Just bought my performance tourer, have never been so happy with a demo ride, I bought one there and then, the dealer just happened to have had a canceled order fully loaded and ready to go in the showroom. could not be happier with my 1st Kawasaki. Black and grey with a touch of red...Like you I've had the BMW boxer twins, Ducati flare in the Multistrada and panigale , crazy powered Nakeds like the MT10SP , triumph speed triples, Daytonas, Fireblades on and on and on.... but there is just something about this bike.....Great review
Great video, am binge watching youtube for N1K vids and general driving tips. Glad that all SX reviews are so positive, been wating for my performance tourer 2021 for 5 weeks since ordering. Should be coming through any day now...can’t wait any longer to get my hands on it, break it in and tour those passes in the alps, at my door step.
Thank you, yes I don't think I've seen anything really negative on the SX, you will love it I am sure. I imagine you have amazing scenery and roads to ride on. I hope you will find some good driving tips on my channel too. Best wishes
I have the same 2020 N1K performance in white. Absolutely love it..I intend to keep it long term. It has the perfect balance of power, practicality, comfort and looks.
A great review of a bike I have just bought. I have test ridden previous versions from the 2015 and 2019 models. Kawasaki has taken on the feedback and addressed some of the issues particularly around the handling. Loved the SP22 tires, put them on my Triumph Sprint Gt 1050 and made a big difference in the mobility and dipping into corners and still feeling planted. I am certainly looking forward to taking it out this year and your review has certainly confirmed why it was the bike for me.
@@marksheppard5488how long did the s22s last. I bought one on 1200 demo miles and they were done by 2888 ish. Now on T32s which so far after scrubbing in feel just as planted
I've had my 2014 for about a year and I'm loving it so far. Heated grips, bar risers, and a taller windshield made it near perfect. I just need to improve the seat but options are minimal.
I usually change my bike once a year. Last year I changed from a 19 MY Z1000SX to a Ninja 1000. This year I have spent a couple of months trying to decide what to buy this year, and have test ridden quite a few different machines. I can't find anything that I want more than my Ninja. I agree the panniers are awkward to take off, and mine has been back to the dealer twice when I couldn't remove them. I would rather not have a chain, but at least the eccentric cam makes adjustment easier (no centre stand though). I have no problems up or down with the quick shifter. I managed 1000 miles in one day on my SX and it wasn't torture. Brilliant bike for slow manoeuvres, and I'm not as skilled as you! All in a great bike.
thanks for your comments Alan, very interesting. I think the Ninja is a hard act to follow. I would be interested to know how different you find the Ninja to the Z, although only a brief ride on a 19 Z, I thought there was a noticeable difference?
I own a 2019 SX and have yet to see a direct comparison with the Ninja but wondering how much better the new bike is? They look more or less the same except the exhausts and the TFT but is it really the same bike with a few extras like cruise control and a quick shifter? Btw I actually prefer the twin exhausts especially with aftermarket end cans fitted.
@@paulfowler6665 i agree with your observations, i briefly rode the 2019 and felt that the 2020 was more comfortable on the saddle and handled slightly better. But thats really unscientific! If you own a 2019 you will be better placed to comment on the differences, apparently Kawasaki did change the geometry slightly to improve handling and the tyres are specially made. I was actually drawn to the Ninja originally via an interest in a Z1000 with the twin exhausts. i do like them too!
Ha! I only just seen this, as i just subscribed. I see you have an SX too! Mine is the 2016 model without TFT screen. I prefer the analogue feel. Just been serviced and ready for summer, (if it ever gets here).... Nice channel, ride well, ride easy, take care. P.s That looks like Sussex to me! I used to live just outside Hastings. happy memories working on those fruit farms and Carr Taylor Vineyard .
yes indeed, unusual for me as BMW for years, but I just loved it! I like analogue too tbh, tho this screen is good. Not far off, East Kent, very similar in appearance in the rural areas. Here's hoping for that summer! All the best
Thanks Lee, I had the Gen 2 FJR and have ridden Gen 3's. Lovely bikes, very capable, though the BMW RT suits me better. SX is naturally lighter than an fjr and more flickable. each to their own of course! I hope you dont regret it either, hope you enjoy the SX. Ride safe.
Small world!! Even after more than 30 years (and leaving for S.America) recognise that part of the Elham valley so well👍 Great informative video. I, like many, went from sports to adventure bikes currently owning a multistrada, which I’ve always been very happy with. However, keep getting the inkling to go back to something more sporty. Just depends whether I think my tired old body can put up with long journeys on a sports tourer! Regards to yourself (sure I recognise your voice) and lyminge forest.
Only just seen this, (having found your channel & subscribed today). Great to see you enjoying this wonderful bike. Any "sensible" use on a track yet ?
