Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx 2020 owners amateur review by a VFR Rider (More up to date review available) 

For an "amateur" review...this is so smoothly spoken and good content. You really explain both your opinions and why you have them.

As a VFR owner in search of my next bike I found your video to be excellent, having the VFR as a reference makes it easy for me to relate to your comparisons.. Many thanks

Wow! This is the kind of review I was waiting for! Thanks a lot! I'm definitely going to get one but I have to wait until next year. I cant wait to test one!

Thanks for the honest review mate, you've given me a couple things to watch for on my test ride.

Well done Adam, you gave us lots of interesting information. Much more useful than all the professional reviews to be found on the web so far. Thank you :-) I owned a ZR-7S a decade ago, and this was also buzzing between 110 and 130 km/h in the top gear. Outside this rpm range the engine was absolutely smooth. I read that the other inline fours from Kawasaki are also touched by this issue. At least the early Z750.

Fantastic review - can't wait to hear more from you on this bike!

Good honest review, far better than the usual ones that just concentrate on the specs. I'm going to get one this year, so this vid really helps. Thanks :)

Thanks for taking time to accomplish the review! I’m in the U.S. and considering upgrading to the Ninja 1000SX from a Zed 900. The buzziness your feeling at the 3-4K mark may diminish as you continue to break it in; as the transmission and clutch wear in, and as the cam chain tensioner adjusts to the initial chain stretch it should smooth out. Beautiful bike sir....cheers!

Very good review I really appreciated that you covered the application with the mobile phone 📱 and the heated grips and other aspects of the bike . It’s safe to say that it’s a safe and secured 1000cc bike. Ride safe and enjoy 😉

Good honest review! Hope you're pleased with the bike and not a disappointment after the VFR. When I took the demo Ninja out, I seem to remember that you can change riding modes on the fly with the throttle fully shut. Enjoy the bike!

Hi Adam good review, I live in Melbourne Australia and I have had 2017 model of this bike for just on three years now and it has been faultless in this time and comes up looking like new after a quick clean, you can change the rider modes on the fly by simply closing the throttle whilst changing the mode. My previous recent bikes were a Honda VFR 800 and 2 X Honda CBR 1100xx Super blackbirds which were all great bikes, but I now believe Ninja 1000 is the equal if not better with its modern tech, great engine, quality build and superior comfort. I did notice a small amount of vibes through the seat and mirrors when I first got by Ninja 1000, but now I don't notice any at all as motor seems to have smoothed out with time and Kilometers. I have been so happy with my current Ninja 1000 I'm looking to update to this newer model in about 12 months time and looking forward to the additions of cruise control, quick shifter, heated grips, TFT and more comfortable seat with slightly more leg room. Looking forward to future updates on your bike and how your get along with it.

You have a certain calm and maturity that i believe will do very well in the review video world. Keep at it please, I'd love to see more content.

Thanks for the review! I currently own a Z1000SX 2011 model, and have had it for 9 years. Very pleasant bike to ride, yet found it a bit heavy for my riding stile. I will test the new model soon, and hope it will be more nimble then the old model.

Thanks for the stellar review! Moto vloggers/journalists could take notes from you. You have help convince me this is my next ride. Thanks!

this review is one of the best i've seen ever... great job. also amazing bike

Great real rider review mate. We need more reviews now. Enjoy the bike

Thanks for the great review. As a current o3 FZ1 Rider I feel like I can understand where you're coming from with your critique. I'm hoping to upgrade to the Ninja 1000 SX around this time next year.

Really good review! You have nothing to worry about, mate. You make fine videos.

Good report and nice to have you mention effective lean angle. I'm riding the same model since 2 weeks now and have only pulled out a 39° left...

Great review for an 'amateur!' Dude, this is pretty pro-level stuff- good work!

Thanks for this review mate. Very comprehensive.

Keep up the good work Adam! I too have ridden the 2019 model and was left disappointed, particularly with the snatchy throttle. I ended up buying a new Triumph Speed Triple in the end, but will look at the Ninja again when I’m tempted to change.

