Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX sets standard for rapid yet affordable sports-touring.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ย. 2024
- Videography by Meghan McCabe:
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Produced by Full Access Media (Pty) Ltd
Prices mentioned in South African rands and may differ in other countries.
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I bought my Z1000SX new in 2018....best bike I've ever owned since I was 16, I turn 70 this year.
I love sport touring bikes, I’m early 30s but iv been riding them since early 20s, they just make so much sense on the road, plenty capable, comfy, awesome for pillions and no need to fill up all the time.
I’m 55 and I love my 21 1000SX, but I did put Apex clip ons and Sato rear sets on it. I’m more comfy leaned over than I am sitting upright. Just a fun sport bike with very generous saddle bags
This is not based on a ZX-10R. It is entirely based on the Z1000, hence how you mentioned it used to be the Z1000SX. It’s not detuned from 200hp to 140, it always made 140. The 1043cc engine is not at all the same as the 998cc ZX-10R engine.
I was baffled when I heard them say that. Its always been the original 1043cc from early 2000s z1. I just wish they did more R&D on the engine like making it compact. seems bulky and heavy
Came to comment the same
Spot on and because it's based on the Z1000 and not the ZX-10R it's a much more tractable package.
@@yonniboy1 Which was based on the 899cc mill in the ZX-9R if I remember correctly. I had a 2003 ZX-9R and it was a great street bike back in the day.
"real bikers"
As a 28 year old 'youngster', I've never wanted a sports bike like a zx10 or a gsxr. My first bike was a CBF600S PC43, and in March I received my 2022 Ninja 1000SX. I LOVE the position, the power and the overall smoothness of the bike. I rode the GSX-S1000GT as well, but I still prefer the Ninja. I don't care much about how many HP it has, I care about comfort, handling and looks
Thinking about ordering one. I just sold my 2022 ninja 650 after two months of ownership.
@@westars0823 I've had the ninja 650 as a loaner for 2 weeks. I'd recommend the 1000, it's a bit bulkier than the 650, but it's a way more comfortable ride
I've had the XR and the GT. While they make more power, they are NOT better bikes. I feel I've "Upgraded" to the 1000SX. I'm faster out of the corners with this bike. The hp is more useable and the bike is WAY more comfortable. Service is a breeze and reliability is top notch! I've rode so many bikes searching for the unicorn and I think I finally found it with this bike.
That's me, I'm an ex coal miner from South Wales GB 65 years young ,I Wish ,knee issues broken several bones feet hands are distorted , numbness in feet neck hands an wrists breathing problems arthritis in many parts of the body could go on , I ride an SX 1000 Kawasaki an struggle after every ride 😢 for at least 3 days before things settle a little ,but it's worth it 😀
I did 50,00 Miles on my Harley Davidson 883 over 20 years (ages 20-40) and added an SX1000 a year ago, 7,500 miles so far, great bike I bought the ergo seat and added further gel, otherwise stock. I like it a lot.
That's like going from a Volkswagen bug to a big block muscle car 👍
Cracking looking bike. Would be top of my list if I was looking at a pure hard-top bike for cruising around. I do think its one of the best value for money bikes on the market.
And its a beautiful bike i have the ninja 650 and im thinking of switching to this one
As a mid 40's bloke here in Australia I totally get what Donovan is saying. Got rid of the vfr800 and bought a speed triple 1050. It's naked, torquey and fun BUT on long trips is a punish due to being a naked so the mighty Kawasaki is probably my next bike.
I just got a 2024 sx and I love it. I'm 52
The Z1000 SX now called Ninja 1000 SX is in my opinion one of a kind, all the other bikes are either toward naked or like Taller and like less Road sport turning, Now the Suzuki brings a competitor after many years, But I plan to buy The Kawi during next two months
"Arguably better bikes?" I'd argue that reliability, which you guys never mentioned, is pretty damned important. How much numerical bling, bling makes up for time out of the saddle waiting for repairs and higher maintenance intervals?? This numbers game is insane. Save that for the adrenaline junkies that just must have bragging rights. They'll learn sooner or later.
So much value for the money. 200 mile trip across Europe. It feels sublime in sweeping "S" roads and works very well for high speed cruising 75mph on the highway. Its not built to trash tight hairpin corners. Engine performed well even at 2500m and didn't lack power like most 100+ hp do at that altitude. Only niggle i had was setting up the suspension. Spring rate, and ride high't fits fine and had more then 50% adjustment left for my weight.
