Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx VS Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
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- čas přidán 15. 10. 2020
- Rode my Tracer to the dealers and back to do a compare on a Ninja 1000sx demo bike. Motorway blast at 12 mins then back on the Tracer at 17:30mins.
** I incorrectly stated that 'Road mode' softens the suspension while keeping full power. It does not. I mistakenly thought it had electronic suspension as does the Versys SE GT I rode the other week. Nothing wrong with the suspension though on this bike, I loved it.
I have owned 2 tracers, 6 years in total. I used to love the bike until i test rode the 2021 Ninja SX (and bought one). From that point onwards i have realised that the Tracer was a bit of a Dinosaur. Everything about the SX is another level. The smoothness of the engine and suspension is supreme on the SX and brakes are excellent. It holds a line precisely and changes down smoothly on an approach to a corner and holds your line very well on acceleration out. The build quality is excellent.
The things i have found i don’t like are the mirrors have blind spots and i get an upward draft to my chin which gives me a feeling of my helmet lifting at speeds 100klm plus. It also feels like it revs a bit at 100 plus.
Those things aside it is the most comfortable bike all round that i have ridden.
I loved that ninja.
@@geetee5509 iv’e just done a 6hour 400k ride yesterday and now know that this bike is very very good. Leaned it both ways to 43 degrees easily. Did one big stop and that was very good as well. All i can say is yes.
just out of interest what revs is the motor doing around 120k.p.h Many thanks
@@charleshoward1475 around 4200 at 100. Same as BMW r 1000.
does it beat the tracer 2 up? im really struggling between the two and the nearest dealer to test ride a z1000sx is 3 hours away lol
I switched from the mt09 to the ninja thou a couple of months ago due to moving to a place with faster roads/motorways - over 60 on the mt09 had me white knuckling with my head thrown back of course being a naked- even bought a touring screen to no avail.
Absolutely love the new bike- its one of those you just dont need to do much to after you’ve bought it! And that engine is ridiculously smooth
Cheers
Thank you for your comments. I think they are a fantastic bike too.
Also I am currently negotiating a deal to swap my MT09 for a Z1000sx. I loved the engine on the Ninja and one day may upgrade again to that one.
I just eliminated the stock exhaust for a Black Widow exhaust. I can only say that i live in Australia and Black Widow have seriously delivered on all fronts. My order arrived within 10 days and exactly as described. Very good quality and makes my bike feel complete. Power to the Poms!
Nice and balanced review GT.
I'm right now touring Spain and Portugal on my (fairly) new Ninja (in a hotel room by Picos de Europa as I write this) and it's an absolute blast. It happily trods along 20-30 mph in the city without feeling cumbersome, and it does all the twisties in third gear. It pulls like a train when you need to overtake above 3000 rpm, and it's like a rocket when you go beyond 5000-5500 rpm.
No wonder MCN just awarded it "Best All-rounder of 2020".
I've done just about 5000 miles (8000 km) on it on all sorts of roads and speeds (including German Autobahn speeds ..) and the average consumption is currently at 5.4 litres/100 km or 18.5 km/l.
I will be needing new tires when I get back home in a couple of days though ...
You lucky bugger Nick, managed 10 days in Germany this year on my BMW just before I sold it, picking up my new Ninja next week and the Picos will be my first trip next year on it, ride safe
@@firebladedan1 Hi Danny. I am here on my way back home (it's the third time I am here). While the Picos are beautiful and definitely worth visiting for a couple of days, I feel they are over-rated in terms of riding quality.
You can get far more riding pleasure elsewhere in Spain where there are less villages, less traffic, and less police ...
Study Google maps and on-line tips and you will find some humongously awesome places to ride.
PS: You are going to love your new bike, congrats!
@@firebladedan1 check out some of the videos of my tour that I have now posted
Thanks for the review, here some detail differences for others here to help choose.
