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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- Can this years Kawasaki 1000sx be the best sports tourer for 2023? Let's find out.
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I own a '21 Performance-tourer and have been very happy with this bike, I do around 15 000 km yearly, most of it weekend tours and one long motorcycle trip (10-12 days 4000-5000 km) in the summer. For that, it's an excellent bike. Concerning the points you criticize in your review. Vibrations: yes, there are some at 6000 km, they haven't bothered me and you have to see them in the general context of one of the smoothest engines there are. I come from a BMW R1250GS and have ridden other two-cylinder engines and while they maybe do not generate the vibrations you describe, those engines produce vibrations and mechanical buzz everywhere in their respective rev-range, you notice the vibes at around 6000 rpms on the Kawasaki's inline-four because i's such an amazingly smooth engine everywhere else in the rev-range. I also don't agree with your categoric dismissal of the windshield. While wind protection is a subjective matter and very much depends on your size and frame, it also comes round to what do you want from a screen. Create a perfect bubble to listen to music via your intercom? This windshield won't do. Again from my former experience on a big adventure bike. You got objectively better protection but at the cost of buffeting, probably from the more vertical orientation of the windshield. With the Ninja's I feel the wind but I don't get much buffeting. I have ridden this bike on the motorway at 150 km/h for over 120 km and have spent long transition legs in the saddle and cannot complain about the comfort. Obviously it's not a RT or Goldwing. ✌
Like you say, there are many differing factors between riders when it comes to comfort, wind protection, vibrations.
Im definitely not the only person to comment on the wind noise. Ignoring the ability to listen to music comfortably, or speak into my mic without the wind over powering the sound levels. The wind buffeting was obvious and uncomfortable to my head in general.
Apparently the Kawasaki tall screen for this bike does wonders in sorting this issue out. It's a big issue with an easy fairly cheap fix. Which then in turn makes it not so much a big issue.
As long as you enjoy your bike then that's all that matters, keep hitting those long journeys and enjoying the open road. Ride safe Carlos.
@@DSR1YT squid missiles with bags. the max tolerable rpm for cruising is 5000. max. at 6 and above it numbs hand an butt. at the realistic freeway speeds we go u would be lucky to be able to take the needed 8-9000 rpm buzz for 30mins. or less considering the sport bike joke of a fly screen the wind will also be beating the * out of u.
- stay off the freeway on these. or go 60 all the way there.
Came to this bike from a Versys 1000 - 118bhp 4 cyl with a big touring screen, and a chunk of twins and a yamaha 4cylc previously -- Can confirm: The vibrations in a short rev range are noticable (especially with the way this one's geared in 2023 -- mine wants to be at 4800rpm on the motorway, and that's WHERE the vibrations are - they disappear lower and later, but at 70mph in top gear its annoying) ... the versys had a similar problem but was in a different range (can't remember specifics but the bars would vibe-out around 60mph in top gear)... but I'd take this any-day over the versys. Sure I'll get wetter with this screen but the buffetting up tall with either stock or aftermarket screens would starve me of airflow and throw my head around in the turbulence on the autobahn
Do the rear bags come off easily if you want to ride without them?
Yes they do mate.
I actually own this bike. I suspect this review was done on a rental or other loaner-type motorcycle. I recently did an 800 mile round trip ride on this bike and I can say it cruises quite easily at 85 mph. The cruise control is quite helpful in making the ride super smooth and works well. I love this motorcycle. Another mod I made is add handlebar risers further adding to the comfortability of this very torquey and lovely motorcycle. It's a head turner for sure.
where did you get the risers from, i have has my ninja about 6 weeks. could do with the bars being a bit higher
As mentioned this is a demo bike from my local dealer. There's definitely areas I would be tweaking before doing any long distance on this machine, mainly to do with the wind protection. Bar risers are a good shout too. Enjoy your ride
I have this 2023 bike in red, very satisfied. I love the smoothness of the engine, and it can be very powerful. 250 km/h with no effort. very easy to maneuver.