Comments written before mine said it all. This review is perfect. Thanks for that. I wanted a VFR 2020 but now it would be harder to decide because there is a Z1000 model 2020 ... I like it, I like it a lot 🙂

Although this video is three years old, I found it very well done for someone who calls himself an “amateur”. I recently purchased a Ninja 1000SX last month and I am still in the break-in period. However, your evaluation is spot on. Could not have asked for a better Bike for the price. Very smooth and powerful. Looking forward to many years of enjoyment. Again, well done video.

Thanks for an excellent review. This is a strong contender to replace my 2005 ZZR1200 later this year.

Really good review mate, nice one. Clear, useful for a potential owner.

Hey !! Thanks from Arizona !! I’m eyeing a Ninja. Thanks for your honest evaluation !!!

Love my VFR and would be very wary of replacing. Good to hear your feedback. I've had a lot of bikes and the VFR has wonderful character. I don't think I'll ever replace it but you never know.

Excellent review! Covered all my concerns.

Great review, thanks very much! This sounds like a dream machine.

Excellent review. All bases covered. And a VFR lover too. Thats a win/win for me; subbed

Fantastic review and insights.

I've posted this comment on a couple of other videos on RU-vid, and it is very true for your video: "Thank you very much for a great video, very enjoyable. Your video helped convince me to buy a Ninja 1000 SX. Took delivery of my 2021 model 3 weeks ago and have now completed the initial 1000 klm. Am so, so happy with it and again thanks for helping to convince me> Cheers from waydownunder :-)" ps - have now done 2,000 klm in six weeks and it's better than ever !!

Great review mate! I listened with interest and I don't even ride a bike!! 🙂👍🙏🇬🇧🇦🇺

Thanks for the review. I’m an ex-VFR rider who currently has a Triumph Sprint GT and considering the Ninja as a replacement in the future.

As a VFR rider, I've found my new bike. I sat on a 1000sx in the shop the other day. Your video has convinced me. I just need a load of cash now. Stay safe my friend

Great review I'm hoping to get one in the summer 🤞

Great practical review. My VFR is over 100000km and there is no obvious replacement. Also under a bit of pressure to get a bike with mode rider aids and safety features. The Ninja was on the list, has moved up a few places. Thanks for going to the trouble to make the video.

Lovely, detailed review!

Nicely done sir ! Your sense of humor is a positive addition to typical reviews. As well, your comparison to the VFR creates a greater depth for understanding. Have you experienced any odd fairing harmonics at specific frequencies ? This was a general nuisance on my last two Ninja"s. Cheers...

Got those Hopnel liners and they fit fine. Thanks for the tip!

This is exactly the review I was looking for... I'm coming from a VFR as well, love the VFR, but want some of the more advanced safety features available right now. Thanks!

Good riding impressions, Adam! Congratulations on the new motorcycle. With miles, my 2018’s engine vibration has steadily decreased. It dropped even further after changing to full-synthetic Motul 7100 10W-40 at 3000 miles, with the added benefits of noticeably smoother clutch and shifting action. I did install the heavier HVMP bar-ends at ~1000 miles, they were helpful but not really transformational in quelling vibration. Mileage and the oil change made a bigger difference, I'd say. Since it was purchased the bike has been on Metzeler M7RR tires and they've been an excellent match for how I use this machine. The Ninja has many niceties: a 5-gallon steel fuel tank allows use of magnetic tankbags and provides 200-mile range. Very effective LED headlights! I love the factory panniers, too. The riding position relaxes my arms thus making upper body movements easier when cornering. Overall, an excellent motorcycle and an exceptional value...if it came from Europe it would cost A LOT more. In 2019 motojournalist Simon Weir did a massive tour of the USA on a 2017 Z1000SX. It served him very well, and he's a big dude who does not baby a motorcycle. And as an Englishman, yes he does go out in the mid-day sun in places like Arizona and Death Valley. Google him to find the trip blog.

Nice review! Perhaps they changed it but on mine you can switch traction control modes while riding you just have to let off the throttle..mine is a 2018. Take care and keep making vids! great job!😀

Good review. I upgraded from an 06 VFR (write off) to the 1st gen ninja 1000 (2011). When I had the VFR I thought “I’d never change from the VFR”. Once I did some serious miles on the ninja I’d never go back to a VFR. The ninja out performed the VFR on every level and this ninja looks even better.

