I have to agree with you on all points. I have owned this bike since we came out of lockdown here in France last year (got 10% off both the bike and touring options, yeah!), and I am loving it. (I used to ride the Bandit 1250S but that was getting a bit long in the tooth in all aspects). Did a multi thousand kilometer tour in Spain and Portugal as soon as I got permission from the missus and I posted a couple of vids on my channel, if you're interested.
Wicked, will check it out. Ahhh, love to be in France on a motorcycle. I go over there a lot as my father has a place in Fougeres and the roads are amazing out there. Smooth and unused. What are the Police like with motorcyclists out there? Ade
@@RevMonkey Well the roads, yeah, once you get far away from where I live (in Paris) they can be nice, but I prefer Spain and hate having to ride nearly 1000 km to get there. I honestly have no idea how police are with bikers, since I have never been stopped. (Once in 20 years of riding, in Spain, because I did a stupid overtake on the inside just where they were standing, but they were nice. They held on to my drivers license until I could find a cash machine and bring back 150 euro for the fine ...)
@@nickthequick Ha. AH, didnt realise you were in Paris - that is a different ball game. Certainly, out in the countryside with the roads like a billiard table there is much fun to be had. I much prefer a cash fine to points! Ade
I bought a new one one week ago. The dealer in Germany gets one each months, but a predefined colour. Got a green one - dislike the red colour. Maybe red leads to dropping prices for used ones. Performance and Touring equipped. I am aged 43 and just sold my 2014 BMW R1200 GS. Fed up with battery problems and other stuff. I need a reliable motorbike, because I hardly find time to ride.
Nice, I think the green one is the sexiest one and suits the bike and brand the best. Ah, interesting. How does the new Ninja compare with the GS? What are your early thoughts on the ninja? Ade
The Ninja is not finished already. The dealer has to add the Akra exhauster and some other stuff. Tomorrow I will get the Ninja hopefully. The test ride was amazing. A feeling to sit "in" the motorcycle is something I missed from former times (aged 20 on a ZX-9R). The new Ninja works so simple, like a bicycle. Of course, the GS had its advantages. To go through the Alps in Alto Aldige and to be surprised of bad roads might let me miss the GS, but that is all from my side. The future and my favorised routes will show, whether the decision was right.
Ahh, I am envious. I can't explain why I have not yet bought one! If I get over my mad speed desire then I think this is the one bike I will get to see me to the end of my days, Ade
Love my 2018 model. My only gripe was the stock exhausts made chain maintenence difficult and the seat gave numb bum after an hour. Both solved with SP Engineering carbon stubbys which look and sound great. The seat was a cheap fix by adding an inch of memory foam with a custom quilted cover with green stitching to match the bike. The 2021 model impress but not enough to make me change for the sake of a quickshifter and cruise control.
Ah, hadnt heard about the chain issue. If I end up getting one I probably would get the 21 model but your model is perhaps a cooler looking and I found a good one with those sorts of mods then it would have to be considered. Great value bikes at all ages. Ade
@@RevMonkeyForgot to mention. Swapping the big stock silencers for slim stubby carbons reduced the weight by about 12lbs and allows the use of a paddock stand, a no no with the originals. Another niggle with the 2018 model is the speedo is difficult to read in the sun. This was remedied by Kawasaki in 2019.
@@85waspnest Yeah, I have to say, I am now a fan of the modern TFT screens. The weight of stock cans is horrendous. I saved similar on replacing the 3-pipe can on my Dragster for a titanium single pipe.
