Read Michael's full MC Commute Review on Motorcyclist: www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2020-kawasaki-ninja-1000sx-mc-commute-review/ and lets us know below what bike you want to see next!
@@pepefz1 Yep. Dyno shows you get most of the torque by 3,000 RPM. For a lot of people it's all about what bike they spent the most time on. Ride a 600 supersport too long and it feels natural to ride around town using most of the tach.
I noticed how Michael seems to use a low gear and high revs around town. This engine is so tractable at low rpm, that one can easily ride around town in 5th or 6th gear, and still have plenty of roll-on power. When I say 'this engine', I own a Versys 1000, same basic engine, but slightly different tune, entirely usable in every gear from 2000 rpm on up. Around the 17 minutes mark, average mpg low thirties! Yes, that includes ripping through the canyons, but also very much a result of low gear and high rpm. On my Versys 1000, I usually get low to mid forties around town, low forties on fast highway rides, and low to mid fifties when touring on B-roads at speeds between 60 and 70 mph.
All those media guys raving about quickshifters on and on are too lazy to shift. I saw the some of the latest Z supercharged introduction and they drove 70 mph on a straight highway in 5th. Could not be bothered to roll in 6th.
@@leroyjones769 It really does... I don't mind shifting my EBR, but the Tuono... the quick shifter is so nice. it's a small quality of life improvement.
I think one reason why he's not upshifting is because the engine is really smooth and also comes with a very quiet exhaust. You can't even hear he's so high up in the rev range
Thanks for the review, very helpful, particularly because there's no such thing as a "test ride" anymore. The quality of your audio and visual is refreshing.
Hey Josh, since the last report it had the stock suspension set up by Dave Moss. I liked the outcome, but Dave recommended a shock with a stronger spring and more damping adjustments. It now has a Wilbers 641 shock with spring matched to my weight, and as Mr. Moss predicted it made handling and ride quality better. I also installed the Akrapovic carbon mufflers sourced through Kawasaki. They save close to ten pounds off the back of the bike and have a nice tone which doesn't draw unwelcome attention. The mufflers had a side benefit of cleaning up that sharp bit of throttle response when first opening up from closed. I'm still using the stock ECU program. Now running Bridgestone S22 rubber. They are a more agile tire with a very nice feel when leaning over, but I think with less mileage. The package is excellent fun on backroads with such a wide powerband, brakes, and overall balance. I do very little riding within city limits and urban traffic. The bike cooperates but you won't confuse it with a Ninja 400 either! Reliability and quality has been 100% perfect. She is certainly a keeper and highly recommended! As an aside, a 2020 Z900RS was just added, in the candytone olive green with yellow. Now that rig needed A LOT of tweaking to improve its manners. It's coming good now but some effort was required to smooth the very rough edges. While not the most powerful bike by any means it was really unruly, like trying to saddle up a wild pony. Not the biggest in the herd, but it wants to kick your ass.
Also picked this bike up in March and its been a dream, so smooth and easy to ride. The only thing I was a little let down about is I can't get the call and message notification to work on my Samsung S10, but figuring i have a ram mount not really a big deal. Its the perfect step up from the ninja 650.
If you don't mind me asking, which insurance company are you using, and how much are you paying? I really want to get one of these, but I called around and every company seems to think it's a zx10r or an H2. It costs 4 times more than every other bike I am looking at, including the S1000XR. I am hoping there is company with underwriters that recognizes what this is.
Just bought one. Early impressions a) delicious motor with a smooth throttle b) great level of quality, fit and finish c) NOT as comfortable as many reviewers claim. i am 6'1" and find the pegs insanely high. the seat is tolerable. wind noise non existent. i find the foot controls too close to the pegs... otherwise it is a japanese ferrari and i'm ecstatic.
