2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Review | Visordown.com 

I’ve been riding long and hard for fifty years; ridden the previous version of this bike for a few hours and loved it. But, when it comes to purchasing, here’s the challenge. Damn near every bike in this class are so good that demo riding one for a few hours can’t tease out the nuances that begin to matter over a few months; more the need for balanced reviews like this one. Well done!

Ive been a fan of the 1000 Ninja for a few years now, and it has been a toss up between this, and the Yamaha MT10, and now with the addition of cruise control this one the Kwaka takes it for me! Such great value for great engineering

I currently own an st 1300 and a 2018 goldwing. I just bought this bike for the sheer fun factor and it delivers in spades. Easy to throw around...love the electronics for the money...a great package for the money. Another long term keeper.

One of the better VD reviews I’ve watched recently. I’m so glad to see Kawasaki keeping sport touring alive with modern technology and refinement. This bike just went to the top of my short list. I’ve had my eye on the Ninja 1000 for years. It’s finally got the features I want, and the styling is that much better than last year. Not to mention it’s significantly more affordable than the Versys 1000 SE+. Kawasaki has really been killing it with new product development recently, even better than Yamaha I think.

For the price this bike can't be beat. 👍

Yup. I've wanted one forever. Fell In love the first time I rode one. The used market out here in Arizona is ridiculous on them though. So I just go from zx6r to zx6r cause that's all I can evidently afford. Wish sport touring bikes lost value like sport bikes over the years. Eh, what can ya do.

I just got. I had around 30 bikes Tuono Superduke 1290 Dyna, road king, and street glide S1000xr, the R and RR and r1200gs This is the best bike I’ve ever owned- Weekend ride to cabin -3 hour rides Commute to work 3 Miles NYC It’s an amazing bike…no vibes.. super silky smooth. Great for two up.. easy to lane split.. electronics spot on. Throttle so smooth.. way better then my Ducati multistrada or the bmw s1000xr any day

I absolutely love your reviews. They are always brutally honest and you can tell how genuinely excited about the bike (passion) you are. I'm riding the very last of the ZZR1400's and my friend is just about to pass his test on an SV650 (which he has already bought). We now know what his next bike is going to be. Thank you.

I'm grateful for the real life shots of what you are discussing...it's not easy to put together and so MUCH more valuable than people talking while they ride...and even better than showing riding videos...well you don't need to hear this...cause you do quality videos. I am grateful.

Wow!!! The only negative was the USB issue!?? I'm sold!! Beautiful looking sport touring bike.

Outstanding review! I am seeking a bike that is comfortable for all day rides that has bags for overnight trips but doesn't give up much in terms handling and overall performance and your review convinced me this Kawi needs to be on the top of my list.

My issue with this bike is that I wish Kawasaki would have a lowered clipon option for those of us who want a sportier feel. Not talking about track supersport type low but just like an an inch or 1.5-2, to make it a bit sportier. On a positive note, I LOVE that they finally added cruise control! Jusy Wigan they didn't half ass it and also added heated grips.

Great review. Just got a 2024 ninja1000sx and love it!

No centre stand - on a chain-driven sports-tourer. Apparently not even as an option? Bit of a weird decision that. Otherwise it's a lovely bike.

Really solid bike at solid value. Took one for a test a few weeks back and think I'll be getting one soon

If I didn’t already have a R1 and a Harley, this would be something I would have to give some serious consideration.

Excellent review! Kawasaki did all kinds of things right when they updated this bike. I love that buttery smooth Kawasaki in-line 4, they just do them right.

Cruise control,USB and heated mits,about all i need....and the Hepco Becker rear seat rack for Mosko bags/tent....oh,the SP Engineering de-cat/race can! Sorted

Good review. I'd like Kawasaki to lend me one too! ... or convince my wife to let me have one. One of my mates has the last of the SX version. Lovely bike.

Shame it's not got a main stand and you can't fit a top box. . If you could I'd consider one.

Have the 2019 model. Made 13.000km last season. Bike is superb. Would buy it all over again. And if u are on the sportier side, change stock tires for the Dunlop Sportsmart Mk3. Two of my riding buddies are buying it in 2020, after testing mine :)

Idle sound!!! ..I can feel blood rush through my circulatory system ... AND overall its a nice package.

I had a 2013 model Ninja 1000. I loved it so much, I traded it in on a 2017 model. Now I plan on trading my 2017 for this model. I've had a lot of bikes over the years, but none that I've loved enough to buy three times.

You helped me a lot. I am looking for something sport tourer. And you explained so well about it. I will gonna buy this one only. Thanks a lot brother 😊😊

I reckon it would blow the pants off my 1996 Peugeot 106 diesel.

Only thing this is missing now is the GPS integration, I hope it gets updated for 2024 !

Thanks Toad. Exactly the same thoughts as me when I tested it

It’s a brilliant bike had mine nearly 2 years now, love it so much perfect position for me at 6ft 1

Fantastic bike. Can't believe though that I can't get one in Kawasaki Green here in the U.S.A. What the heck are they thinking?!!?!?!

So tempted to make this my next bike. Great review, thanks!

