4 Years & 22,000 Miles: 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX Long-Term Review (Honest Ownership Experience)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- #noobiker #kawasaki #z1000sx #frankie
Thinking about a Kawasaki Z1000SX? This in-depth review dives into my real-world ownership experience after 4 years and 22,000 miles. We'll cover everything from performance and comfort to reliability and fuel economy (spoiler: it gets around 46mpg!). Plus, I'll share a minor reliability issue I encountered and how it was resolved. Is the Z1000SX the sport tourer for you? Let's find out!
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00:00 Intro
01:41 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX Dashboard
03:17 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX Ergonomics
04:54 Riding a 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX
08:16 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX Power, Torque & Specs
09:18 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX Suspension & Comfort
11:35 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX Electronics
13:11 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX Horn
13:28 Manual handling of a 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX
13:45 Tyre choices for a 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX
14:30 Ownership Experience on a 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX
15:17 Competitors for a 2018 Kawasaki Z1000SX
17:35 Outro - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I was looking into these recently, they go for a really good price second hand and even new but the only thing that puts me off is pillion comfort, while it's supposed to be a tourer in Kawa's brochure reviewers including you mention it has issues with pillions. So you fixed the preload but for longer rides I'm not sure it's the best for pillions. Also I'm surprised for a sport tourer it can't be fitted with a centre stand! I did see some VFR1200s and GSX1250s going for real cheap too, my mind is telling me something like a Tracer7 is the best all rounder though, lighter, good enough top speed (>100mph what more do you need in the UK), good MPG, very practical and not so exotic you're worried about it getting damaged all the time. Too many options.....
It can't have a center stand because of the catalytic converter under it, unfortunately. I agree that is a negative. My daughter likes the pillion seat (I put a top box with a back rest) but she's not experienced enough to discern. She does prefer being pillion on the Himalayan. The spring doesn't affect comfort, only sag. It's the damping and rebound that would be an issue (and they're not on this bike)
Thanks for watching and making great points 👍
This bike seems to be one of the best kept secrets in the bike community. Most people that own it had it for a long time and wouldn’t get rid of it. Thankfully I have one since 2021, still not used to the weight though. Great bike and great quality, I would have rather have the old analogue speedometer like yours instead of the colour display like my generation.
Yes, I agree about the owners keeping them or just keep getting newer versions. One of the other people who commented said how much better the Ninja version is than the Z version in terms of handling etc. I'm thinking of doing a back to back comparison video.
Very nice review. Your bike looks like it just came out of the showroom, very well looked after. I like the look of the bike especially the Exhausts which suit it well. Keep on enjoying another 20,000 miles. Cheers
Thank you for the really nice comment. I hide all the little dinks and scratches well (the magic of editing 😂😂)
Do you ride one?
I do like the look of the standard exhausts.
Great job Noob, really well done. It's a lovely bike and being a gsxer fan I think I would really enjoy the SX.
Bravo👏👏
Thank you, Exeter. Coming from someone so accomplished with review videos, it means a lot to me.
Hi Noo very good honest long term review which you have more than enough time with your beautiful Z1000 SX.
I’ve just got a 22 reg ninja performance one again you want to try one more comfortable than the previous model you might just like it the old chap who had it before me took it back to the dealership and had the arkprovic exhaust took off and a standard one fitted said it was to loud for him shame now I’m stuck with the standard exhaust on the performance version 👍🏍️
Thanks, Derek. Definitely have gelled with this bike. But maybe I'm getting a little too old for it. Seating position can get tiring after a long day.
@@NooBiker hi Noo I’ve put the same pegs on has the blue and black one I had them 40mm adjustable pegs it’s the only way I can keep the bike without being cramped cause of my left leg thank you 👍👍🏍️
I was having kittens every time you leant forward with your keys hitting the tank😱😱
The engines in your bike ( and mine) are bulletproof. They are so reliable too. I did think about the z1000sx ninja but found my gut hit the tank, bu that's my fault not the bikes.
