Why The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Always Sells! 

A huge thanks to Superbike Factory for their support! You can find all their stock here, including some great deals on almost new bikes like the one featured in this video: tinyurl.com/2m7ydhaj

I picked up slightly used a 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX for a price I couldn`t refuse. What a great motorcycle! I owned and rode many other bikes before in my 34 year riding career, that said, this is the best bike I owned so far. It’s just such a well rounded motorcycle. It has everything you really need. Adjustable windshield, fully adjustable suspension, power outlet, factory luggage option with a mount that does not look retarded when the bags are off, all the modern electronic nannies, quick shifter, etc. At 48 years old I don`t want to be a MotoGP or World Superbike racer, but this bike sure does scratch the itch in the twisties. Yet I can tour or commute with it every day.

Rode the Suzuki GT, then the Kawi. Bought the Kawi. Really enjoy this machine!

I mean, it’s tried and true.. the engine has been around over a decade and they’ve actually pulled a little hot sauce off it over the years. It’s a solved equation in my mind the only way to improve it is bling parts like aftermarket shocks. And hats off for mentioning the owners reviews!! You so rarely hear about owners who write in their experience from larger publications these days and it’s sad

Absolutely love my bike! Wouldn't want anything else - and I tested many other bikes (BMW 1250RS, BMW 1000XR, MT-9 Tracer, Victory, Versys 650, MT-07, and many others...). *BUT* bluetooth connectivity/app is totally useless and unreliable, heated grips indicator not visible in the dash, bike reacts slowly to cruise control adjustments, no USB port by default, standard S22 tires are bad in the cold, it puts out a bit of heat towards your ankles, you can't see lean angles in custom rider mode, blipper is very jerky at low revs, only two throttle curves available, displayed range is inaccurate, panniers can be a hassle to unlock. Despite these shortcomings, it's fantastic!

I always love the line at the end all your videos "you can see the video right.................... here" with some semi-awkward arm movements. Gets me every time!

Have a 2023 1000 sx. I am in love with this machine. Any excuse to get out on the road. She pulls like a rocket 😊😊. I get compliments EVERYWHERE I go, without fail. She got loads of swag.

Love this bike however, I opted to go with the new Suzuki GSX S1000GT for its beautiful colour, looks and overall performance... Legendary K5 Motor!! 150 bhp, 78 foot pounds of torque, smooth quick shifter & auto blipper, large TFT screen, larger bags, etc. It may not have an IMU but not all that necessary either.

As the happy and proud owner of a 2018 blue Z1000SX (the old name for this) I have to agree with all of this. I've done a few review videos on my one, on which I've clicked over 15,000 miles so far. Great review, thank you Motobob!

Great review, I’ve just bought the 23 model and it’s like riding on a cloud ! It’s super smooth with great quality throughout.

Thanks for the feature, since november last year I own one in exactly the same colour scheme and the same upgrades, on top of it, it’s a march 2021 model I bought second hand with only 1400 km on the clocks. I’ve done over 16 000 km since, mostly weekend trips and a motorcycle holiday to the Alps and I love this machine more and more. I swapped the original S22 tires which were good but didn’t last long time for the new Dunlop Roadsmart IV which have performed faultlessly. I come from adventure bikes (I had an AfricaTwin and a 1250GS) and it took me a little bit getting used to riding with much narrower bars that I couldn’t use as a lever like I used to on the GS but once I figured out that to make the Ninja turn I had to use my body more actively, I haven’t looked back. It’s such an agreeable motorcycle to ride, easy, smooth but if you want to ride it in a more sportier way it delivers. You can cruise in sixth at 50 kms without even hearing the engine, roll open the throttle and it will pull. You don’t need to be high in the revs to enjoy the engine but if you do, which is easy with the short gearing and the excellent QS, you’re in for a treat. This motorbike fits me as I like to travel but also to ride “harder” if conditions allow. I was afraid that it wouldn’t keep up with my mates’ GSs and KTMs in the switchbacks but I found the Ninja more agile. Initially I was afraid of losing out on the long-distance comfort but although it doesn’t have the plush ride of a GS with electronic suspension it’s quite comfortable, I’ve been doing 500 km legs (with breaks for fuel and coffee) without feeling more sore than on any other bike designed for travelling I’ve known. Then again it depends on your body and frame, I’m not very big and don’t feel cramped (although I installed some adjustable footpegs) and the wind protection I get from the Ninja I find more convenient, it’s true that you’re more exposed to the wind than behind an adventure bike’s screen but maybe because it’s a smaller screen and you’re head is slightly tilted forward, I don’t get the buffeting that caused me neckpain after a while on my adventure bikes. I wouldn’t recommend it necessarily for two-up riding, there clearly the adventure bikes are superior with the longer suspension travel and the roomier seats. As far as the consumption goes, I have give or take 10-20km the same range as my mates on their GSs (and better than the one’s riding KTMs, not the last generation, though). I will keep the Ninja at least until the next itineration will be launched. For the time being I see only one bike that tempts me as it seems to be an attractive all-rounder, the new Moto Guzzi V100. Would like to hear from people who have ridden both once it’s available from the show rooms. Cheers