I have the ‘21. Traded my ‘15 in on it. Totally better bike then the first gen. Two thinks, order a set of peg extensions from Motowerks in California. They don’t make them for a ‘20 or newer but order a set for the ‘15. They’ll fit just fine. Extends the pegs down 1.5” and gives way better shift/brake control. Sordid milled block of aluminum. Second, buy a Sargent seat. You’ll thank you for this, trust me. Whole new bike. Put a Zero Gravity wind screen (again order for a ‘15 model), it will fit. You will love this bike now.
Well i’m 6 3 and considering switching from my 2017 versys 1000 to a ninja 1000 due to the extra 20 HP (120 vs 140 hp) and the quick shifter.. guess i’m sticking with the versys due to the peg position..
Good review. I bought an almost new 2018 in late 2019 and feel similarly re: the smooth chassis, throttle and its ability to be a sport bike or tourer. Cruise control is a nice addition.
Props to Kawasaki for giving U.S. customers a chance to consider a path from beginner (Ninja 650) to advanced (Ninja 1000SX or H2SX) on sport touring-friendly bikes that are also affordable. As a returning rider on the market, they have my attention. I guess sport touring isn't big in the US right now. Thanks for the ride video, and keep it in second around town if ya want :D
Very nice Review. Going by your review, I have to like this bike. Just my opinion. I think Kawasaki has one of the best lineups. Maybe even the best! Price, features, build quality and performance. Again just my opinion and we all have them.
This is on my radar i might even sell the ZX and give this a try. I like riding more than racing around, probably a getting older thing, these days. Nice review thanks for all the info on this bike!!!
Mate, cracking review, watched a couple but this is by far the most in-depth 👍 picking one up in a few days so nice to learn some stuff I wasn’t fully aware off. Thanks, good work
Owning a 2021 MT-09, I rode ten different bikes at IMS (International Motorcycle Show) this weekend including the CB1000R, MT-10, and 1000SX. The big Ninja changed my understanding of the goal posts for how refined and capable a big street bike can be. The 1000SX is super comfortable (the ergos are 100% PERFECT for me) and it just does everything brilliantly (although the rear brake might as well have had chain lube on it). The bike is everything I was afraid it would be. A brief test ride confirmed what I strongly suspected - the 1000SX is my favorite bike to NOT own. I've been riding sport bikes for many decades but I don't have the self-restraint to ride a bike like this daily. It's a missile that would surely put me either in jail or in a grave. Riding a hyper-naked, the wind keeps me at least a little bit in check.
I had a 89 ZX10, took it from San Diego, Or, MT, Banff then Vancouver and down PCH, what a ride. The engine was a peach, riding position excruciating after 400 miles per day. Looking at this as a follow up machine. It was bulletproof also. Yes can get you in trouble 😏
I bought this bike in March 2020. There were none to be found at any dealership. I live in southern ontario, Canada. I love the bike, it’s comfortable. I am a previous Honda CBR 600rr owner. I’d say they are about equal. It’s a great touring bike which still feels sporty, and can have a second rider very easy. Just waiting to get an after market exhaust for this bike. Totally love the bike.
I've had this bike for a few months. I put about 5k miles on it so far. I've had a lot of bikes and I must say I really like this one. Put some handlebar risers on and a VStream Windshield. Good to go!
You must be 7ft tall. Im 5,9 -10 and I feel absolutely comfortable on mine, but I did put the gel seats on it , a little thinner than stock. To me definitely doesn't need risers. I almost love it stock, only thing I'll change is exhaust I think.
Risers? I’m looking at apex clips ons with 3” risers. Gives it a little more forward lean and reach as my arms are long for height/size. Plus being a little more forward is better at speed, being leaned into the wind is more comfortable
This Kawasaki Ninja SX is really a good motorcycle. Good upright position to ride not much pressure on your wrist plus it's got all the new features which many litre class machines dont have. I love it
Of all the things you said about that delicious bike, this has drawn my attention: THIRTY MPG's?! I had a Triumph Tiger 1050 and I easily got 50mpg out of it, but I don't do 60mph in 2nd gear, if you don't mind my saying so. I'm very sure the Ninja 1000 can do about 50mpg, too. Good video, Gilbert!
