Nice personal view review. After a lot of research and just before you got Frankie, I bought my Vstrom and I feel exactly the same about it as you feel about your Kawasaki. Aren't motorbikes amazing. Two completely different bikes, doing similar jobs for two completely different riders but with exactly the same outcomes. Here's wishing you many happy miles in 2025.
Hi Noob, I happened across your channel earlier today and what a little gem! so refreshing watch a gorgeous Kawasaki rather than another hideous GS. Looking forward to watching more, safe travels.
@@davidreed6817 hi David, thanks for checking out the channel and welcome to the community, great to have you on board. Thanks for the kind words, the channel is a mixture of things and you may even find a GS video somewhere 😬😜
Nice and honest review. I've got a 18 plate one. Had it just over a year and really love it. I traded down from a zzr1400ps I'd had for almost 6 years. And it was a great move for me. Did big trip to S W France in June 24....had couple days of horrendous rain/ storms, fully loaded up. bike never missed a beat 👍
Congratulations on a great bike 👍 I was in the south of France (Route Napoleon) in August last year. But in previous years I've had plenty of rain on tour! My 2023 tour of the Ardennes and Vosges comes to mind: it rained every day!
A very detailed review my friend. I didn't know that you dropped it two times. Luckily everything went well. I agree about the center stand. Other things are just cool on this bike. Completely agree. Keep going in 2025. Got my full watch and like. Have to watch your Christmas video too. :) Cheers.
A trusty steed, Noob, and a very good choice on your part. I owned two Kawasakis in the early 80's, a Z1100ST and a Z1100B2. Both were extremely reliable and very comfortable. The only problem was that the Z1100B2 ate back tyres which were a lot thinner in those days.
Excellent to the point video. You were lucky being that bike for that price. It was a steal. I've always liked the look of the SX, but after riding the 1000 versys last year, I was honestly blown away how that engine handles (which I think has the same engine?) Very nice bikes. Really enjoyed that 🙏🍻
The Versys has a very similar engine but it's tuned different, not so much peak power, a little more torque and geared a bit different. I might give the 1100 a try. Thanks for your help, assistance and inspiration for this video with your great reviews 👌
You've done some good trips on that machine. Looks like it's served you well! I dropped my Z1000SX whilst almost stationary and did over £1000 in damage. They definitely don't like being dropped.
I said the exact opposite in a previous video: they crash really well (at least for me!) the damage was very minimal. Did you break a lot of plastic parts? Were any crash bungs installed?
Hey! Excellent review. I’ve had a 2021 1000sx for just over a year and a half, 26k miles, and absolutely love the bike! Added bags, sliders, headers, K&N filter, USB plug and ergo gel extended seat. It has been a great sport bike and even better touring bike! Plan on adding many more miles in the next few years, wish it got a little better mileage… but maybe I expect too much…
@@Rickmac22 congratulations on a great bike, and that's some impressive miles you've added in 18 months. You must be due a valve clearance check soon. Cool mods. What mpg mileage are you getting?
@ Yes! Did valve check at 18K, all good! Averaging from 40-47 mpg, less than 40 if I ride at the limits… We have a ‘Grand Tour Of Texas’ that has me riding to 50 spots in Texas to win a patch! Great fun, but a lot of miles…!
Good to see you are still enjoying the bike, I need to get out as much as possible this year as barely been out this past two years for various reasons, still loving my old Kawasaki though, stay safe 👍
@@NooBiker Unfortunately not mate, not been out for a proper ride for about 7 months. I have got some footage from rides from a couple of years back, but not sure they would be worth editing and uploading.
Frankie is an awesome bike, not quite as good as a Blackbird but it's up there. Gotta love a keeper that suits you and you've made bespoke to you. The stickers finish the panniers off nicely😊
@@LordBilious a blackbird is a very capable bike and in it's day was definitely in the top 3 of sports tourer machines, but time marches on I'm afraid, the SX is leagues ahead of a BB, but hey they're all lovely bikes, and all opinions are valid
Good review NooBiker. I like your video style. I have had a 2016 Z1000SX for 5 years now, its only done about 13k miles. Ive taken her to Spain, France and all over the UK, with not one issue whatsoever. I too have done a number of mods to make her mine, as you do! Mods I've done are; Andy Swan seat, heated grips, rad guard, LED lights, gear indicator, fender extender, touring screen, clutch and brake levers, EBC HH Pads, Pair valve blanking plate, K&N air filter, Black widow headers and Leo Vince end cans (lovely sound), EVAP delete, O2 delete, Dyno tuned to perfection, Hyperpro Rear shock, and a few more things..I really like the bike. Been running Metzeler Roadtec tyres on her, but next time i am going to try the Michelin Roads. Keep on biking! and thank you for the review!
Hi there! Thanks for the lovely comment and in depth insight into what you've done 👍 Definitely a long term keeper and great for touring (just wish it had a center stand!) I've been running Road 6 since last year. Before that I had Pirelli Angel GT2 and Metzeler Z8, both of which I liked quite a bit. I didn't get on with the OEM Bridgestone S21/22 though
@ just got bk into biking after 35 years away. Got an old zzr600 but she’s bit heavy for an old 60 year man. Dont think she’s ever had so much spent on her. FIRST Thing I did is bought for her was brand new set of top of the line metzlers .
Nice bike! There are so many good bikes out there, both current and a bit more vintage. I didn't like the OEM Bridgestone tyres for the Z1000 and couldn't wait to change them. Have used Metzeler Z8, Pirelli Angel GT2 and now on Road 6. My second bike is a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Great run-around and can do a bit of green laning.
Sums up my thoughts on the bike. Great all rounder and the engine is perfect. I bought one in the same colour this summer with 14k on it for £6400. You bought well back in 2020.
I sure this will be a valuable resource in the future. The Ninja 1100 is on my shortlist for my first big bike. It's the "no-brainer practical reasonably priced why consider anything else?" category. Living in Japan and with my taste in bikes, it is pulling me very strongly.