Hey Motobob, great reviews as usual. What's the model of the revit jacket and jeans you're wearing in this vid bud? Cheers.

I have to agree with your assessment. I have owned my 22 here in the states for 1 year. The motor is amazing. Change the seat for the gel one if you plan on spending more than 2 hours in the saddle. I also wish the cruise control would go higher than 85mph. Granted 85 is fast.

I got a 2012 Z 1000SX (which was imported from the UK) and this year, while it was at the shop, I was thinking of selling it. Well, all the thoughts of selling went away when I got it back and went for a ride. What a machine this bike is. EDIT: Kind of a long shot, but also interested in your GoPro mount on the helmet :)

I love this bike. Since one year now I had this Ninja, always a pleasure to ride it ❤✌🏻

you really make great video's, thanks!!!!

I love mine. It’s a bike for someone done with sports bikes but can’t stand the look of adventure bikes, ie me. Fast, smooth, comfy, cruise control, quick shifter, heated grips and panniers that fit without needing scaffolding. Only thing I’d improve is the wind noise from the touring screen. No buffeting, just noise. But then maybe a different helmet would sort that. Oh and it could probably afford to shed a few pounds.

Saw the Motobob's new video notification, was really expecting a comparison of the new Zuki 8S with its unclaimed rivals MT07, Hornet and Trident. Great video nonetheless..

Always like your reviews .

Bought the new 2023 model. It's a wonderful machine. So smooth and comfortable.

I had the 2018 model for nearly 2 years and the 2020 upgrade for 18 months doing about 30k on them both and I got consistently overall average of 50.8 mp/g.. and I don’t tootle about .. so I think it’s actually very good on fuel !👌👌👌

Out of all the bikes I’ve owned, the ‘07 Z1000 is right at the top of the list of regretted sales…Wish I still had it. In the middle of the last big recession I had to dump it. Man was that a fun bike. Looks like they’ve made some great improvements over the years!

Also there are many options to customise it to your needs. I've shown lots of them on my channel but the bar risers, lower seat and even lowering kit (which I do not need) make it perfect for all sizes. Oh and my Emerald Blaze Green is the absolute best colour :D

I own a 2021 Ninja 1000SX & the engine is a bulletproof one from Kawasaki, The torque gives you the power to pull in any speeds and in any clog! The quickshifter works like a charm too, This is a great machine and gives you all thrill with that twist to wrist too!

Brilliant right round corner from me. Great video.

I own a 2017 sx 1000 bought new 2017 love it, brings a massive smile to my face every time i ride ,the only thing I've added is heated grips external socket and sliders , it's a great bike quick enough for a 66 year old, fuel ⛽️ consumption is very good really smooth, there's nothing on the market at the moment that I'd exchange it for, Not even the Suzuki and I've had 8 different Suzuki motocyes over many years 👍

I like the Ninja 1000SX (and similar offerings from Suzuki and the like) because they are the only sport touring bikes left for short people. I'm 5'7" and I'm comfortable (riding or stopped) on the Ninja 1000SX. I really dislike that "sport tourers" have all become road-focused dual-sports. I can't touch the ground on a Versys 1000, a Pan America, a BMW GS, an Africa Twin, a Super Adventure, or any of the large new style of "sport tourers". Add the tall seat to a 600-lb weight, and all of them are a hard "no" for me. Short of dirt roads and singletrack, there isn't much the N1K can't do.

