Kawasaki vs Suzuki: Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX vs Suzuki GSX-S1000F | Visordown.com 

With all the updates the Kawasaki has received over the years this seems an easy choice. TFT dash, quickshifter, cruise contro, lean sensitive abs and I believe heated grips aswell.

I've owned a 2016 GSXS1000F and now I own a 2019 Ninja 1000abs (Canada versions) The two may seem close in specs but they are worlds apart. The Suzuki is a hooligan bike and definitely lacks for anything but blasting around. Run the gears on that at red line and you will be all smiles, ride 1000km and you will be all broken lol The Ninja is definitely slower but not lacking. Its smooth as silk and has all day comfort, better wind protection, awesome panniers etc as a sport tourer should. If you want thrills go with the GSXS1000F. If you want happiness and your pillion not to divorce you go with the Ninja 1000.

I was one of the very first people to own the Suzuki when it came out! I went from a Honda CBR600F 100bhp to the GSX was in my mid 50s & even though the CBR was comfy with slightly raised clip ons, i found the GSX much more comfortable. I test both the ZX & GSX now at the time Suzuki were pushing this bike as a bike for your daily blasts but in a comfy package, they aimed it at your Sunday morning sports bike guy who wanted all the trappings of a sports bike with out the pain! They got it spot on! I mostly used it in Summer for doing a daily round trip commute of 65miles. Weekends went further afield for a day out. Only ever went further for a couple of days down south to London from Manchester Carried my small amount of clothes in a back pack! The nike just handled brilliantly. It felt light & agile & since i am no Valentino Rossi i know my kills were no match for the Bikes capabilities! The ZX felt a little heavier & less agile in comparison, still a great bike! It all boils down to this, what do you intend to use it for? if you want a sports bike for solely having a blast without touring with apillion, that handles like a super bike or 600 sports bike then the GSX is the one! if you want to go on long distance adventures then the ZX is the one. For me it was the shorter blasts on sweeping country roads for that out of the two there was only one winner! & it didn't disappoint!

I don’t even think this is a competition. The Ninja 1000 offers full LEDs, TFT, rider modes/TC, cornering ABS, IMU, cruise control, quick shifter, nicely integrated saddle bags, passenger hand rails, and adjustable windscreen. Also looks are subjective but common the Kawasaki has it beat. Similar power figures all around and you have a clear winner. Where the Suzuki wins would be the brake department and suspension?? But for its intended purpose it seems like a simple choice to me.

kwaka, quick shifter and cruise control, best bike

Tbh I take both manufactures at their word & as mentioned, it depends what you want the bike for. If I want to tour I buy the Kwak, if I want a comfy sports bike I but the Suzuki. Although Suzuki have missed a trick as I believe the Kwak is selling much better. Suzuki love to recycle parts for "new" models so why not strengthen the rear sub frame, enlarge the pillion seat, add hard luggage & call it a GSXS GT. Bingo!

I had the SX for three years and ive just bought the GSX. Personally i prefer the GSX as it's much better for solo riding. Most of my trips are one day's riding solo and the GSX is perfect for that. The GSX is lighter, faster, more nimble and more fun. Also oddly much more economical, ive seen 63mpg on the GSX and never saw over 45mpg on the SX. So basically if you want the fun solo bike its the Suzuki, if you want to tour two up the Kwak is the bike. Have fun test riding 😊

Revisited this video about a year later, and ... guess what? Suzuki was not copping out, they were developing the real deal! Seems all the niggles pointed out that made it less of a tourer have been well taken care of. This requires another shootout (and include the Yami 9 GT!). I've got my sights on one of these three. What great choices!

I would like to see a comparison of bikes with pillions in mind. No matter what category (except single seat sports bikes) include a review of the passenger comfort. Its a major point for me and Im sure many others.

"Reaching for the car kays... " Classic. Thanks for the review. Cheers.