I ended up getting a new leftover 2019 Tuono RR but it was a tough decision between it and this 2020 Ninja SX...Kawasaki had back ordered hard saddlebags with no realistic timeframe of delivery from China so I went with the sportier Tuono. I loved the idea of commuting and weekend blast/road trips with this Ninja...probably best bang for your buck out there in that regard.
Well I did get this over the 2019 Tuono RR because there aren't enough Aprilia dealers where I live close to Vancouver Island -Nanaimo. None in fact and I would have to go south to Victoria BC or over to the mainland and come valve adjustment time at a fairly soon interval, that would require a motel/hotel room cost as well. Up here that would probably be about a $2000 cost for accommodation and the valve adjustment service that takes 7 hours to do. But like the lady at Aprilia said, you are buying a Ferrari.
@@cdon2day I have the same issue in Alberta Chris, have to overnight in Calgary or Edmonton to get my Triumph serviced... Thats why next time i'm going either Honda or Kawasaki..... I have an April Mana 850GT Automatic also, i wouldn't have a clue who could fix it there's like 50 in the whole of Canada, its rearer than an honest politician!!!!
Good video! I like how you actually show us the features such as riding modes and cruise control in action, instead of just talking about them. Nice wheelie, you are redeemed :)
I owned two 2011 Ninja 1000's. I loved them for their LACK of electronic hinderences, like ABS and everything else. Now owning a 2020 Ninja 650 KRT ABS I honestly don't miss the extra power. The 650 sits lower, is more comfortable, and you feel more like you're sitting ' in' the bike rather than 'on' as is still the case with the current Ninja 1000. The 650 makes you want to thrash through the gears and throttle, and actually is more confidence inspiring. But that comes naturally when your bike weighs 100lbs less than the 1000! The TFT display is awesome. It actually makes me not miss an analogue tach for once in my life. It's entertaining I guess I would say, instead of boring. At least I don't find myself whining about it. With the 650, it's true what some people say... I want to make excuses to take it out and make it scream! Full Hindle Megaphone exhaust, PAIRS block plate and air box plugged, O2 sensor removed, and ECU mailed to 2WheelDynoWorks for the flash. It's as loud as a Harley and makes Harley riders turn their heads! And as much as I thrash my 650 I still range 200 miles on 4 gallons! And way lower insurance and maintenance costs. The 650 does 135mph. The 1000 does 155. I had mine at 155 before. It ain't fun. It ain't smooth. My 2003 Yamaha FZ1 reached 165mph and was smooth as glass in stock form. Had a 2019 Yamaha MT-07. Fun in the city. Shit on the highway. Uncomfortable in 45 minutes. You must be thrashing it pretty good if you average low 30's! My average was about 42-45 mpg, but I've never spent a whole tank of gas just thrashing around all day in the twisties. I rode mine pretty much like you did in your video. One thing I am surprised about with the new 2020-2021 Ninja 1000's is that with all those electronics AND cruise control... Where the fuck are the heated grips??!! I mean, COME ON! WTF KAWASAKI??!! I will say that in all the generations since 2011, I am happy to finally see remote access rear preload (about time). Is the new version enough to make me want one again? IDK, but it might be fun to play with after an ECU flash and full exhaust swap. The Ninja 1000 is capable of 200mph unrestricted. I sat on one today and the rear suspension is noticably stiffer. Still an ugly ass rear end on that bike but the muffler is at least not as gawdy as those bulbous duals they used to sport. Put a shaft drive on it and I'd buy one.
I agree. I like the symmetry of dual pipes way better than one sided exhaust. I'll bet it saves weight and probably makes it easier to mount panniers, but two pipes definitely look better.