So let me explain, no there is too much, let me sum up:
Yamaha Tracer 900GT - Budget Comfy Tourer
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX - Quality Comfy Sports Tourer
Now for a longer summary:
Tracer 900GT is let down by components, fit and finish. Everything on the GT is an example of accountants winning the battle with engineers. Yes everything is good enough, but it wont be too long before you realise why the bike is cheap and then not long after, you will feel ripped off and then those small 'features' become downright annoying.
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, is the complete antithesis of the GT, every component, the fit and finish all are premium and soon you realise you've had a bargain. Where ever you look, you think 'that's a nice touch'.
So if you're still interested even more detail from an owner of both bikes:
My 6 months with the Tracer 900GT have put me off ever owning a Yamaha budget bike again but here are the pros and cons that I can remember:
Pros:
Pretty, comfortable riding position, light weight.
Cons:
Head ache inducing wind buffeting, fuelling unrefined at best and snatchy at low speeds, build quality throughout is awful (Chinese standard!), wheel wobble at speed, horrendous suspension, panniers too small, lights unacceptable for 2020 bike, cheap and cheerful LCD display with useless and tricky thumb control, asymmetric lights, only up quickshifter (bit clunky at that) and key location is annoyingly difficult to get to.
The Ninja SX (2020)
Pros:
Gorgeous, engine is sublime, sexy, almost electric smooth, stunning looks, comfortable position, just look at her, components highest quality, gearbox and quick shifter a delight to use, 6 axis IMU, fit and finish superb, oh and what a great looking bike.
Cons:
No centre stand, heavy, heated grips poor control & indication, LCD dash a bit small compared to competition and all but useless phone integration.
Wouldn't say the new 2021 Tracer GT was "budget" compared to the 1000SX...costs more...for that reason i'd rather have the Kawasaki.
@@williamrae9954 There is no 2021 Tracer 900GT. It is called the 9GT, and the quality has been noticeably bumped up a notch. Also, the GT model comes with electronic suspension damping, panniers and heated grips. Once you add those accessories to the Ninja, it is more expensive than the 9GT...without adding electronic damping...because you can't! Lots of value in the 9GT. I wouldn't put such heavy stock in one guy's 1.5hr ride on the Ninja, which I would compare to reliving the dopamine rushes from younger days.
@@ernieschatz3783 Just letters,that was half a year ago...catch up
@@williamrae9954 Not just letters. Catch up back atcha
The ninja hands down bud it’s amazing, getting mine delivered 3 weeks, different class
I have posted some comments similar to the following on other YT videos of the SX, it is also true for your video:
Thank you very much for a great video, very enjoyable. Your video helped convince me to buy a Ninja 1000 SX.
Took delivery of my 2021 model late February and have now completed 2000 klm.
Am so, so happy with it and again thanks for helping to convince me.
I actually traded in my 2015 Tracer 900 (standard, non-GT) which I had for 5 years and 25,000klm. It was a great bike and did everything needed, but in the end it was too sensible and tooooo boring.
Cheers from downunder :-)
The Tracer is a nice bike but if we are talking about quality, I would take the Kawasaki. Just look at the front headlight surround on the Tracer. Cheap comes to mind.
Also the colours are not very nice and this years(2021) look shocking, just like unpainted black plastic.
Another pet hate of mine is having nice symmetrical headlights then having only one illuminated on dipped beam, just looks rubbish. No problem with the Ninja.
The menu selection thumbwheel on the Tracer is also not very good but I suppose you would get used to it.
Another thing you failed (I think) to mention is the quickshifter. Up only on the Tracer, up and down on the Ninja. Also don't forget the 6 axis IMU on the Ninja.
I think whichever way you look at it, the Kawasaki offers you more and better quality for less money but in the end we all buy what we want.
Hi AZ, yes I agree with the differences that you point out. Different people would rate the points higher or lower on their scale of importance and make a compromise somewhere in their choice of any bike they choose. I have an older SX, a 2014 and if i had to choose between the two, I would choose the Tracer, probably because of vibration on the SX and lack of electronic extras. Now if I had to choose between the Ninja and the Tracer........well, it would break my heart, I would feel like I was being unfaithful, Thankyou for your comments.