But compression and rebound was letting through to much oil. So had to max those settings out in order for a more planted feel. You can set it super comfort setting and it will be a magic carpet ride basically. 240 lbs fully geared up.
You missed out the Ducati Supersport as a potential rival.
Price wise, it can’t compete with the Ninja, the Ducati is way more expensive, largely due to the Ohlins electronic suspension.
@@richardcollins586 Don't think either Supersport has electronic suspension. More of a cooking version.
I’ve had mine for 14 months now and love it even more than the day I test rode it. ( I bought the zero klm bike I test rode) wonderful, wonderful bike. I have a Ducati Desert X arriving in 2 weeks and there is nil chance I will be selling my SX. My riding buddies have 1290’s, v4 Tuono’s, RR’s etc. and on the road we are pretty much the same and that’s pretty much where we do 100% of our riding.
i own a 2020 model and i absolutely love it!!! quickshifter is amazing, engine is butter smooth, very very reliable - my true green buddy 🙂
thx for yet another great review, can't wait for your opinion on the Suzuki GT !
I had the 2018 one, It is too upright of a position, the Z1000sx is actually as upright as the Superduke GT :( . I miss the old sport touring days with a little bit more lean forward. Like the VFR 800, that bike had a great sport touring position, shame it did not have the specs of the z1000 sx or better :P
@Miran Kajtna I tried it last week, it is also to upright, you sit on it like grandpas chair :(
@@mathias6423 lol just buy a sport bike dude. I mean it’s a sport tourer. I love my KTM Duke 890R. You might think that’s too upright as well? I miss my ninja 1000 a bit. The KTM is more fun, and I can to about two hours on the freeway but that’s it. I’m toast after.
@@mikes.8305 Yeah I travel with my bike from Sweden to Italy and other longer trips so 890 duke R will not be an option I think. However the the 890 duke is a really nice bike :) I think I will just have to go with an older SPORTtourer like the k1300s or something where you sit more sporty but still comfortable.
I’ve got a 20 plate absolutely love it
Nice vid, please give us a review of the new Suzuki GT soon.
No one ever mentions this but the SX sorta cheaped out on the rear swingarm construction, unlike the S1000GT (which Kawasaki desperately tried to hide with the giant exhaust, but you can see it at 4:15). To me this is a significant difference in their chassis. Its a compromise one would never accept in a supersport, but perhaps in a tourer its more acceptable.
I've noticed that on the 1000SX as well as other bikes I see. I hate when the manufacturers do that as that really detracts from the look and quality feel of the bike. I also wish Kawasaki would have just used a traditional axle bolt and nut configuration, rather than the setup it has. My Kawasaki ZRX 1200 has this same setup and I'm not a fan of it...
Love the Ninja mates ✊💚🤘
I miss the twin exhaust set up. I like the symmetry of it
Another great review. I have a 21 model (along with an mt09) and I use it solo and 2 up with my wife a lot. It really is a great bike and does everything well. Like a modern day vfr750. The only thing I feel could be better is the quickshifter. It works ok at high revs but is useless at low to medium revs, so I just hardly use it. Old school lol
I really don't understand your comment regarding the quickshifter. I have a 2020 Ninja 1000SX and mine works very smoothly in any gear at any speed as long as I have a positive throttle. Absolutely no need to have high revs for it to change gear almost imperceptibly. Maybe yours is faulty?
@@Mr53T At low to medium revs the bike surges forward when using the quickshifter, it isn’t a smooth change at all and it feels as if it’s not going into gear properly. At higher revs it is better but not perfect. I’ve heard other comment also. I have a 21 mt09 and the quickshifter on that is perfect. Maybe there is a fault with it ? It’s due a service in July I’ll ask them but I feel I know the response I’ll get from the dealer. As I said I tend not to use it much
@@BigbubbaJ1000 Dealers often take the easy way out and say "they all do that " but believe me, mine is just so smooth that when I read comments saying it's rubbish, I just don't understand it.
How is the power delivery on the ninja 1k vs the MT? I have a 2016 XSR900 but even with a flash throttle still seems twitchy and after riding a ZX14R I kinda want something smooth and sporty handling.
@@ganuvien I can't compare to the MT, but can say that the Ninja 1000SX is smooth as butter. Give it gas in any gear and it smoothly increases speed based on how much you move that wrist.
Simply love all the reviews by Don. 03:08 especially the tummy test 😀.
This bike has been around since 2020. I'm waiting for you to report on the sinking of The Titanic:)
I bought one 3 weeks ago and I love it😊
how is the quickshifter on yours? i've seen many people complain about it, but then others say its amazing.