I went to buy a Ninja 1000 and ended up with a Suzuki GSX-S1000 and couldn’t be happier! It does need a windscreen but that’s easy fix! And I’m my own quick shifter don’t need that! Only thing I wish it had was a little taller tires and gearing but I’m fixing to remedy that problem!

A new comparison with the 2022 Suzuki GSXS1000GT would be great.

Having now tested both a BMW R 1250 RS and the Kawa - the BMW twice - I was surprised to find myself wanting the Kawasaki. I got a great deal on a brand new Tourer version (-10% on everything) that saved me 5000 euro compared to the BMW, which gives me the following: Two years extended warranty, a new riding jacket, new pants, new boots, new gloves, new helmet, new Garmin Zumo XT, new Hero 8 Black, sliders, USB port and 800 litres of fuel ... Not only that, parts are cheaper, and labor costs at the garage is 25% less. What's not to like about that?

Thanks for your pleasant and concise review of these 2 bikes. I currently ride a 2014 Suzuki GSX1250FA, which does double duty as both my daily rider and touring ride when I go on a trip. Its been a very enjoyable all-rounder, and it cannot be overstated just how great it is having hard lockable luggage. The only thing I really wish it had was cruise control. With Suzuki retiring the Bandit/1250FA, I was hoping to see Suzuki drop in a modern replacement, filling that all-rounder/midsize sport tourer niche. It's pretty apparent the GSX-S1000F was not made to fill that role, which is a big shame. Meanwhile, it's very nice to see Kawasaki continue to update the Ninja 1000 platform, giving it tasty touring items like cruise control. Sadly, it seems like choices in this segment have greatly dwindled. Adventure tourers are all the rage these days, and while I love their ergonomics, most of them are too tall for my tastes, as well as most of them being 2-cylinder engines (give me the silky smoothness of an inline 4 any day!).

Would love to see a comparison between a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX and the latest Triumph Speed Triple. Great job, good content, guys.

Have been riding ninja 1000 for the past 2 years and it's an absolute pleasure whenever I take it out. Suzuki is not upgrading their bikes for quite sometime now. Not sure why, with that k5 engine combined with modern electronics it would be a gem. As they are not doing it, I would sell my ninja 1000 2018 and buy the 2020 version again..

plenty of great aftermarket luggage options for the gsxs. ive gone the full givi setup of top box, panniers and a tank bag. match with simple set of bar risers at at least 1up you have a brliant tourer that can play on the twisties on your route.

I looked at both and the awesome low end and mid-range punch of the Kawi was more street fun. Then add the BA looks of the black bike & hard bags for those touring days. I am pretty darn happy after 3500 miles on the Kawi. On the open road drop it into 4th; Pin the throttle & watch that rev counter climb for 3 seconds or more & it is Big Ticket time - "If you get Caught"

Great video, as always. Congratulation.

If you want more of a tourer in your sports bike, then the Kawasaki wins. However, the Suzuki has the best handling and best engine. Describing the Suzuki as a comfy sports bike is pretty accurate. Also the Suzuki can be had for around 2k less than the Kawasaki, the difference grows to 3k if you are looking at the Kawasaki with the panniers !

This definitely helps me decide...do you have any feedback from pillions about comfort? Also, since you can’t use top case/rack at the same time as the side panniers, do you know if there are options for a pillion back rest?

In the last year i am looking in to the sports touring market, but as you point in the video more and more the options fall into the "adventure sports tourer" or crossover. And I have to admit, that they do seem to fit into my aim, but coming from a gsxr, also like the traditional ones, like the ones in this video... Can you make a video compare the new BMW F900XR, Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro and Ducati Multistrada 950S? Thank you and yur team for the great job! Cheers!

Great information.

I always thought or the Suzuki as a sport bike we can still ride after back issues, not really a tourer

Look wise kawa, performance wise suzuki. That gsxr engine is just too good.