Good review, keep it for another 20k plus.
You're not the only one that's mentioned it 😂 it was just hitting the tank pad, no scratches 👍
Great review of the bike I should be on if I was honest about wrist and hand pain on my blade.. really like the colour on your z too. They just got this bike right for us older sports bike fans
Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated.
But who are you calling old? 😂😂
Safe riding, buddy. Hope you can check out more of the content on the channel 👍
Very good review my bearded friend. She is a beautiful bike. I've always said you have a good combination of bikes.
Thank you, buddy 👍😊
Brilliant review
Thanks for the kind evaluation and encouragement. It means so much to me 👍👍
The New Suzuki is an awesome bike . Yours is a magnificent machine, always difficult changing. Take care Mate .
Cheers, buddy 👍
Thanks , very helpful.
Thanks for watching 👍
There's a reason this bike has been so popular for so long as a sports touring machine. Kawasaki reliability. I certainly enjoyed the Versys 1000 with the same engine.
I was talking to the guys at my dealership about the Versys. Very similar engine but different tune. Not so much power on the Versys, but more torque and different gearing. For some reason I don't like the looks of the Versys so much...
@NooBiker I understand about the looks. It was super grunty from low revs for an in line four but ran out of go at higher revs. Super comfortable
Nice owners impressions. I think the Z1000SX is one of those typical highly capable Japanese bikes that get's overlooked too easily. I hadn't realised you got the Kawasaki just a matter of weeks after I got my VStrom. Spookily, I have pretty much 20,000 miles in the saddle too AND I have a(nother) tour of Scotland planned for June. Here's hoping for a dry summer and see you in Cornwall in May.
Spooky... I'm going to Scotland (on the Z) very soon after I return from Cornwall (on the Himmy)
Looking forward to catching up with you.
@@NooBiker I may have been or be about to leave for the Highlands by the middle of next month... depending if it ever stops raining.
@@neilmackinnon3371 we might pass each other on the motorway
Great review Noob. My mate Willie was looking at this bike but he's tall and felt too cramped on it. Then we looked at the GSX S1000GT+ and I almost pulled the trigger on that one but I think my wife would have got upset so I chickened out.
Can't upset the boss... My mate Anthony is a tall fella (well everyone seems tall to me) but loves his Z...
I do love Frankie. I’m a Kwak fanboy anyway but she also happens to be my favourite colour 👌🏼
It's a great colour, I'm very glad I found it ☺️
On my very first road trip with bikers,despite me being in my car as I wasn't crazy enough to try a 2 wheeler(Now I'm a completely different person it seems🤣),there was 2 x Z1000's with us & loved them from there on in mate! 😎👍
The colour of Frankie is the finest choice IMO you could get the SX in & right up there with my all time favourite bike colours! 👍
Great all round real world review by the way,although sense you won't still have this come August when you're up here drinking the real Irn-bru!!! 😉✌️
I'll be drinking the Irn Bru in June and riding Frankie for sure. No money 💷 right now
@@NooBiker What!!! you are considering leaving us Z1000sx'ers?
@@pinnacle_moto who said that?
@@NooBiker You did in this vid. You are saying you are looking but are not sure what will beat the Z1000sx.
That's like me saying I'll try other women but not sure if they are better than my wife :)
@@pinnacle_moto how would you know unless you tried? 😉
Nice looking bike in that colour.
Thanks, Jim. It's not a common colour, but I really like it 👍
I like your weapon Angelo 👏🏻👍🏻👏🏻
Now show me yours...
A well rounded review you gave us there Noob, the Z1000SX is a bike I nearly bought but when I was in the showroom it appeared smaller than I'd expected as did the H2SX. Next to them both was a ZZR1400, as I sat down and chatted to the salesman it just had this awesome presence. It beckoned me to sit on it and the rest as they say is history. I'm surprised you didn't mention the sheared sub frame bolts, which could have led to a disaster if they'd gone with Aysha as pillion on the Hardknott.
