1000 has a 21L tank with a 220 mile easy tank range. Three Givi hard luggage boxes and a centre stand. I’m keeping it.
The frame wheels clip on forks etc is still same as the first generation model in 2011.Reason you unable box and panniers is known fault the subframe bolts snap.. good video 😊
Considering that all designers have got to work with is 2 wheels, an engine, seat and front end, that is one beautifully, very pleasing on the eye design. Love the colour and beg to differ on the exhaust, looks are so subjective but for some reason I like it and suits the bike. Price new was incredible if your a long time user/rider. Great review.
I own a Ninja 1000 sx in performance tourer version which is the version you need as it comes with panniers and akrapovic end can but makes the bike quite a bit more of course. There are currently loads of deals on the outgoing 1000cc machine and as the owner of one except for the engine which actually has less bhp I can't see any real improvement on the new bike. Especially if you go for the standard bike which doesn't have the brembo front brake or ohlins rear shock (neither are teally needed) snd now only comes in black. Having said that im sure its still as brilliant as before and once all the old 1000cc are sold the 1100 will still be the best value sport tourer on the market. I would pay the extra snd get the SE just to get it in green if I was buying one.
I really think you should add real world tested mpg and tank range to your reviews, particularly when testing a sports tourer. I'm not talking about the dash read out, that's too easy for the software to massage, I'm talking properly measured full tank to full tank mpg ..... range is a much underestimated feature of touring / adventure and sports tourers. The remaining capacity AFTER the res light comes on is very important and often accounts for 50 odd miles these days. ie my 900 gt pro returns for me a good 230-240 miles per tank, that's a benchmark deal breaking stat in my assessment of alternatives.
My 2018 model isn't a Ninja yet the insurance companies all insist that it is. I have a right battle with them every year on this. Some even insist it's a H2 model..... bonkers.
👍 Great looking bike Many thanks for answering my question, the question I’m currently asking myself is when building my home workshop why didn’t I have underfloor heating fitted 🥶
Morning Andy, I love the looks and the kwacka green is superb, but I tour with a pillion,so rules it out. I think the Honda 1000 hornet for me, under 10 grand in sp spec 😮
If the heated grips work the same as the Z900RS ones which have identical controls, yes they don’t come back on when you stop and start the bike but they do remember which setting you left them in so only 1 press to get it back on to the same setting.
I didn’t know that. I struggle to get them to the hottest setting on my RS. I occasionally get them right and they are fine but generally find them akward. You could do a visual for me on your RS as. A late Xmas gift.
Were the cars coming towards you doing their headlights? They looked really bright. One of the many things I complain about is modern cars with supernovas for headlights that seem to point straight ahead.
A bit top heavy fully loaded riding in narrow streets or parking lot. Givi sells topbox holder that so you can use factory side-pannier handrails. New model got lower revs and slightly lower gearing. All kawasaki suffers from high gearing that makes them buzzy. To solve the gearing go down in rear sprocket size and mount a 55 profile tyre. That will drops revs on highway without trigger EMU/ABS error codes. 1000SX and VFR800X is still my favorite touring bikes after 25 years riding. excellent price / Value and insurance compared to all other brands.
Good review, not sure I will trade my 2021 model in for SE model yet, Disappointed the USB looks like a after thought on the bars, mine OEM one plugs in under the pillion seat. I fitted the Kawasaki top box and frame to mine. The frame is substantial enough to go on the Sydney Harbor bridge and only rated to 120km here in Australia.I think Shad i think do a system for it were you can fit a top box and panniers together
Hey Mr. Missenden Flyer, you gotta try out the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, the night time low light sensitivity is way better than anything else on the market, will make your night ride video a lot better looking.
A friend of mine has just ordered one of the last 1000SX from the local dealer. Based on the deal he got and how restricted the 1100 seems to be (basically you need a pipe and ECU flash for it to make decent power) I think he chose well.
Winding out the preload will not make any difference to the ride except lowering the ride height. Anything you felt was in your head. You should have wound out the rebound and compression damping.
Great vid. Do you anticipate riding the NT1100 2025 soon? I have been considering either the NT or the Kwak. Power is significantly different, but it’s for the road. I have a GSXR to also use. Comfort, touring, with the ability to make progress on the road will be the focus. Thanks again!