Yes, I absolutely agree. The new bikes have to come with compliant exhausts and they do lessen the experience somewhat. The optional Akrapovic, which comes as standard on the Performance variant, is the one to get for me, Ade
Cool. Still one of the greatest all-rounders I have been on. There are a few more contenders now as I think Yamaha and Triumph have caught up. Did you get the performance/touring pack? Which colour? Ade
@@RevMonkey just got basic one in grey with black tank and green stripes, stunning though, ordered black widow small exhaust slip on, it’s got few extras on it , thanks
I'm not sure there is any 'facelift' vehicle that is so very different from the previous incarnation. Pity you regurgitate specs that are fully available and mentioned on every other review since late 2019. Would have been far better to describe the ride as you perceive it. But in case anyone out there is watching this thinking about shortlisting the Ninja, then here goes: New for 2020> Kawasaki changed the geometry to address the slow speed handling of all previous generations. IMU for improved safety (lean angle abs, TT etc) Perfect LCD display that whilst not the most feature rich (eg BMW), is the best to read in all conditions with just the right information required Improved windscreen and positioning. up/down quick shifting is excellent Electronic throttle so Cruise Control standard Full LED lights (incredible night time riding) Standard seat now super comfy Very good OEM tyres Same as before but still just as awesome: Looks, build, electric like and creamy smoothness, comfortable ride, reliability, panniers; brilliant fitting system and useful but still look good, low down power/torque. 4 year Mfr warranty available for little money (never seen any reviewer mention this). Cons: Still no Centre Stand and BlueTooth integration is pathetic and could do with losing a little bit of weight but only noticeable when moving it about in garage etc... but that's all. After 6 months and 3k miles, I love this bike, truly adore her. Usually designs fail when trying to please too many people or be all things to all men, but if you only can have one bike and like to tour, commute, blast those lanes and even the odd track day and still have a bike that is superbly engineering but you can't help giving it one last look as you leave it parked somewhere.... then buy the Ninja.
Thanks for that additional input. Goof info too. The last chapter is spot on. Even the older models hold their value well. One thing I didn;t find out. Can you hook in an Android phone to play music fine on something like Spotify? Cheers Ade
@@RevMonkey the bluetooth is sticky plaster attempt at best. No real integration like Triumphs etc where it can display navigation directions or tracks or calls. Just shows a symbol you've had a call. But tbh, this is probably for the best on a bike, much safer to invest in quality headset gear...
@@dardobartoli Yeah, I only listen to sat nav directions presently. I did like my ride on the Triumph GT Pro. Different style but a competitor-ish at the price point. For me, this and the Z1000SX are still the best all rounders. Ade
I am a proud owner of a beautiful red one. It does everything well and looks sporty. If you can only own one bike I would strongly suggest this as an option. Unfortunately this isn't the bike that stirrs the soul like a true superbike. The excitement of being overwhelmed with power is addictive. Which is why I keep a superbike in the garage as well.
I currently ride an XSR700 with a CP2 and was exploring the option of upgrading to this bike as an all arounder for sporty/touring fun and only bike. It should be fine hanging with 600s and 1ks in twisties and highways right? I have the itch for more power because I'm always behind on straights but also want something I can do small trips and still handle well.
Yeah, strange that they didn't offer it, what with it being their main brand color. Weird really. Still, you can get some cool vinyls or respray a few panels :) Ade
@@RevMonkey So, the one you are riding in the video doesnt appear in the options you show for colours. Is the solid green available or is it a previous year?
@@brisprott2451 Actually, I took the video before Covid 2 and at that point it was the model beforehand but practically similar. The liveries have changed and weirdly y ou cant even get this lovely green one as far as I know. Ade
Cool. Do you miss the dynamics of the ZX10R or does the comfortable ergonomics and practicality make it up for you? It is not exactly a slow bike of course! :) Ade
OOh. I see them slightly differently. Both great bikes. I would go for this as my only bike as it looks so damn sexy, like a supersports but it still comfy. The Triumph has more of an off-road vibe to it, though I do love that bike and you could still sports tour on it. Ade
@@RevMonkey Speaking of looks; nearly every time I am out on it I get compliments for its looks, which really baffles me as nobody did that when I was riding the Bandit :o)
@@nickthequick Blimey,. has it not got any green on it at all? Here you go: www.amazon.co.uk/Adhesive-Coloured-Pinstripes-Detailing-Pinstripe/dp/B00PK3M5T6 😊
Honda are developing a sports tourer with the new Africa twin 1100cc engine, look up Honda NT1100, I'd say it will be 2022 at the earliest before we see it.