@@rexdaledave no issues ,up shifts smooth as silk , down needs to be from higher revs and then works fine .
@@paulpartridge2674 thank you!!
I actually wrote the Japanese big 4 in the mid 2000s. I said the market desperately needed a 1000cc inline 4 with more comfy ergos and hard saddlebags to enable extended weekend trips. I said it should be an oh so slightly softer version of their flagship superbike. This for the type of middle aged man Don described. Though pretty spectacular in its own right, the VFR800 was too weak on power with the bland V4 character being a miss for those coming off a full blown crotch rocket.
The new Suzuki GSX S1000GT with the K5 engine is where its at. I am still on a CBR1000rr and a Speed Triple. But I am very tempted to pick up one of those Suzuki's. Also, I am 38 6' 190lbs and have had 5 surgeries, including one to re attach all the tendons in my knee and 3 blown out discs in my back. Yes some of the new 1000cc super sports are uncomfortable but the older Hondas like my 2010 CBR are quite comfortable for hours. Lets not pretend we are too old to keep up with the youngsters yet.
I have a 2011 Ninja 1000 and I love it. I'd like to buy a freshened up version, but I can't find one available at the moment. Also, I think the fairings look cool, but I hate having to work on it when I keep breaking plastic.
You described me exactly and I want this bike, if only someone would have any here in California
The only sensible motorcycle you ever want..It's a total package.
The only sensible motorcycle is an mx5
Wow what a nice bike. i am on a CBR500R, but this is my next bike when i can afford it.
My channel bike and two years on still so in love with it.
I went for BMW R1250RS as for better passenger comfort, ridden 1000SX great bike
I had the Z1000SX and then a Ninja. The cruise control kept packing up, the panniers were a real bugger to get on and off: I ended up taking out the packers so the panniers could be removed, but then they rattled like mad. I ended up part-exing it for a R1250R. Pity because it was a great bike for the money and not too uncomfortable for my ancient skeleton.
I gave it an honest try but in my case (shared with GSXS) if you want to sport-tour with a pillion their space is very limited comfort wise unless they're 100lbs and 5'3 top. Or through lack of top box. In my case also shaft > chain for such needs.
I went the RS way in the end...
nice
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT will not only eat into the SX sales, but a few nakeds, as well. Looking forward to a direct comparison. Do you also not get the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT?
I’ve always baffled when comes to sport tourers but my mind was set on a tracer 700 but now I feel for the money this bike z1000sx might be all bike I ever need ever! Problem is what happens if you wanna do some off-road? Probably then you buy some used dual purpose small capacity machine like the Hero X pulse rally? Then you have two of the most reliable bikes money can buy still less than 300k we talking about here 😩👌🤯awesome review
The tracer 700 is a complete different bike I guess. More versatile doing everything well enough for a descent price. This SX is for people remembering those days of the "real" sportstourers.
@@hermanstokbrood well put👌🫡
tracer 700 its like day and night. Try ride on autobahn at +75mph with Tracer and u will get blown away by the sidewinds. 1000SX feels like a stable locomotive and no flimsy feeling. 700 is a good commuter bike, not built for long touring 2 up. On other hand 1000SX is to big for commuter and id pick Z900 for that job.
Nice looking bike.
Which would you choose as a sports tourer, Kaw 1000sx or BMW S1000 XR
All the reviews of the Kawasaki and Suzuki in the UK say the Z1000SX is the much better bike.
Great bike wonder how it fits my 30 inch inseam which seems to be shrinking over time
love my 2021 performance sport-tourer version, apart from a rather noisy/rattly clutch basket, and on the version I have the kwak heated grips are standard, these don't fit perfectly and a little to much play for my liking laterally / side to side but on whole a fantastic bike
I've got a 2021 Performance Tourer (with the heated grips) and had the same "issue", my dealer put a stronger glue and now they don't move any longer. For me it's one of the few niggles on an otherwise outstanding bike. It would be fine to have an indicator for the heated grips in the tft screen and not directly on the grips as it forces you to look away from the road to see what position you're actually in.
