The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Sport Tourer.
When mentioned in the biking environment, Ninja conjures feelings akin to Hayabusa, and most bikers have wanted to throw a leg over both. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is the manifestation of previous generations and has become one of the best Sports Tourers. The RTR team took one on some long and winding roads and had some awesome riding.
The Ninja 1000SX motorcycle offers a unique character without any compromises. It is designed for solo sports bike riders who crave the Ninja spirit, and it takes the concept even further by adding SX sport touring versatility to make it ideal for sharing with a fellow traveller. With advanced technologies, from traction control to cruise control, the Ninja 1000SX is the perfect motorcycle for any ride.
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is an upgrade from the previous model, the Z1000SX, which was a massive success for Kawasaki. It was their best-selling bike in the UK for the last ten years and the top-selling sports-tourer in Europe for at least three years.
The Ninja 1000SX maintains the sporty style, power, and versatility of the Z while addressing some of its shortcomings. The most significant improvement is in handling. The Z1000SX had heavy steering at low speeds and was hesitant to turn, particularly on its original tyres. However, these issues have been resolved on the new 1000SX. It steers easily and precisely on everything from small roundabouts in the city to tight mountain roads to wide-open countryside curves.
The improvement in handling is due to a model-specific "G" version of Bridgestone's S22 tyres and minor changes to the steering geometry. Specifically, the Ninja has a half-degree less rake and 4mm less trail than the Z.
The new Ninja motorcycle has several advanced features, such as cruise control, a two-way quickshifter and a colour TFT dash, which are included in the standard package. It means that you don't have to pay extra for them. Additionally, the Ninja has a more comfortable and wider seat, which provides a plush and elevated seating area, creating a bit more legroom.
Despite these modern features, the Ninja retains the classic sports-touring recipe that made it so famous. It has sharper steering, modern sophistication, and a touch more comfort, all while costing only £700 more than the previous year's Z. The Ninja is also more affordable than its rivals.
The ride quality of the Ninja is better than that of the Z1000SX, as it feels more supple over bumps. Although both bikes have slight technical differences, the Ninja has an added slit in the damping pistons within the forks, which allows more oil to flow and softens low-speed compression. As for the bike's rear, Kawasaki claims to have "fine-tuned" the shock, but the unit remains the same as before. They may have adjusted the preload and rebound damping settings.
Although the truth is uncertain, the outcome is satisfactory. The vehicle provides excellent support while maintaining stability when stopping suddenly, cornering or accelerating rapidly. Additionally, it has a comfortable suspension system that absorbs bumps with ease.
The braking system is the same as the one used in Z1000SX, which includes two potent four-piston Tokico one-piece callipers in the front. The front tyre has much sensitivity, and if things go wrong, Kawasaki's intelligent cornering ABS is there to help. This system adjusts operations when the bike is lent over to keep the rider on the intended course.
Inline-four engines often need high revs to reach their full power output. However, the engine in the Ninja 1000 is an exception. It is nearly identical to the long-stroke 1043cc motor found in the Z1000SX, which dates back to the 2010 Z1000. The Ninja 1000's engine has a smooth torque curve, plenty of midrange power, and close gear ratios, making it highly versatile at any gear, rev, or speed.
When driving on open roads, you will feel comfortable using third, fourth, fifth, or sixth gear as they all feel natural. Even when you're in the top gear, you can still go as low as 20mph, and the engine will provide smooth acceleration. If you want to experience the sporty side of the Ninja, it can deliver a claimed 140bhp, which is more than enough power, and can scream on to 11,000rpm.
The technical updates made to the Ninja 1000SX are minor. The camshaft profiles have been modified to reduce mechanical noise, but it seems it hasn't affected the performance. Kawasaki has also changed the intake funnels by making shorter trumpets for the outer pair of cylinders, which, according to them, is suitable for the new 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust system and reduces emissions.
Similar to the previous model, there are two power modes: Full and Low. The Full mode provides full power, while the Low mode has a milder response and limits the output to 75% (105bhp). These modes are now paired with one of the three available settings of the traction control system and pre-packaged into four user-friendly riding modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and a customisable Rider setting.
The Ninja 1000SX's engine is less potent than the ZX-10R or H2 SX. However, it remains an easier, more practical, forgiving, and more rewarding engine on the road.
