My 2p worth: the heated grips are crap. The panniers can be a very tight fit; when I collected mine I couldn't remove the right pannier at all. And nor could the dealer, they ended up having to remove the whole top mounting arm to get it off. There is a very thin plastic shim inside the top front mounting, remove that and the pannier comes off and on easily, but it rattles. I came from a 2019SX and found the difference in seat height made a lot of difference. The seat is more comfortable, but your whole riding position is altered and I couldn't find an optimum position for the screen. I had kept the gel seats from my SX and fitted those - problem solved. The main reason I swapped from the SX was to have the cruise control, and it is brilliant. If you are more sports than tourer this may not be much use to you, but the quickshift will be a real bonus. I intended to use the bike as a long distance tourer, but covid put paid to this year's plans. I paid to have my suspension set up by a pro, and that made a very noticeable difference. The Ninja handles an awful lot better than the preceding model; getting the suspension sorted made it even better. The TFT is a nice improvement over the previous instrumentation. At the moment I can't think of a bike I would rather own.
Completely agree with this. Such a great bike all around ! Gonna get my suspension set up when I can, been told makes a massive difference. Thanks for the comments. Enjoy your bike 👍🏻
The right case is harder to remove because the bike is leaning to the left (toward kickstand side). This causes the bottom of the case to push against the rubber bushing just above the exhaust. Instead of hitting the case to remove it, just gently pull the bottom of the case away from the bike while sliding backwards - much easier to remove- just compensate for the friction against the rubber. Good luck!
The reason they don’t sell rear pannier is due to unstable ridding risk at high speed, the chance of you bombing about at 120 plus is slim but that’s reason.
I have the same cases and luggage on my Versys 650 LT, the luggage fits quite a bit, yours are still squished flat. I can fit 2 outfits and 1 pair of shoes (10 US) with room to spare in 1 bag. When full, the bags take up almost the entire case. I commute to work daily and all my office gear and change of clothes fit in the 2 cases easily. That Ninja 1000 SX is a Nice bike ! I might need to switch to the sportier side!
Thanks for the comment. Just to clarify, I have fully used up all the space on the inner bags and tbey still dont use enough of the room in the panniers, so I stand by my comment. Great bike mate you had a test ride on one ? Thanks for the comments appreciate the feedback
Hey bro, what size is your helmet? I see that it did fit in the bag, but I’m curious as to what size your is. My last bike (96 bmw r1100rs) couldn’t fit my helmet (shoei XL)
I had a 2 hour test ride of the bike last week and, I have to agree, it's a brilliant bike for almost all types of riding, but with a couple of flaws. Firstly I prefer Givi Monokey panniers and their fitting kit. I've had Givi panniers and top boxes on on three Honda VFR's since 1996 with no problem and their UK support is great. With the Givi kit you can have a top box and a range of different pannier styles and capacities and, I believe, they're also rated for heavier loads then the minimal 5KG OEM ones. The slight disadvantage to having a second key is more than compensated for the by the much better Givi locking & removal system and that you don't need the key to open and close the boxes, only when locking them closed and securing to the bike for security. If I'm on a campsite where security isn't a problem or in my garage then having to use the ignition key every time I want to do something with the boxes is a faff. I think the Kawasaki boxes are a a classic case of form over function and thus only 27 litres, fiddly to use and with limited loading, whereas the standard Givi pannier, which isn't physically a lot larger, is 35 or 37 litre capacity. As regards the Kawasaki heated grips then, as with all items it's personal choice, but I think the Oxford Touring product is superior. I spoke with a Kawasaki dealer and they agreed with me as the Oxford touring grips have a wider range of settings, are more controllable, easier to manage when riding and less of a visual distraction, especially having to look all the way down to the RHS grip to see if they're working and having to count the flashes whilst riding isn't ideal and a potential safety issue. As I already use a Telferizer 1 inch ball mount (sometimes called a RAM mount) on my VFR which fits into the steering column I can swap over so won't need the Kawasaki SatNav/Phone bracket. The only OEM Kawasaki part I would definitely want is the taller tinted touring screen. All the other components can be sourced separately for much less cost, such as the slip-on exhaust, side protectors, tank protector. I estimate that the cost of all these parts would be around 50% to 65% that of the Kawasaki upgrade options (£1,000 to £1,300) and with the added bonus of having personal choice of individual parts. However, my only real issue with the bike is the lack of a centre stand, which I personally think should be on all especially on tourers, bikes except race replicas, motocross and & track bikes, but. I'm OK with buying a paddock stand and fitting the wheel bobbins so I can perform my own servicing at home (chain, tyres & brakes etc) but that's not so easy if I have an issue such as a puncture on a tour and away from home. Other than that, and that I definitely need the optional lower seat 'cos I'm a shorty, I'm really happy with the bike and I don't care which version of the bike I have (whichever best deal I can secure). Hope that's of use.