Nice review, sir. I've recently moved up from a Ninja 650 to a 20018 Z1000SX, which is what Kawasaki used to call this bike in the UK. The high beam on the 2018 model is done via a thumb button, with the trigger switch for the forefinger being used just for the "pass" flasher. I find that I sometimes accidentally activate the high beam when I wear a VisorCat on the glove. I guess you can't win. A note on the trigger button: make sure you check it as part of the pre-ride checks as I've heard it's a common problem for dirt to get in the mechanism and stop it working. In fact when I bought my model second hand from the dealer they had to fix it, which was easily done with some cleaning spray (WD-40, I was told. Other sprays are available.) I found that when I ride, my heel often hits the pillion pegs mounting point. I always have the ball of the foot on the rider peg by default, and don't have huge feet. I've gotten used to it now so it's not a major annoyance. Subscribed. Hope to see more nice videos.

Bravissimo!!! Fantastic review !

Excellent review! I see this bike in my future.

Good review really thinking of getting one. Now I want to see a review were you put it on sport mode haha

I have been riding a gen.5 (pre-VTEC) VFR for the last eight years, and I've just bought a 2014 Ninja 1000 SX. I'm just waiting for it to arrive from Melbourne and I found your video very informative and reassuring. There seem to be a lot of ex-VFR riders who now have this Ninja - I think Honda's abandonment of the VFR has definitely lost them some customers, possibly for good as I believe the new Ninja 1000SX is better than ever. Thanks for a great review.

As an owner of a 2014 Interceptor who's been looking at the 1000SX, I'm glad to hear your comparisons between the two. Thanks for the average person's perspective.

thanks for the information. i was going to upgrade from a MT-07 to a supersport, but the more i think about it the more i'm leaning towards the ninja 1000sx just because i like taking long rides and i only ride on the street so all the electronics would really benefit me.

Really enjoyed your review.

I have owned one for a month now and am very happy with my purchase. Very powerful nimble and comfortable ride. Handles the twisties very well. I'm probably going to keep mine for a long time.

Well done, for giving such an honest unbiased review, also, don't worry about the dry humour, it made it more human!! So many professional reviews feature robot like presenters with no spirit or enthusiasm. They also tend to play loud obnoxious music, something which I am glad was completely absent here. I am not in the market for a bike, already owning a Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, but it is always good to eye up the competition ( possible future purchase). I unfortunately am unable to ride at the moment, passed my test 20yrs ago but the DVLA ( UK) failed to add the category to my licence. Now that I have grown up family and a resurged interest, they insist I need to resit my test which is now in 4 parts, 3 down 1 to go. I hope you have many happy thousands of miles riding your new bike. I wondered what alternatives you considered? The Triumph for example or perhaps the Honda CBR 1000 Neo Cafe' ( although as a NAKED bike that's not quite in the same category). To me it seems such a shame that the Suzuki GSX 1000F isn't very pillion friendly, it seems a great going bike with good handling, which markets itself as a Sports tourer but falls short on pillion and luggage carrying.

Great review! You can change drive modes while driving (in German version). It is just locked by trottle. Decrease to 0% and it will change.

Nice honest review buds. Well done. Once the engine breaks in the buzz should go away. These engines are known for being butter smooth.

Very good review, the bike I would prefer if I was to surrender my existing Motocycle. I love the sound of the V4 and a big four in line. I have to say how well you covered the points in a relaxed way with humour (more dry humour please, only it may get you more dislikes from people who have problems understanding it). Your style of riding is almost identical to mine by the way, I don’t see it very often. All the best from the U.K.

Thanks for the review, I am looking for a Sports Tourer to replace my Triumph Sprint GT which I have really enjoyed clocking up 30 thousand in less than two years. The category is diminishing in choice so it was good to hear your opinion.

