KAWASAKI Z1000SX (2014 - 2016) Review

A little bit vibey depending on speed

Plenty power and torque. I am old fashioned so just leave it in best power level as i dont see the point in reducing power levels when it is in your throttle control.

I get roughly 50mpg on normal road riding

I have done very little mileage this year so havent paid anything

I like the easily adjustable rear shock

Ride quality is very good. Flicks well through the twistys, with pin point accuracy. Also forgiving if you get a bit too frisky. Can handle alot when pushing. Brakes are ok, could do with a little more bite but nothing that put someone off buying one of these great machines. ABS works well enough, as does the Kwak traction control. The standard seat like many bikes ain't great after a full day's riding. Suspension ok, nothing to about.

Can cruise along easily, or get charging on country roads and if you want to wring its neck you can. Has a good blend of useable power but not so much you crap yourself, even when you open it up fast. Easy to stay in 3rd gear all day long. Tend to stay on full power, lowest traction control setting, even in the wet.

No issues at all so far, had the bike 2 years. Components and finishes are decent enough. Bike is 8 years old, still looking fresh for its age and still gets compliments.

Servicing is easy on the basics. Fairing plastic clips wear and few of mine broke. Bolts are fine. Servicing by others, costs should be reasonable.

Compared to latest bikes, nothing fancy. Has what you need though and is enough. That's about it. If you want the latest mods and comforts or a TFT screen, get the latest model or a new bike.

Bloody amazing. Coming from 600s onto first litre bike, it feels and handles so well it dances (for me) like a 600 or 750. Can't say I've felt the extra weight compared to my last bike (Daytona 600). Oozes power in every gear yet on full power mode it's a total doddle to ride and mot so harsh you crap your pants. Take it gentle and it will e gentle back. Open her up and ..... well enjoy. Does both very well. First gear, maybe a little snatchy off the mark, or I'm still getting used to it, one of the two. Brakes, they do the job. Good feedback and progressive bite, excellent stopping power.Haven't changed the suspension set up yet but may not have to, feels fine for me on a mix of road types so far.

I smile ear to ear every time I fire her up. Just plodding and also when opened up. The engine is so flexible and has torque where you want it. Easy to manage and it just oulls and pulls. No complaints.

Haven't had her long enough to comment on reliability but nothing to suggest any concerns so far.In terms of quality, very well finished, quality parts and some nice after market touches from previous owner adds some sparkles and wow factor. Generally the bike has a great paintwork look and the parts all round look robust as well as aggressive. Credit to previous owners for maintaining on that front. Not a mark on it, 5 years old and 7,600 miles on the clock.

Haven't had long enough for a service yet. The tyres are good, brakes sharp and has recently been serviced by the dealer I bought it from. Value wise on running costs, I've noticed on two refills petrol depletion is very fast with the throttle open for a lot of blasts.Have yet to find the happy balance between the fun this bike gives and practicality on fuel economy balance.

Have some nice Kawa protection sliders, a dark smoked touring screen and Akrapov pipes, as extras fitted by previous owner. All great add ons - the pipes, literally feel like an excited kid hearing them rumble and thunder. I cant really focus on much else, too busy smiling in bliss. Standard equipment lacks some of the latest treats and niceties, but who gives a crap, it has enough to satisfy and do the job.

This would be average for oil change,new plugs and air filter done with M.O.T. each year.

Surprisingly comfortable even after 300-350 mile riding day

Low Rev range torque a plenty, over 7,000 rpm and the "sports tourer" is clearly well deserved!

Faultless in 6 yrs of ownership

Ride is super smooth and easy/ comfortable , decent range from the 19 litre tank which will see you for 180 miles before filling up. Just as good touring as it is carving twisties on favourite B roads. Brakes are very sharp and haul the bike up no problem at all. Good pillion feedback but if your planning on two up touring then definitely invest in better seats. I find the rider seat height a tad too low so will be having it thickened/raised by 25mm.. I'm 5ft 11 so my legs will be just that little less cramped.

