a really good assessment of both bikes. genuine and realistic appreciation of their attributes. personally i prefer the suzuki but then again i own one. MTC can, upgraded brake pads, bar risers, black screen, black side fairing with red nose cone, red half tank cowl and red rear seat flash. beauty and practicality all in one. a well behaved labrador or a howling wolf depending on what you want. i love it.
Solid review - good job ! I've taken both of these for a test ride in the last few weeks and I am incredibly torn for the reasons you mentioned - if the Suzuki had a better pillion and good luggage options, there'd be no competition. I loved both engines but the Suzuki was just a more exciting bike to ride. I might need to ride both of them again before I make up my mind. Thanks for the review.
Just went from 2011 Ninja 1000 to GSX-S100F .. felt like gsx slight more comfortable.. stock brakes seem better than ninja did stock in 2011 (they fixed brakes in 2013) . either bike great.. just GSX weighs 40lbs less and 20 more HP.. Ninja has better wind protection..
Hoping for an update from Suzuki that doesn’t dull the bike. It just needs cruise, a quick shifter, and maybe taller gearing with a tad more power. The 2020 update for the Kawasaki has everything I would want, and it honestly beats the Suzuki as an overall package, but I’m still torn between them. The Suzuki is old school in all the right ways with just enough modern tech to be relevant. It’s what people want and are asking for but they don’t realize it.
Thanks really enjoyed that and I am seriously looking at both , I don't like the stock exhaust on the kawa and don't need anything practical but I am 6ft 4 so comfort will probably by the main point.
I own the 2015 Kaw. Ninja 1000 and love the upright comfort and performance. The Suzuki is also very comparable and I think you were spot on in your review. Owned a Honda 600 sport bike years ago and the wrists kept going to sleep. My second bike is a 2014 Kaw. 1400 concours.
Great review much appreciated, I am torn between the 2 and cannot decide been like it for weeks and weeks!!.. I have currently the king you mention Honda CBR600F. subbed
Thank you for your comment, hope review was of some use. Check out our video " 2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX Performance Edition, Jolly Boys Cover Layer Cake " for further on board footage of the Z1000SX. Cheers
I'm considering both these bikes and hoped you could comment on what bike it smoother? I am very sensitive to vibrations... Some reviews on the Kawasaki have mentioned it gets quite vibey.. Your thoughts please...
Hi, have to say the gear indicator is a total waste of money on every one we've ridden, totally inaccurate. Heated grips a far more worth while investment IMHO. Cheers
“Like hugging an ex girlfriend. Familiar, but a bit wider and softer”
😂😂
a really good assessment of both bikes. genuine and realistic appreciation of their attributes. personally i prefer the suzuki but then again i own one. MTC can, upgraded brake pads, bar risers, black screen, black side fairing with red nose cone, red half tank cowl and red rear seat flash.
beauty and practicality all in one. a well behaved labrador or a howling wolf depending on what you want. i love it.
Solid review - good job ! I've taken both of these for a test ride in the last few weeks and I am incredibly torn for the reasons you mentioned - if the Suzuki had a better pillion and good luggage options, there'd be no competition. I loved both engines but the Suzuki was just a more exciting bike to ride. I might need to ride both of them again before I make up my mind. Thanks for the review.
Just went from 2011 Ninja 1000 to GSX-S100F .. felt like gsx slight more comfortable.. stock brakes seem better than ninja did stock in 2011 (they fixed brakes in 2013) . either bike great.. just GSX weighs 40lbs less and 20 more HP..
Ninja has better wind protection..
Thanks for the great review, I’m currently looking at both these bikes in Australia.
thx for the review. About to get s1000 2020
My two favourites, great review looking to buy one still don’t know yet
Hoping for an update from Suzuki that doesn’t dull the bike. It just needs cruise, a quick shifter, and maybe taller gearing with a tad more power. The 2020 update for the Kawasaki has everything I would want, and it honestly beats the Suzuki as an overall package, but I’m still torn between them. The Suzuki is old school in all the right ways with just enough modern tech to be relevant. It’s what people want and are asking for but they don’t realize it.
Great review, thanks! It was just what I wanted to hear! Off to find a Z1000sx now!
Thanks really enjoyed that and I am seriously looking at both , I don't like the stock exhaust on the kawa and don't need anything practical but I am 6ft 4 so comfort will probably by the main point.
I own the 2015 Kaw. Ninja 1000 and love the upright comfort and performance. The Suzuki is also very comparable and I think you were spot on in your review. Owned a Honda 600 sport bike years ago and the wrists kept going to sleep. My second bike is a 2014 Kaw. 1400 concours.
I have the S1000F and it is really a great bike. Suzuki got this one spot on.
Except the gear ratios. Tall 1st and short 6th. Needs a 5 gallon (19l) tank as well.
I'm still enjoying the GSXS but good comments thanks
@MotoMerica: we need new videos from you! :-)
Haha yes indeed. I've had some time away from filming but i'm starting again in about a week so check back to see new videos.
What if I want 5 8ths practicality, 3 7ths speed and fun and 11 6ths comfort and foot peg location ?
Yamaha T-Max?
Was looking at a z1000sx to replace my FJR1300 as I’m not doing as much European touring now 👍
Great review much appreciated, I am torn between the 2 and cannot decide been like it for weeks and weeks!!.. I have currently the king you mention Honda CBR600F. subbed
Thank you for your comment, hope review was of some use. Check out our video " 2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX Performance Edition, Jolly Boys Cover Layer Cake " for further on board footage of the Z1000SX. Cheers
Where did the Kawi dealer get the gear indicator from ? I have this bike and really would love to have a gear indicator.
Great review.
It's a gi pro gear indicator easy to fit about £100
Great review. Many thanks.
Like hugging an ex girlfriend, still familiar! Just a bit wider in the girth! What a line haha
I'm considering both these bikes and hoped you could comment on what bike it smoother? I am very sensitive to vibrations... Some reviews on the Kawasaki have mentioned it gets quite vibey.. Your thoughts please...
the Kawasaki's vibrations let it down, the 2017 model still buzzes too
those two are really sleek and sexy bikes. nice review! keep it up!
Hi, have to say the gear indicator is a total waste of money on every one we've ridden, totally inaccurate. Heated grips a far more worth while investment IMHO.
Cheers
Agreed. If you need an idiot window to tell you you're in the wrong gear, you're not much of a rider.
snap crackle pop
Great review
Which bike is fastest?
the Suzuki
suzuki wins this one. k5 engine.
Ma che prova è ? Non avete fatto una curva degna !
Found the gearing on the Kawasaki to be too low
Z1000SX:
1200 rpm (idle), 1st gear, 7.6 mph (12.2 kph) minimum.
6th gear, 60 mph (97 kph), 4056 rpm. Final gearing ratio 15/41.
GSX-S1000F:
1200 rpm (idle), 1st gear, 8.5 mph (13.7 kph) minimum.
6th gear, 60 mph (97 kph), 4203 rpm. Final gearing ratio 17/44.
I find the GSX needing a lower 1st and taller 6th. In spite it running faster at highway speeds, it gets 3-4 mpg (US gal) better fuel economy.