I don't know if it's a trick of the light but since seeing your "upgrade" video where you get the touring kit fitted and watching this latest video, your panniers look a slightly different shade of metallic green. Is this the case ? Being a bit OCD, this would drive me nuts. Do your grips get truly hot or just luke warm? I have the Oxfords on my current bike and they have 10 settings from barely warm to stinging hot. I do like the integrated look of the Kawasaki grips but would not sacrifice looks for functionality myself. Good videos and I will probably get one of these next year but a 2020 model as I think the 2021 colours are a bit naff ! 2020 models may be a bit cheaper as well .
Yeah deffo trick if the light, in the sun it shines a lovely bright metallic green, in shade looks darker. The heated grips go from warm to sweaty palms hot, oxford ones have more options but look silly in my opinion.
Hi , nice details 2 things, are the colour of the panniers exact to the bikes , cuz they look different in the vid And how long do you recon the tyres last on a average till they need replacement Thanks
Hi, Yes the panniers are the exact same colour as the bike, we shot this video when it was cloudy so shadows make it look off. In the sun its a brilliant metallic green colour. Tyres are OEM stock, not sure how long they will last as yet, however I am guessing probably not that long. These are great Tyres tho feel well balanced amd confident with these on. Hope that helps
Lol good vid this mate- got mine last month and loving it to death, got suspension setup next month with tw suspension and cant wait to get a full pipe and dyno/tune before/after i'll let you knw the numbers once done.
Just had mine on dyno before I have it tuned up. Video live on youtube now. Yeah let me know as im literally about to tune mine and cant make my mind up fully yet lol. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-16cS9LV7res.html
Great video, I will be ordering my 2021 ninja 1000sx for next spring. I'm in Canada so they don't offer the touring package but i will be getting the panniers and heated grips. I'm on the short side and i noticed your friend filming was almost on his toes when he was sitting on it. How tall is he? I am going to get the reduced reach seat so i can touch my feet a little better. Thanks!
Hi, I believe he is yaround 5ft 10 ish. Good pair of boots with a thick bottom will help, the lowering kits are fitted very easily, some people I know have had them taken off due to it changing the way the bike handles. All the best 👍🏻
@@THETURBOTONY I’m 5ft 6in. It may be a bit sketchy but I’ll make it work lol. Ya I’m hesitant to go with a lowering kit due to the chance it messes with the handling. Thanks for the reply. Cheers
Hi Tony. I see all your vids and really appreciate your comments and detailed explanation. Next Spring I' ll be on the market and this bike could be my choice. Just another question: how does this bike behave in the tight corners? Is it well balanced and you can turn it easily? Cheers from Rome - Italy.