I see and hear your planning Scotland in June, please give me a heads up on dates and planned route, there's some stunning roads close to me in Perth. See one in my latest video " Epic Glen Quaich as seen from onboard the KTM 890 Adventure R"
I forgot about that 😅
What's the best way to message you? You can email me or DM me on one of the platforms
@@NooBiker My email is in the about section of my channel.
That’s interesting. I’ve owned the zzr and not the sx (2023). I agree the presence of the zzr is unmatched. I really love the looks of the front. Aside from the looks and insane power. I find the sx the better bike. But I like it is smaller in appearance when compared to zzr or adv bikes. Easy to push around too. The sx is much better in corners, comfort, technology, general dynamics, better windscreen, way more power than ever needed, better for luggage and long haul riding etc. If only I could own both.
You shared some very nice and important details with us. Great. I enjoyed it. Now you have the second chain? At what mileage did you change the stock one? Thanks for mentioning me. Appreciate it. If you will need any info about the Tracer 9 just let me know. :) Here goes my like bro. Keep it up.
Thanks, Gregor.
The chain and sprockets were changed after about 11,500 miles. The chain had been really neglected for the first two years so was getting slack very soon after tightening. Since then, it has not really been an issue at all, so it has held up for 12,500 miles so far.
@@NooBiker Thanks a lot. I get it. So, now you can expect even more miles out of it. :) Great. Everything that is more than 30.000 km is a bonus in my opinion. :)
I was a little surprised that you only have six years of riding experience , I thought you had been riding for decades. I mostly the opposite problems with springs being too stiff except on the Royal Enfield 500 and BMW R9T which are borderline too soft.
2000 mile Scotland tour sounds like a great one, I highly recommend the Michelin Road 6s especially for your traditional wet riding preferences. 😄😄
Thanks for the recommendation. Any experience with the Pilot Road 4?
And that's why I call myself a Noob 😉
It's been a good bike for ya hey nice touring machine. Rolley lands tonight he's about to do 4000 miles to the outback on my MT07 i think it's gonna make him old 😂
Great that he's there. He's a good lad! Looking forward to seeing your adventures!
Were I in the market for a sports tourer, Noob, then your report would certainly convince me to try out the SX.
Have Kawasaki offered you a sales rep job yet?
Unfortunately not yet, Jim. I'm still self-unemployed
The Yamaha TRACER 9 GT PLUS would be a good bike to go and get a test ride. Lots of new tech, great riding position for long touring, comes with panniers and the great reliable CP3 engine.
Yup, need to work that into my schedule... and my budget!
... though I'm not sure I'm a massive fan of the tech. Active electronic suspension is just another expensive part to repair, isn't it? 🤔
@@NooBiker definitely worth a test ride. Even if you buy the standard TRACER 9. I see a few people who own sports tourers, put risers on their bikes to help wrist and back ache.
@@AdamForeman too much wind buffeting to be enjoyable for touring, so that’s why I gave the Tracer 9 GT a miss.
@@Paulie44 I've heard the only thing wrong with the fairing is that it causes a bit of noise at high speeds. MCN loved it.
So when will you be purchasing the new GX?
I’m in a similar position and in third year ownership of the Suzuki GT and contemplating a change to the GX.
However, the jump in price from GT to GX has me concerned.
I will be giving one a test ride later this year. I probably won't switch because I'm quite happy with the SX and I'm also short of cash right now. I'm going to put the SX through the valve clearance check service in a few weeks, and put new tyres on it, then go for a tour of Scotland in June 👍
I have the exact same one. Stil have to go trew the video. But i like the bike myself😂
Great bike, nice choice
"I'm fairly easy going with my right wrist, at least on the bike" What you trying to say here Noo :)
All the filth is in *your* mind 😂
So at 170cm, when you have the screen in position 3, do you avoid all wind completely?. At 180cm, I find at position 3 the wind is hitting my head and it's really annoying. So I ride in position 1 all the time as I prefer the wind on my chest than my head.