@@roadwarrior8560 Ahh, that is interesting. I had that Africa Twin and superb for its purpose I found the engine a touch, well, agricultural. They might tweak it. Thanks for the heads up. I have a good relationship with Honda so will try and get on that launch. Ah, just checked it out. looks more of a rival to the Triumph GT Pro in style. I wish they'd bring out a VFR 1000 with full tech setup. Perhaps a slightly detuned and regeared Fireblade engine. :) Ade
Has to be a bargain right? As you say, a great all rounder motorcycle suitable for the fun stuff or proper touring. Makes you wonder why other manufacturers do not copy their success.
Well, Suzuki has a rival and Yamaha has some good MT-09 variants or perhaps stick touring kit on an MT-10. Kawasaki have been on top of the game in this sector for over a decade. Ticks all the boxes for me now. Ade
This bike is very appealing to me. However, the engine's smoothness keeps me from upgrading my XSR900. I prefer and enjoy the vibration and slight buzz from Yamaha's fun triple. I understand that most people want a smooth engine but that is my biggest gripe with Kawasaki bikes.
Yeah, could also say the Hondas 4-cyls are actually too smooth. Generally, you do get more character on triple and twin engines. A good exhaust can help a bit. Take one out anyway and see what you think! Ade
@@RevMonkey I definitely will. Also, it's such an oversight by most manufacturers not to make heated grips standard on their touring bikes. I think it's the same with the SX, right?
@@hunkyhungarian378 I cant recall but you are absolutely right. It really annoys me when a bike that that is designed to travel long distances does not have things like heated grips and cruise control. These should definitely be standard as aftermarket kits look crap. Ade
Bit different, bit better for overall comfort. SUPERB all rounder. I had an MT-09 SP. The MT-09 feels more dynamic but the Ninja trumps it for overall practicality and comfort yet turns into a supersports bike when you crack on. Ade
Yeah, both very valid rivals. Ducati's lokos and sounds are great too. The Yamaha perhaps has more ability on different terrains and certainly a different vibe and dynamic. I guess the NInja is between the two and it is that sweetspot that has made it really successful. Ade
It’s a good bike, much faster than the specs suggest. Only thing I found odd (earlier version) when I test rode it was a slightly odd feeling tipping into slow corners.
@@dmandhelen Yeah, but it is a rival in terms of buying a bike. They are a lot different, as is Triumph's GT Pro. As a sports bike rider I have an immediate preference for the looks of the Kawasaki.
@@RevMonkey yes I know what you mean 😁😁.. I was thinking that the style of riding is so different.. when I tried the tracer it felt very much like a v-strom or the versys... it was very tall and very sat up with wide handlebars.. I didn’t really like it .. but the Ninja feels lower and sportier.. almost like a big naked really .. it suited me because I like that position.. not the sit up one ..😁😁👌👌thank you for your reply 🤝🤝
So how do you compare this bike with Suzuki's GSXS 1000? I mean which is the better allround bike for munching the miles in comfort? Im planning to buy either one but am still not sure which one is better. Thanks
For me - it is not even close - It is the Kawasaki - of any age. Though if you can get a really good deal on the Suzuki then it is still a great bike. Best thing to really do is to take both out and see which one make you feel the best, gives you the more emotional ride whilst ticking the comfort and adrenaline boxes. Ade
@@RevMonkey ok, thank you sir. I should thake a test ride to both of the bikes. But pricewise, i think the Kawasaki win it considering the features and electronics though it's more expensive. Great vid anyways! 👍👍
My problem with this bike is that is not brilliant at either job. Even if i got one bike I would either go for something like a super naked or a zx10_R.
@@willycrols9091 Nah, on my chin. Really, one should not have a camera at all on their body and not on the helmet but, as with all biking, there are always risks we take. Ade
It might have competition from its big brother the H2 SX but given its price and ability - I suspect it is the best allrounder if you totalled up all the scores. What would you go for then? Ade