Great choice. 🤙
its amazing to hear such varied opinions of the same bike. This just proves that if you like the look and sound of a bike, and want to buy the bike, go and test ride it for 3-4 hours. Take reviews with a pinch of salt as they are mostly subjective. Reviews are still good though, and get me through the winters!
💯 mate. We don’t like the exact same women. It’s the same with bikes. Everyone is different and I always recommend people to go test ride before buying.
Hope you still liked the video anyway 😁🤙
I’m new to your channel but Enjoyed your review immensely both the pros and cons, so much so I drove a 300 mile round trip for a demo ride.
I was That impressed with the ride the comfort the power and the quick shifter I bought the tourer edition on the spot. So come the 20th October it’s bye bye tiger 900 GT pro and hello Ninja 1000 se.
You asked where would you go on it? I’ve booked a European tour taking in Holland Germany Austria Slovenia and Croatia, roll on summer 24 😂
Wow, it’s great to hear my video helped you out that much. You’ve made a great choice. I’m currently sat here editing the 900 GT Pro video as well 😁.
Welcome along to the channel as well.
I’m not jealous of your trip at all 🤣. Sounds like it will be an epic ride. For now I’ve just got to put up with the Welsh mountains. Ride safe 🤙
Hey congratulations mate …even iam looking at switching from my tiger800xrx to kawi…you happy with the decision ??
I own the 2022 tourer version, part of the package was a sat nav bracket fits on front of tank mounting bolts also came with larger screen, I'm 6ft1 and most of the time have it in the 2nd position up never had a problem and wear a shark carbon touring helmet
I knew there was a better option for the screen, shame they don’t put it on as standard. Also glad to know they do provide a solution for the satnav. Do you find there is many vibes on your bike?
I know sometimes when bikes are properly broken in things settle down from when it’s brand new. One of the issues with only taking out demo bikes, they are always within the break-in period.
@@DSR1YT I haven't had any vibration issues it's allways been super smooth, I did 7500 miles in the first year and after big service it felt even better, was amazing. I've owned honda and yamaha In line 4sin the past but have to say this kawasaki is the best , I am 1 super happy owner
My 2023 is super smooth too.
Hay don’t shoot the messenger 😀. Honestly I don’t know why there’s a difference. Maybe I’m a sensitive sole ? 🤣
Had this out on a trst ride yesterday and I thought it was a fantastic bike. Tons of power ans very comfortable but I have to agree with you about the screen. Im only 5'8" and still got all of the wind in the chest and chin.
Yeah it’s not ideal. I’m sure an easy fix with a new screen though. Glad to hear you enjoyed your test ride. 🤙
I'm thinking of replacing my FZ6 with one of these. I'd upgrade from the 600 to the 1k, swap my aftermarket soft luggage for factory units, the riding triange looks similar, way better suspension and brakes, and better two-up capability.
Would be a decent upgrade form the FZ6 for sure mate.
I too find the wind coming of the standard and touring screens a little irritating. I've sorted most of it by buying a used standard screen and cutting it down to about an inch above the top fixing bolts. The wind is pretty much non existent until you get up some speed , if you know what I mean lol!
😉😉. Glad you found an easy work around.
I test rode my brothers 2020 1000sx, which had the same large screen as is fitted to the bike in this video, and immediately encountered the air turbulence around my helmet. I considered it to be a real issue so I took the screen off completely just to see if it cured the problem and it did. My brother has now fitted a standard sized screen which has stopped a lot of the turbulence. I own the a 2018 z900 which does not have any wind issues at all.
Also I service both mine and my brothers bikes but find his 1000sx far more fiddly and labour intensive than my z900. Service parts cost more too for the 1000sx ie 1 sparkplug costs £10.
As of 2020 the service interval spanner can only be reset by a Kawasaki dealer although this can be disabled and a user mode is enabled. If you do the servicing yourself but want a Kawasaki dealer to disable the dealer only service interval spanner from appearing on the dash, expect either a debate with your dealer of whether or not it can or they are willing to do the job (even though it is stated in the user manual it can be done by a Kawasaki dealer) or a cost of £35 to over £100 to have it disabled.