I have a 2021 Black/Orange one. £150 for my first service and they fitted my e-bay USB socket to left hole place holder in dash!!! I also have the top box but don't recommend as it has taken me quite some time to realise that its not my suspension chattering around but the very secure feeling topbox that actually vibrates and wobbles setting off a chatty feeling in the bike and suspension, weird. I've had a new Hayabusa and Blackbird and DL650 all no issues with wobbly boxes, ha! Just using side panniers bike is fine again. Beginning to think the seat isn't the most comfy with those "almost" 90 degree edges cutting into the very top of your legs/ass!!
I’m amazed how many dudes are buying this bike still! The new updates really invigorated the sales. I’m glad because underneath it’s the same old 2010 Z that I love. Not sure what tire they’re running stock these days but if it’s still the 190/50 go to the 55 m8, makes all the difference in the world.
Don't need the 55 profile on the 2020+ model. They've totally fixed the slow speed cornering issue (I had a '15 model and now the '20). The OEM S22s are fantastic tyres on the bike too.
A nice (albeit a bit long) review of the bike I bought last year, being just as positively surprised by its qualities as you. I test rode the BMW R1250RS and Ducati 950S first, but this one won hands down for all the reasons that you mention. "What's not to like?" you ask rhetorically, "not much, really" I'd say. I fitted 90 degree valves when I had to change tyres. My Kawa dealer recommended Pirelli Angel GT2, and they do seem to hold up better while still being sporty enough for me. I have now done nearly 11.000 km on "Ziggy" and will bring her for a service before heading down to southern France and Spain (again) and go touring for a couple of weeks at the end of May. (I will be posting a couple of videos on my channel if it has any interest) PS: What's the red button you have below the horn? You also seem to have something additional next to the left switchgear, which made me curious.
Nick The Quick , thank you for your comments. Have had a quick look at your videos, shall watch more later, lovely scenery, great filming. I too rode the 1250RS, being a BMW rider of years i thought i would want one, but the Ninja was so much more fun! I look forward to doing more miles on mine, though they will be local and for training, not as exotic as your journeys which look great! So the additional button on the left on the grip is the heated handlebar button, and the red button is my radio transmit button as I use the bike for motorcycle instruction. The box on the sat nav bracket is the radio on off, volume, and a light to show its transmitting!
@@MotorcyclePWR Thanks for your speedy reply. Radio, of course ... With regards to the heated grip button; there was a thing I forgot to mention with regards to your "rhetorical question"; I am really not happy with it, or to put it bluntly, I still haven't figured out how to set it at different levels - I can get heat, but Level 1 only I think... I only remember it when I am riding and it gets cold, and curse myself for not having fiddled with it at standstill. Maybe next time ... :o) PS: Thanks for the nice words about my videos
@Nick The Quick youre welcome. The heated grips, yes compared to BMW they are not as good, the button is too fiddly tbh. When you press it, you can set the heat level by subsequent presses, 3 choices, and it flashes amber to show the heat setting, ie 3 flashes =hottest etc. Not good to watch when riding or with a gloved finger over it!!
thanks Neil, I thought when new, wow these are good, but im not sure they are as hot now as when new. I will have to double check, i know i have turned them on and off again to try to gain more heat
@@MotorcyclePWR Many thanks for that. I have read quite a few complaints about them, so wanted to check with you. Mind you, that seems like the only real complaint with this bike...which seems pretty well sorted 😊 Thanks again, and ride safe 👍
As far as the gear box not wanting to come down from 6th to first, I found that if you blip it down 2 gears at a time it actually likes doing that. 👍 Also, I think you'll be rather happy if you put the screen in the second position and add an MRA wind deflector. Flawless airstream.
I have a 2010 z1k. It should be the very first thing you do to the bike, it doesn’t turn like a 600 but it’ll tip easier and the lean is much more progressive and linear than with the 50. I’m right at the point where he’s talking about slow steering and that’s what caused it. The taller tire has more side wall and more of a point to it and raising the rear relative to the front also makes a bike tippier. You do square it off more on the street but still I wouldn’t consider going back to a 50 for any reason at all. I almost forgot the bike came with that size it’s been so long with the 55.
I believe that Kawasaki revised the steering geometry slightly to address this issue. Also want to applaud Motorcycle PWR’s slow speed control - beauty! Great video! I want one.
Excellent review. I test rode one a few days ago and loved it. I have a BMW S1000XR but will change it for a Kawasaki this year. I had several Kawasaki’s in the 80’s and 90’s including my favourite, a GPz900R. My head says Ninja 1000SX but the child in me says H2 SX; hopefully my head will win.
Thank you. I rode the XR a while back, really enjoyed it but thought it might encourage me to ride a bit too fast! Oh the GPz, happy days! Ive not ridden the H2, my head says real world UK roads the n1000SX is plenty, but then until youve ridden both its tough to call! Enjoy your new bike purchase.