Absolutely love this bike and I don't think I would actually change it, although I probably would get a 2nd bike just for variation and that would be an Indian Scout Bobber :)
Hi Pin, I definitely still get turbulence with the screen up, but I can tuck under it a bit 👍
The Scout looks nice 👌 I'm thinking about a big old school tourer like a Honda ST 1100 Pan European for some long distance touring
@@NooBiker I ordered a shad tail and topbox for this year. I'm going to hit Scotland hopefully in the late spring. That will be my first longish tour with mine. just need to swap out the S22 for a Road 5 on the rear first.
@@pinnacle_moto I'm going to Scotland in June
I just bought a 2019 1000abs with 13k miles on it. Can I expect any major repairs soon? Have u had to get anything major done? like fork seals or anything? I’m hoping if I just get the oil changes on time, it will last awhile
Hi George, thanks for the question. I had the fork oil changed last year just because I thought it needed doing given age and mileage. No issues with seals etc.
I usually do my own oil, filter and brake fluid changes and am fairly fastidious about having the regular servicing done at my local dealer (air filter, spark plugs etc)
The issues I have had have been covered in other videos:
1. Sub-frame bolts got loose and/or snapped, possibly due to me using a top box. Seems to be a common issue from the forums / FB groups. Check your subframe is firmly attached regularly. I now tend to avoid using a top box (especially for long trips) and have switched to panniers
2. Corrosion of the evap pipe in the tank, causing fuel to leak. New tank required. A second hand one (£100) was found and fitted. A good thing too since a fall had dented the old tank (always look on the positive side)
3. Valve clearance checks done at 24,600 miles (a little earlier than recommended due to going on a 2k mile tour) and 10 valves needed shimming (all 8 exhaust valves and 2 intakes)
Not an issue, but I had the rear shock spring uprated after taking it to a suspension expert. Gives more preload adjustment for when my daughter wants to ride pillion.
That's it. I'm not sure if that's a lot or just par for the course with a bike that is now 6 years old and done 26,800 miles.
Best of luck with your bike. My one is a 2018 model that I bought in 2020 and it had done under 2k miles then, so I've added a good 24k miles in that time.
@@NooBiker thank u for taking the time with this detailed reply. It seems like alot of your repair works was needed cuz of traveling with extra weight. I bought my bike primarily to be used for travel to and from work and just for fun riding on twisty and windy roads. I wanted a 1000cc since I’m coming from a 600cc and the bike has been a dream so far. A few of the things u mentioned I am not even aware of where to locate on ur bike 😅 so I will check out your other videos. Thanks again man 🙏
Gorgeous bike, love the video but come on bro Blue Ninja :D just kidding.
That's what Ninjas do, hide in plain sight 🤣👍
I'm considering buying one does it feel heavy in slow moving traffic
It can do sometimes, but I used it for commuting into London a few times. A little practice helps. The engine is very flexible. Definitely have a test ride if you can.
@@NooBiker I have my eye on one in a shop and going to look at it next week thank you for your reply I'm currently riding a honda blackbird cbr1100xx and finding it very heavy and looking for something lighter around town but still comfortable on motorways etc
@@bubbles1863 I can only tell you what works for me. I'm 5'7" with a 30" inseam (that's 179cm and 76cm in metric) and I find it okay in slow traffic. Thought not as easy as my Himalayan... Look for some videos of my commute like "Noob's commute London monopoly" for example and you'll see me dealing with traffic on it. Good luck with the bike. The Blackbird is an awesome bike 😎
Good amount of miles in 4 years. What kind of boots are you wearing? Your bike looks like the more comfortable version of mine. Nice Review.
Thank you, buddy. They are Richa waterproof boots. Stylish but a bit stiff for longer rides.