I once had a kawaski ltd 1000 and I ran it very hard for menny years and nothing never broke down. And I think for about 2000 u can have a turbo put on and move the hp way up . It's one of the very best bikes u can buy I know from experience and I have been driving bikes for over 50 years🧝⚡

top review - buying 2021 model this week - really helpful comments. cheers.

Nice review, keep up the good work! P. S Why so close ratio?

Good video but not enough detail on the controls/quick shift/cruise control and other new things that we haven’t got on out current versions. What do they look like how easy are they to use?

"What do we NOT like about the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX: It doesn't come with a USB port" ... I think that pretty much says it all. OK, being a happy owner myself I can add: Very low ground clearance (130 mm) which makes it a slightly dodgy proposition getting on and off the pavement (sidewalk), hard to reach tire valves (I installed 90 degree valves on mine) cheap looking brake fluid container, and a sometimes inconsistent petrol range sensor reading.

What a thumbnail man. Came because of that glorious thumbnail…

Time for a new touring bike. Was waiting for the V4 Multistrada, maybe the new Triumph Tiger, maybe there will be a new Caponord... You know, there is just a special feeling you get when your Ducati keyless ignition won't start the bike in the mountains of New Mexico outside of cell coverage and many hundreds of miles from the nearest dealer. It might be time for something a little more practical. The '20 Ninja 1000SX looks like it might be just the ticket for a bike that is fun in the twisties but not torture pounding out the long highway miles from my home in flatland Texas to those twisties. The price is great too. It's the modern electronics that ultimately make this bike something I would consider.

L' ho guidata. Tutto vero. La migliore recensione and the best road bike!

Informative video which has pushed me towards getting this bike rather than the Suzuki. Thank you!

You said it is "long and low" but at 82.7 inches and a wheelbase of 56.7 inches, it isn't long at all.

Kind of cheap for USA Kawasaki not including the side bags. It's supposed to be a sport tourer and the bags are another $900 option for us....

Fantastic vid, guys!!

My favourite do everything bike is the gen 5 vfr 800i which I still own, I've been looking for ages for something similar and it's here and it's cheep, maybe I'm not a Honda man after 30+ years. Still keeping the vfr because it owes me about 5 grand.

If your not touring lose the panniers..lose the factory exhaust get a scorpion or similar and notice the difference in power..and get an aftermarket tail tidy with micro indicators so panniers can be used when needed so much smarter...now we have an 1000sx

How are the vibrations? I’ve read a bunch of reviews of the older model and vibes were a negative. I have 2018 Z900 and it’s the smoothest sport bike engine I’ve ever had. Can you maybe compare the two as far as engine smoothness?

I noticed you personally also tested the new Suzuki GSX1000 GT. Which do you prefer and which is most comfortable?? Thanks

If you had the last model is it worth trading up?

Torque feels more because it's not 80 odd NM of Torque at 7300 rpm but 111 NM at 8000 rpm? 2019 Ninja peaked at 7300 rpm.. Cheers 😊

I love my 2017 model great updates, but only cosmetic. Overall bike is same. Great to see Kawasaki still investing in the bike and who knows where it’s development will be when im due for another one when time comes. Wondering if the new parts like screen and quick shifter can be fitted to my bike 🤔

Good, detailed, review 👍

Having recently done a demo on one of these , i found the riding position was to sporty for me for long distance touring , it was a shame because i was looking for a replacement for my tiger 1050se , It was smooth , plenty of power , light clutch, quickshifter , and loads of electronics you don't need

i have one and so has my brother, nobody mentions the panniers rattle on their mountings , do not keep the kqs on when riding on the road as the gearbox shift feels dreadful like the return spring has worn out after the box has covered 90.000 miles turn off the kqs and the gearbox feels as it should when shifting with your foot.

I wish I understood more what he was saying. My family is Irish so Im used to some heavy accents but sometimes the British slang and accent is rough.

Great. Please do more cinematic on your videos

Did he knock the camera down at @1:49

I test drive one and van agree it is a nice bike to ride. However i am 1.9m tall so had a hard time finding a good position and i thought the tft dash is too small.

I very nearly got a 2019 model but ended up getting an MT10 instead, now I'm beginning to wish I'd waited for this

You mention a name change. What was the name changed from? What bike was this known as. Sorry, Im a Kawi noob!

Great review! Thank you! What tourer bike is it the best option at the moment? Or most “affordable”

No petal discs, no double exhausts, ugly tft screen..yeah, as a 2014 owner I am really happy. Could use a cruise control though..

How good is the windshield? What is the knee bend like? Thanks

I haven't ridden bikes for 15 years ish, it looks and sounds like my favourite bikes I owned, ZZR600, K Reg '93 I think, just big comfortable and fast, with electronic stuff, I guess, things have come along way in nearly 30 years, and that was a 150mph sports router.

Well , i finally found my next bike

MPG?

Anyone taken a passenger on this machine? Looking to upgrade to something like this, so my wife will be comfortable on trips. Currently have a 2016 Yamaha FZ6R. She can`t handle much over 2 hours, max. Stay safe, everyone!