Nice to see and there is an easy fix for the wind buffeting. Manufacturers always seem to do things which mean you have to go to them for X Y & Z otherwise something won’t work. I usually use main dealers to make sure I keep within warranty boundaries or to keep my service stamp inline. Also I have very little mechanical skills so I’d end up doing more wrong than right 😁
Most service routines consist of checking/inspecting various items i.e Kawasaki 1000sx 7600mile/1year service consists of changing only four items : Oil, Oil filter, Air filter & Spark plugs. If you do the service yourself, all these items together only cost about £100 in total. However if you are not reaching the suggested service mileage and are just servicing on an annual basis then replacing some of the four servicing parts are not necessary. For example, I have just completed a 7600mile/yearly service on my brothers 1000sx which has only covered 2200miles since the last service, I did not change the Air filter or sparkplugs and only changed the oil and oil filter simple because the service life of the plugs and air filter had not been reached. I did extra work by removing the fairings to check, clean and lubricate what usually can not be seen which is above what a dealer would do anyway.
This is not to say I wouldn't use a dealer for certain jobs ie checking the valves clearances at the 15200mile interval. Although I would get a price for this job only and not include the rest of the servicing which I could do myself anyway.
Have a 2022 H2sx se, happy with it besides wish it had more grunt and adjustable electronics on the go
Maybe its time for an ECU tune?
@@DSR1YT that would be great if it was possible on the 22 reg;-)
@@pauldark3044 is it not? Ah dam, I remember when I got my MT10 tuned, made it in to another level of beast mode :P
@DSR1YT yeah I believe you, have a z900rs that I've done it with, became a new bike;-) great videos, keep up the good work 😃
@@pauldark3044 Thanks Paul, sat editing as we speak. all good till Christmas so far :P
I use an EvoTech quad lock mount on my sx. It used the fuel tank front mount point.
I agree re’ the wind noise, it seems worst at motorway cruising speed for me.
The wind was not a pleasant experience I know that much. I know people have mentioned about better screens to eliminate this issue, easy enough fix which is good.
@@DSR1YT any idea what screen they used?
@markharrison2484 unfortunately no idea mate, sorry.
Back around June, I went to my kawi dealership and sat on this exact bike. Actually it was the basic model. No panniers or anything. I guess I sat on it for about 5 minutes. I could see where the windscreen wouldn't be to effective, but there are plenty of aftermarket. The seat seemed quite hard to me and I noticed it when I got off. I would probably get a Corbin. The other thing was the foot pegs seemed to be positioned a bit to far back and my knees were bent quite a bit. Could have gotten it for 13,000, but I decided to hold off. Now I'm looking at the tracer 9gt plus or mt10. The sx is a good looking bike though.
SX is a decent bike, just not a great fit for me at my size IMO. GT + gets my vote for comfort/handling/touring. MT10 for an awesome Sunday bike, ive also toured on the MT10 so it is double, but it just wants to be let loose and wheelie everywhere :P
Really enjoyed this review, if I wasn’t looking for higher torque this would have been the choice, eventually picked up the BMW R1250rs but this was close ✌️
I know what you mean about the extra torque. The RS is a solid engine aswell, can’t go wrong with it that’s for sure. Enjoy the RS and ride safe.
