KAWASAKI NINJA 1000SX (2020 - on) Review

Rear shock why it takes a ding here….. enough that I will be exploring options for improvement. Overall the machine is worth the expense of upgrading the suspension. Lots of folks will find the suspension adequate as is. I can work with the forks. I have concerns for the rear shock as it accumulates miles. It’s a shame no compression damping adjustment

Almost perfect although I was actually a little surprised it didn’t have more up top. Don’t really care….. midrange makes up for it and if I wanted a H2 I woulda bought one. Lazy mans go fast engine, just not the fastest. Clutch is awesome and mechanical noise is almost non existent. The FI is so well sorted it’s obvious extra time was spent on its execution. Combined with the cruise control for example, when you hit resume it’s so smooth sometimes I have to look at the speedometer to make sure it’s executing its function. This shouldn’t be taken for granted, it’s truly extraordinary.

Japanese machines are my favorite….. in general they have very few quirks which at least in the past couldn’t be said for European machines. Not in my experience. Times have changed and I really can’t say these days for sure….. but out of so many Japanese machines I’ve owned over the years only 2 have had major failures. Both Suzuki so far the 1000SX mechanically seems near perfect to me. A machine this smooth has something almost magical going on….. even for a Japanese bike it appears to be more than the sum of its components. It’s one of those bikes you would regret selling and when you consider the bargain that it is, it makes it exceptionally compelling as a primary choice in the class regardless of other options. I think Kawasaki has created a machine with no peer except for the Suzuki GSX 1000. From a value perspective.

You really have to be judicial with throttle use and other than trail braking when required, engine braking provides a nice soft balance for the rear. I typically only use the front brake….. otherwise you will be buying a lot of rear tires. No fault of the Ninja…any liter bike will eat rear tires. This bike is the best bargain in Motorcycles currently offered. The price/quality balance is what makes it exceptional

At its price point it’s loaded with features…… my favorite is cruise control. Talking about tires is a bit like talking about engine oil. I’ll just say I kinda like Bridgestones…… been running Battalax for years. Decent service at a good price point…. My experience with them is you need to ride in a prudent manner with them because if they ever let go they can get you killed. I’ve had them snap me to the steering lock a few times when things went wrong (like a stupid beaver in the middle of a curve) but they’ve always been good enough for me to recover. You really need something in the back of your mind to check yourself when in a mood for spirited riding anyways.

No confidence in them

Good

Good guality

Bit thirsty

Quick shifter

Can ride for 3 hours or more no problem, brakes are brilliant along with a really easy to operate cruise control, abs corner braking and all the rider gizmo work excellently.

Delivers the power with ease, no snatching, and is far better than my previous GSXS1000F with plenty of power when you want it, it is the perfect sports tourer

Full service by kawasaki trained mechanic with his own business

I bought the performance tourer so included everything and although the Bridgestone tyres were good I have now got Michelin pilot 6s and wow what a fantastic difference it made feels like I have a steering damper fitted

Standard suspension is plush when it needs to be and sporty enough to hustle. Local roads are cratered with pot holes like a row of bombed houses. The bike copes admirably. Brakes are ample, progressive and inspire confidence.

The engine is a peach. However, it feels like it needs a seventh gear - or maybe I need to slow down. The quick shifter can be a bit agricultural if you don't have the revs high. That said, there is so much torque that you'll find yourself doing lazy short shifts and wafting along. The Akrapovic can sounds good when you come down through the box aggressively... I wouldn't put anything louder on.

Bullet proof, no problems. Chain suffered in winter commute but none of the fasteners did. Don't put it away over a weekend after riding in road salt though - like I did.

No issues, GT-Superbikes in Pontyclun seem like decent lads.

I've got all the bells and whistles. Got the USB's thrown in for free for my Quadlock Mount that does a good job of turning my phone into a SatNav. Quick shifter isn't necessary but it is fun. The adjustable screen is very good but only one setting works for me and doesn't create buffeting. The daft Kawasaki App is pointless as you can't throw your maps onto the dash. Heated grips are so good that I forgot I had them. To be honest, I've only marked it as a four because of the guilt... the bike is superb without the toys, should have saved some money instead.... hang on, I forgot about the best bit... the LED headlights... a revelation. I used to dread riding at night - not anymore, love 'em..... bumped up to 5/5.