What a peach... Can switch from placid touring one minute to a full on sportsbike in an instant. Stonking midrange ( where it's needed the most ) and this is where sportsbikes will be looking in their mirrors thinking ( shit.. what is it! ) Power is more than plentiful. Usual fantastic Kawasaki growl from the air box.. Aftermarket cans not needed unless you de-cat it and go down the tuning route otherwise you'll barely notice the difference in sound .

So far so good, Seems to be a good quality finish although some very minor rust spots showing on the footpegs and gear link rod which shouldn't really be there considering I'm addicted to cleaning my bikes as much as riding them. (Removed with Autosol and soft grade wire wool ) 5× reliable so far.

I will be servicing the bike myself and then I know it's been more than well done and done properly.Previous owner paid Kawasaki £195.00 for a basic minor service.. that's alot of cash for an oil and filter change.

Abs, 3 stage traction control and power modes as standard which are a good safety feature. I have the colour matching Kawasaki panniers which are fantastic and can be installed or removed in seconds with no ugly tubular rails to faff with as they slot into the pillion grab rails ( very clever ) I have added a gear indicator but they are now standard on the 2017 onward models. A centre stand would be good.

Good ride and decent brakes

Pulls well but looking for a extra gear

Use corrosion inhibitor so no problems so far

About normal for a litre bike

Panniers traction control power modrs

My wife says the pillion is great. She can go for a few hours before a break, I cannot.

Build quality is excellent

I bought my bike second hand with the panniers, heated grips, gear position indicator and bobbins all fitted. The standard fitting of traction control and power selection have proved to be fantastic. The accessories I would have bought would be the panniers and the bobbins.

This bike is pretty good as an all-rounder and can be used around town easily but does its best on open roads with longer journeys in mind

Lots of grunt available but its not hard to control. It also works at low revs and turns in decent fuel economy.

Seems very well built and there were no problems reported at the initial 500 mile service. Its a new bike so future corrosion is as yet an unknown factor as is long term ownership generally.

This was for the initial 500 miles service. Expect more for annual

You get Traction Control as standard and associated rider aids, which can easily be adjusted or turned off completely if needed. Dual LED headlamps are excellent.

It’s great for both relaxed and spirited riding through sweeping bends. An easy bike to ride in a lazy fashion. I find seat becomes uncomfortable after a while (on a motorway stint). I’m 6ft and I find the lean angle to the bars is perfect - just right to feel “sporty” and take pressure off the base of my back, but no wrist ache at all. I had suspension set up for me by the dealer which is something I’d recommend - makes a huge difference to handing and therefore confidence. Overall, a great all-round bike.

Really smooth engine with plenty of power and drive for all types of road riding.

Bike is 9 months old with only 3000 miles - no faults or corrosion.

Original tyres (Bridgestone S20) changed at 2500 miles - as many reviewers reported, they tracked road imperfections and also squared off quickly. Changed to the new Angel GT 2s which have transformed the bike. So much more confidence in all conditions.

No single feature stands out - I like its modern “transformer” looks and even the dustbin lid exhausts look good ! I had the tinted screen and the Sat Nav mount added. I’d recommend Angel GT2s. The safety kit is reassuring. I can understand why some want heated grips and cruise control given it’s a sports tourer, but for me the SX is a sports bike with higher bars. But I would like a quickshifter having had it on a previous bike.

Fine to good comfort when riding but the standard seat ain't great and even at 6ft 2in on what is a touer it feels just a tad cramped. My back aches after a journey. Great brakes

What's not to love. Superb. Fun and practical. Great sound too. Hooligan if you want it to be. Sounds like I imagine an aircraft carrier would out of water.

After doing 4k it's been blemish free. Cannot be faulted.

Services are required every 3k miles which is too frequent in comparison with the competition. Fewer mpg than I expected even when I occasionally ride like Mrs Marple

Rock solid. Love the sound on the standard 4 pipes. First rate.

The ride is quite nice and the suspension adjustable, although I have not fiddled with it yet. Brakes are very good. Initial bite is good and will stop you in most situations. Grab a bit more and you’ll stop on a sixpence.

I was surprised how much grunt the engine had for a 4 cylinder. You can ride around all day never going above 6000 rpm and never be overtaken. It's nice smooth power with great fuelling. My only criticism is that the engine is more buzzy than I thought it would be - especially above 6,000 rpm. You do get used to it though. The exhaust note is lovely for a standard set-up, albeit a little quiet.