The 1100 is very tempting. Yes, it's down on peak power (which you'll never reach on the road) but it's up on torque in the useable range which is what you really want. I really don't like the look of the new model's exhaust, though...
@@NooBiker I'm with you on the exhaust. Yours looks so much better. And yes, speed limits are a good deal lower here than in the UK, so I don't worry about less power. I'll keep thinking it over. :D
I feel part of it, Howie 💙 It's a great feeling when you get on with the bike. On the flip side it makes me hesitant to switch to something else and maybe that's holding me back?
Hello, enjoyed you informative review. I bought a Ninja 1000 SX in 23 & it is the best all rounder I have owned (I have owned quite a few). Smooth, very comfortable, plenty of power & the LED headlamps are superb. I intend to do some touring on it this year.
@@chrisspeed-ik3et congratulations on an awesome bike and best wishes of miles of smiles on your touring 👍 Thanks for watching and glad you found the review useful. What tyres are on the bike and how are you finding them?
@NooBiker I have changed the original Bridgestone S22 to Metzeler roadrech 02. Not scrubbed them in yet so can't comment on them. The reviews I have read have been positive though. I got just over 4000 miles out of the Bridgestones.
@@chrisspeed-ik3et not tried the Roadtec 02, but I couldn't wait to get shot of the OEM Bridgestones. Have had Metzeler Z8, Pirelli Angel GT2 and currently Michelin Road 6. Got 10k miles each from the Metzeler and Pirellis 👍 (reviews on this channel)
Nice bikes those. I'd be very tempted if it weren't for the fact I already have 2 sport touring bikes, which are more than up to the job. Halfway through the video I realised that I know those roads very well.
@NooBiker I live in Burnham on Crouch now but 15 years in Romford and grew up in Chingford. Been a regular up high beech for years. Bikes...... Bandit 1200s and a Vfr800 vtec.
I had a silver one of these which I bought new in 2019. Mine was a touring version with the panniers and I paid £9000 for mine. I really didn't like the standard end cans which I changed for black widow ones and the standard tyres made it handle strange at low speed. I also fitted a tail tidy and although I really liked the bike I ended up changing it for the newer Ninja model as it is better in so many ways and I still have and love that bike.
@@paulfowler6665 great to hear. I didn't like the OEM Bridgestone tyres and couldn't wait to change them. Have used Metzeler Z8, Pirelli Angel GT2 and now on Road 6. Silver is also a good colour for this bike, though obviously not as good as blue 💙😜 How is the newer Ninja better, what aspects? Are you considering the new 1100 version also?
As soon as I took the Ninja out the handling felt better it felt more responsive too. As well as having a quick shifter, cruise control a new TFT dash (although I really liked the old dash) more padded seats and a single sided exhaust which I'm not sure is better than the old twin pipes to be honest. Overall it was worth the upgrade but no I don't think the new 1100 is an improvement at all. Except maybe the SE version with better rear shock and front brakes but the standard brakes and suspension are really good anyway so I'm sticking with my Ninja 1000 this time. @@NooBiker
Hi' I remember when you got your paniers and fitted new locks, I now have a h2 sx and recently did the same from watching your vid, but I must admit your bike is all you need as mine is to fast for touring, unless your against the clock😅 you have certainly put yours to good use, makes me feel giulty😊
Congratulations on the awesome bike and I'm very glad my video was helpful to you. I don't think I could afford insurance on a H2 SX with an Ilford (London) postcode 😭
Very thorough and honest review focusing on the bike. I have the 2020 model, bought it in October 21 and have done 42 000 km since. I'm very happy with it. I changed the foot pegs for some adjustable ones from Puig which can be adjusted to alleviate the knee angle, my only gripe when it comes to ergonomics. All the other modifications mirror yours albeit from different manufacturers. I settled for Dunlop Roadsmart IVs and I'm very happy with their performance. My only criticism has more to do with the roads I ride than with the bike itself. Sometimes I wish it had an electronic suspension and a little more travel but then it would be a Versys and I prefer the Ninja. I'm a compulsive "bike-tester" in the sense that I have taken around 8 different demonstrator bikes for a spin since I got my Ninja but although sometimes I was infatuated by the bikes' design or just excited because it was something new, every time I got back on the Ninja I just couldn't see how another bike could suit me better, we're a very good match. Troubles? Very few considering that I ride all year even during the winter and get a lot of rain ( I live in Belgium) and a good amount of salt in the winter. I got a false alarm from the oil pressure lamp, turned out that it was some humidity which made the contact corrode (I'm probably guilty as I haven't been as careful as I should have when hosing the bike down with the pressure washer) and a leaking valve on the front rim (it was an aftermarket hooked one and wasn't properly sealed). If I wasn't already old I would say that I see myself getting older on the Ninja...
@@carlosalonso9866 thanks for the very thorough comment and congratulations on a great bike. The Roadsmart tyres are ones I've heard good things about but haven't had a chance to try yet. I've tried three different other tyres with reviews on the channel. Did you get the panniers with your bike? I've heard some of the roads in Belgium can be quite bad. Same here in the UK unfortunately
@@NooBiker Yes, I got the OEM panniers with the bike but I don't use the Kawasaki liners, I've found some cheap solutions which hold more stuff when I do longer trips (+-12 days), I also carry a SW-Motech tailbag which is handy as it can be expanded with a zipper. For chain maintenance on the road I use a sort of telescopic minilift which packs small and does (mostly, depending on the surface) the job. I'm planning to explore the British Islands on my bike in the next years so I'll get first hand experience with the state of your tarmac. Regards
I have now ordered a mini-stand for my next trip. Thanks for the tip! I have a tank bag in addition to the panniers. I usually put all my clothes for the week in one Kawasaki bag in one pannier (left) and have the right pannier for bits and bobs (rain covers, spares, maintenance, water, snacks, shopping etc) 👍
@@NooBiker My to-go setup for long trips is: all bike related items in one liner in one pannier (tools, spare parts, bits and pieces I don’t have to use during the ride or I have to keep locked like action camera, satnav). All clothes and toiletries in a liner in the other pannier. All stuff I potentially need while riding in the tail bag (extra layers or waterproofs, second pair of gloves, sunglasses, cap… When I get to my destination I just get the liner I need and the tail bag (SW-Motechs are a hoot to unlatch from the rear seat). If I stay put somewhere for a couple of days, I transfer the tools I’d need to repair a puncture (mini-lift, wrenches, repair kit and a very convenient mini air pump from Bosch which you can charge via usb cable) and which I keep together in a bag to the tail bag and I leave the panniers at the accommodation I happen to be staying. Cheers
I have a 2021 Kawasaki Versys 650cc GT and for me it's perfect. I use it for solo and two up riding. With a 21ltr tank I find it heavy at very slow speeds, but get it on the road at normal speeds and it's perfect.