Nice review, Bike looks great, I'm sure id love to ride it, Just not quite practical enough as a tourer. Might be Ok solo. Just the wrong side of insurance change. So is my GS, ouch.
Great review and its a nice bike but as with a few other comments i think if i could get last years model i would and also if honda can stick a fairing on that hornet and turn it into a sports tourer version .........
Now that you say something, I don't think I've ever seen a bike review at night. Not a once. Which is weird because half of everything that has ever happened on earth was at night.
Hello buddy, whats your opinion on leather gloves ?, I had a pair of Held gloves for years but I had them pinched, I have just bought some Brian Sansom Police summer ones which are all year round and of superior quality.
Short answer is no, IMO grab the 1K on special, the increase in cc is to overcome new emissions standards, so there is no real benefit in paying a premium for the 11K. There will be little to no practical difference between the two.
Great video as always Andy I would just like to ask you as a biker don't you find the condition of the roads a nightmare on a bike? Its bad enough in a car but some of the pot holes I could see a biker being throw right off
Being a Kawasaki owner myself this is typical of how well they make motorbikes. At my age this model isn't for me but 20 years ago, definitely. My Eliminator also has a very unappealing exhaust but like you said its all about Euro garbage these days.
Why do people need backlight switchgear? There's like 3-5 buttons per side, nothing you can't learn to use blindfolded within a week of starting to ride.
I’ve had my 1000SX for 18 months, love the bike but Kawasaki send them out from the factory with terrible suspension set up. 10 minutes in the hands of an expert at the dealers “suspension set up day” made a world of difference.
I don’t get why people get so upset about bikes without back lit switch gear, the end of the day ya standard controls to to actually ride the bike are always in the same place 🤷🏻♂️
@8:20 Another one. In 34 years the only bike I've ever seen that _didn't_ turn the grips off when you turn the ignition off was my mate's '91 CBR600 cos he'd wired the aftermarket grips straight to the battery.
@10:20 blimey and another. What are people talking about? I've never seen a new bike without a plastic brake fluid reservoir cover. What, do cheap Chinese bikes use paper or something?
Hi there, MF! You haven't popped up on my TH-cam feed in quite a while. I guess that algorithm has been busy, but the timing's good since I was just starting to think about a new sports tourer of some flavor. Not as young and spry as I once was, I've started to think about seat-to-roadway height and weight. Does that Kawi feel top-heavy? Hope you're doing well. I need to catch up on your more recent content. Retiring, moving, being in a car crash, etc. have kept me away from 2-wheel life for too long.
@@TheMissendenFlyer I am, but don't think I've seen you suggested in my feed for at least a year. Yes, I've been busy with other things, but have followed you about 10 years, since you started posting bike reviews I guess. Yikes! Looking at your channel I see lots of things new to me, V-strom is something I've been actively thinking about and didn't see you had posted about that. YT is missing the whole "Social" thing about Social Media. Be well, and I'll make a point about checking in.
Mankind has been riding motorcycles without back lit switch gear for over 100 years. Why is it a problem now? After dark only the indicators & dipswitch are essential, and if you need back lit switches to find those perhaps you shouldn’t really be allowed out after dark! What next, illuminated brake levers for the terminally inept?
Way too many limitations on a bike like that. It can’t decide if it wants to be a sport or a touring bike. I wouldn’t look twice at a bike like that. Who really needs phone and navigation mounts. To be safe you should stop and check your route just like using your phone while driving.
Nice film, but the bigger picture is depressing. There is no way this bike is a sports tourer in my eyes. No shaft drive, no centre stand, poor luggage options, no heated seat. I can't believe it doesn't have self-cancelling indicators. That's a life-threatening omission. If you're running along a road indicating left and a car pulls out in front of you - well, it wouldn't be the car driver's fault. A few years' ago you could buy a Kawasaki GTR 1400 - that was a touring bike, just like the Yamaha FJR 1300 and Honda Pan European. Sadly all gone, leaving BMW's R1250RT out on its own. You might argue the Goldwing also, but that's too armchair-ish for me. I know I'm a dinosaur but this generation of "pretend" sports tourers does nothing for me.