Not viable to buy because some genius at Kawasaki decided to add ninja to the name and let the greedy insurers double the premium

Normally ride alone but have taken a pillion and it was ok 2up but fine alone. The seats are better padded than the old model so hopefully longer journeys without breaks will be possible.

The engine is spot on and all the power and performance anyone really needs. It's really smooth and fast and easy to get up to silly speeds

I'm the second owner but it's still pretty much like new despite being 3 years old and having covered over 6000miles. No complaints

Just had it serviced and MOT'd but it wasn't that expensive. £230 for both

The only thing this or the previous model doesn't have is a top box but it would spoil the looks anyway so not that bothered. Otherwise this bike is very well equipped indeed. The quick shifter works better up than down for some reason. I fitted a tail tidy as like most bikes these days it needed one and fitted a satnav too. Also the standard screen is far better that the larger touring one that's really noisy!

All day in the saddle is no problem

Choice of 3 modes Wet road and sport which it's always in.

Blaze Emerald green paint just comes alive and pops in the sun.

Always do my own servicing

Quickshifter Never had one before absolutely loving it. Recommend givi rack and top box

great all rounder

peach of an engine, grunt at all revs

main dealer service cost high

quick shifter is great,

I rode it 6 hours the day I bought it and only stopped for gas with no issues. I have to focus on bending my elbows and sort of "tucking in". I don't, however, generally lean over the tank. It's a fairly comfortable upright ride. Turn all the sissy controls off and hang on the best you can. I don't have issues with unintentional wheelies, but I'm 240lbs before i get dressed.

Strong and smooth. A little scary with all the rider controls off, but perfect in sport mode.

Solid build. Fairing feels a little cheesy near the road. Fairing plexiglass susceptible to bug guts - don't let it sit.

An oil change and a couple scrub-n-lube sessions on the chain with tightening. No worries.

I'm really impressed with the Battlax Tires. comfortable and sticky. Haven't ridden in the rain, though. Disappointed the panniers aren't standard (2021; US) and basically unavailable. I can blame availability on the Covid, but still, just put them on from the factory. A real touring bike would come with all three bags standard. A real touring bike would have a navigation option or Apple Car Play, too. I don't think this is a real touring bike, but I have one of those. Not why I bought the N1K.

3 hrs and no aches or pains, I'm 5 11 and seat, bars, footrests are all perfect and on the open road put the cruise control on and sit back and enjoy the ride. Plush suspension, two up us great and easy access remote adjuster for the rear suspension is worth its weight in gold.

Super smooth, powerful, grunty piece of kit. Kawasaki make brilliant engines, this one has all the low down punch from 2000 rpm in top and just keeps pulling. The gearbox is the best I've ever used, light, slick shift that snicks into gear without giving any resistance. The clutch is light and smooth without any judder.

Thick paint, well built quality components and nothing gas failed or caused concern.

Well priced when new, great PCP deals and between 45 to 53 mpg, servicing is reasonable and well spaced intervals. Insurance is cheap..although I am almost 50....

LED lights, superb TFT dash that has so many features such as trip meters, mof, average mpg, lean angle and so on. Then there the brilliant adjustable screen,abs, traction control and the only complaint us the quick shifter can seem a bit slow compared to a KTM or Yamaha. As for the cruise control once you've written a bike with it you'll always want to use a bike with cruise control, it instantly seemed a gimmick but in this day and age of average speed cameras its a welcome addition.

Plush seat and comfortable bars, I can easily ride for 3 hrs without a break. I'm 5 11 and find the leg and bar position perfect. Suspension doesn't crash over bumps and handles well.

Lovely smooth torque filled motor, will pull from 2000 rpm in sixth and has instant grunt. The gearbox is one of the best I've ever used, slick shifts and ligjt clutch.

Well put together, quality paint and plating, no signs of corrosion.

Between 45 and 50 mpg, long service intervals and reasonable service costs.

Cruise control is amazing, adjustable screen, TFT dash, LED lights, quich shifter, traction control, lean angle data, the bike has do many features and is easy to use. The only complaint us the annoyingly small indicator switch!!