Absolutely agreed as I was nearly paying advance on Tracer 900 gt but I didn’t like the way it was built as you mentioned cheap plastic everywhere. The first thing I noticed by sitting on it was the massive gap between front shocks and instrument cluster where I could see the headlight LED cooling metal which was a bit disappointment to me and of course that plastic part around front headlight is not my favorite. I think the new Tracer 9 gt has better instrument panel coverings.
Enjoyed your review mate.
I own the 2017 Ninja 1000. It's a brilliant bike, such a great all rounder for the road. I just love the turbine-like power. It handles beautiful, so planted and is plenty nimble. The 2020 is slightly better by all reports though I haven't ridden it yet.
I rode the 2016 Tracer 900 and really liked it too but the screen and seat was horrible.
When mine is due for trading in I will definitely look at the new 1000SX as well as the 2021 Tracer 9, Multistrada 950s and V-Strom 1050XT. I'm really hoping Honda bring out a road focused Africa Twin with a 17 OR 19 inch front wheel (like the old VFR800X).
Good video bud and good comparison, really want that ninja need to try it 👍
The stock screen on my 2023 ninja SX is not bad, best in position number two from the bottom of four. I have to say the oem touring screen does quiet things down a bit more and I've liked it in the same position best I'm so happy I took a test ride on this machine to get my interest going, looking forward to my first long Northwestern USA trip this spring summer season. Its a phenomenal bike for sure. Realize this does not have electronic suspension at all, the modes do NOT change the suspension at all. The modes only change the reaction of 6axis IMU and throttle sensitivity. Kawasaki has done such a great job on the fueling of this bike I've just decided to leave it in sport mode at all times. Great review I'm in total agreement with you! I've put over 5000 miles on mine in just 6 months.
A difficult choice between 1000sx and tracer for me until I read your video. Thank u!
Great review. Thanks. Those Yorkshire roads look georgeous.
Sorry to be pedantic but torque is measured in ft,pounds or kg.metres. It's a product not a division. Also, the Ninja does not have electronically adjustable suspension so the riding modes do not affect the suspension. I believe they control the throttle response, traction control and maybe the ABS as well.
Keep the rubber side down. Thanks again.
Hi Gerry, thankyou for your comments Yes I posted a correction in the description some months ago about the suspension and I admit I made a genuine mistake, I thought suspension was the same as the Versus SE I rode a couple of weeks earlier. In my subsequent videos I do express torque as ft.lbs but even now looking at Wikipedia for example it's expressed as lbs/ft. Confusing, Maybe I should use N.m instead,
Great video. My 2021 is coming.
Great comparison video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video review! Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
I always say to myself when deciding between bikes "which one would I prefer to ride the NC 500 on "
Had a 2017 Versys special edition and had to sell because I needed to carry a pillion and camping gear. Got a gs 1200 that does the job, but really regret selling the Versys 650. Kawasaki really appeals to me and the ninja 1000sx is so very tempting
Best advice for anyone I think would be to take one for a test ride. The Versys 1000 GT SE is an awesome bike with all its toys and electronic suspension, especially for two up touring. The Ninja 1000sx is equally awesome. In fact I sold my MT09 to get the older model Z1000sx because I loved that engine and the feeling it gave me when riding it. Neither would be a bad choice.
Done Like. These two bikes are my shortlisted bikes to purchase. Thanks for nice video mate.
Thankyou so much.
Those and a Supersport 950 Ducati as a wildcard...more fun in the mountain roads
Suspension is non electronic, doesn’t change with the engine modes at all
My mistake, I thought it was the same as the Versys I rode the other week. Apologies. I will add a correction in the comments. Thankyou.
Ninja is an amazing machine, i was waiting for a real gt sport from yamaha but...nothing.