It is built pretty well compared to the Triumph I traded in - although there is a fair bit of plastic. I did have an issue with the rear wheel bearing on the first service - this turned out to be a rear spindle drilled of centre. I’m guessing this is pretty rare and I was just unlucky?

The bike has stupid service intervals. My Triumph services came at every 10,000 miles, so why do Kawasaki have them every 4000?

There is good levels of equipment and more than I have had on any other bike I’ve owned. To make it a better tourer, it would need a centre stand as a minimum. Heated grips and cruise control would be nice, too.

Non ABS on mine. They stop very well, but sometimes feel they're going to lock a little too easy.

Super smooth, induction noise is highly addictive even on standard exhausts, very flexible pulls comfortably from 23mph in sixth gear without a fuss. It's very quick if you want it to be, but need to change up very quickly.

18k and like new all over.

Servicing reasonable, insurance cheap for what it is, tax £88 year, I get mid 40’s mpg mixed cruising, motorway, A roads, B roads and a good thrash in between.

Personally I think it should have ABS as standard even on the pre-2016 models. Adjustable screen is a god send, really does work very well.

Kawasaki front ends have always felt laser guided and this one is no exception. Part of the reason is the corner angle measuring ABS fitted as standard, decades of engineering experience building superb brakes and wavey discs that aren't just for show make up the rest. Riding position is relaxed and smooth and if you're a taller rider I can highly recommend the factory fitted frame sliders which are the perfect height for putting your feet up to stretch legs out on long rides.

I swear the mid range response is better than a ZX-10R. It'll only be right at the top end of a screaming engine that you'll notice a lack of puff in comparison.

Kawasaki lumps are bulletproof, always have been. They're not named 'Kawasaki Heavy Industries' for nothing.

The only reason she doesn't score a 5 is because the mid range grunt of that lovely motor encourages the rider to give it a lot of right hand whenever the opportunity presents itself....and the fuel economy when the taps are open isn't wonderful. Daily riding around town gives me around 43mpg as long as no AC/DC comes up in the playlist, motorway cruising gives closer to 50.

Coming from a bike that had a rev counter, speedo and idiot lights......I've now got a full Ford Mondeo dashboard. MPG, average MPG, air temp, tank range, 2 trip counters, fuel gauge, heated grips as a factory option, ABS, 3-stage traction control with 6 point angle measurement and a 12v power port with a USB adapter, the only thing missing is cruise control. The really weird thing about this bike is if you're in 4th gear or higher there'll be enough power on a closed throttle to do 17mph. 27 litre panniers come with the touring pack option, internal bags and a very clever quick release system make them a no brainer as an option and a full face lid will happily fit inside without a fuss. The design also ensures the panniers reach no wider than the mirrors so you stand very little chance of a nasty shock from the rear end while filtering because you forgot they were on.

Travelled to Limousin, France without issue. Bought a sheepskin seat cover in preparation but didn't use it. Well balanced with asscertive braking.

Smooth, linear power delivery

Owned for 10 months from new. No issues whatsoever...just turned 6K miles.

A wacking £430 quoted for 7.5K service from my local Kawa dealership, seems steep to me. Paid £130 after first 600 miles and then another service at 3.5K (£180) seems excessive. Feel I'm paying upfront for anything that may be claimed back later should one make a warranty claim (2 year warranty) After owning 2 previous Kawasakis, they seem bullet proof enough so forking out on dealership servicing makes me wonder if I should either service myself or go to a decent independent garage

Bright, clear headlights. Panniers attach without the need of a rack which retains the bike's beauty when removed. Normally run Road Pilot tyres but quite happy with the OEM Bridgestone SP2 tyres.

Travelled to Limousin, France without issue. Bought a sheepskin seat cover in preparation but didn't use it. Well balanced with asscertive braking.

Smooth, linear power delivery

Owned for 10 months from new. No issues whatsoever...just turned 6K miles.