@@MotorcyclePWR I rode the H2 SX, amazing acceleration that I had not felt on the bikes I have owned (Honda Blackbird, Triumph Sprint Gt 1050). Closest thing was the electric Zero SR/S (Range 161- 201 miles depending on mode and ride). I felt I really didn't need the all that power and the fuel consumption is reportedly poor. The Zero was fun but I missed the old combustion engine feel and SOUND!
@@johnnyseyer1260 ah, great question! Different beasts, I loved the XR but thought Id better preserve my driving licence! If I had to chose- XR. Cheers
Thanks for the video. I have the same bike and time to change the tyres. It came with S22s which I really like, but I’d prefer a bit more mileage. I was contemplating Michelin road 6 or Metzler roadtec 01se. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks
thanks for your comments. I sold the motorcycle without changing tyre so sadly cant assist. Im sure some of the online forums will have many a suggestion about tyres, hope you find ones that you like, all the best
Older but interesting. Your reasons why you like your ride. I've never ridden an RT. I think I would like the RT. I ride a GS and really like the GS. I really like the engine braking. I am the stereotype old guy on a GS. It's comfortable, easy, relaxing, controlled.
As a prospective buyer of this bike, I enjoyed your views and comments very much. I also liked the fact that you have a white bike as most reviewers seem to have the other colours of which the green seems most popular. I myself do like the white bike and as it seems the "unpopular" choice, I was rather hoping to get a better deal on one. Thanks for a good video and subscribed.
Thank you for feedback, much appreciated. I have always liked white bikes, so was pleased when Kawasaki released this. Shame the white is gone for 2021, but still some whites with dealers. I hope you enjoy your new bike, especially if you buy the SX!
Got a used white December 2020 with 305 miles on it. Came with Akrapovic exhaust plus the original exhaust, rear seat cowl, 2 small screens , one clear and one smoked. A smoked touring screen, colour co ordinated top box, frame sliders, tank protector, all as new. £10495 and very happy with it. Had the wheels powder coated silver with a slight hint of gold and think it looks great.
I have a bit of an itch to try one of these. My presence presently a 2020 upgraded 3rd Gen N1SX model (in white coincidentally).😊 Intererting you less critival than some re the 2nd Gen front steering & geometry. Tyres may also factor also.
Thats a great interesting honest Review of the Bike! Im only 5ft 7’’. 29inch inside leg would this limit me into not getting my feet down on the deck ? Yours. Ponty Pete!
thank you Ponty Pete. I cant say for sure, but I would think you would be ok. I know a lot of people are concerned about 2 feet down, but that is rarely necessary, so one foot should touch down ok without too much lean. However, there is a Kawasaki low seat, p/n 99994-0892 (I believe) which may help if you didnt feel comfortable with stock. All the best
I spent three years with a 2014 Ninja 1000 ABS as my only vehicle and was happy with it. I did everything from daily commuting to 3,000+ mile road trips across much of the US (and a good amount of time on Tail of the Dragon one week) on it. Having ridden at least 1,000 miles on each of 10 different models of bikes I had a good idea what to expect of my 1000 and was only wrong about one thing: low speed handling was better than I expected.
@ThePresidentofMars I think personally it where a dealership are friendly, helpful, everything is easy, nothing is too much trouble and maybe the occasional discount. Other peoples opinions may vary!
Very good review, thanks. I'm thinking of trading my 2015 VFR800F for this but I can't really make up my mind. There are things about the VFR that I like.
Thank you. I rode a VFR back in 2003, so different to your later model. If you havent ridden the SX worth a ride. It may suit you, really depends what you are after.
@@MotorcyclePWR Mostly the low/midrange instant power and also the riding position. I've only sat on the SX so far, the dealer doesn't have a demo now, but I have owned a FZ1S and a GSX1250F so I know what to expect. The SX should have better handling and more gadgets of course. The VFR has very good handling and with the V4 it's a very special bike and it will be hard to part from it.
I know what you mean, I couldnt part with my BMW RT! It will be very different to the GSXF, naturally engine character will be different to the V4. I hope you are able to get a test soon, it will be interesting to see what you think then. Bikes are so personal of course, but ive not seen a bad review yet!
I loved my 03 vfr vtec but this is a world apart in power and technology which you would expect in the years gone by but its also the sort of bike that I walk into the garage and get excited and that's what I wanted.
You could make a copy of the key for the panniers and then just leave the key in the pannier or even super glue it into the key to disable the locking issues.
I bought same bike , my fault not test rideing one , I find the bike small and cramped for the rider (6.5) problems I have with it , is foot pegs a bit high for tall people as rear boot also touches exhaust can and knees hit fuel tank , screen blows air straight on my neck / and cruiseing rpm 70 mph at 5500rpm is high / coming off a Ktm 1290 super duke r gen 1 was more leg room / comfy not to mention the power/ torque from v twin engine