S1000xr
I found pretty much the exact same issues when I reviewed the 2011 Z1000SX on my channel a couple of Years ago, crap screen, and far to much vibes at Motorway speed, mine was close to 6000rpm at 70 mph which is most likely the reason for the vibes, shame this newer model still suffers with the same problems that my 2011 review bike had 🙃
Glad its not just me that finds the vibrations frustrating on this bike as well :)
I have no vibrations on my 2023, very puzzling why our experiences are different
@@alanspence1716 Maybe you wear padded gloves and boots 🙃
Potentially the bike will settle down once it’s had its first service. Or maybe I’m just sensitive and a little bit delicate 🤣
@@DSR1YT I wonder if the panniers can set up vibrations. I've not ridden mine with them on yet
I just cant get past the weight...I know it tests nice but it just bothers me. I wish some manufacturer would put some wind protection on a naked...ideally I envision a ful faired real sportbike with an oversized fairing and higher bars and pegs virtually no one does THAT
Don't want much do you Doug :). The weight isn't that noticeable once moving, look past those numbers and go test it out, it may surprise you.
Hey which camera and mount are you using (on the bike itself)
Hay there. I believe that was my old insta one x. 🤙
How can you ride without a WOT (wide open throttle) to redline in 2nd & 3rd? Or zipping through endless turns? THAT's when you appreciate it!! I have a 2018 with a custom tune that pulls hard to over 130 very quickly. I put a large windscreen for highway, but destroys the aerodynamics at high speed, 130-155. I recently visited a friend 550 miles away. Left Friday and returned Sunday cruising 90-120mph. Michelin Road 5's are built for heavier bikes, so Michelin 2CT Sport tires make it much more comfy!
it's not as fast as my CBR100RR, but has more low and mid RPM torque
How can I not? Because I ride with cameras all over my bike and like my licence :P
Great review. Like most modern bikes waaayyyy too much power for practical applications.
Nice though. And really good value. A naked z900rs is 11000ukp i think. This is not much more but a lot more bike.
Not as pretty though...
Maybe not as pretty but more practical perhaps. RS is a great Sunday bike though.
Thanks for dropping a comment ralfy😁
How does the QS compare with the one on the SFV4? Are the vibrations very bad at highway speeds?
Shifty is decent on this. But vibrations are a big problem area for me personally. 🤙
Don’t have any vibration on mine
Maybe it needs fully breaking in and it’s first service completed. I noticed a big difference in my KTM GT before and after its first service with vibrations and how the engine felt in general 🤷🏻♂️
An excellent bike, for sure. I can see why Suzuki are wanting a slice of the pie with their new '1000GT. How would you compare them? I'm sure in reality they are really quite similar and tick the same boxes for potential buyers.
I think you are right also in your comments regarding some older bikers wanting sports bike like performance combined with a more comfortable riding posture. In that capacity too, I'm sure they would excel nicely. 🙂
Sadly I’ve not touched the 1000GT yet, but as you’ve mentioned it’s probably very similar in what it offers the post sports bike era riders.
I own the 2017, bought it new ,yes the new 2022 / 23 has several upgrades,
The bike I own is unbelievable pulls away in top gear from 30 mph ,technology down compared to this new version,
It's got a brilliant engine,
However even with the upgrade, the overall looks for me is getting a bit long in the tooth,
And the colours are ridiculously boring all the bikes are 80% black 20% colour cost cutting ,
Saying that I'd still buy another,
Your saying the brakes aren't very good ,Ride the the New Suzuki GT I000 they are absolutely rubbish, and that's the kawasaki competitor,
Fuel consumption is around 54 mpg obviously if you ride it harder its going to drop ,great value bike
My panniers don't rattle at all only if you have bits rolling around in them ,
Hi Martin. Thanks for the comment. I had nothing in the panniers, last years model was the same, the dealership told me about the rattling and there being a solution. They don’t put the rubber lugs in because demo riders take the panniers on and off and would lose the rubber bit without noticing.
I did say the brakes weren’t as strong as I personally like for the initial bite, but they will certainly do the job in a hard braking situation. Not all doom and gloom 😁.
Hopefully they will upgrade the TFT screen soon so be more inline with the type of riding they want this bike to be doing. Ride safe.
Need to ride safely I'm 66 😢,
It's not a perfect bike ,but is there a perfect bike ,
Owned 2 Honda's years ago , few problems,
8 suzuki motocyes 1975 on several two Strokes, 3 four-stroke bikes left out in all whether top of the Pit / coalmine, covered in dust frost ,snow ,rain never failed, only one issue a silencer baffled rattle on a GT 750 suzuki ,out of warranty suzuki sent a new one 😊,
@martinhughes9769 I remember those. Never wanted one but did like the look if them ....