Great review mate! You shouldn't apologise for anything - this is great content and great real-world info. Your thoughts and opinions carry much weight because the VFR series is such a high benchmark. I completely understand your reluctance to change bikes because the VFR was such a fantastic bike. (My father owned one and one of my riding friends had one for many years. You cannot find a bad word about them). The Ninja 1000SX is top of my short-list for many good reasons. It would appear to be a "Goldilocks" bike also. I really think Kawasaki are in a purple patch right now. Their bikes, across the range, are amazing value and in a way they have kinda replaced Honda as the "quiet achiever" in the Japanese sphere. Honda just seems to get more conservative as the years tick over (?) I think Kawasaki realised the value of electronics earlier than the other Japanese manufacturers (?) Like you, before the Ninja came along, my current bike (2009 FZ1-S Gen II) is familiar, reliable, enjoyable & difficult to emotionally replace. I have also invested in suspension & ergonomic upgrades and my bike is like a favourite pair of shoes. But it has zero rider aids - the traction control is the webbing between my thumb & index finger & the synapses between my butt cheeks & my brain. And the "ABS" is the sensitivity of my index & middle fingers ;-) Nevertheless "upgrade-itis" is a sickness I have always suffered from. Thank you for the real rider feedback.

Brilliant! Have VFR 8 years now and keep looking for a bike to switch... Would love 1000+ V4 engine, inline 4 seams to be less exiting I think. But, will test z1000sx and aprilia tuono. We will see what is more important for me ;)

Great detailed review thanks)

Good review, thank you

Excellent review, thank you. On the vibrating mirrors, I often wondered if attaching a little lead to each mirror somehow, say a little strip along the top of the mirror (small but heavy enough) would solve vibrating issues. Could attach it with tape as a test and if it worked find a way of permanent attachment in behind the glass within the unit. Maybe not for a new bike!

Nice review👌...please post a video about display consol in detail.

Super well done! Thank you!

Thanks again for this earlier video. I have a VFR800X which only gets 250km commuting to a tank (need to try harder to keep revs at about 4K). I also find the low speed handling and throttle is twitchy. But like the upright position, visibility and bright headlight.

I'm a VFR rider thinking about changing across, and couldn't appreciate this review series more.

Thanks for this, torn on this and the Gsx 1000 GT, comming from VFR its nice to get a comparison.

Very nice review! Late last year, I went to look at one (MY2019) and couldnt get around the riding position. Those bars dont feel natural to me, they are too high and straight, it doesnt feel sporty enough. I own a 5th gen VFR and I struggle to find a better bike, particularly regarding the riding position. It has that sporty feeling without being unconfortable at all! Ride safe!

I appreciate this review. In 2017 I bought a barely used 2014 Ninja 1000 - had 1,472 miles on it. Before it I had spent at least a few hundred miles in the saddle of 9 other bike models - being a daily rider for 20 years, and my first marriage being to someone who rode as well. I knew I wanted something with some reasonable touring capability as I do that - my ex and I did an 8,000 mile across-the-USA road trip in 2014 on our own bikes (a ZR-7s and an R1100R.) I had read the specs and looked over the reviews and had a good mental idea of how I figured the bike would handle...and I was wrong about one thing: low speed handling was better than I expected. Sadly, that Ninja went to be a parts or project bike two months ago. It was written off after a failed theft attempt - the would-be thief had literally used a moving truck with the ramp extended to ram the bike against a garbage dumpster in an attempt to get it up the ramp when I interrupted him and he fled. After looking over what's available I ended up deciding to go with a 2021 1000SX. FWIW, at least on my 2014 US model, that headlight switch existed but was only a momentary contact to flash the high beam. There was a typical high/low rocker switch where the mode and select buttons now are (those buttons used to be a rocker switch with a push button through the middle where the cruise control buttons now live.) I could change the engine power level (full or low) and traction control modes (off or 1-3; no names like "sport" then) while moving but only under some very low speed; not while underway on a highway. I was seriously disappointed in this after having ridden my ex's R1200RT and experienced the on-the-fly electronic suspension valving adjustment. BTW, the "the bike also has to be in neutral" thing for the app reminded me of something else: I have the INNOVV K2 ride cam and the app will fail to connect if the phone GPS isn't turned on but the error will not remotely indicate that is the issue.

Great review mate. I have a 04 Blackbird and like you I’ve been hanging out for Mr Honda to come up with a replacement with ABS/traction etc for my 80,000 k bike that I love, but they haven’t. The SX is one I am thinking about. Thanks. I can live without the App and lean angles. Question, where was that great road/s in the review please. 👍

Unfortunately, no demo bike here in Tassie, but I'm gonna buy this one. I reckon is gonna be the perfect ( for me ) touring -sporty bike that I need. Thanx for the very detail review!