Very nice! The Versys 650 is also a great bike. I used to have the Ninja 650 before the Z1000SX and the parallel twin engine is very similar to the one on the Versys (I think they're tuned a bit different). It's a great platform. I am starting to get interested in the Versys 1100 - have you had any thoughts on that, or a test ride?
No. I'm happy with the 650 Versys. I also have a Yamaha MT-03 660cc single that I ride about on. For me the middle weight cc's are enough for our English roads.
@@yamman56 💯 percent My other bike is a Royal Enfield Himalayan and that's my usual town run around but the 24bhp are more than enough to reach NSL and have lots of fun 👍
Nice bike! In 2022 i was sooooo close of getting one. Its was a 2020 model.in jet black with the panniers for £6500 under 8000miles... The job was cancelled due to insurance in London 😂. They didn't want to insure me at all... Lots of people love this bike. For the price you're getting an amazing bike
Ah, the one that got away... Your Cross Tourer is quite nice too. My insurance is renewing this month. Some insurers quoting silly numbers, but my current one offered a decent quote 👍
Great video, i own a 2022 Ninja 1000sx and love it. I've had it from new and done around 9k miles and also done lots to the bike to make it mine. Jump on the Plymouth to Santander ferry and get over to Northern Spain and the Pico's De Europa mountain range.... You wont be disappointed. There's a chap selling uprated frame bolts on the Facebook forum for the subframe issues youve had.
I have bought a set of the uprated bolts from the chap on Facebook, but haven't installed them yet. Something for the future... Congratulations on your bike. Picos de Europa and Portugal are on my to do list, but I'd need a longer holiday to do that and the cost of the ferry puts me off for now given my current circumstances. I still have to tick off the Swiss Alps and Black Forest, but Picos is definitely in future plans
@@NooBiker we booked the ferry over a year in advance for October this year and it was cheaper than 2022, which was a massive suprise. We do have 4 sharing a cabin to really maximise the cost too
I think for most people sport tourers like that, are a perfect choice. It's a shame they have gone out of popularity a bit. I think you made a great choice, and the mileage and trips you have done, sure show it.
@@DeweyRides I think "ADV" bikes have taken over as more popular because of the more upright riding position, and they can be pretty tasty in performance and features too. The faired looks of a sport tourer are much more to my taste. Looking forward to your new content 👍
@@NooBiker I think you will really enjoy the new stuff. It is a lot of the really neat places in Southern Brazil to start. I hope they do well, I wanted people to see the beauty of Brazil, that is why I waited until after the holidays. Not many people travel in Brazil compared to the other countries, so these are some very unique videos showing off what Brazil has to offer.
@DeweyRides yes, it's often overlooked because it's hard to make a loop out of it: it's so vast once you get past the South East, you can't cut back across the Amazon, only the wetlands. My dream when I've secured my financial future is to do the bits most people don't, up into the North East and North, then down the centre. We'll see...
Thanks for the vid. 2020 SX owner here. About 20k km to date. Reg. Turn, try lowering your front end, for a quicker turn in. Or at your next tire change go to a 190/55-17 tire vs the specd 50 side wall. It makes a massive difference, and had zero effect for me TC wise.
I am looking for one at the moment ( on condition of the sale of my VFR800 07). I have heard only good things and I have had quite a few Kawasaki's in my time. Their engines are always something special.
I love the look of the VFR, especially the single-side swing-arm version. When I sit on one, though, it's a bit more leaned forward than on the Z1000SX. The engine won't break any power or speed records, but it has lovely fat torque from almost any rev. Keep it singing at around 5-7 and it will pua smile on your face for sure. Are you buying new or used?
The only thing I don't like about your bike is it doesn't have a Flat Cap Cafe Racer sticker on it in this video😁😁 You seem to pick bikes you get along with for a long period of time. I'm kind of hit and miss and want to move on after a year or two.....credit to you for making great choices.
Well Noob the SX has certainly served you well, and like you say to replace it with something else and spec it up the same would be expensive. It's a bike I very nearly bought, but when I went into the dealers to look at one, the ZZR 1400 caught my eye.