I was always taught if a vehicle is indicating left, you pull out and it doesn't, still your fault as they have right of way still. I can't be bothered looking it up but would assume still same and the safest way to approach any situation is never assume. Still don't want to be knocked off of course even if I do have right of way as won't stop the pain! I have self cancelling on my last 3 bikes and like them (currently 2024 MT 09) although occasionally they go off too early which is a risk too. The Aprilia ones were lean sensitive I think which is a good idea.
I agree with you that it lacks the attributes of a true touring bike, I have a Tracer 900GT which is always positioned as a ‘Sports Tourer’ but the lack of shaft drive in my opinion means that it isn’t, my BMW K1600 Bagger is definitely a bike for touring on. As far as indication is concerned, I trust no one, I assume that all drivers are idiots, I wait until I see them start to turn before I make a move. If you assume that because someone is indicating and you pull out and they don’t make that turn and you have an accident, you would be done for ‘without due care’ at least and possibly ‘dangerous driving/riding’. That’s not my opinion it’s a matter of law.
@BazzerObama I wasn't clear enough in my post. I wasn't speaking about the legal position but a man to man (or woman) evaluation of the situation. If I was riding down a road indicating left without realising it, I couldn't blame somebody for pulling out because I was giving them a false signal. If the legislature and insurance co's feel differently about it that's up to them. Regardless of how you feel about the situation, the material point is to avoid it happening by the use of self-cancelling indicators.
I was disappointed with my 2018 Z1000SX that I bought in May 2024 as a daily driver. It's very expensive to maintain, and it only rides well right after a service. This 2025 model shows no improvements. A lazy euro-compliance effort at best.
Hi Andy,
I'm liking the more upbeat delivery of the info. The slightly quicker, more energetic format is in keeping with modern trends.
I like the way you balance that aspect, with a more natural commentary when riding a bike.
In addition, the Q and A's are a winner.
A lot of competition out there so nice to see you have given your prsentation some thought and tweaked it here and there, twits etc.
Quality as always !
Cool, thanks!
Yeah, love the colour, and so glad Kwakazaki keep some of these less busy colour schemes. The top box/pannier issue would be a show stopper for me…..what a weird limitation on a tourer.
Nice review. Ive had a 2012, a 2018 and now a 2023 versions so can give an honest review of what they’re like to own long term and for the money, imo they’re unbeatable.
I’ve toured all over Europe in that time and can assure anyone you won’t be disappointed owning one. You’ll get mid 50’s mpg ridden safely, I’ve found them comfortable as any other bike can be over long distances, reliable (not had a single fault with any of the ones I’ve owned, unlike my friends GS’s), they can hustle and cruise when the mood takes you.
Rear factory suspension settings let it down but a 1/4 turn on rebound (softer) and a set of Michelin pilots at 36psi will cure any harshness.
Found the panniers and a decent tank bag provide enough space for me and the tours I’ve done (you can get aftermarket top box and brackets that work along side the factory panniers, I personally have never needed them).
They’re a good looking, honest, solid, well made bike. We can nit pick its short comings and it may not suite everyone but for context I paid £9999 for a brand new December 2023 model. Road to Germany and South of France in 2024 (7k+ miles, 2 trips) the bike was a dream the whole time, had a blast and no issues. That for me is what these bikes are £/smile/mile.
Safe riding All, roll on 2025 and have fun on what ever bike you ride 🏍️🏔️
I tried the previous model for a day. It was a great bike, but the bike I ended up buying was even better (though a fair bit more expensive) - a BMW R1250RS. The no top box with panniers was an issue for me as well. Interestingly, my BMW has self cancelling indicators and I don't like them.
Preload won’t make the bike feel harder or softer. It purely sets the amount of travel in the shock and can also sharpen up handling on a lazy steering bike if wound up to raise the back end. You may be thinking of compression and rebound damping, which set the rate at which the shock responds to bumps and recovers from them. This is definitely a sports tourer, which absolutely does not need a shaft drive or self cancelling indicators. Man up bikers 😂
Dark, cold, wet roads, foggy- this man deserves a medal😂
Lovely bike. You can still get the 2024 1000SX for £10495. More power, less Euro gubbins, great value.
A few for sale on eBay in dealers under 10 grand.