Hi. Yes the bike is very well balanced and corners like a dream, effortless and lightweight. Full confidence mate. Only real way to find out for yourself is to test ride if thats possible ? I assure you its absolutely brilliant to ride. I am not biast either because if it wasnt I would tell you. All the best mate
Hi Tony. Well I did eventually get my Ninja In green 3 weeks ago now from Rochdale I did have the earlier SX model in 2011 and loved it 'but this bike is far superior in every way,like you though I am waiting for the Akrovovic can .the engine sliders the tank pad .and the the fittings for the back box,probably get those on the first service . I think they call my version the performance pack how ever I cant stand the panniers I'm sure they are great for lots of reasons but I'm not a fan so I've gone with the back box option I do have some very good Givi semi rigid throw over panniers which I use if I'm stuck for space when my other half comes with me . The bike is fantastic for pretty much all I need it for and it stands well in the garage with the other one I'm very fortunate to have two bikes to choose from . I have put a rear hugger extension and a fender extender and rad guard on mine as I do all my bikes and would recommend them for keeping the bulk of the road crud off the bikes underside . Whats your thoughts on that if any
Hi, Glad you got your bike and are happy with it, rode a z1000sx just the other day and the front end balance just isnt as good. Anyway team green all the way 🤣 My mate has a Shad top box on his and it looks really smart so cant knock them at all, plus they are great for passengers if you get the back rest fitted. As you may of seen in the video all the underside of my panniers are disgusting with muck from back tyre, maybe I will look into what you said fender extender etc, might help with that. Looking back I wish i had got the performance pack instead of the panniers just because I dont really use them often enough to warrant the money, let me know how you get on when you get everything fitted, im intrigued to know your thoughts. Surely I will see you about at some point seen as your only over hill from me. 👍🏻
Hi Tony. No problem at all,I will keep you posted on my progress and yes isn't hind sight a great thing,re the panniers situation, we live and learn. We're bound to meet up I'm I'm always in West York's for one reason or another
P.s the SX used to tuck under in the bends and you had to fight it. I put pilot 4s on and had the suspension set up and it was a different bike,far better
Hi Tony. I got the same bike as you. Same colour. I've had it about 4 months. Done a few mods. New ermax dark tint screen,tail tidy. Acro end can, decat and db removed. Oh and green rng rad gaurd. Probably do more mods in new year. Love the bike. Done about 3k miles upto now. Then I came across your videos and subscribed. Keep up the good work mate 👍
Hey , yes awesome bike mate. How u gettin on with ur bike ? Love mine best bike I ever owner hands down. Got plenty of mods coming up but im not working at the moment s gonna have to wait a few weeks. U riding thru winter or have u tucked the bike away now ?
@@THETURBOTONY love mine mate its only my second bike. Went from a versys 650 to this. Its awsome to ride. Done some good rides out. Did 6 passes in lakes including hardknock pass. Was out for twelve hours and only started to get a numb arse on last hour riding home on motorway. Sounds amazing since decat and db removed. Started using quickshifter alot more. Especially down shifting on cat and fiddle and snake pass twists. Still going out on dry days. But only use for fun dont commute.
Best bike on the planet mate. Sounds like you do similar routes to me. Always up snakes pass wen suns out. Take it your close by then ? Im located Holmfirth.
@@THETURBOTONY live in warrington mate so no too far.will have to meet up when weather starts to warm up. On about doing the nc500 next year with the lads i ride out with. Prob about 6 0f us.
Noticed you have phone mounted , can I ask the rig you used to do so and also you have it plugged in, did you have Kawasaki fit you the power socket ? Thanks
Hey. I used the Telferizer Stem mount, with the quadlock ball mount. See video below. Also when I purchased the bike I managed to negotiate free usb 👍🏻 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2x7DKb79QWE.html
Nice one Tony, Was picking mine up today but waiting for a few add ons from R & G, radguard, tail tidy etc, was wondering about the panniers, how easy do they fit on etc. Are you sure they don't have a zip which allows them to expand out and fill the pannier completely? All my BMW inner bags do, seems a big mistake from Kawasaki if they don't
thanks for the review, having just bought the bike performance tourer I wish my panniers fitted that tight, mine rattle like crazy, I've had to complain to Kawasaki UK as its unacceptable, I also find the heated grips throttle side has a fair bit of side to side and rotational play compared top the demo bike I trialed that didn't have heated grips, apparently according to my dealer they are all like that, coming from BMW and Ducati I expected better. Love the bike on the whole though just a few teething niggles.