890 R vs Street triple RS; 950 Hypermotard vs 690 SMCR. Thanks.

Thanks for your consistently concise reviews....love to see a comparo of honda cb 650, not the neo retro... and ninja 650

Thanks for this comparison, it has saved me a trip to the Suzuki dealership. Currently in the market for a relatively light sport touring bike, but found the Kawi just a bit too cramped in terms of butt to foot pegs. If the gsx is even worse then I can basically state that my old glee strom will have to do for at least one more season.

Realy makes me miss the vfr 800 and 1200

A great video and comparison indeed. I own 16' GSX-S because I wanted a 2-3 hour thrill ride occasionally and weekend coffee runs as Im not interested in riding from Texas to Alaska on it. I had a 650 Ninja as my starter and loved it as well -so lots of respect for Kawa's. One also not mentioned difference however is insurance premiums. The word "NINJA" translates as: "double a normal yearly premium compared to any other bike". So - best get a quote for that first before pulling the trigger. Cheers-

tried the sx and liked it nice smooth bike tried the zook f and loved it and bought one had it for 2 odd years very underrated bike , i found it fast and comfy but now i have a mt10 after trying all the big naked s, for the money what a bike lol

I went with the GSX-S1000F as I was able to get a previous model year holdover for a good OTD price. Easily saved about $2000 over the Kawi. Like you said, definitely more a "comfortable" sport bike rather than dedicated sport tourer like the Kawi. But, money talks!

What a great comparison. I just throw some soft panniers on the Suzuki and I’m good for days. I wanted a more sportier nimble bike. The decision was pretty easy.

I’d like to see you do a review on the Yamaha FJR1300A and the FJR1300AE

Great Comparo.Ninja the deserving winner. Although different pls compare 2020 Ninja 1000 Sx with 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 GT from a purely Touring perspective.

Not sure what the prices are in the UK but here the GSX-S is 11k eur while the Z1000 is 13.5-14K eur. For the price difference, you can have all the basic mods you want, the suspension resprung, a tune, and probably some gear on top of that. Thus it depends more on your budget and what you need.

Good job this compare! I was always huge enthusiast of Kawasaki. Fot its neutral character and well value price to possibilities.

Nice review, but don't agree with all the points. The Suzuki is made SPECIFICALLY :-) for 6'5" tall guys-like myself, with a bad back - like yours truly - that won't handle a Busa or a ZZR1400, but wants to ride on the street instead the track. It is a stiff, very comfortable sports bike, and I picked up one 2 weeks ago, after testriding the Katana. Best of the Beasts, I'm in love with it!

Sounds like someone put a gun to the head of the narrator and forced him to read out the script 😂

I was pulling for the Suzuki, but I see the argument for the Kawasaki.

I am in the market for a sports tourer to replace my old beloved Bandit 1250 S from 2008. I am torn between the new BMW R 1250 RS and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX so I would really like to see a direct comparison between the two

Nice comparison. I'd like to see a comparison in the 900 cc range of upright sports/adventure type touring bikes. BMW F900 XR, Yamaha Tracer 900 GT, Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, Ducati Multistrada 950S. I know that's a lot of bikes. If you need another test rider I'm on vacation next week. JS

I own 2018 ninja 1000 here in the Philippines and we many few gsx1000s in our group but for the looks and smooth transmission i like my ninja I'm actually looking forward to buy a 2020 model when they are available here i hope they get green colour here because 2018 and 2019 we only had black colour available in the Philippines

Why? Why is there even halogen lights 2020? Should be forbidden

Good review. Pls compare the Ninja 1000 sx and Super Duke GT

Which one is the most capable in the twisty bits ?

I thought max torque on the ninja 1000 sx was at 8,000 rpm ... it was 7,500 rpm on the previous model the z1000sx ...??? Does it make any difference by the way... (being at 8 rather than 7,500).. to the performance ..???

Personally, with a pillion and for longer touring, I'd go for the 1000SX..

Yes, Kawasaki!!!! 🥰

This video just reminds me of how Suzuki needs to update nearly its entire line of motorcycles.