Good review, good format, very watchable. (Agree re. the exhaust's 'flat-pack departure lounge' too! : )
Thank you!
Good evaluation apart from stating the inability (without after market accessories) to have both panniers and top box being a bit “Naff” followed by stating the bike ticks all the right boxes! (this is no good for my OCD) 😂
Excellent video Andy 👏
A very detailed look at the bike, as a 2024 1000sx owner the only thing that bugged me was there is no centre stand, but other than that the bike is a fantastic sports bike and tourer. the standard suspension is superb, I am sure the Ohlins is even better.
My 350LC from the 1980's had self cancelling indicators, why is it still a "luxury" feature I'll never know. My brother had the 1000SX- it was terrific.
Yes that's something I always ponder too, as my 1990 fz750 had self cancellers, but my 2006 fazer(and many yams since) didn't/don't.
I've had self cancelling indicators, they can be a nuisance going off too early. I prefer the joy and challenge of turning them off myself. So far not been a problem in 53 years.😊🤞😂
I agree, these days heated grips, backlit switchgear and self cancelling indicators and proper luggage should be min requirements on any sports tourer / adventure bike.
@@splodge57 Not difficult to make them disable-able in the menus.
Nice review despite the weather!
Beautiful Green. Love the look of it. Hoping you can get the Versys 1100 to test at some point as its on my radar now for 2025. Great review as always. Thank you.
Yes it’s on my list! Thanks for watching….
Thanks for the helpful review. I agree with many of yours and others comments regarding this bike not really being a sports tourer if there is no proper luggage provision. I also think all these bikes have a small tank 19L I think). My old fazer 1000 has a 21L tank with a 220 mile easy tank range. Three Givi hard luggage boxes and a centre stand. I’m keeping it.
Thank you for testing the headlights, much appreciated.
My 1980s Kawasaki GT550 had self cancelling indicators, they worked really very well, it's a pity so few manufacturers do them now.
Great review as always, don't agree on the top box because it's a sports tourer not a tourer and it destroys the looks
The frame wheels clip on forks etc is still same as the first generation model in 2011.Reason you unable box and panniers is known fault the subframe bolts snap.. good video 😊
Thank you!
You can buy upgraded subframe bolts which allows both top box and panniers to be fitted. £20, job done. 👍
I love sports tourers and this one is really beautiful. Great review.
Considering that all designers have got to work with is 2 wheels, an engine, seat and front end, that is one beautifully, very pleasing on the eye design. Love the colour and beg to differ on the exhaust, looks are so subjective but for some reason I like it and suits the bike. Price new was incredible if your a long time user/rider. Great review.
You could ask Mr Fly to sit on the back in the garage, would give her a little bit of an impression of comfort
looks like a nice little bike
Great video, very informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I own a Ninja 1000 sx in performance tourer version which is the version you need as it comes with panniers and akrapovic end can but makes the bike quite a bit more of course. There are currently loads of deals on the outgoing 1000cc machine and as the owner of one except for the engine which actually has less bhp I can't see any real improvement on the new bike. Especially if you go for the standard bike which doesn't have the brembo front brake or ohlins rear shock (neither are teally needed) snd now only comes in black. Having said that im sure its still as brilliant as before and once all the old 1000cc are sold the 1100 will still be the best value sport tourer on the market. I would pay the extra snd get the SE just to get it in green if I was buying one.
I really think you should add real world tested mpg and tank range to your reviews, particularly when testing a sports tourer. I'm not talking about the dash read out, that's too easy for the software to massage, I'm talking properly measured full tank to full tank mpg ..... range is a much underestimated feature of touring / adventure and sports tourers. The remaining capacity AFTER the res light comes on is very important and often accounts for 50 odd miles these days. ie my 900 gt pro returns for me a good 230-240 miles per tank, that's a benchmark deal breaking stat in my assessment of alternatives.
Last generation was 1043cc not a 1000cc but the insurance has always been an issue since it changed its name to Ninja for some reason
My 2018 model isn't a Ninja yet the insurance companies all insist that it is. I have a right battle with them every year on this. Some even insist it's a H2 model..... bonkers.