I like it! I need to go and sit on one. You might have made me forget about the Africa Twin. Maybe

The one thing I wish the Ninja 1000sx had that the Suzuki does have is the GPS map on the screen. The current connectivity app sucks and is barely usable.

Absolutely brilliant bike reliable fuel consumption is unbelievable if used with in the law

I like this bike nice👍 but will you do a test on a Versys 1000 standard? Ride safe

How is the headlight performance at night, and how is the wind protection with the standard screen? Any buffeting?

IF comfort is a big concern, the Kawasaki beats the Suzuki by a mile. If performance is more your thing, then Suzuki is your bike. You can't go wrong with either.

take my LIKE before I even watch this video 😎

SX is a brilliant bike. Does what it says on the tin. Doesn’t shout about anything really. It’s a steady eddy bike.

This was my favourite bike whilst I had it. I no longer do tours, so went for a more exotic HD Sportster S now, but I am still missing my ninja. Amazing clutch, stability, looks, smooth engine that is only buzzy around 7k rpm. A bit top heavy but Amazing nonetheless

Had mine 2 years brilliant bike looks amazing

LOVE LOVE my 2022 model. I have 2 other bikes (Italian) but this is the one I would travel for weeks and never fear ANYTHING

Suzuki in blue looks awesome! Other than that, second place to the N1K in all areas.

its sorta like a perfect bike, if you can only afford 1 bike.

Pretty much this and a couple of nakeds are the only bikes that would pull me away from a adventure bike being 6ft3 sat on one of these felt really well made and surprisingly comfortable

this is my dreambike, I'm saving for it gonna buy it soon, gotta make it before petrol vehicles become history

best bike I ever had..and the fuel consumption isn't bad at all for a inline 4:sporty riding on b roads in the Alps 5,2 l/100km average and on the highway at 130km/h 5,8l/100km

There’s a reason why I’ve owned 2. Brilliant bike. Yes, I’d love to own more bikes but, I’m happy with my baby. She still gives me the fizz when I need her to, and she looks after me on long journeys.

I have a 2015. My only complaint is that they filled the seat with concrete. Murph's bar risers make the riding position perfect.

Thinking about picking a 2020 to use as my 'everyday' bike. It's either than or a 2020 XR which is around 4k more.

I am really very happy with my 2021 model Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Tourer. I used it daily(+15.000KM yet). The price-quality is perfect.

perfect review 👍

These bikes are great value & great all-rounders.

I had a SX on which I toured Scandinavia and Europe, even doing 1000 miles one day. The only thing it lacked was cruise control. So I part/ex'd it for a new Ninja. I had three warranty problems immediately: panniers wouldn't come off the bike, cruise control didn't work and the heated grips were pathetic. The cruise control was fixed. The only way to fix the panniers was to remove the anti-rattle shims at the front mounting point, so they rattled thereafter. The heated grips were changed, but were still pathetic. Also, my wife said it was the most uncomfortable bike she had ever been on. I sold the bike, but a few years on I am thinking about getting another, because I can't find anything else that comes close as an all-day comfortable tourer, without an ridiculous seat height or an outrageous price. Fuel consumption was okay; I was getting close to 200 miles to a tank when touring. It can go far more quickly than the police would like, and the handling is really very good indeed, at least for an average rider like me.

Kawi nailed this bike. I'm another owner myself (2021 model) and I love the damn thing. Honestly, the only thing about it that's bad is the Rideology App. That's just hot garbage. Don't waste your time. Other than the app though, hop on one of these and you won't be disappointed!

Best bike I've owned so far hands down.

I have a BMW R1250 RS and would venture to say its one of the better if not the best sport touring bike out there ?