Don't like quickshifter going down

First service ok £50 ,1st service done by me at a cost of£100 as apposed to dealer £450

Quickshifter ok going up but not down

bike was not on the road long enough to find out

bike was not on the road long enough to find out

Kawasaki unable to find the problem after 2 weeks, luckily a full refund was given

Don't know running costs as bike was not on the road long enough

bike was not on the road long enough to find out

Gearbox A+++changes. slick slick slick, surprised at criticisms I have readDrinks fuel like an alcoholic terrible.

fuel consumption so bad for a tourer, that it makes it not a tourer

factory luggage is nice but rear cutout V's waste space on panniers, no all 3 boxes at once if you obey the rules!!

Brakes are good. The Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE's I had fitted in place of Bridgestones have plenty of tread left and have ensured a silky ride and excellent handling/grip. I recommend this tyre it suits the bike so well . Preload rear adjustment is handy also .

The way it puts its power down is very good . Grunt at all revs any gear . Prefer this to my ZX10r on the road . Addictive intake howl adds to the fun.

No problems to report .

Have performance pack plus TomTom rider, heated grips . as stated brought new with Metzelers as my tyre of choice and recommend .

was a good all rounder

needed rebuild after 1300 miles

engine main bearing failure

if i was able to use it but won't see it for another 2 months as still in the shop getting rebuilt

chose bike for the level of accessories as i was going touring but will not be able to trust bikes reliaibilty now.

Ok

Wow pulls like a train

Only had first service

Cruise control not used yet quick shifter ok going up not used down yet

Smooth ride and stops well.

Can’t find fault with it.

Only had it just under a year and everything seems good quality.

Economy seems good.

Like the Rideology app and experience.

Nice ride and brakes are good for non brembos . The handling is now sorted and she glides around corners with ease. Once moving the weight disappears and she feels very flickable , certainly confident enough for a track day

Sooo smooth! The engine is the best thing about this bike. Pulls in any gear and is so smooth and refined . For the road I prefer it to my ZX10R lump . The smoothness of the engine also helps low speed stability . Torque aplenty , you really need to try this engine its that good

Well put together and considering the the value is exceptional . I have had many Kawasakis and never had any reliability issues

Servicing now 7500 so will be a lot cheaper as previous was every 3750 .

Got performance pack (akrapovic, seat cowl, tinted windscreen, sliders, tank protector) also had GPS fitted and heated grips . Overall price was excellent value . Only change I made was swapping the S22's for Roadtec 01SE as personally I prefer Metzeler tyres

You can ride a tankfull at a time,without a break! Around 180-200 miles at a time!

Love the ample torque! @ the induction sound when she comes on song!?,"like a Vulcan bomber on full thrust!!!

No problems so far!

Full kwacka service less than 300 sheets,bargain!

TFT dash,and quick shifter!

Maybe me but no confident in front brakes

Wow just wind it back and hang on

Lovely finish

Only done first service yearly not to june

Quick shifter up is magic but maybe me don't like going down dont seems to work for me

I will say that this ride is such a difference from any of my previous bikes. The roads on the east coast of Canada can be rough in sections but this bike glides over them with such ease. Gone are the days of sore kidneys and lower back pain. I can drain a tank of gas and get right back on this bike and drain another. The new seat makes such a difference as I have been on a previous model. This bike is the best of both worlds, cruising on the hwy or in the tight curves of a back road.

I owned a Kawasaki ninja 650 before trading it in on the 1000sx. I had been in the market for something a bit larger but did not want to spend money on the BMW as I find they are to overpriced. Then Kawasaki gives us the new 2020 1000sx. My dealer delivered it to my door and I have not been able to stay home since. Never an issue with the Kawasaki, so reliable, such a beauty. Everything on this bike is made so well and in the right spot.

Cost of oil change and had the 12 v auxiliary power port installed.

No problem with power delivery. The new fly by wire throttle delivers power without hesitation. Put this in the full power mode with no electronic restraints to check out it capabilities, so much fun. The tires are great in good weather and bad. Worked very well in the downpour I drove into.

The ride is fine, it's very chuckable, and leans into bends beautifully, and is very stable. The brakes are extremely powerful, and very reassuring. The riding position is good for me, and the saddle seems comfortable.

The fueling is perfect, and given it has a 10,500 rpm red line, the way it pulls from 2,500 rpm is nothing short of remarkable.

Not a speck of corrosion anywhere that I could find. Reliability: early to say, but it's Japanese, so it'll probably be bulletproof.