I'm an happy ninja 1000sx he owners😉
Good review thks !✌
Awesome video, I have spent the last month set on the tracer, now I may be going with the ninja 😬🤔
Hi from a new subscriber i nearly got the Kawasaki SX but the Mrs hated the pillion seat so ended up with the Versy's 1000 now on the GSA nice video buddy
Thankyou Andy. Great choice of bikes all 3 of them, and thankyou for the sub.
love the new Ninja btw, awesome bike
Look who it is!
It is Tony, I loved it.
Thanks for the review! Your audio is impressive; what’s the mic setup?
Hi Nathan. I have the drift ghost x camera and the standard drift ghost external Mic. They are about £16.
@@geetee5509 Brilliant, thanks so much!
How would you rate the pillion comfort on the Ninja for a whole day of riding with a break every 3 hours ? Trying to decide between this and a Versys 1000. Thanks.
I can only say as a rider with a pillion I didn't have a problem on the Z1000sx. My daughter as pillion said it was fine for a blast out too but for multi day tours preferred the Tracer as it had more room to move around and felt more comfortable. I've heard that the Versys is excellent from a pillion point of view though in my opinion not as exciting to ride as the Z1000sx.
@@geetee5509 You said it - Not as exciting to ride as the Z100sx. Now to make my better half believe it. :)
The Z1000sx has 3 windshield settings that you can adjust when riding. I have 19 my and have no issues with wind blast hope this helps.
Hi James, Thankyou. I didn't know how to adjust it at the time. I loved that engine so much though that I have since bought a 2014 Z1000sx to accompany my Tracer. I have no issues with wind blast on my Kawasaki, great bike. Thankyou for your comments.
the screen is adjustable 4 stops and a bigger touring screen with the touring pack which also gives heated grips, looks like you have the screen set to lowest. road mode does not alter suspension as its not electronic, however the suspension is fantastic. Nice review, wonder if you bought the Ninja 1000.... love mine
Hi Karl. I wanted to keep the tracer but loved the engine in the Ninja so I bought a 2014 Z1000sx. Great bike but not quite on par with the ninja.
thanks a lot , I will go for Ninja as well :)
Thankyou Stefan. The Ninja is superb, you'll love it.
@9:15 That absolutely sums it up 🏍️✌🏼🏍️
Any comments on the latest Suzuki GSX 1000 GT. I like the Ninja SX, but all things considered. Great video Gee Tee. Thank You
It's a real bummer that the Suzi doesn't have an IMU or remote preload adjustment. If it had those and a center stand, it would cut the head off all other sporty touring bikes.
Tracer for me every time 👍 brill vlog though tracer is just an all round better bike,it reminds me of the gpx kawa that was a fast bike 👍
Hi, nice review, how tall are you? I am 6’2 - thinking SX might be not comfortable for me, no demo at dealers in Lithuania :( thanks
I am 1,83m and for me the ninja SX is very comfortable. I use it every year for longer trips (+3.000km) without any issues. Perfect bike!
This was a useful comparison. I'm looking at getting a more comfortable machine after a Suzuki GSX-S 1000 naked. Two notes from me:
- 2020/2021 SX the heat height is indeed 835mm. But on the 2021 Tracer 9 it's only 810/820mm (depending on seat setting), a long ways from the earlier Tracer. I'm also 5"8', so quite important for me.
- Where I live the Tracer is much cheaper than the Kawa, even the GT version. So as much as I prefer the inline 4 and power of the Kawa the Tracer 9 GT might be my next bike.
Also, blind spots are manageable by getting mirror extenders.
Hi Miklos, yes i read that the new Tracer has a lower seat height, I'm sure that will be a welcome change to a lot of prospective owners. As for the mirrors on the SX, now that i have my own SX (2014) and still have the Tracer.......It's not that there's anything wrong with them at all. When I've been riding the Z1000sx for a while then climb onto my Tracer the mirrors on the Tracer seem too close to me and vice versa. The Ninja I rode was a superb machine, as is the Tracer. I would use my SX and Tracer for blasting about for a few hours but for multi day touring with more comfort I will use my Tracer. Thankyou for your comments.