@BikenutGB yep, lots of problems with the insurance company saying it's a H2.... I wish 🤣🤣🤣
👍 Great looking bike
Many thanks for answering my question, the question I’m currently asking myself is when building my home workshop why didn’t I have underfloor heating fitted 🥶
Morning Andy, I love the looks and the kwacka green is superb, but I tour with a pillion,so rules it out. I think the Honda 1000 hornet for me, under 10 grand in sp spec 😮
Yes looks a great bike that doesn’t it
Much appreciate the cold night ride for headlight information 😊. I guess like the 1000 before it, its a very difficult bike to dislike. Cheers.
If the heated grips work the same as the Z900RS ones which have identical controls, yes they don’t come back on when you stop and start the bike but they do remember which setting you left them in so only 1 press to get it back on to the same setting.
Aha - I didn’t realise that, thanks!
I didn’t know that. I struggle to get them to the hottest setting on my RS. I occasionally get them right and they are fine but generally find them akward. You could do a visual for me on your RS as. A late Xmas gift.
Andy, did Mrs Flyer get a chance of test riding the pillion perch? From the brief glimpse I saw it looked somewhat lacking for a sports tourer.
No, sadly not, no top box no Mrs flyer pillion!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Of course, didn’t think of that which is a definite design blunder on Kawasaki’s part.
Great information thanks for sharing Happy New years
Same to you!
Were the cars coming towards you doing their headlights? They looked really bright. One of the many things I complain about is modern cars with supernovas for headlights that seem to point straight ahead.
No shaft drive and luggage option is a killer on this type of bike!
Why?
Thanks for the final thoughts Andy, very interesting and enjoyable. I do like the Ninja SX I must admit as this latest 1100 version looks lovely 👍👍
Totally agree
A bit top heavy fully loaded riding in narrow streets or parking lot. Givi sells topbox holder that so you can use factory side-pannier handrails. New model got lower revs and slightly lower gearing. All kawasaki suffers from high gearing that makes them buzzy. To solve the gearing go down in rear sprocket size and mount a 55 profile tyre. That will drops revs on highway without trigger EMU/ABS error codes. 1000SX and VFR800X is still my favorite touring bikes after 25 years riding. excellent price / Value and insurance compared to all other brands.
A twin cylinder bike at the same revs always feels more relaxed. I am always looking for another gear, on a four pot bike.
Good review, not sure I will trade my 2021 model in for SE model yet, Disappointed the USB looks like a after thought on the bars, mine OEM one plugs in under the pillion seat. I fitted the Kawasaki top box and frame to mine. The frame is substantial enough to go on the Sydney Harbor bridge and only rated to 120km here in Australia.I think Shad i think do a system for it were you can fit a top box and panniers together
Stunning looking bike Andy that green is 😘 keep up the great vids Andy 👍
Thanks, will do!
Hey Mr. Missenden Flyer, you gotta try out the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, the night time low light sensitivity is way better than anything else on the market, will make your night ride video a lot better looking.
I don’t think the Four made too bad a job of it do you?
A friend of mine has just ordered one of the last 1000SX from the local dealer. Based on the deal he got and how restricted the 1100 seems to be (basically you need a pipe and ECU flash for it to make decent power) I think he chose well.
Winding out the preload will not make any difference to the ride except lowering the ride height. Anything you felt was in your head. You should have wound out the rebound and compression damping.
Looks a Beast of a Bike 👍
What a beautiful motorcycle
Your channel is like a merry carousel that never stops spinning. Continue to delight us with your great content and positive energy!🔹😁😁
I agree!
Great vid. Do you anticipate riding the NT1100 2025 soon? I have been considering either the NT or the Kwak. Power is significantly different, but it’s for the road. I have a GSXR to also use. Comfort, touring, with the ability to make progress on the road will be the focus. Thanks again!
Nice review, Bike looks great, I'm sure id love to ride it, Just not quite practical enough as a tourer. Might be Ok solo.
Just the wrong side of insurance change. So is my GS, ouch.
Great review and its a nice bike but as with a few other comments i think if i could get last years model i would and also if honda can stick a fairing on that hornet and turn it into a sports tourer version .........
Recently purchased the 1000sx. Gorgeous machine. Which colour screen is that, dark smoke Puig?
Lights seem to have a very narrow throw but that may just be the camera
Now that you say something, I don't think I've ever seen a bike review at night. Not a once. Which is weird because half of everything that has ever happened on earth was at night.