I've rode 2 of those 2019 and 2020 and found both of them very buzzy at around 5-8k rpm. Ass was vibrating , footpegs and handlebar was pretty bad for my liking. Other than that it is a really nice machine.

2003 Z1000, my neighbour get better milagr in her Prius. Kawasakis are thirsty. I still love my bike. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

What brand of shoes do use

I really want this bike, it’s a great used buy

Got one. Love it! Simple

Please upload eicma 2022 bikes when you visit there 🙏

I've had this bike for almost a year now. It has everything a sportbike could ask for. However, it's actually a sportbike with luggage options. I say that because even with the easily fitted Murphyskit handelbar risers, the combination of high hard seat and low handelbar position places way too much weight on your hands, wrists, and arms. My feelings are that this is not a sport touring bike it is a sportbike with luggage options.

How does this bike do for clearing traffic on the highway ? In belgium its allowed and for my work i need to do this eeeeeeveryday

It's an old chassis and engine but it's really good value and does everything people want it to. Paint scratches insanely easily though.

Honda should update the vfr up to 130-145bhp, the last one lacked power to the z1000sx shame because that v4 was so dreamy and the build quality on the 8th gen vfr was incredible

It's a great bike. But it needs a bit higher top speed and a hydraulic clutch to attract riders coming from hyper bikes (H2SX, ZZR1400, Hayabusa, Blackbird etc).

It needs a centre stand and a bit more upright riding position for me to buy one.

Is this a good motorcycle for riding with a passenger for short trips

Have owned it since last 3 yrs now and I like it from all spheres

Bro ur quiet amazing love from India

Love how there's randomly just a Castle in the back

19l fuel tank is a very underrated reason. For a daily ride 2 extra litres matter.

I recently bought a 2012 Ninja 1000 and it really is a fun bike to ride. That being said, I do have to say that the gas mileage is something to be desired. I'm getting about 38 mpg and that's when I baby the engine.

I gotta save up for this

How is the comfort/ergonomics compared to the GSXS1000GT? Is one any better for taller riders than the other?

I just bought this bike 2023 brand new I’ve put about 500 miles on it and I’ve noticed that around 100mph (on a closed road) my steering wobbles very lightly but noticeably unless I grip the tank and the handgrips tighter than I’m used to. Should I get a steering dampener?

I bought a new one in june '22 and honestly the whole bike is a mixed bag and a bit overhyped by journalists. Yes, you get a lot of bike for the money and build quality is excellent with decent equipment. However the engine is average at best. It is excellent from tickover till 5k rpm, but at higher revs it feels slow and reluctant for being a 140hp 1000cc bike. It seems that kawasaki had to restrict the engine a lot in order to comply with euro 5. Handling is ok on open roads with good asphalt, but as soon as the corners become tighter or road surface quality deteriorates the whole thing becomes vague and cumbersome. Adjusting the suspension helps, but it still remains on the soft side. So sporty it isn't, is it good at touring then? Well, maybe if you're not a taller rider. I'm 1m85 and after 2 hours I'm ready to dump the thing in a ditch: legroom is very cramped, seat is shit, handlebars force me in quite an awkward (sporty?) position. A pity as wind protection is really good and fuel range is good when keeping the revs down. I found my previous bike, a yamaha MT10, to be a far better touring proposition with a windscreen fitted (ignoring the rather horrendous fuel consumption). I did several multi day tours on the MT without a single problem. That bike was/felt roomier with a better seat. Oh and the crossplane engine just annihilates the kawa engine.

Kawasaki motor is fine but a little lackluster. The handlebar postion was a bit strange to me(and your kinda stuck with it). I appreciate Kawasaki letting me take it out but I just enjoyed the Suzuki a bit more.

is it available in India?