Great review and much better wheelie! 😉 Looks a lot of bike for the money. I also find it hard to believe that the H2 SX would be twice the bike? Buy this and save the other 12k for trips away!! 👍
Nice review, thank you. I have a ‘19 N1K and am enjoying becoming a more proficient rider, coming from a smaller 500cc bike. I like the dual exhausts, a symmetry preference. I’m struggling with cornering this big beast, more of a lack of confidence and skill level on my part than an issue with the bike. Should improve over time. Thanks again for the excellent review.
Been thrashing my 2017 SX for 35,000 miles now and I gotta say the only thing I really disagree with is the comment on the tyres near the start of the video. The Battlax set the bike comes n are absolutely abysmal and seriously hinder its handling. Personally I use Michelin Road 5s but there's no shortage of alternatives that beat the Bridgestones. They really make the bike much harder work to keep on-line in the corners. Also interested to hear that this ride-by-wire system feels natural as I've just tested the Z H2 and found they failed it there - it feels really number from zero throttle. I wonder if it's simply not possible to get a bike with that kind of power to feel natural off the line, because anything close to a natural throttle response will just be unrideable. Great review, anyway - thanks!
Thank you for a great review. Just wondering how does this bike compare to the Yamaha MT-10 tourer? I am considering both bikes and would like to get your thoughts and recommendation. Thank you.
There is no MT - 10 derived sport tourer. There's an MT - 09 derive sport tourer. The Tracer GT, do you mean that? Or do you mean buying an MT - 10 and turning it, as much as you can, into a tourer? For the ladder you may have an issue with fuel consumption. Mt - 10 are thirsty beasts, and the fuel tank is less than 5 gallons, if I remember. Wind protection won't be brilliant, either. I believe there's taller windscreen for the Yamaha, but nothing this tall. In other words, it can be done, but it's not its natural element.
Great vlog mate, upgrades really look to transform this machine, really needed that quickshifter and cruise control, would have to say, kawasaki has completed the package,apart from seat, thx
Hi! how is the ground clearance on the ninja's? They all seem soooo low. Any issues with speed bumps? I want a 400 for commuting and we have so many speed bumps. THANKS! :)
In the first minute two errors: the 2019 had led headlights and the screen is not really more upright; it does have four positions where the 19 had three.
That intro in the parking lot seemed a little weird and stiff but out on the road this sounded great and he really knew his stuff and covered all the high points....and then some. Good job Michael!
In first gear at how mamy rpm did you do a power wheelie? Asking becasue i have a 2019 and i have to give gass, release and power it again and it will go up, but you seem to have just given it hard gas and it went up :)
Just bought mine. About 80 miles on it so far. It's everything he said. All the feels of sport tourers without the bulky/heavy hard to maneuver Concours 14 feel (I traded my Concours for this.) If I had to pick a couple gripes (and I'd have to search) it would be the footpeg position and muffler. The stock footpeg position is high. Probably as high as the race-ready but without the upperbody ergonomics so my calves seem a little bunched but then again I am a big guy. The muffler is a freaking garbage can. Can't wait to replace it. But Overall... LUV it.
I own a 2012 concours 14 because I too am a big guy did you ever change the rear tire to a 55mm height from the OEM 50mm height that made the bike much more eager to turn in. I like this bike but it seem like it's the same size as my 6th gen VFR800 with more gitty up. I really hope Kawi revises the concours in a good way in the future, because I dont think I would be comfortable on this ninja unfortunately and I really like it. Good luck with yours enjoy.
@@jonesjonz1 I'm the same. I sold my Connie and bought a "smaller" bike. If nothing else, the weight of the Connie at low speed was a little difficult to handle. I own a Honda CBF1000 which weighs about 70kg's less and handles so much nicer. In saying that, she was a brilliant mile muncher.