Best bike evermade
Personally I wouldn’t say that. But we are all allowed our opinions 😁. Hopefully you’ve got one 🤣. Ride safe. 🤙
Not for me. I had one, an early model, and quickly sold it,
because it was simply too heavy for me. You can feel it when
you push it in the yard and it continues when you drive.
Plus the somewhat boring engine. I prefer it a little more reavy.
In comparison, the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT is more what I like.
However, the Kawa is the nicer motorcycle and is also made of
better quality. But it's all of no use if the bike lacks driving pleasure.
Agreed mate. If you don’t enjoy riding it. What’s the point in having it. I had a new KTM 690smc. Had it 6 months and sold it.
Ride what makes you happy 😁
I agree it’s so well made in the smooth department similar to my zx14r that it does lack character when not pressing it. I’ve owned the Gsxs1000f and it was way more fun and engaging.
That said having owned all these 3 bikes and currently running the 1000sx it is all round by far the best bike. I only own sport tourers, naked bikes and adventure bikes. Because of the adventure bikes and their high weight and long reach to the ground I feel all the 3 bikes above an ultimately easy to manoeuvre around the garage and at low speeds. The Suzi was very choppy though. The big ninjas are both delightful.
We are all individuals and definitely if you don’t enjoy it then what’s the point. I own a few different bikes to keep me enthused, and buy and sell every year or 2. I ride everyday, including commuting to and from work.
Vibes are no problem at all for me. I honestly don’t feel that it would be a problem to 99% of people. If you are after a windscreen to take all wind, then this is probably the wrong bike. Especially if you’re a 6 footer or above. Ear plugs is the answer for long trips. Screen on the lowest position for short trips and you get no turbulence but it’s similar to riding a naked bike. Which I personally like.
Hey, quick one -- you wish there was "extra options for phone or satnav mount" - did you test out that SP clamp that comes with the tourer edition? Visible on your left handlebar with the "SP" branding on it?
Believe it or not yes I did see this 😁. My phone didn’t fit in that holder.
I normally use quadlocks but after working out the pull-knob-twisty-thing on the right I could get an S22 Ultra in there. Was expecting to take it off and swap it but since they also do a goPro mount that fits under your phone I'm gonna stick with it a bit and see what its like
@@mwcavanagh fair one, I use quad lock on my GSA as well, used it for 6 years or so and im happy with the quality of the product, maybe when it breaks ill try something different but until that day comes ill just stick with QL. Hopefully you get on with the new mount.
Also Quadlock stem mount
🤙🤙
I have a Z900 and have the same vibration issue. At what speed did you notice it? I'm debating between the SX and ZH2. Surprisingly enough the ZH2 is more comfortable lol. I test rode the SX and only sat on the ZH2.
Kind of depends if you want something more laid back and easy to ride with bags or something that is ridiculously quick with the ZH2. I’ve reviewed last years ZH2 if you wanted to check out my thoughts on it. Head on over to the first ride playlist on my channel.
@@DSR1YT thx
Very nice review, I’ve got the same bike. It’s the most complete bike ever.
What are the gopro settings on the chin mount?
Thank you
Cheers mate. Reference the GoPro, I don’t colour grade anything, so its go pro colours, 4k, 30fps, standard bit rate, super view, stabilised, also i use a ND 4 Filter. Think that’s about all the settings for it. Hope that helps.
I have the 2020 ninja 1000sx and have no vibration issues or wind problems with the screen , I think your just to tall
Too tall and that’s why I feel vibrations? Maybe you’re just too short?
Are we now saying because you don’t feel any on your bike that there are no vibrations on this model at all?
All those others that agreed with me must all be wrong too? 🤣🤣🤙
Mine has no rear seat(( Same as that.