Do you not mean 1043cc for the Kawasaki?

It would have been nice to get footage of a 2017 onwards GSXS... but I understand why not. Nobody seems to test the 'revised' version with different ECU mapping. For me whose other half has her own bike, the Suzuki would be the one for me. When I do go touring I make do with a tailpack so none of the added extras on the Kwak really appeal. The sweeter steering and more aggressive demeanor would win it. Yeah so the front looks a bit 'Scootery' but the rest looks great.

Ninja 1000SX vs BMW R1250RS, vs 2020 BMW S1000XR vs KTM Super-Duke GT1290, vs Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 & Ducati Multistrada 1260

I would like to see a comparo of the R1250RS and the N1K.

The launch of the new GSXS 1000GT may change things. I would love to see an updated comparo of the Ninja SX with the new GT. I think that will be a close battle and choosing which one to buy will be a tough decision.

I'll never understand why manufacturers put bar-mounted mirrors on a faired bike. It never looks right! K1200RS GSX-S1000F ... Just a little bit more attention to detail, and they'd have looked so much better

My riding buddy has 2016 gsx1000s naked that he was able to get new for under 8k. I picked up the Ninja 1000xs a week ago and have enough seat time on both to say they’re both great bikes. The ninja is more expensive before the bags. Is the quick shifter/cruise control worth the extra money? I thought so, and both work well. You’re not going to find any deals though. The gsx 1000 s and f are basically the same as last few years , allowing bigger productions and better pricing. And I do give a slight edge to the Suzuki motor

The SW Motech Blaze bags are great on the Suzuki.

Visdordown blindly loving every comment... Love it.

The swingarm on the Ninja looks rather weak (see at 3:57), especially where it clamps the rear axle, more like a 600cc bike. They should have used one on the ZX10R. The zook may not have the bells and whistles of the Ninja but pretty much all components are from GSXR, including the K5 engine.

The Ninja 1000SX is one of the best sports tourers on sale in 2020, and it was even before the update. The GSX-S1000F is far more unique. It really is just a comfortable liter bike, not a sports tourer. It doesn’t really have any direct competition except for maybe super nakeds like the S1000R and MT-10. It’s the one I’d have and I typically always pick Kawasaki products.

I was looking at the z1000 to purchase because of the all round capabilities but I don't know whether it's the name Kawasaki but the insure was over £900 for me. Where as I spotted my now GSX-S1000f in the same dealership and the insurance quote was £336. It came with topbox, heated grips, scorpion can, puig screen and other extras so for me it was a steal. But performance wise and price wise if they are so close why was there nearly a £600 difference to insure the z1000 ?

What about a bmw F900XR - Kawa Ninja 1000 SX comparison?

Compare Hayabusa and ZZR1400 please.

Thinking about z1000sx but engine seams to be a bit boring, hence looking at aprilia tuono v4... if only they had GT version... not easy choice out there after vfr.

Hmmm... my 2018 Z1000SX has fully adjustable forks with preload, compression and rebound damping adjustability. You said at 3:50 that the 2020 model only has rebound damping. You also failed to mention the rear has a single "damping" adjustment. Have Kawasaki removed adjustability on the 2020 model? Seems unlikely.

You could get either of these and make a compromise in one area OR Get a MT-10 and get the best of both!!!

I like what the gsx provides. Not many people you 2 up with these kinds of bikes so the complainants about it now working well for that seem null. If it cost 2 grand more and had tft, cruise, and cornering abs with the ability to opt for Suzuki panniers I think it would outsell the Kwai because of the performance. I have one and it’s darn near perfect. For weekend fun it’s perfect and for touring within a state or 2 away it works as well. I hate the dash though

Looking at the forums for these bikes, lots of owners upgrade the suspension first thing. That cost and hassle should be factored into the reviews.

Compare these (or just he Kawi) to the BMW R1250RS

Ninja any time 👌👍

@visordown how was the throttle response / fueling on the bikes?