Looks great. 👍🏻
It was!
I have the Ninja 1000sx tourer and find it hard to fault. Superb bike. 👍👍
Good to hear
Hello buddy, whats your opinion on leather gloves ?, I had a pair of Held gloves for years but I had them pinched, I have just bought some Brian Sansom Police summer ones which are all year round and of superior quality.
Beautiful bike.
Thanks for the review Andy. The 1000sx’s are going for a great price - wondering if the 1100 is worth the extra you will end up paying
Short answer is no, IMO grab the 1K on special, the increase in cc is to overcome new emissions standards, so there is no real benefit in paying a premium for the 11K. There will be little to no practical difference between the two.
It is gorgeous but no top box for touring? And I would prefer shaft drive.
Two strong beams of light on high beam.
Quick Random Question, who did you use for your japan tour please?
That was Wes at UB Touring Japan. Their link is in the descriptions of the Japan Tour Series.
How long does it take for the Kawasaki Ninja Kettle to boil and is it an extra :O what a racket
Great video as always Andy I would just like to ask you as a biker don't you find the condition of the roads a nightmare on a bike? Its bad enough in a car but some of the pot holes I could see a biker being throw right off
Nice review as always. I have a question: How does it stack up against Versys 1100 SE LT?
Good question! I’ve not ridden the Versys yet!
@TheMissendenFlyer not even 1000?
Being a Kawasaki owner myself this is typical of how well they make motorbikes. At my age this model isn't for me but 20 years ago, definitely. My Eliminator also has a very unappealing exhaust but like you said its all about Euro garbage these days.
Trailngarm63 said it all.
Stunner but no tourer
Why do you say that out of interest?
It was on my radar for the next bike, but the top box / pannier issue has turned me away
Why do people need backlight switchgear? There's like 3-5 buttons per side, nothing you can't learn to use blindfolded within a week of starting to ride.
I’ve had my 1000SX for 18 months, love the bike but Kawasaki send them out from the factory with terrible suspension set up. 10 minutes in the hands of an expert at the dealers “suspension set up day” made a world of difference.
I don’t get why people get so upset about bikes without back lit switch gear, the end of the day ya standard controls to to actually ride the bike are always in the same place 🤷🏻♂️
I wouldn't call it a tourer really in the true sense. No centre stand, silly back end, no shaft drive. Do like the green....but that exhaust 😅
Fair enough!
Ever thought about living somewhere that the weather is more suitable for a biker?
All the time!
PS, I’m writing this from Spain!
Thanks
Welcome
I've been riding for 34 years, I've never seen a bike with lit switch gear. What bikes have lit switch gear?
Oh and P.S. My '24 1000SX is the first bike I've ever had that doesn't have a thumb operated hi/dip beam switch. I do not like it.
@8:20 Another one. In 34 years the only bike I've ever seen that _didn't_ turn the grips off when you turn the ignition off was my mate's '91 CBR600 cos he'd wired the aftermarket grips straight to the battery.
@10:20 blimey and another. What are people talking about? I've never seen a new bike without a plastic brake fluid reservoir cover. What, do cheap Chinese bikes use paper or something?
Lots of bikes have backlit switchgear. I had a 2017 390 duke and that did
@@swoop1352actually it tends to be cheaper bikes that don't have plastic brake fluid reservoirs. Most of the expensive ones do including race bikes
If only it came with a center stand...
Hi there, MF! You haven't popped up on my TH-cam feed in quite a while. I guess that algorithm has been busy, but the timing's good since I was just starting to think about a new sports tourer of some flavor. Not as young and spry as I once was, I've started to think about seat-to-roadway height and weight. Does that Kawi feel top-heavy?
Hope you're doing well. I need to catch up on your more recent content. Retiring, moving, being in a car crash, etc. have kept me away from 2-wheel life for too long.
Bloody TH-cam! Are you still subscribed?
@@TheMissendenFlyer I am, but don't think I've seen you suggested in my feed for at least a year. Yes, I've been busy with other things, but have followed you about 10 years, since you started posting bike reviews I guess. Yikes! Looking at your channel I see lots of things new to me, V-strom is something I've been actively thinking about and didn't see you had posted about that. YT is missing the whole "Social" thing about Social Media.