@NooBiker The ZZR certainly gave me lots of joy, but of late it felt too cramped. Even although it was a blast to ride, it got to ridiculous speeds rather too quickly, if I wanted to keep my licence. So I sold it and bought the BMW R1250R, which still offers some fun but also a lot more comfort. I've still got the Rocket 3 GT for the adrenaline rush when needs must 😇😂🤣
Nice little review. I have the 2012 model, in grey. Got her with 20k on it and done about 10k, never misses a beat. Riding all year around to work and trips in the summer. That engine is just so smooth and loads of power. I don’t find her heavy at all once off the kick stand. She manages well in London traffic. I do ride with a top box all the time so will be watching the subframe now. This worries me a bit now and hope it’s just a one off. Given it’s a touring bike I would find that very disappointing for the frame to be that weak. I do not miss a centre stand. You will lose ground clearance. I use a foldable swing arm lift stand. Takes 30 seconds to set up. Small enough to take on tours. I won’t bother with a centre stand on any bike anymore. They rust, are heavy, take away ground clearance and are expensive. I like the full radiator cover. Will look into that. Thanks
Thanks for the question. It's in the video and in the description: Service #4 May 2024 @ 24,680 miles for £654 including valve clearance checks and replacing 10 shims (8 exhaust, 2 intake) Hope this helps 👍
Bought 85 600 ninja new I 85 put 60k on it in 6 yrs not one thing broken it and I rode it hard. Tires to often and brakes sprockets and chains. Oil valves on time ran like a toyota camry v6 reliable as anvil and fun to boot. Never owned any other brand after that. That bikes 11 grand redline was used daily and bike never missed a beat. Best built bikes ever in my opinion. Mechanic doing valves said inside motor top end looked brand new. Changeoil every 3 k do valves on time the damn thing would have run forever. Sold it 6 months later got totalled I cried as I sold it looking better than new. I loved that bike
@@RT22-pb2pp it's great to hear such stories, though I'm sorry for your loss. I don't ride this bike very hard, I'm more "Driving Miss Daisy" than "Days of Thunder" 🤣
My brother had the next model after yours, he also commented about the weight when moving it around. He loved the bike, but the dealer was not very good.
That's a real shame about the dealer, that can really spoil the ownership experience ☹️ Thankfully East London Kawasaki have been very good to me. Friendly and skilled service.
1000sx is a really good bike. It is fast, reliable and for its size, very reasonable MPG. I had an all black one, a 2017 model which I kept for three years. Why did I sell it? , I'm 73 and after recent spell in hospital due to an HA, I lost so much muscle mass/weight that when I finally recovered and took my first ride , I realised that If I dropped it I would not be able to pick it up on my own, besides, it being a SPORTS Tourer became too uncomfortable to ride for any long distance,( due to age, my physical shape NOT the bike) But I kept it immaculate and loved riding it. Its not a light bike but its not exceptionally heavy either, so what did i replace it with?, another Kawasaki - this time a RS900, (retro).
Thanks for watching, and the detailed comment. I agree with you: sometimes you have to get "bike fit" for a specific bike. It can be taxing to do longer days on the Z and I'm a "sprightly" 52y.o. You've replaced it with a very nice bike. The character of the Z900RS is completely different, though. It spins up the engine so much faster! And when I rode one, I did not get on with the OEM tyres. I hope you still have many more miles of smiles biking!
Hi NooB, interesting review. I just bought a 2019 model, with 7k on the odo, to replace 2 bikes both of which are supposedly lighter. However, I haven't noticed much difference pushing it around. I won't be riding it properly until spring when the other 2 will go up for sale. Just out of interest how tall are you?
@@stevebaker5254 I'm 170 cm tall with a 76 cm inseam, or 5'7" with a 30" inseam in old money. Congratulations on an awesome 😎 bike. Out of curiosity, what two bikes are being replaced?
Yes, that makes sense. The Z will be better at touring (weather protection, luggage options etc) than the Hornet, and more sporty than the Strom (which I nearly bought as my first "big bike") The weight thing: I only really feel it when moving very slowly or pushing it around in a car park (if there's a slope or a pronounced camber).
Nice personal view review. After a lot of research and just before you got Frankie, I bought my Vstrom and I feel exactly the same about it as you feel about your Kawasaki. Aren't motorbikes amazing. Two completely different bikes, doing similar jobs for two completely different riders but with exactly the same outcomes. Here's wishing you many happy miles in 2025.
Very true. Different people, different circumstances, different choices. There's no right or wrong or "best" bike... only "right bike for you".
Hi Noob, I happened across your channel earlier today and what a little gem! so refreshing watch a gorgeous Kawasaki rather than another hideous GS. Looking forward to watching more, safe travels.
@@davidreed6817 hi David, thanks for checking out the channel and welcome to the community, great to have you on board.
Thanks for the kind words, the channel is a mixture of things and you may even find a GS video somewhere 😬😜
Thanks for the review and sharing your long term ownership experience.
You bet! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
I have a 23 plate Ninja 1000sx and I can't fault it, quick comfortable, great handling love it. A good personal review of your ninja !
@@mrpipspoppersv9093 thanks 😀 and congratulations on a great bike 👍😎
Nice and honest review. I've got a 18 plate one. Had it just over a year and really love it. I traded down from a zzr1400ps I'd had for almost 6 years. And it was a great move for me. Did big trip to S W France in June 24....had couple days of horrendous rain/ storms, fully loaded up. bike never missed a beat 👍
Congratulations on a great bike 👍
I was in the south of France (Route Napoleon) in August last year.
But in previous years I've had plenty of rain on tour! My 2023 tour of the Ardennes and Vosges comes to mind: it rained every day!
A very detailed review my friend. I didn't know that you dropped it two times. Luckily everything went well. I agree about the center stand. Other things are just cool on this bike. Completely agree. Keep going in 2025. Got my full watch and like. Have to watch your Christmas video too. :) Cheers.
Yeah, they were really slow speed drops. Luckily the damage wasn't too great: no expensive plastics to replace 😅
@@NooBiker Plastics can be very expensive. I heard a lot of stories in this regard.
@@RRRRefuelRideRace yes, indeed!
Wow absolutely amazing and awesome superbike you had. 💯
Thanks ✌️ RodKris
A trusty steed, Noob, and a very good choice on your part.
I owned two Kawasakis in the early 80's, a Z1100ST and a Z1100B2. Both were extremely reliable and very comfortable. The only problem was that the Z1100B2 ate back tyres which were a lot thinner in those days.
Nice bikes, Jim. Must have some great memories of them 😀
Frankie is a lovely bike and is sporting a fine selection of stickers.
Nicely put together, NooB 👍🏼
Thanks 👍 much appreciated my friend
Excellent to the point video.
You were lucky being that bike for that price. It was a steal.
I've always liked the look of the SX, but after riding the 1000 versys last year, I was honestly blown away how that engine handles (which I think has the same engine?)