A wacking £430 quoted for 7.5K service from my local Kawa dealership, seems steep to me. Paid £130 after first 600 miles and then another service at 3.5K (£180) seems excessive. Feel I'm paying upfront for anything that may be claimed back later should one make a warranty claim (2 year warranty) After owning 2 previous Kawasakis, they seem bullet proof enough so forking out on dealership servicing makes me wonder if I should either service myself or go to a decent independent garage

Bright, clear headlights. Panniers attach without the need of a rack which retains the bike's beauty when removed. Normally run Road Pilot tyres but quite happy with the OEM Bridgestone SP2 tyres.

It is a great bike to ride, but I found the seat uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Have invested in the gel seat which was another £300. Also there are some vibrations through the foot pegs at motorway speeds, but not too distracting.

The engine is fabulous and wonderfully flexible. You can potter along at 30 mph in sixth gear, but as soon as you open the throttle it takes off.

Only bought the bike in March 17, but so far it has been flawless.

As with all Kawasaki bikes, service intervals are every 3750 miles, which is not ideal.

This bike has all the electronic gizmos you need for fast and safe riding. However, I am surprised it does not come with either heated grips. More surprisingly, it does not have cruise control, and it is not an optional extra, which is a major oversight for a tourer.

ABS late in coming on but works well when it does. Feel very good on front, rear requires good push but work well.

Sweet and pulls strongly from 1,200 in 6th.

Bike kept cutting out and I fell off twice. Kawasaki came to rescue and the bike is now brilliant. It appears it was the dealer who was to blame. Had the bike for 3 weeks, said fixed, engine cut out 800 yards down the road. They had not set idle properly. Contacted Kawasaki again who, this time, were tremendous. Even fixed the fairing that was damaged on one of my 2 falls when engine cut out.

Do 4-5k a year touring, service costs with intermediate oil/filter around £300. Disappointed with 2nd-hand value, not held up as much as I expected for the best sports tourer around (my opinion) with bullet engine.

Fitted a gel saddle as a matter of urgency plus a pair of spots. That done, what the bike has, for the price, is great value. Should allow a top box with the standard panniers though for a proper tourer. Had to fit Givi to tour successfully.

Can only give 1 out of 5 because of problem

See previous comments

The bike has become a death trap and no-one is interested. On changing gear which takes what, 1/2 second, after 9 months from new, noticed an occasional engine cut out as changing gear using clutch. Has progressively got worse. Clutch in, blip throttle when changing down, clutch out and, as you do, engine stops. Does same going up but no throttle blip. Thrown me off twice at slow speeds. As you go to accelerate out of the roundabout with your feet just put on pegs, you let out clutch and open throttle to move off, engine stops and you drop bike. Been to dealers 4 times. Contacted Kawasaki twice and now, £11,000's worth of bike and I just dare not ride. Problem is happening several times every hundred miles whereas originally, it was a couple of times a thousand. I just do not know what to do. Think it is going to be a solicitor and court case. When bike was working, it was fab. Now, to have the engine stop at 120mph as you change from 5th to 6th certainly cures you constipation. I am joking but it is a bloody serious matter to which Kawasaki just cannot be bothered. Back to BMW but how can I sell this to another motorcyclist? I would never forgive myself if anything happened.

Servicing average and I have an oil/filter change in between

Poorly designed for a tourer and lights very poor.

brakes are amazing . suspention ok but riding 2 up isnt too good

wow what can i say , ive owned lots of bikes and this is by far the best engine and gearbox is super smooth . well done kawasaki

great reliablity , and quality is superb

Once the suspension was set up £38 it rides like a dream.

Stonking bit of kit.

Did a Euro trip of 1908 miles in July this year never missed a beat.

Bike cost me £9200 with boxes and inner cases bargain.

If this bike had a 12volt socket and a gear indicator it would get the full 5 out of 5.

I really approve of the riding position and suspension, no issues there. I do carry a pillion at times and she says that by the hour mark the bum is numb and needs a break. I use the bike for work into London on dry days and for a litre bike i am very impressed with its manoeuvrability, as I split lanes and fight to get over the Dartford River Crossing/M25 its very light and easy to weave, then once your out the traffic, open her up and away you go.

Engine has a good solid feel and good history so feel confident that it will have longevity. Good even power delivery up through the range but without the gear indicator kept looking for another gear at the top, maybe Kawasaki need to look at this. Its fine but just feels like its revving to high for 6th.