Be well, and I'll make a point about checking in.
It's it available with the accent colour gold wheels? Lol.
I wish!
Can't believe people are asking such basic questions.
Must be a relatively small number of people for this type of bike. The Adventure bike. and demographics are against them.
Mankind has been riding motorcycles without back lit switch gear for over 100 years. Why is it a problem now? After dark only the indicators & dipswitch are essential, and if you need back lit switches to find those perhaps you shouldn’t really be allowed out after dark! What next, illuminated brake levers for the terminally inept?
The new z900 2025 has a new bigger TFT dash, the new 1100 Ninja……..😢 Why Kawasaki ?
Way too many limitations on a bike like that. It can’t decide if it wants to be a sport or a touring bike. I wouldn’t look twice at a bike like that. Who really needs phone and navigation mounts. To be safe you should stop and check your route just like using your phone while driving.
Nice film, but the bigger picture is depressing. There is no way this bike is a sports tourer in my eyes. No shaft drive, no centre stand, poor luggage options, no heated seat. I can't believe it doesn't have self-cancelling indicators. That's a life-threatening omission. If you're running along a road indicating left and a car pulls out in front of you - well, it wouldn't be the car driver's fault. A few years' ago you could buy a Kawasaki GTR 1400 - that was a touring bike, just like the Yamaha FJR 1300 and Honda Pan European. Sadly all gone, leaving BMW's R1250RT out on its own. You might argue the Goldwing also, but that's too armchair-ish for me. I know I'm a dinosaur but this generation of "pretend" sports tourers does nothing for me.
I was always taught if a vehicle is indicating left, you pull out and it doesn't, still your fault as they have right of way still. I can't be bothered looking it up but would assume still same and the safest way to approach any situation is never assume. Still don't want to be knocked off of course even if I do have right of way as won't stop the pain! I have self cancelling on my last 3 bikes and like them (currently 2024 MT 09) although occasionally they go off too early which is a risk too. The Aprilia ones were lean sensitive I think which is a good idea.
I agree with you that it lacks the attributes of a true touring bike, I have a Tracer 900GT which is always positioned as a ‘Sports Tourer’ but the lack of shaft drive in my opinion means that it isn’t, my BMW K1600 Bagger is definitely a bike for touring on.
As far as indication is concerned, I trust no one, I assume that all drivers are idiots, I wait until I see them start to turn before I make a move.
If you assume that because someone is indicating and you pull out and they don’t make that turn and you have an accident, you would be done for ‘without due care’ at least and possibly ‘dangerous driving/riding’. That’s not my opinion it’s a matter of law.
My old fazer 1000 is a better sports tourer than this Kawasaki.
It's a sport tourer, great bike in that roll. The trouble with shaft drive is that I'd be limited to bikes I don't like.
@BazzerObama I wasn't clear enough in my post. I wasn't speaking about the legal position but a man to man (or woman) evaluation of the situation. If I was riding down a road indicating left without realising it, I couldn't blame somebody for pulling out because I was giving them a false signal. If the legislature and insurance co's feel differently about it that's up to them. Regardless of how you feel about the situation, the material point is to avoid it happening by the use of self-cancelling indicators.
cant beat kawasakis
Why this fetish with self cancelling indicators? If you can't control the indicators what chance do you have with dipping your headlights?
I had one for a day , took it back after 2 hours.. I found it really boring
As a cranky olde guy, I find the plastic sides & bits horrible in any color....
Fair enough!
Yuk, the only redeeming feature of that bike is the fact that its a kawasaki.
👍
I picked mine up 2 days ago, I must say it's an awesome machine. Thanks for putting this review together, it is good to hear other opinions.
Congratulations!
2 degrees C?! That's too, too cold for this tropical boy! Brr!
The new Honda hornet 1000 may kill it.
A Honda hornet sports tourer would be fantastic.
I was disappointed with my 2018 Z1000SX that I bought in May 2024 as a daily driver. It's very expensive to maintain, and it only rides well right after a service. This 2025 model shows no improvements. A lazy euro-compliance effort at best.
Oh dear!
Haha, you're a Dishcloth! Heard you used to be a copper? Did they kick you out??
Eh?