@@carlosalonso9866 agree with the TFT indicator... update though, I traded mine in, fell for the dark green z900rs. both great bikes though
@@karlbratby4349 Was tempted by the z900rs as second bike but it’s too similar, mechanically, to the Ninja and I cannot justify it. I stuck to the Ninja as it’s very practical and versatile, city commuting, weekend trips, motorcycle holidays… I do everything with it
Sure it’s a great bike but should a sport-touring bike have a drive chain? I think not! On long tours you need to keep the chain oiled from time to time which is a difficult chore away from home and can be messy. Please start getting some shaft-drives back on these bikes like we had in the 1980’s. (I tour on my 2005 ZZR-600 and love it but would sure like to get rid of that chain)
It's not difficult to oil a chain, on the sx you a can even adjust the chain tension with the bike on its side stand. We have a society now of people that think most things in life away from a computer are to much like hard work that's why 3/4 of people are just lazy fat bastards
Scottoiler, top up every 4000km, job done
Really, I’ve had both and I prefer the weight reduction of a chain and modern chains need so little maintenance…drop of oil at the end of the day or auto oiler that’s all.
There are so many inaccuracies in this such as:
Engine origin of the SX
Suzuki equipped with more electronics
I have the ninja 2022 model since may. It's pretty perfect but seat hurt after 2 hours of ride, and quick shifter can have a weird behaviour (I use it above 3000 rpm, but can still not up shift. Or when downshifting, it don't work at all some time, even with the manual lever...)
I would have thought a mobility scooter be more your cup of tea 😉😂
I love the 1000SX but I'm looking for a comfortable touring bike for my pillion too.. so I don't know if the Tracer 9 GT is the more comfortable option for longer touring with my pillion..
I looked at both of these but went for the Tracer as there's more leg room for the rider. My old knees are shot tho'.
@@jonathanwardle2052 yes, I guess I will have to go for the Tracer for longer touring rides with my pillion..
I put Murph's kits bar risers on mine. Money well spent.
Sadly, test rides are not a thing in the U.S. I will have to depend on yours and other reviewers' feedback to make my choice.
Oh shit as a fat 38 year old with the same Scorpion R1 helmet I feel called out.
Awesome 👍
Rugby, didn't know :-)
Agree with you both on 1000SX or Suzuki GT
Real shame neither can have a main stand, even as an option
I agree wholeheartedly!
I’ve had my 2020 ninja 1000 sx for two years and never missed not having one. Modern stands are my preference, but I’m screwed if I get a flat.
Good vid, interesting. But why pay more for less when you could buy the Suzi GSX? Best value package by quite a distance. Destined for Bike of the Year.
As you get older, your joints get creakier, midriff gets love handles and your arse gets bonier- creature comforts start to matter ;-)
I assumed the z1000 motor was based on the old zx9r
*EDIT*
it is ! Do i get a prize?
Ninja 1000SX is more crafted and more tech compared to Suzuki GT.
£11,800 in English money. A lot of bike for a decent price. £144 a month PCP. Nice.
A lot of metal for the money. Well engineered and good power unit. I am a Kawasaki fan boy, but more and more of the late 90's (such as the ZX7R which I've owned 2 of), however Kawasaki's current designs are, a bit odd. To be fair, many manufactures have gone a similar way for these types of bikes. This seems to be, get a naked bike and then fit a partial, slightly too-small, fairing.
But wait isn't Kawasaki in the "Road Adventure" thing? Does the Versys 1000 no longer exist?
Plus the other bikes are enduro bikes etc not a semi sports bike
Where did you get that it's based on zx10r?it's never based on it,it's based on z1000,hence the old name z1000sx.its not a tuned down zx10r engine since it's using the 1043 cc engine.surprising to see a motorcycle channel not doing simple research
Can you fit a centre stand to it
Good review, but why, why, why do motorcycle journalists keep quoting unrealistic bhp figures when comparing these two bike's? The Kawasaki's figure is at the crank, the Suzuki's is at the rear wheel! That's quite a significant difference! More than 7 or 8 bhp.
And honestly, who really cares. People interested in this bike do not care if a bike is 130 or 150bhp. Anyone who has ridden such bikes knows that it is plenty regardless. Honestly, I think the 100~bhp mark is perfect for motorcycles on road. More than that you cannot ever use anyways.
@@tHaH4x0r I totally agree with you, but my point is, these people are professional journalists, so they need to do their research.
Suzuki's is a crank figure. They all are. No manufactures quote real rear wheel figures.
@@fyorbane sorry but your wrong, go on TH-cam, it's there to see. Suzukis hp is NOT a crank hp reading!
@@danthefireman5930 Where on TH-cam?
I’m a Harley guy, but this thing isn’t too bad. With how extreme the riding position is on sport bikes and how ugly the ADV and naked bikes are, this is a nice choice.
How tall and heavy is the test rider?