I feel reviews are more honest when the manufacturer isn't paying for your trip. Just saying...

What's the difference between this and the Z1000 SX?

They killed the sexy exhaust pipes :(

It is a great motorbike & an excellent package! But, this motorbike has balance related design flaw (drifts to the right due to heavy exhaust). That is why the previous generation Ninja 1000 had dual side exhaust(equal weight distribution on both sides). Unfortunately, Kawasaki is not willing to solve the issue! They are in denial. So, Isn’t as perfect as typically one would expect from a Japanese Company. If you are willing to ignore this flaw & perfect balance doesn’t matter to you, it is a great motorbike & smooth as butter! The lighter exhaust version sold in some countries will work better!

The engine of Yamaha MT10 is more powerful and sound way better do to its crossplane crankshaft, but the Z1000sx looks much better than the "transformer". Or what if Z1000sx hade the engine of Z H2 ?

Does it have traction control like z650 n z900?

I wish the ninja moniker had been removed. Doesn’t fit this bike and gives insurance companies an instant quote jack!

Thank goodness, how I’ve searched for a bike where I could pull away in fourth - said no one ever.

Can't believe they have gone to a single exhaust loved the duel pipes

Great bike, love mine but it's not Euro 5 it's 4....

cAN YOU NOT FIT TOP BOX AND PANNIERS TOGETHER?

In conclusion the only thing wrong with this bike is it doesn’t include a USB cord 🤦🏼‍♂️ I miss unbiased reviews

1:35 does the N1K model not allow you to make turns while staying in your own lane?

I like your hairstyle darling

They still use the see through brake pot " Hate them 😭 like having a cup of coffee on your bars 🤸🤣

wow

The "noo" Ninja..?

If this bike was 10-11k, I'd seriously consider it. But I'm not gonna pay 16k to get generic brakes with 300mm and straight bar swing arm. Its too heavy and underpowered. Definitely not 16k Kawasaki.

Spent half the time riding in the wrong side of the road, wtf?

Nice review, but you begging Kawasaki for a long-term loner-bike kinda puts me off you're neutrality. Makes me wonder exactly how unbiased your review is. As I can think of other things missing, including a centre stand that would make chain maintenance easier for a start.

📝

toad and the wet sprocket

Very 2nd rate review and video. One minute a standard exhaust next an off market. Comparing to a sauce ...nahhh crap

The speed is very slow

Aaaaaaaand... still geared like a 600. No thanks.

Rode the bike a few hundred miles. What don't we like ? Sorry Kawasaki no USB. Gimme a break. When I saw WHAT DON'T WE LIKE I thought WOW ! But you sold out. How much they paying you. It's not a review if there's no downsides.

Japanese motors Is SUCKS!!!!! REGRET END UP TO BUY!!!!!!

Once they decide to bring the black and white color combo to the US this will be my next motorcycle!...just wish it had a touch bit more HP maybe 150 or 160 now that the super-sports are all flirting above 200

Well I'll say I'm one of the 2017- 2019 purists. The add-ons are spot on no doubt but I can't see me getting over them dual pipes. Kawi just gave away this insignia advantage in the litre sport touring class IMO..

I love motorcycle touring, and have tried all sorts over the years, GSs, Harleys, Gold Wings etc. For me my SX ticks the most boxes, It's comfortable enough (I have gel seats), its got just about enough tank range, I can load it up with all my camping gear, it's as quick as I need it to be, it is very well priced, but by far the biggest advantage over all the others, for me at least, is that it is comparatively light and has a reasonable seat height. I'll wait another year before thinking about trading up; there may be some more appealing colour schemes next year.

10 year old bike and God help them if they even TRY to take it out of the lineup! I owned 2- 2011's and loved them. Loved them more because they had no ABS, ride modes, traction control, etc. I'm old school and I actually now own a 2020 Ninja 650 KRT ABS. NOT a fan of the basic ABS. First time it kicked in it was like I went into a coast mode. Scared the shit it of me! After about a second it tried to grab. Honestly, I do better on my own. But the reason I down-sized was the 650 was more comfortable than my old 2011 Ninja 1000. Now that's a moot point because they did the same in the saddle for the new 1000. Cruise control is nice. I can do without the USB, but a tourer should have heated grips. They are an option and pretty much plug and play as I had them on my 2011. Center stand? Yeah, would be nice but would also kill ground clearance a bit. Besides, my 2011 forced me into buying a forward facing Pit Bull rear stand because with a normal rear stand your hands get scraped on the rear fender, and a rear stand bends the fender until you lift the bike. You forgot to mention the fly-by-wire. Everyone seems to love it. Nice review. I liked your two-part on the 2020 Ninja 650 as well. But I bought mine before I saw it and traded in my 2019 MT-07 in on it... Not a single regret there.

Really a Sexy bike.

I love the exhaust eagerly waiting for 2020 model review of ninja 1000✌

As an American I an jealous of all the options you all have overseas. Very excited to get my leg over one and compare it to my '03 FZ1. I'm thinking it's time to finally upgrade to a bike with some electronics...