The running costs of the Z1000SX should be higher than those of the new model, as the service intervals have been extended in the latter. To be more precise, the Z's 3800-mile service, which was mostly trivial, has been eliminated, and now owners only need to worry about an annual oil service and a mileage-based service every 7500 miles. Valve clearances are required 26,000 miles apart, which is a generous time frame.
With all the new gadgets such as the colour TFT dash, cruise control, and two-way quickshifter coming included as standard, the Ninja's starting price of £12349 seems quite impressive.
When comparing the Yamaha MT-10 Tourer Edition and the new Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Tourer, they both function similarly as multi-purpose sport-tourers. They both have a powerful four-cylinder engine of around 1000cc and similar peak torque claims. They also have panniers, cruise control, ample screens, and a range of electronics as standard. They are also identical in physical specifications, such as seat height, bar width, and screen height, with only an inch or two difference. Even their prices are within a few hundred pounds of each other.
The Yamaha motorcycle has a classic riding position that is slightly propped up, and with a bulging midrange drive, it moves smoothly through rolling and darting open countryside. It delivers long-legged thrust with a subtle roll-on throttle, making the ride feel like one long, flowing motion. On the other hand, the MT-10 Tourer Yamaha motorcycle has a different personality to the SX, despite the similarities in specifications. The riding position is more upright, closer to the handlebars, and on a flatter seat, with a stiffer, fully adjustable suspension, providing a sportier but less settled ride. The gargling cross-plane-crank inline-four has a more assertive character and snappier throttle, and its weightier clutch gives a sense of managing great grunt, emphasising the unmistakable feel of the super-naked at the model's core.
The Yamaha motorcycle seems more manageable to manoeuvre than the Ninja but has heavier steering at low speeds. Once you get going, the handling becomes very light and the lighter MT model accelerates quickly and playfully lifts its front wheel. It is a more lively and exciting bike compared to the Ninja. However, the Yamaha requires a more aggressive riding style than the Ninja, especially on hedge-lined Bs.
Both bikes are comfortable on the motorway, with screens that deflect the wind and spacious riding positions that allow you to find the perfect stance. The big inline-four engines are barely noticeable at 70mph. Surprisingly, the Yamaha feels just as smooth as the Kawasaki despite its gruff feel and loud exhaust noise. The SX model of the Kawasaki is more comfortable to ride, with a better screen compared to the Yamaha MT, with a fixed screen.
Both bikes are equipped with cruise control, which helps to preserve your licence when riding on camera-covered sections of the M6 and M42. Riding at a constant speed also ensures good fuel economy, with the MT-10 achieving 50+ mpg and the 1000SX returning well over 60mpg.
During a straight road test, both bikes are neck-and-neck regarding full-throttle performance. While the MT-10 feels sharper, the Ninja 1000SX keeps up until higher speeds. At this point, the Yamaha's extra top-end power gives it the edge. The Yamaha feels alive and exciting, particularly over rollercoaster-like bumps, while the Kawasaki's electronics help to keep things level.
The MT-10 is an excellent bike, but it is less comfortable than the Ninja 1000SX, and riding it on uneven roads can be bumpy. Although it has practical features, it feels more like a super-naked bike. If you prioritise comfort, usability, and practicality, then the Ninja 1000SX is a better option. However, if you're looking for a thrilling ride without sacrificing practicality, both bikes are equally capable. They can deliver an exhilarating experience on a sunny evening ride, easily handle motorway journeys, and make commuting a breeze.
"If you are looking for a reliable sports-tourer, I suggest going with the Ninja 1000SX Tourer. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride, strong engine power, an adjustable screen, a larger fuel tank, and better fuel efficiency. The handling is secure and there are proper pillion grab handles for added safety. Additionally, the bike is equipped with heated grips and a remote preload adjuster. The previous SX model was the most popular sports-tourer in the UK, and the new Ninja is even better than its predecessor."
The Ninja 1000SX has a high standard specification. The base model includes cruise control, a two-way quickshifter, and a colour TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity. It also has cornering ABS, traction control, and bright white LED headlights, which have been available since 2017. If you are looking for panniers, the Touring version of the bike comes with them, as well as a taller touring screen and heated grips, for an additional cost of £1000.
If you're looking for a more sporty appearance, the Ninja 1000SX Performance model comes equipped with a road-legal Akrapovic carbon silencer and a single-seat cowl, all for the price of £12,349. On the other hand, if you prioritise practicality and want to show off, the Performance Tourer version offers a more comprehensive package with a range of accessories such as luggage, grips, exhaust, smoked touring screen, and cowl, all included for £13,145.
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