Very nice bikes. Really enjoyed that 🙏🍻
The Versys has a very similar engine but it's tuned different, not so much peak power, a little more torque and geared a bit different. I might give the 1100 a try.
Thanks for your help, assistance and inspiration for this video with your great reviews 👌
Just found your channel because I've been researching the z1000.like your style good review 👍
@@itsthebandit2977 thank you and welcome aboard 👍
You've done some good trips on that machine. Looks like it's served you well!
I dropped my Z1000SX whilst almost stationary and did over £1000 in damage. They definitely don't like being dropped.
I said the exact opposite in a previous video: they crash really well (at least for me!) the damage was very minimal. Did you break a lot of plastic parts? Were any crash bungs installed?
@@NooBiker No crash bungs. I broke the indicator and the panel it's in, scratched the fairings and bent one of the exhausts.
@@CalmBiker 😬 that does sound expensive... I definitely recommend some crash bungs 👍
Hey! Excellent review. I’ve had a 2021 1000sx for just over a year and a half, 26k miles, and absolutely love the bike! Added bags, sliders, headers, K&N filter, USB plug and ergo gel extended seat. It has been a great sport bike and even better touring bike! Plan on adding many more miles in the next few years, wish it got a little better mileage… but maybe I expect too much…
@@Rickmac22 congratulations on a great bike, and that's some impressive miles you've added in 18 months. You must be due a valve clearance check soon.
Cool mods.
What mpg mileage are you getting?
@ Yes! Did valve check at 18K, all good! Averaging from 40-47 mpg, less than 40 if I ride at the limits… We have a ‘Grand Tour Of Texas’ that has me riding to 50 spots in Texas to win a patch! Great fun, but a lot of miles…!
@Rickmac22 I used to visit Houston a couple of times a year for work. Texas is a big place. I don't recall too many twisties 😅
Good to see you are still enjoying the bike, I need to get out as much as possible this year as barely been out this past two years for various reasons, still loving my old Kawasaki though, stay safe 👍
@@HalfdeadRider hope you managed many miles of smiles, the bike was looking good in the last videos I saw. Hope you are well 👍
@@NooBiker I am keeping well thanks for asking I hope you are too 👍
The ZX9r is running great still after all the work done in 2023.
Great to hear 👍
Got any new videos coming up?
@@NooBiker Unfortunately not mate, not been out for a proper ride for about 7 months. I have got some footage from rides from a couple of years back, but not sure they would be worth editing and uploading.
Best wishes, and hope you're good for a ride once the weather improves.
Frankie is an awesome bike, not quite as good as a Blackbird but it's up there. Gotta love a keeper that suits you and you've made bespoke to you.
The stickers finish the panniers off nicely😊
The Blackbird is a pretty awesome bike. I have a neat collection of stickers for sure 😁
@@LordBilious a blackbird is a very capable bike and in it's day was definitely in the top 3 of sports tourer machines, but time marches on I'm afraid, the SX is leagues ahead of a BB, but hey they're all lovely bikes, and all opinions are valid
@@davidreed6817 all opinions are valid. All choices of bike are valid.
Noobiker knows I'm not being serious😉😁
Good review NooBiker. I like your video style. I have had a 2016 Z1000SX for 5 years now, its only done about 13k miles. Ive taken her to Spain, France and all over the UK, with not one issue whatsoever. I too have done a number of mods to make her mine, as you do! Mods I've done are; Andy Swan seat, heated grips, rad guard, LED lights, gear indicator, fender extender, touring screen, clutch and brake levers, EBC HH Pads, Pair valve blanking plate, K&N air filter, Black widow headers and Leo Vince end cans (lovely sound), EVAP delete, O2 delete, Dyno tuned to perfection, Hyperpro Rear shock, and a few more things..I really like the bike. Been running Metzeler Roadtec tyres on her, but next time i am going to try the Michelin Roads. Keep on biking! and thank you for the review!
Hi there! Thanks for the lovely comment and in depth insight into what you've done 👍 Definitely a long term keeper and great for touring (just wish it had a center stand!)
I've been running Road 6 since last year. Before that I had Pirelli Angel GT2 and Metzeler Z8, both of which I liked quite a bit. I didn't get on with the OEM Bridgestone S21/22 though
Thanks for comprehensive breakdown of expenses was truly fascinating.
🙏🍩 Love from Scotland 🍩🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for leaving the comment, much appreciated. Do you own one also?
@ just got bk into biking after 35 years away. Got an old zzr600 but she’s bit heavy for an old 60 year man. Dont think she’s ever had so much spent on her.
FIRST Thing I did is bought for her was brand new set of top of the line metzlers .
Nice bike! There are so many good bikes out there, both current and a bit more vintage.
I didn't like the OEM Bridgestone tyres for the Z1000 and couldn't wait to change them. Have used Metzeler Z8, Pirelli Angel GT2 and now on Road 6.
My second bike is a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Great run-around and can do a bit of green laning.
Lovely bike, and great review!
Thanks!
Very detailed 30,000 miles review. But all in all cost wise still very economical Bike. Cheers
@@kimetogo thanks, 👍
Despite the bills I think it makes more sense than upgrading to a new bike. People like me are why dealerships are closing 🤣
Sums up my thoughts on the bike. Great all rounder and the engine is perfect. I bought one in the same colour this summer with 14k on it for £6400. You bought well back in 2020.
Congratulations 👏👏👏 I think Stormcloud blue blue 💙 is the best colour 😁
They keep their value really well if looked after 👍
I sure this will be a valuable resource in the future. The Ninja 1100 is on my shortlist for my first big bike. It's the "no-brainer practical reasonably priced why consider anything else?" category. Living in Japan and with my taste in bikes, it is pulling me very strongly.
The 1100 is very tempting. Yes, it's down on peak power (which you'll never reach on the road) but it's up on torque in the useable range which is what you really want. I really don't like the look of the new model's exhaust, though...