Kawasaki Z900RS vs Suzuki Katana. Can you please make a video?

H2 SX vs the outgoing ZX14R...

I’m still torn between them. I like both for what they are. I like the Ninja for its refinement, it’s tech, and it being a true sport tourer for the modern age which mostly doesn’t exist. I like the Suzuki for being different, kind of ingenious, and a sleeper of a sport bike that’s comfortable. Rumor is that Suzuki may be updating the GSX-S1000 because there is no 2021 model announced, at least not in the US market. They could just as easily be discontinuing the bike which would mean that’s the one I need to buy.

I have a 1000f 2018 beast still like it after 3yrs

My dream bike has been the Ninja 1000 for a long time.

BMW 1000XR AND KAWASAKI NINJA 1000SX... please

Plenty of manufacturers offer all kinds of Panier options for the Suzuki. I rode these bikes back to back at Daytona's bike week recently. Suzuki's dynamics and engine are shoulders above the Kawasaki's, and fueling stood out most when comparing the two, especially when cracking open the throttle. Where the blue bike was linear, smooth and spot-on, the green one was awfully snatchy. Did I mention the engine? oh yeah, the GSXR based engine and the horny sounds it makes are hopelessly addictive. I've been shopping for the Suzuki ever since.

Which one would you go for if suzuki is cheaper by 3000 £? (Real case in Czechia).

Can you compare the new KTM 890 with a close competitor of your choice?:))

It would be good to include the BMW R1250RS in this too

Does this compare to the SX SE plus?

Better comparison I think is the Suzuki vs MT-10 as the Ninja here is clearly a sports tourer emphasis on sport rather than a comfortable sport bike. I like how the GSX-S is kind of an oddball in the market built for those in the know, and you can’t argue with the price.

Yes for Kawasaki, No for suzuki

My preference in bikes definitely leans towards the sportiest end of the sports tourer category (and naked bikes). Which would point me towards the Suzuki. Unfortunately Suzuki has followed their hallowed tradition of making the GSX-S/F models hideously ugly (although the current GSX-S1000F isn't as bad as the early 2000s "Katana"/Teapot GSX750F).

I looked for both and picked a Yamaha 900 gt

1000sx vs fjr 1300 vs 1250rt vs connie 1400

The GSXf feels neglected over the recent years while Kawa have been upgrading its continuously. These 2020 days the Kawa offers TFT, Quick S, Cruise C and overall improvements that tip the decision towards the Ninja 1000

Please stay at home everyone. Corona

Nice comparo. Would love you to compare the SX with the new V-strom 1050 XT and the BMW F900XR as road bikes. Though the XT has adventure bike looks it's a road bike with some small ability to go of pavement. Thanks guys.

BMW F900R vs. Aprilia Shiver 900

Not sure why the gsxs is deemed a sport touring bike in this vid. It's more a faired sport naked bike

Kawasaki is the much better overall choice and the average rider wouldn't be any faster on one or the other.

Kawa wins in looks. Hands down. Like the low seat height on the GSX.

in Australia the S1000F is much cheaper then the ninja 1000 sx the s1000f is $16200 AUD and the 1000sx is $19900 AUD. Another note is the s1000f is about 15% lighter then the ninja 1000 and has 10 more HP

I found that you can get gsxf about 2500 less than z1000sx. Sooooooo it sounds like a lot and i bought suzi.

If Suzuki could fix the front cowl, it would be perfect. There is no sport bike with comfortable seat. I have a ZZR-600 and it is the closet thing to a comfy sport bike, albeit carbureted and 2005 technology.

Thanks for this. The Suzuki is clearly a single rider bike with an identity crisis, if one is serious about this bike, then many other bikes come to mind. Candidly I do not understand why bikes like this even consider a pillion provision. For touring the Kawasaki is definitely worth considering, especially two up.

Just the fact that the kawasaki has both headlights on all the time is worth at least £5k more.lol