It's a dream for most of us in other countries... enjoy... u r lucky to be riding and enjoying...

Nice job mate I have had two ninja 1000's and the 2020 model is the best, you will not regret the decision - one aspect you may not have tested yet is to open her up on some nice sweepers, this will put a smile on your face this bike has two personalities and I don't think you have met the angry one yet :) . You can also change the riding modes on the fly, just drop the throttle a touch while pressing the up or down button and it will change.

Look a lot more comfortable than my Panigale mate . Great video.

I've a 2016 VFR800 and looking for a new sport tourer and there is not a lot of options unless going to an adventure style. Good to get a VFR riders perspective. I think Kawasaki will pick up few ex VFR riders with this.

Again, an interesting perspective on the new 1000SX. I had a 2015 1000SX for a couple years and while I did appreciate the bike, the slow speed turning, lack of cruise control and a few other minor niggles led me to move onto something different. Now I've ordered the new bike, I'm very excited especially as everyone seems to say the low speed instability has been resolved and the new electronics package has brought in cruise control and a quick shifter. Regarding the engine buzzing, I mentioned this a few times when I got my 2015 bike and was effectively told to ride around it. It was always between 4k-5krpm and it did disappear if I dropped a gear - this also added to the fun a bit :P. I fully expect the same buzz in the new bike as they haven't materially changed the engine, but all the other positives about the bike have me thinking this is such a minor point, it didn't factor into my decision.

Great points about the street riding lines vs. the racetrack lines. I do the same. And I should clarify that I think the Ninja is a brilliant machine. It’d be nice to get a 2020, but the last two months has taken that off of the table this year. Might pick one up next spring when they are clearing out the showrooms, or hopefully find an essentially unridden used one. Or maybe, just maybe, Honda will drop a perfect VFR on us. Their new CBR1000 is a brilliant bike, but it's obviously not a sport touring rig. And it's not a 90° V4. I’ll likely and very happily end up on another big Ninja. Thanks again!

Thanks for the review. I had a '04 VFR for more than a decade (and over 160,000km), then a break for a couple of years on a Daytona (the break was enforced by a wayward roo), before spending the last year on a '12 Ninja Z1000SX. I was initially cautious about the Ninja as I (like you) was an avid and devoted VFR fan. However part way through the year I rode a VFR again, and well, was disappointed. I found the VFR uncomfortable (I'm probably getting old!) and quite underpowered. I really enjoy the Ninja now, and it would appear that we have very similar ride styles. I've even commuted in Sydney peak traffic and found it quite capable in that situation. If the newer one is even smoother at slow speed, it will be a great all rounder. Now I just need to convince the boss to let me upgrade! While I have yet to do many fun day rides, I commute every day and have done several weekend trips on it. Enjoy your new ride :)

To switch driving modes while riding, you just need to have the throttle closed all the way. Pull the clutch in and roll off the throttle. The modes affect the mappings so if they allowed you to change it while you had some throttle applied, you would likely feel a jolt as the mapping changed for that throttle position.

Thank you! This is exactly the information I am looking for. I've been riding my VF1000F2 now for almost 33 years and though it is still riding well, as you said also: no abs etc. and well, a change can be nice sometimes (but not too often 😉). So my eyes fell on the Ninja. Still, don't know if I will be able to say goodbye to the VF, feels like bringing your dog to the shelter. Who could do that?

I have a 2023 and so far I cannot tell you anything that I do not like about it! smooth , powerful and handles great

It's Hondas pleasure to give up on the Sport Touring and RC market lol, great purchase btw :-)

Hi David here I thought I would mention my run experience ,I brought a kawasaki z900 2020 and was pleasantly surprised when I was told to ride the bike as it was run in a.ready . They said don't go ridiculous but just ride normally regards david

thank you for the vid

A welcome change to the usual stat barrage videos that seem to only give me hype. I too am a faithful old customer searching for an upgrade for the same reasons as you but I still have a few years for my daughter to wear a helmet with me. OK. My points. I am on a 2008 Yamaha FZ1 GT. I was thrown to hear there is no centre stand and yes, this is the sort of thing we miss in other videos! How will I live without a cetre stand? I don't have the space for a paddock stand in my shared garage. Thanks a lot. I watched it twice and will be looking for a dealer test ride as soon as social distancing is lifted.