@@NooBiker I'm with you on the exhaust. Yours looks so much better. And yes, speed limits are a good deal lower here than in the UK, so I don't worry about less power. I'll keep thinking it over. :D
I recon you're a huge part of that bike Noob 😎.... likewise I can't see me riding anything else other than the steed I got in the garage ... take care
I feel part of it, Howie 💙
It's a great feeling when you get on with the bike. On the flip side it makes me hesitant to switch to something else and maybe that's holding me back?
Hello, enjoyed you informative review. I bought a Ninja 1000 SX in 23 & it is the best all rounder I have owned (I have owned quite a few). Smooth, very comfortable, plenty of power & the LED headlamps are superb. I intend to do some touring on it this year.
@@chrisspeed-ik3et congratulations on an awesome bike and best wishes of miles of smiles on your touring 👍
Thanks for watching and glad you found the review useful. What tyres are on the bike and how are you finding them?
@NooBiker I have changed the original Bridgestone S22 to Metzeler roadrech 02. Not scrubbed them in yet so can't comment on them. The reviews I have read have been positive though. I got just over 4000 miles out of the Bridgestones.
@@chrisspeed-ik3et not tried the Roadtec 02, but I couldn't wait to get shot of the OEM Bridgestones. Have had Metzeler Z8, Pirelli Angel GT2 and currently Michelin Road 6. Got 10k miles each from the Metzeler and Pirellis 👍 (reviews on this channel)
Nice bikes those. I'd be very tempted if it weren't for the fact I already have 2 sport touring bikes, which are more than up to the job. Halfway through the video I realised that I know those roads very well.
Cool stuff! Which bikes do you have?
You're local to Chigwell/Abridge? 👍
Thanks for checking out my video 😊
@NooBiker I live in Burnham on Crouch now but 15 years in Romford and grew up in Chingford. Been a regular up high beech for years. Bikes...... Bandit 1200s and a Vfr800 vtec.
Nice bikes! 👍
Love me some Burnham Bends and Dengie peninsula up to Bradwell and the RAF memorial. Some lovely roads in your area
@NooBiker I'm a bit bored with it now to be honest. It's all on my doorstep.
Ah yes... Familiarity breeds contempt 😅 time to travel further afield then 👍
I had a silver one of these which I bought new in 2019. Mine was a touring version with the panniers and I paid £9000 for mine. I really didn't like the standard end cans which I changed for black widow ones and the standard tyres made it handle strange at low speed. I also fitted a tail tidy and although I really liked the bike I ended up changing it for the newer Ninja model as it is better in so many ways and I still have and love that bike.
@@paulfowler6665 great to hear. I didn't like the OEM Bridgestone tyres and couldn't wait to change them. Have used Metzeler Z8, Pirelli Angel GT2 and now on Road 6.
Silver is also a good colour for this bike, though obviously not as good as blue 💙😜
How is the newer Ninja better, what aspects? Are you considering the new 1100 version also?
As soon as I took the Ninja out the handling felt better it felt more responsive too. As well as having a quick shifter, cruise control a new TFT dash (although I really liked the old dash) more padded seats and a single sided exhaust which I'm not sure is better than the old twin pipes to be honest. Overall it was worth the upgrade but no I don't think the new 1100 is an improvement at all. Except maybe the SE version with better rear shock and front brakes but the standard brakes and suspension are really good anyway so I'm sticking with my Ninja 1000 this time. @@NooBiker
Thanks for that, Paul. Very interesting. What tyres are you running?
Currently have Bridge stone Battlax Hypersports on mine@@NooBiker
Cool. How are you getting on with them? I didn't like the Battlax S20 or S21 that came with my bike: not confidence inspiring in the wet.
They are great bikes. There are some great stickers on the cases as well. I like the fact that it's a blue Kawasaki, you don't see many around
@@Banditmanuk they only made this blue version for that one year. I think it's the best colour for it!
Missing the FCCR sticker 😭
@@NooBiker Green !!
@davidreed6817 nah, not for me 👍
Hi' I remember when you got your paniers and fitted new locks, I now have a h2 sx and recently did the same from watching your vid, but I must admit your bike is all you need as mine is to fast for touring, unless your against the clock😅 you have certainly put yours to good use, makes me feel giulty😊
Congratulations on the awesome bike and I'm very glad my video was helpful to you.
I don't think I could afford insurance on a H2 SX with an Ilford (London) postcode 😭
Very thorough and honest review focusing on the bike. I have the 2020 model, bought it in October 21 and have done 42 000 km since. I'm very happy with it. I changed the foot pegs for some adjustable ones from Puig which can be adjusted to alleviate the knee angle, my only gripe when it comes to ergonomics. All the other modifications mirror yours albeit from different manufacturers. I settled for Dunlop Roadsmart IVs and I'm very happy with their performance. My only criticism has more to do with the roads I ride than with the bike itself. Sometimes I wish it had an electronic suspension and a little more travel but then it would be a Versys and I prefer the Ninja. I'm a compulsive "bike-tester" in the sense that I have taken around 8 different demonstrator bikes for a spin since I got my Ninja but although sometimes I was infatuated by the bikes' design or just excited because it was something new, every time I got back on the Ninja I just couldn't see how another bike could suit me better, we're a very good match. Troubles? Very few considering that I ride all year even during the winter and get a lot of rain ( I live in Belgium) and a good amount of salt in the winter. I got a false alarm from the oil pressure lamp, turned out that it was some humidity which made the contact corrode (I'm probably guilty as I haven't been as careful as I should have when hosing the bike down with the pressure washer) and a leaking valve on the front rim (it was an aftermarket hooked one and wasn't properly sealed).
If I wasn't already old I would say that I see myself getting older on the Ninja...
@@carlosalonso9866 thanks for the very thorough comment and congratulations on a great bike. The Roadsmart tyres are ones I've heard good things about but haven't had a chance to try yet. I've tried three different other tyres with reviews on the channel.