Hi Tony, Picked up my Ninja 1000SX performance & touring packs yesterday, covered 200 miles so far. Great bike and really pleased thus far. Got a question for you mate, what are service costs like? Got the 1st service at the rate I'm going in a few weeks, did you take out the service pack? Look forward to your views on this topic.
HI mate. Costs differ from shop to shop, Mine was £180 but I got my first aervice have price at £90 as part of a deal. I have heard of other sx users paying £300. I didnt take out the service pack and wasnt offered it when buying my bike. Ring around different kawasaki garages that are local to you and get best price. Let me know how you get on.
Have you got a video to show how the cruise control works. ??? I’m just a quick question when you switch on the key with the first click and there is normally a humming sound for a few seconds like on the 650 does this noise have a continuing humming sound. Until you start the engine.
Think that humming sound might be the bikes injectors and pumps priming ready. Mine does it too. I have not done a video showing the cruise control as you are the first person to ask about it. Anything in particular your interested in ?
Thanks for the quick reply so the humming sound is really loud/louder than my 650 and with my 650 a prime day for about two seconds and then was silent, but this is continuous humming sound. Sounds like someone’s put the hand over there box and muffling the sound. And the reason why I ask about the cruise control is because the demo bike I went on was that you press the cruise control it comes up on the dash then you press the up and down and it will record the speed you’re doing at the time but for some reason it’s not working look through the manual and I don’t know if it’s something I’m doing wrong.
Demo bike is how mine works. Press the button n the icon comes on the screen then press up and down. Think you need to be over 19mph for it to work. Not sure what 19 mph is in kph. I will look at mine tmoz and see how long it hums for on ignition.
Yeah you maybe right, the Kawasaki dealer told me that the extra weight of the top box along with panniers will put strain on the rearset. Doesnt really make sense as people weigh different amounts . What if a passenger is heavy ?
@@patmorestar1 I’m made a video how to remove fairings. Under plastics is just held on using pop rivets. But it’s attached to the side fairing. 1 piece either side
If the bike is standard then it may be too tall. Im 5,10 and im on my tip toes without boots on. However you can get a lower seat and you can get the bike lowered 30mm for about £100 give or take.
Hi Tony love your vids mate but unfortunately for me my bike produces lots of wind roar from around the forks at 40 mph does yours ?. I’ve been told it could be from the air box and is fairly common. Could be a game changer for me mate 👍
@@THETURBOTONY thanks for your prompt reply buddy. Please don’t listen out for my noise on your bike . Just enjoy the ride . For me it’s too noisy. If my dealer in London can’t do anything later next week, regrettable I will have to sell it 😔
Have you joined the 1000sx group on facebook? Plenty of riders on there with the same bike, be great for questions or friendly banter. Heres the link facebook.com/groups/1862265057418362/?ref=share
Here in the Uk Colours Emissions I think have changed over years because my mates 22 plates is cheaper to tax than my 20 plate. I believe everything else is the same
Hello brother, greetings! Please elaborate on how 240kgs wet weight can be managed in city by an average build person. This 'weight factor' is the only reason that makes me re-think :( Please help..
Dude I ride traffick everyday and can slip in and out no problem, it well balanced and light when cornering, the new Ninja 1000 is far superior the the older models at lower speeds. I can happily weave in and out of traffick at 10 mph or slower without the bike wanting to bog down. Have you test rode one ?
Tony, well explained 👍 The story behind the top box, is that Kawasaki have identified a high speed instability with a top box, ie. over 100mph. It seems a similar problem that Honda had with their 1300 Pan European. In that case Honda would only authorise the fitting of a low box. Stay safe guys 😊
They can you can fit a shad top box. However kawasaki will not permit this as it overloads the back end. Theres been multiple bikes snapped due to overload.
Great question, unfortunately I dont know the answer to this. I think there is a maximum in the handbook but I dont have it on me to check.if i find out I will reply to this comment at a later date.