This will be my dry weather bike so will probably be fine, however only time will tell. Appears to be well built and obviously the engine is tried and tested.

Cant give an accurate answer yet as still making my way to the first 600 mile service so guess the running costs will be similar to my other bikes.

I like the aggressive styling of the bike and a number of work colleagues have commented on how they like the look of this bike over my F3 800 which has surprised me! I opted for the gear indicator and top box. I did want the tail tidy but you cant have that with the top box fitting. Tyres seem fine but again only done 400 miles at time of writing.

Ditch the stock Bridgestones the minute you buy it. I highly recommend Michellin PR4 GT's they along with properly setting the suspension liven up the handling

Plenty of torque but screams for an overdrive gear or taller gearing. gas mileage baffles me when my old Concours without fuel injection and 200lbs more weight could get 55mpg cruising at 75mph and this bike struggles to get 40.

Quality throughout, no cheap shortcuts. I live in the rain here in Florida and between that and the salt air seeing no corrosion on anything is a good feeling.

Lack of ability to mount both the hard top case and saddle bags makes me wonder what the marketing folks at Kawasaki were smoking? Stupid!

Gear selector a paid extra?? Screen too short

Lovely comfortable bike to ride, brakes are sharp and work perfectly.

Power there on request cannot fault this bike at all for power delivery.

Severe corrosion to all metal parts: Rusted chain Rusted and corroded brake discs Mechanically the bike runs perfect and I have had no problems in that respect. It is only 6 months old though!

Servicing is 200 a year as on service plan. Looks as though it needs a fair few hundred more replacing corroded and rusted parts.

Favourite feature is the selective power high or low setting. Can go for a cruise at low and still delivers good power, or can flick to high for a play. I would avoid the genuine panniers as you cannot have a top box with them however, I believe GIVI do a pannier and top box combo for this bike

Suspension has been difficult to set up and it is very noticeable if you don't adjust tyre pressure to within a gnat's knacker either side. Hero peg goes down without too much complaint. Quite hard though, for a tourer.

Brilliant

Bought middle of April, 6k by October (now greased an in garage, use the KTM in winter) and has been a dream.

Above is the cost of the 2 services so far, 600 and 4k, competitively priced.

Many may not agree with me but, to supply a bike classed, and built, as a tourer, to not be able to affix a top box is ridiculous. Also, the 25 litre panniers are a little on the small side for serious tours. Took mine off and put on Givi 35lts with 55ltr box. Along with tank bag I am happy to tour for indefinite periods with no real loss in width or looks (I had the panniers/box part sprayed in candy red to match). Had to then fix some rear/brake lights to the number plate as, with the box, you can hardly see the standard rear lights,they are so far underneath. Would have been so much easier for Kwaka to design this necessary addition and offer as an option. Mirrors show an awful lot of my shoulders ! !

Good at most things, you can cruise all day, thrash it and it does a good impression of a sport bike. Brakes are good and if feels stable when baking hard now fitted with angel gt tyres.

Has as decent amount of power everywhere, lovely top end rush, std pipes make a cool rasp.

Only one problem so far, a stripped caliper bolt and threads on front left leg. Happened when at kawasaki dealer changing front tyre, repaired under warranty.

Not much different from any other inline 4 for costs, like my dealer you can watch through a window while they work on your bike. also free coffee and biscuits.

I love the whole package it does a great job of making me smile. Tyres as above angel gt, great so far. Kawasaki 4yr warranty, like this for peace of mind.

Brakes are tremendously powerful with brilliant feel. White lines early on in tyre wear when still 40% tread left.

Turbine smooth

Have ridden Triumphs for nearly 40 years, my last 3 being Rocket Roadsters and they could learn a lot from the quality and finish of the Kwaka. Particular the gearbox which is so sweet.

I do around 6,000 a year with in-between oil change, hence higher price

Lack of top box and pannier capacity seriously dents its long-rang touring ability and no heated grips is a real downer on a touring (albeit sports orientated) bike. It is still a tourer and grips should be standard as, really, should a gear indicator and touring screen. I have added all these with USB car accessory plugs. And a better distance saddle would not go amiss!!