Did you get the panniers with your bike?
I've heard some of the roads in Belgium can be quite bad. Same here in the UK unfortunately
@@NooBiker Yes, I got the OEM panniers with the bike but I don't use the Kawasaki liners, I've found some cheap solutions which hold more stuff when I do longer trips (+-12 days), I also carry a SW-Motech tailbag which is handy as it can be expanded with a zipper. For chain maintenance on the road I use a sort of telescopic minilift which packs small and does (mostly, depending on the surface) the job. I'm planning to explore the British Islands on my bike in the next years so I'll get first hand experience with the state of your tarmac. Regards
I have now ordered a mini-stand for my next trip. Thanks for the tip!
I have a tank bag in addition to the panniers. I usually put all my clothes for the week in one Kawasaki bag in one pannier (left) and have the right pannier for bits and bobs (rain covers, spares, maintenance, water, snacks, shopping etc) 👍
@@NooBiker My to-go setup for long trips is: all bike related items in one liner in one pannier (tools, spare parts, bits and pieces I don’t have to use during the ride or I have to keep locked like action camera, satnav). All clothes and toiletries in a liner in the other pannier. All stuff I potentially need while riding in the tail bag (extra layers or waterproofs, second pair of gloves, sunglasses, cap…
When I get to my destination I just get the liner I need and the tail bag (SW-Motechs are a hoot to unlatch from the rear seat). If I stay put somewhere for a couple of days, I transfer the tools I’d need to repair a puncture (mini-lift, wrenches, repair kit and a very convenient mini air pump from Bosch which you can charge via usb cable) and which I keep together in a bag to the tail bag and I leave the panniers at the accommodation I happen to be staying. Cheers
I have a 2021 Kawasaki Versys 650cc GT and for me it's perfect. I use it for solo and two up riding. With a 21ltr tank I find it heavy at very slow speeds, but get it on the road at normal speeds and it's perfect.
Very nice!
The Versys 650 is also a great bike. I used to have the Ninja 650 before the Z1000SX and the parallel twin engine is very similar to the one on the Versys (I think they're tuned a bit different). It's a great platform.
I am starting to get interested in the Versys 1100 - have you had any thoughts on that, or a test ride?
No. I'm happy with the 650 Versys. I also have a Yamaha MT-03 660cc single that I ride about on. For me the middle weight cc's are enough for our English roads.
@@yamman56 💯 percent
My other bike is a Royal Enfield Himalayan and that's my usual town run around but the 24bhp are more than enough to reach NSL and have lots of fun 👍
Nice bike! In 2022 i was sooooo close of getting one. Its was a 2020 model.in jet black with the panniers for £6500 under 8000miles... The job was cancelled due to insurance in London 😂. They didn't want to insure me at all... Lots of people love this bike. For the price you're getting an amazing bike
Ah, the one that got away... Your Cross Tourer is quite nice too.
My insurance is renewing this month. Some insurers quoting silly numbers, but my current one offered a decent quote 👍
I gotta get you a sticker to add to that awesome pannier!!!
Do you already have some of my stickers? If not, I'll send you some.
@ I do! On my board!
Great video, i own a 2022 Ninja 1000sx and love it. I've had it from new and done around 9k miles and also done lots to the bike to make it mine.
Jump on the Plymouth to Santander ferry and get over to Northern Spain and the Pico's De Europa mountain range.... You wont be disappointed.
There's a chap selling uprated frame bolts on the Facebook forum for the subframe issues youve had.
I have bought a set of the uprated bolts from the chap on Facebook, but haven't installed them yet. Something for the future...
Congratulations on your bike. Picos de Europa and Portugal are on my to do list, but I'd need a longer holiday to do that and the cost of the ferry puts me off for now given my current circumstances. I still have to tick off the Swiss Alps and Black Forest, but Picos is definitely in future plans
@@NooBiker we booked the ferry over a year in advance for October this year and it was cheaper than 2022, which was a massive suprise. We do have 4 sharing a cabin to really maximise the cost too
Awesome bike.
I love it!
@ I’d love a bike like that too. Wanted a Versys 1000. Wifey hated it. 😭
@@hachewie that's interesting 🤔 The new Versys 1100 looks interesting. What was it that Mrs Chewie didn't like?
@ just comfort.
@hachewie so Marianne didn't like the pillion seat? Can't be as good as the Rocket's I guess...
I think for most people sport tourers like that, are a perfect choice. It's a shame they have gone out of popularity a bit. I think you made a great choice, and the mileage and trips you have done, sure show it.
@@DeweyRides I think "ADV" bikes have taken over as more popular because of the more upright riding position, and they can be pretty tasty in performance and features too. The faired looks of a sport tourer are much more to my taste.
Looking forward to your new content 👍
@@NooBiker I think you will really enjoy the new stuff. It is a lot of the really neat places in Southern Brazil to start. I hope they do well, I wanted people to see the beauty of Brazil, that is why I waited until after the holidays. Not many people travel in Brazil compared to the other countries, so these are some very unique videos showing off what Brazil has to offer.
@DeweyRides yes, it's often overlooked because it's hard to make a loop out of it: it's so vast once you get past the South East, you can't cut back across the Amazon, only the wetlands. My dream when I've secured my financial future is to do the bits most people don't, up into the North East and North, then down the centre. We'll see...
Thanks for the vid. 2020 SX owner here. About 20k km to date. Reg. Turn, try lowering your front end, for a quicker turn in. Or at your next tire change go to a 190/55-17 tire vs the specd 50 side wall. It makes a massive difference, and had zero effect for me TC wise.
Thanks for the tips!
Although I've never felt this bike to be sluggish turning...
@NooBiker Apologies, I thought you mentioned something about the turn in. Disregard :)
@@otmuppet no apology necessary at all, it's a good tip, might be useful to others 👍
I am looking for one at the moment ( on condition of the sale of my VFR800 07). I have heard only good things and I have had quite a few Kawasaki's in my time. Their engines are always something special.