10:53 These 'in tight out wide' lines are coincidentally also the ideal racing lines (if you hit the apex). That is because of the shallower lean angle on the exit, you can get on the gas much earlier and harder and thus get better corner exit speeds.

I went from a Triumph Sprint (very similar to a VFR) to a 2016 of these. Agree with very thing except the seat. I could do 400km in one go. 150km's on the ninja is getting uncomfortable. Looking to get the 2020 model soon. Thanks for the review.

As a VFR fan, and now a happy 2014 N1K owner, I do wish for the same thing from Honda. A proper, modern, 1000cc V4 that is the answer to the Ninja. I love my Ninja (60,000 kilometres in two Canadian summers), but it'd be cool to see what Honda can do for a modern SPORT tourer.

That helps me. Thank you

A very good review covering all the points I have been concerned about. Just decided to get back into riding after decades of not, and this was my second choice for a new bike. It is on order, here in British Columbia, and due to protesters, container ships not getting into port, railway backlogs, world going to hell with virus scares, it is going to be much later than when I was told at the time of deposit. First was the outrageous and still makes me drool, Aprilia Tuono. Still would like one, for the sound, but maybe I should just get a really good recording of them. I could tell by just seeing the bike and sitting on it, it's mine. Feet pretty well flat on the ground, and I am 5'10". The amount of forward lean was just like how I had set up my third bike, a Suzuki GS 750 EX '81. It will take some time getting used to the nutcracker seating to the tank. Forcing me to ride responsibly to avoid the pain. I did find what you said about the heated grips something to note and remember. So odd that they don't have the grips integrated into the Display. I have never had heated grips. My car has heated seats that are great on a really cold day. Bikes with fairings usually don't need a heated seat, all the engine heat comes out at our legs. Regarding the video quality itself. You did a fine job. I hope to do one when I get mine, as well as a few trip videos on Vancouver Island and the mainland. The road to Tofino on the west coast of the island is an incredible road for a motorcycle. Can be busy though. Thanks.

Thanks for the review..this is the exact decision I have. 2002 vfr vtec and considering buying a much more expensive bike and the ninja 1000sx is going to be the one. Do I get a 2017/18 or wait to afford the 2020 version ??

None of the pro reviews have mentioned mirror vibration. Could it be that your wheels need rebalancing? Especially given that it only occurs at 60 mph. I appreciate your comments about the wind screen. Perhaps an aftermarket extension, such as those used on adventure bikes, would help. All in all, good job on this. Please post an update after your first 1k miles.

Hi, I'm looking at getting this bike as well for commuting/long trips. I'm the same height as you and was wondering if you're using the stock windscreen or the tall version? Also if you could comment on whether or not you feel vibration in the bars at 60-80mph that would be a lot of help for me.

Good shout with the upgrade to better safety specs. I just crashed my 2000 vfr 800 due to front end lock up during an emergency stop. I really wished I had abs as I really love this bike. I am know learning and seeing what's available out there to upgrade too. Newer vfr 800, 1000zx or gsxs1000. If anyone else has suggestions I'm all ears.

Another VFR former owner looking in this direction. I was originally looking towards a kawasaki versys 1000 but realized the bike was very similar to the n1sx for a lot more money. I think I'll get a new N1sx and something small to do on/off road stuff.

Great review! I currently ride a 20 year old VFR 800, and would dearly love one of those Kawasaki ninjas. Thanks for sharing.

Great Bike. Do you have any issues with finding neutral? Is it easy to shift from second gear to the neutral? Thank you.

The VFR 1200 DCT was a great bike, wish they did that with the 800 for my beginner rider daughter. I guess a Nina 650 or 400 will be her bike (has to learn to ride a clutch). The ninja 1000 sx, looks to be a nice bike, I want a Concourse 14. I have a zzr1200 now and am looking to modernize