Order peg extensions from a company called Motowerks out of California. They don’t make them for the ‘21 but mine off my ‘15 Njnja 1000 fit perfectly in my new ‘21. Lowers the legs 1.5”. World of difference. So order for the Gen 1 Model.
Nice video, I'm a beginner motorcyclist, I'm small 166cm,, so which bike of this equation is right for me? I drive daily to work in the city and also the highway and sometimes during a weekend round of recreational so, which one? Yamaha Tracer 700/900, BMW f900xr, Suzuki V-Strom or kawa versys 650....
@@petroosabdollahian1648 you are welcome. You might consider the BMW R1250RS which is lower (but heavier and more expensive ..) although if you are a beginner, you should probably look at engines in the 500-900 ccm range
How well do these hold up? I drive over 10,000 miles per year on 2 wheels. Are Ninjas maintenance intensive? I never owned a Kawasaki, mostly Honda. I would love one of these Ninjas as long as you don’t have to pull the engine out every 8000 miles.
Good bike. Never the headline grabber but has consistently sold in decent numbers in Europe for the last decade. And that seat has always got the most criticism - looks like it's not quite fixed.
i don't know how you change it, but when i did my test ride, it showed fore/aft g-meter, and throttle position on the left side of the display, instead of the gear and fuel level, and lean angle meter along the bottom. the gear indication was still on the display somewhere. i don't remember where, but the whole layout was still very easy to read on the move.
32 inch seat heights are not low. At 5'7" you must be all leg. I am 5'7" and my inseam is approximately 26". I wish that testers stated inseam rather than overall height.
Jesus, I’m 5’7 and have a 30” inseam. But in your defense I do have a short torso. 32 still seems tall to me though, idk how someone our height can flat foot it
This thing looks soooooo comfortable to ride. It looks like you get the looks and performance of a sport bike with the comfort of a Goldwing. Maybe not as comfortable but not fsr from it. As you know, Goldwing is like riding a Lazy Boy.
So apparently these are tamed down quite a bit? Im trying to decide between this one and the Suzuki 1000 GT...which im really loving. Such a sweet bike
I have been waiting for this mc commute for a long time. I wish you had talked more about the way it made you feel and recorded some of the quarter miles.
I like the Dual exhaust. If in the future, I buy this bike, i wonder if I can install a second exhaust. I personally think it looks great with dual. Otherwise it's a great bike and the price is good.
Few points, styling is almost the same as 2017 model 2017 model alsof has led headlights Windscreen is adjustable on both models , they both go up the same hight. But the 2020 model has 4 settings, where they 2017 model has 3 settings.
Accurate, comprehensive review making good points. Moto Mag, bring back Michael Gilbert for more reviews. Of course, Adam Waheed is still tops. Both drive crazy.
@@That_Cajun_Guy it's funny you say that, because I was checking quotes the other day and the z900 is the exact same as the zx10r, which is only slightly more than the Ninja 1000.
@@That_Cajun_Guy I live in California, man. It's a whole different country. Pretty sure we use our own currency, and everything costs twice what it should be in America.
Nope. In short, tread patterns are designed to push water out as the wheel rolls across a wet surface. The reason the opposite pattern works up front is due to the way that the front wheel experiences force; it is pushed during driving and taking most of the force during braking allowing centrifugal force to pull water to the outside.
Yeah, my friend drove his Honda car like that, while I drove my cheap ass Pontiac in top gear everywhere (it could pull it). At 130,000 miles my POS had perfect compression in all 4 cylinders (like new), but his Honda needed rings and a hone job because it used so much oil.
MultiPleaser especially in motorcycles they like to be revved. They are built for that. You have to get used to it, as it can feel like you are stressing the motor but you aren’t. The redline is way up there anyways.
It's set at the factory to come on at 4krpm. Same as my Ninja 650. Just go into your settings and you can change it to any range you want. It's not some magical thing that only the dealer can do. I set mine to 9krpm in the showroom before I took off. That 4krpm warning is a pain in the ass.