Difficult to tell, but the 600m first service was under £150, which is perfectly acceptable.

Very well equipped at any price, let alone for the money. The up and down quickshifter is great (as long as you have more than 3,000 revs on the clock), the full colour TFT screen is very clear and has all the info you want, although I would actually prefer an analogue rev counter. I recommend the 'Touring' version, which includes panniers, satnav mount, slightly bigger screen, and sliders. I've added the accessory socket, which is good to have, although expensive. An aftermarket one from Amazon would be just as good.

Ride is comfortable with good damping front and rear. I ridden 3 hours at a go without feeling I need to stop and stretch. Much better on a long journey or poorly surface B roads than my previous Triumph Street Triple R because it is less physically demanding to ride. The suspension is well up to hustling the bike on A and B roads; at street legal speeds, of course

Lots of Power available from low down and smooth delivery through the power range Gearing is a bit short in first 4 gears. Flexible around town High frequency vibration felt through the seat at 4500 to 5000rpm which is around 70-80mph in 6th. Engine and exhaust note is a bit bland

Robust and well made; green metallic paint is bright and well finished. Some welding on the frame looks a bit agricultural Good quality plastics to the fairing and belly pan

Free oil filter on 600 mile service if you answer the Kawasaki owners club survey. Around 50mpg average in a mix of motorway, A and B road riding. But more like 40 mpg if you make the most of 3rd and 4th gear. With one year NCB, I paid £420 for fully comprehensive insurance

Lots of equipment on this model but, bizarrely, a USB point is not standard. Absolutely no storage space anywhere on the bike- you need the panniers on to carry a spare pair of gloves Standard 'Tool kit' is a misnomer. Bridgestone s22's great in dry I think the £200 for the black and green optional colour scheme would be money wasted as the standard green metallic paint is standout.

Easily do a tank of fuel between rest stops.

Love the technology,ride modes,settings,gives you lots of confidence in wet weather!

Well made and engineered

Just had 7500mile full service,@Bournemouth Kawasaki,nothing to report.

Cruise control,rider modes.

To much intake noise,makes you think you need to be in a higher gear

Got the tourer but power socket doesn’t come as part of the tourer pack

Ride is very good, have had pillion on back and bike was comfy for the whole journey. Handling is really good, and stable ( lean angle gauge is fun). At very low speeds I personally find it heavy to manoeuvre, probably because the seat height is more than my old VFR.

Pulls like a horse when you want it to, and can easily be ridden sensibly when needed. Quick-shifter is excellent, and makes hard acceleration a whole new experience (to me anyway - my first Q/shifter experience), absolutely love it. Still does feel a bit low geared, which i see other people say too, but then the cruise control takes care of that if you are on a long run, which is another excellent feature on this bike.

Only done 1,500 miles so no comment here, but with history of high sales for years, that says something. Excellent finish on the paintwork especially on the (very) metallic Green.

Only had its first service recently £165 at J.W. Groombridge in East Sussex, who did the service. (Although I felt the cost of the first service was on the steep side, at £160). Cant say much about running costs, as haven't done enough miles.

Panniers on this model are really good - from the small amount I've used them. New TFT dash is really clear - cannot fault it and with the addition of the Kawasaki "Rideology" app that adds something interesting.

Steering is improved compared to '17. S22 are much better than the pathetic S10 of the '17 model. It is strange that now that the new model is out, only now MCN says that '17 had an "horrible steering"....

140hp are sufficient for the road...

Very good brakes

Pulls very good loads of bottom end grunt

The 600 mile service is 150 a bit expensive for an oil and filter change

Tft clocks ,quick shifter,cruise control 4 power modes

It the insurance that get it marked down as I was quoted £400 less for a z1000sx on a 20 plate then the ninja 1000sx just because its called a ninja.

Love the look and quality of finish

Brakes are powerful, especially coming from a 2015 Tracer 900. Suspension is good, not too soft.

That's a lot of fun, but nothing really compares to a Yamaha CP3 ;-) Getting used to the lack of low RPM torque.

Absolutely perfect finish. Very visible clocks. Feels solid...

No service yet, but a tad expensive to insure. Goes with the 1043cc territory, I guess.

Panniers are pricey, but reasonable quality. Didn't add anything else so far. Could REALLY use a better windscreen.