I love the look of the VFR, especially the single-side swing-arm version. When I sit on one, though, it's a bit more leaned forward than on the Z1000SX.
The engine won't break any power or speed records, but it has lovely fat torque from almost any rev. Keep it singing at around 5-7 and it will pua smile on your face for sure.
Are you buying new or used?
The only thing I don't like about your bike is it doesn't have a Flat Cap Cafe Racer sticker on it in this video😁😁 You seem to pick bikes you get along with for a long period of time. I'm kind of hit and miss and want to move on after a year or two.....credit to you for making great choices.
We'll upgrade it with a special sticker very soon!
Maybe I'm just afraid of change...
Hi FCCR, one of your subscribers here from England here, nice to "see" you on other channels, Best wishes.
@@davidreed6817 Thanks David. I subscribe to quite a few UK moto vloggers.
Well Noob the SX has certainly served you well, and like you say to replace it with something else and spec it up the same would be expensive. It's a bike I very nearly bought, but when I went into the dealers to look at one, the ZZR 1400 caught my eye.
@@greywolf9292 there are great bikes out there to suit every taste and preference. We're blessed in that aspect. The ZZR is great for you 👍
@NooBiker The ZZR certainly gave me lots of joy, but of late it felt too cramped. Even although it was a blast to ride, it got to ridiculous speeds rather too quickly, if I wanted to keep my licence. So I sold it and bought the BMW R1250R, which still offers some fun but also a lot more comfort. I've still got the Rocket 3 GT for the adrenaline rush when needs must 😇😂🤣
@greywolf9292 very sensible 😉
Nice little review. I have the 2012 model, in grey. Got her with 20k on it and done about 10k, never misses a beat. Riding all year around to work and trips in the summer. That engine is just so smooth and loads of power. I don’t find her heavy at all once off the kick stand. She manages well in London traffic. I do ride with a top box all the time so will be watching the subframe now. This worries me a bit now and hope it’s just a one off. Given it’s a touring bike I would find that very disappointing for the frame to be that weak. I do not miss a centre stand. You will lose ground clearance. I use a foldable swing arm lift stand. Takes 30 seconds to set up. Small enough to take on tours. I won’t bother with a centre stand on any bike anymore. They rust, are heavy, take away ground clearance and are expensive. I like the full radiator cover. Will look into that. Thanks
Thanks for the comment. I've ordered a foldable swingarm stand now
Hi. Thanks for the nice video. A question about valve clearance measurement and adjustment: has it been done? Thanks.
Thanks for the question. It's in the video and in the description:
Service #4 May 2024 @ 24,680 miles for £654 including valve clearance checks and replacing 10 shims (8 exhaust, 2 intake)
Hope this helps 👍
Id love to have one
What's stopping you? What do you currently ride and where do you ride it?
Bought 85 600 ninja new I 85 put 60k on it in 6 yrs not one thing broken it and I rode it hard. Tires to often and brakes sprockets and chains. Oil valves on time ran like a toyota camry v6 reliable as anvil and fun to boot. Never owned any other brand after that. That bikes 11 grand redline was used daily and bike never missed a beat. Best built bikes ever in my opinion. Mechanic doing valves said inside motor top end looked brand new. Changeoil every 3 k do valves on time the damn thing would have run forever. Sold it 6 months later got totalled I cried as I sold it looking better than new. I loved that bike
@@RT22-pb2pp it's great to hear such stories, though I'm sorry for your loss. I don't ride this bike very hard, I'm more "Driving Miss Daisy" than "Days of Thunder" 🤣
@NooBiker never should have sold it but my zx6r is going strong but I loved tge original old school 600
My brother had the next model after yours, he also commented about the weight when moving it around. He loved the bike, but the dealer was not very good.
That's a real shame about the dealer, that can really spoil the ownership experience ☹️
Thankfully East London Kawasaki have been very good to me. Friendly and skilled service.
1000sx is a really good bike. It is fast, reliable and for its size, very reasonable MPG. I had an all black one, a 2017 model which I kept for three years. Why did I sell it? , I'm 73 and after recent spell in hospital due to an HA, I lost so much muscle mass/weight that when I finally recovered and took my first ride , I realised that If I dropped it I would not be able to pick it up on my own, besides, it being a SPORTS Tourer became too uncomfortable to ride for any long distance,( due to age, my physical shape NOT the bike) But I kept it immaculate and loved riding it. Its not a light bike but its not exceptionally heavy either, so what did i replace it with?, another Kawasaki - this time a RS900, (retro).
Thanks for watching, and the detailed comment. I agree with you: sometimes you have to get "bike fit" for a specific bike. It can be taxing to do longer days on the Z and I'm a "sprightly" 52y.o.
You've replaced it with a very nice bike. The character of the Z900RS is completely different, though. It spins up the engine so much faster! And when I rode one, I did not get on with the OEM tyres. I hope you still have many more miles of smiles biking!
Sure is a pretty bike!!!
Thank you!
Hi NooB, interesting review. I just bought a 2019 model, with 7k on the odo, to replace 2 bikes both of which are supposedly lighter. However, I haven't noticed much difference pushing it around. I won't be riding it properly until spring when the other 2 will go up for sale. Just out of interest how tall are you?
@@stevebaker5254 I'm 170 cm tall with a 76 cm inseam, or 5'7" with a 30" inseam in old money.
Congratulations on an awesome 😎 bike. Out of curiosity, what two bikes are being replaced?
Same height and leg length ☺️. I currently have an ‘02 900 Hornet and a ‘10 650 V-Strom. Although I have previously owned newer bikes as well.
Yes, that makes sense. The Z will be better at touring (weather protection, luggage options etc) than the Hornet, and more sporty than the Strom (which I nearly bought as my first "big bike")
The weight thing: I only really feel it when moving very slowly or pushing it around in a car park (if there's a slope or a pronounced camber).
Heavy???? Ummm. Nope.
You have to allow for me being a weak short ar$e...