I thought it was originally based on the old ZX9R?
A hard Bike to fault for real world road riding - it does it all really at a price few can match.
I would think the gsxs gt would be it's main competition...
1K like! I am considering the Ninja 1000 SX and this video was great. Where is my pancake at?
I definitely can sympathize with you I have a GSXR Hayabusa with a love-hate relationship love the way goes torque Speed The Whole Nine Yards however even with the risers when I get off that bike there isn't one part of my body I don't hurt my God my wrist neck shoulders back knees LOL the bike plainly sucks when it comes to body placement no matter what people tell you the bike is very uncomfortable and you can't drive it through the city it just wants to go those are the corks of the bike however I'll probably keep it but I'm looking for an alternative that I can enjoy riding and get off without some part of my body not hurting maybe this is the choice
Ha ha haaa, had my '08 Busy for eight years. Right wrist was going numb. Ankle was getting sore. Am 55 now and really liking the new Kawasaki and Suzuki.
Did I understand correctly, you have 40 years ? God damm I would give you 30s :D
I really liked this review of the Kawasaki by the authentic biker Don. And this video was about to get a 5 star review… until they brought up the Sukuzi GSX 1000 GT. Should have ended the video at the 10:40 mark and left it focused solely on the better Kawasaki. Comparative reviews vs. the Suzuki are already out from other parts of the world that already have them, and the Kawasaki wins, especially when you consider the inferior braking on the Suzuki. Anyway, this is just my opinion, and you all are welcome to disagree, but check out this review below 👇 first.
th-cam.com/video/plxndpn2608/w-d-xo.html
I hit a deer and totaled my zx6r. I'd love one of these
All we need now is Honda back from ashes with V4.
Problem with all those other bikes you mentioned is that they are NOT Japanese reliable! AND, the servicing and/or repairs will be astronomical compared to Japanese affordability.
The seat is not very appealing to me. Still love the old school plushy seat of the muscle bikes of ZRX1200, GSX1400 kinda thing. Even with the revised geometry, still looks like a litre bike with side bins..
How's that Exo R1, is it a comfy tourer friendly helmet.???
It's not meant as a touring helmet. In fact, they advertise it as their racing model. But I enjoy it everywhere - Don
@@IgnitionBikeShow . Thank you Mr Don. I'm thinking of getting the same one Fabio Quatrararo edition...
With love from India..🥰😍
Me not being fat and unhealthy doesn’t mean I’m not a “”REAL”” biker
Just fine if you want leg cramps after 1 hour. You have to fold your legs up.
hyabusa ?
That is a Sport Tourer, a la VFR800, Triumph Sprint 1050ST, bikes you can travel ALL day on.....which have been eschowed by the manufacturers for "dual purpose" wanna be's....this is the way forward for bikinig !!
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!
I've had two ninja 1000's..fantastic machine!...but imho all of this tech is ruining motorcycling.
Poor review for mainly 2 reasons:
1. Not all 40+ men are in that sorry state you describe at the beginning; I'd say most aren't. What you need to do is take care of yourself: eat well (quantity and quality), stay hydrated, sleep properly, exercise / stretch daily and you'll be as fresh at 40 as you were at 20 - and at 60 as you were at 30.
2. This engine was never 200hp. This is based on the Z1000, not the ZX10R. Professional journalists should know this. If you manage to get that wrong nothing else you say in this review can be taken seriously.
well , age is not the biggest concern.Real world users always need comfartable bikes irrespective of age
👍
bro, I'm 18 and I want one for an all-around 1 bike does it sort of deal. I hate riding my GSXR-750 in a major city, especially at my university.
concours 14..
Had this bike as a loaner, very smooth, very comfortable but soooooooo boring. My daily ride is a KTM 1290GT, I think I'm used to more drama
Bit more research needed before reviewing.
Its also more reliable
You mean apart from the Tracer which is lighter, does more mpg, more comfortable, cooler engine and cheaper.
Which has a lot less power, less torque , a poorer fit and finish, a noisy cheap looking screen and far less sporty looking. Comfort on the Kawasaki is equally as good as the Tracer. Oh and the Kawasaki is smoother, faster and will carry a pillion and luggage with far more ease than the Tracer [ie, the Tracer will notice the extra weight more and will perform less impressively].
I had a good laugh Don, we all know your a true biker but don't forget your also 3 foot tall so those sorts of bikes fit you snug. ;-)
The MT10 tourer is probably the best bang for buck but tank, range is too small and it’s a lot more stiff than the SX.