Hi Bob, I finally got a chance to go and sit on a 2023 ninja sx 1000. My first impression was, the seat felt hard as a rock. Also it felt like I was a little cramped. I'm 6'1 or so and weigh around 276 lbs. A few days later I went back to the dealer and sat on the bike again. Actually I sat on it at least 4 or 5 times. I started thinking about how I could make it a little more comfortable with aftermarket accessories. Bar risers would really be a first. Maybe a Sargent seat and puig windscreen. Another thing I noticed was the shift lever. I've got a size 13 foot and it seems like my upshifts might be a little scetchy. Maybe someone makes a longer shift lever or I can just loosen the lock nut and angle the lever upward a bit. I'm seriously considering getting this bike.

I'm gonna get one.

I have a 2022 model and love it. Yes a little thirsty but who cares. I’ve clocked up 12000kms in 8 months, can’t fault it

I'm not a brand name loyalist, never met a Honda I didn't like. Not very fond of Suzuki. I've owned 2 plus the GXXR I currently own, no complaints on that so far but to me it's a pretty big exception. I don't like the way they do things, I deff don't like the crap goods they've put out in the past that never should have been made available. It's 2024 and still somehow necessary to have one side of the headlights on for low beam lol. At this point that's all I needed to see. If they don't care enough to make that initial impression they can take someone else's money. It won't be mine. Some might say it's trivial and to them maybe it is, or maybe they just might not admit it. Most of us make our choices based on a fair amount of emotion and then justify it with logic. When I see one headlamp out permanently I see a piece of crap. Granted if I bothered to test ride one I may not be on a Ninja now, but Kawasaki put a lot more thought into details.

In the '8 Best New & Updated Touring Motorcycles' vid you said that the Suzuki 1000 GT was buttery smooth, but in this vid you said that it is a little bit rough at times, and that the Ninja engine was buttery smooth. Can you not make your mind up ? And in the 'Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Review' you said it was rough a vibey.

Bought a new 2022 model, a decent bike but let down by a budget rear shock and (in my opinion) an odd riding position. The OE heated grips are awful, lots of steel parts that are usually made of aluminium are steel on these bikes.😮 Heavy as well and the screen is useless as well (especially if you’ve owned a GS). The bluetooth stuff is useless. The quickshifter is intrusive if you downshift manually with it enabled if you’re not using it and blips and pushes you on into corners. Traded it for a second hand hand S1000R and it’s soo much better!

Hello. How tall are you?

Which would you go for…. Tracer 9GT or 1000sx?

GT is good, but the SX is better.

It sells well because ultimately it is great value for money - quality and performance for the price. Is it the fastest - no but its more than fast enough for most of us mere mortals.

Does not always sell in US. Slow seller over here. I have a 2019, solid bike.

it’s just a big old leviathan that goes when you want it to…what more can you want?

I've got the same issue with this bike and the Suzuki, they're both branded as tourers but neither can carry a full luggage system or come with a main stand , upright sports bikes is what I call them.

I think you mean as honda said years ago... "even the ninja hides from the hurricane." 😞

Important point to consider: The main reason why its in the top 5 of the "over 1000cc" is because its 1043cc. If it got grouped into under 1000cc category it probably won't hit top 5. The Suzuki GSX S1000 for example, is 999cc.

Informative.....:).....!!!!

How thirsty?

I think reliability is a big thing unfortunately. And I say unfortunately because there are a lot of bikes out now that do suffer from warranty issues. The big Kawi and other Japanese built bikes are just so reliable and durable. Im not trying to can other brands. But if you really need 100% reliability, i just dont believe you can go past traditional Japanse built bikes.

It sells for the same reason the new suzuki GT will sell. People want comfy sports bikes that handle but don't cost the earth. The quality drop between hyperbikes and the rest of the range can be pretty bad.

I EASILY get 225-250 mpg on my '22. I weigh 165 lbs.

The 1000SX is a very good bike but still not as good as a K1300S or K1300R for sports touring (8k used, 140Nm, 173hp, electronic suspension, ABS, traction control, single arm swing, shaft drive, gel comfort seat, heated grips, up and down quickshifter, 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds, 0-200kph in 7.9 seconds).

So uncomfortable, tried everything, bar risers, lowered pegs, Sargent seat, customized stock seat.. nothing made it work for me. The rider triangle is just to small for a big guy. And the worst seat ever. Sold it.

Jacket and shoes???