🤙🤙
Excellent thanks really want one 💙💙🏍️
Thanks Roland. Glad you enjoyed the review.
Great video 👍 I agree with you on the brakes, always nice to know you've got plenty than just enough.
Thanks Richard, I think it’s funny how Zoe hates strong brakes and I’d pick them all day long. Just that little extra comfort in the back of your mind whilst riding for me. 😁
H2 SX would be hard to go past if looking for a Kawasaki sports tourer
An insane tourer you mean 🤣. I like it that Kawasaki provide a few different options for tourers in their line ups.
Yep I had one a couple of years ago insanely fast mile muncher in comfort anyone looking at a new Z1000SX should look at a H2SX for the same money.
Also bragging rights down the pub surely 😁
I believe it is very very easy to go past the H2SX to be honest, as soon as I see the price tag.
Not sure in other countries but in Aus the ninja sx is 20,000 and the H2SX is 40,000.
If you have the money, lucky you!
@@FernitoAM not if you buy a used one, you can get a low mileage couple of year old H2SX for the same money as a new Z1000SX.
Im used to getting my helmet battered in the wind!😂
In a windy tunnel?
@@DSR1YT i dont agree about the brakes,i like them to progressive aswell its about feel.i think zoe probably would get better lap times than you!😂
@mart7798 she probably would, don’t tell her I said that though 🤣. Also coming from a man with a SDR you can’t say about having progressive brakes 😁.
The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things 😀
@@DSR1YT mine need looking at i reckon.but ive always been more like rossi on the brakes,just not as good o viously!😂
@mart7798 the last few bikes I’ve been on the brakes have been amazing, SDR,GT,SFv4, M1000R. Probably time for some new sintered pads mate 😁
BMW s1000XR or 24 m1000XR 😮
I’d wait for the M XR, standard XR didn’t do it for me. A vanilla bike IMO.
You didn’t answer your own question, is this the best sports tourer for 2023 ?
Right now I’m saying no it’s not the best. I’m yet to ride all the sports tourers and I couldn’t say which on paper is the best either.
What would you put down as the best for 2023?
@@DSR1YT really good review would love to see what you think about it’s revivals, Suzuki GT , BMW RS
@richardcook621 RS I can definitely do, Suzuki GT will be a little harder as I’m not linked with any Suzuki dealers. Looks like I need to expand out to some more dealers aye 😁
FJR1300??
I was going to trade down my concours 14 for this an get lighter an all the new fangled farkles... but none in stock. oye they advertise them, just dont have one. or a time theyll get one in stock. deposit an wait for undetermined time?. wow. this is the way it is now?. then forget it. lost a sale with me anyways.
i forgot- this is the new retail. NO inventory. if someone wants the product- u get the money, an order one. they wait, an store has no inventory they have to pay for to have there in stock an wait for someone to come along an buy it. thats the way nowadays. has been. no money out. just take the order/deliver/collect profit.
also eliminates dickering on the price. false created 'shortage' theyll tell u, so they dont dicker. u see 2-3 year old still new bikes still full price. scumbags nowadays.
I had the exact same when i bought the 690 SMC, was meant to get brand new, they took my money, told me 3 months, got close to the time and they told me they had none in stock in Austria. So i had to take their Ex-demo bike instead. Not ideal.
@@DSR1YT seems they dont sell therefore make many of these. their 'shortage' is self created. an do u know the z900rs and rs cafe turn less rpm at 80 on the freeway than this?. so much for the touring, at least on freeways. just a ninja squid missile with bags. same with suzy 1000gt. for reference, the Connie is less than 4000 rpm at 90!.
on these ull be like 8-9k rpm so forget the realistic common everyday highway speed touring on them. squid missiles with bags, upright sitting.
Ok yohr title says i must save money and get this dad bike instwad of.multiv4pp 😔
The title is merely a question :). Id still be putting my money down on the new Multi V4.
@@DSR1YT cotdamnit clickbaity question titles that the algorithm likes