Yeah, I waver between the 1000sx and the 9GT at times They are both well-sorted bikes, but when you consider what comes standard on the GT, I find myself leaning in that direction. Further, the pillion's experience is overwhelmingly in favor of the 9GT. Also, Kawaski discourages customers from putting a top box on the 1000sx because of stability concerns. No such worry with the 9GT. Electronic suspension damping, better fuel mileage, etc on the 9GT, plus every feature the Ninja has. Frankly, I'm sure I would enjoy owning a Ninja1000sx, but would feel a bit short-changed.
I had the ltd 1000 Kawasaki drove it as fast as I could I bought it used and believe me they are super tough nothing never broke down and it seems to even run better in the heat menny trips from FLa. To Vegas NV . I think a turbo charger to buy and have put on is around 2000 but it's fast enough🧝⚡
Wow, that's a beautiful bike. Thankyou Vincent.
I'm riding a Z1000SX for 6 years and thinking of buying the Tracer 900GT because of the comfort. Would like to do big trips. Will do one tomorrow but already know everything will hurt after more than hour riding, specially m knies. Did a testride with a Tracer but the the difference of power and the turbulance of the windshield makes me doubt.....
Hi Guy, I have done long rides and multi day tours on my tracer. I'm 5'8 and the wind from the screen is noisy for me but not turbulent. I have quickly gotten used to it with the standard screen and I no longer really notice it. The ninja 1000sx that I test rode felt fantastic power wise and in every other respect actually yet touring Scotland on my Tracer and a friend said it really flies and he had trouble keeping up a couple of times on his Z1000sx. That said though I am trading my MT09 for a Z1000sx and keeping my Tracer as I like the comfort. Time will tell which one I prefer. Thankyou for your comments.
The windscreen is adjustable for a reason. Set it to full upright and you will notice the difference with the wind!
Thankyou Patrick. I was so impressed by this bike and it's engine that I bought an older model z1000sx to accompany my Tracer. I have the screen in the high position and have no issues whatsoever. Great bike.
@@geetee5509 Totally agree, I have a 2016 and a 2018 for me and my girlfriend. Great general all around bike. Glad you managed to get one, now you have the best of both worlds. 👍
Ok when you do this tracer all day long for me pal 👍
No way is the Tracer an all round better bike, you obviously own one and are not gonna admit you made a mistake
I have just sold my 1 year old BMW GS Adventure to buy the Ninja 1000 SX, the adventure is an awesome bike and great for touring, which I do a lot of
For me the Ninja is out and out the best bike I have ever ridden, owned 6 Fireblades before, the last one being about 7 years ago and I honestly can't remember an in line 4 ever being so easy to ride, the torque from almost everywhere just blew me away, no need to work the gearbox, but then if you do work the gearbox! oh my god this thing pulls and pulls!
No disrespect to you Mr GeeTee, your review is great for everyday living with this bike which is what most of us are interested in, and as you say it's brilliant at that, but if you really want to see what this bike can do then please take a look at a video on youtube (Schaaf Ninja 1000 Sx Raw) 3 demo rides and watching this video about 20 times have convinced me that this is the bike for me. This is with a standard exhaust, (which is so ugly it's going straight in the bin) but listen to the auto blipper working coming down the box
By the way that 1st line goes out to Wombal not yourself
I own both and think the Tracer is a better all-rounder, especially when it comes to touring. The ease of fitting a proper sized top box, upright riding position and mostly the availability of a center stand make it so for me. I suppose it depends on personal taste and what is interpreted by "all rounder" which includes touring for me.
Having recently purchased an older SX being so inspired by the Ninja that I rode, I would agree with your comments. I would prefer to tour on my Tracer and forgo the extra grunt and hi speed stability of the SX for bigger tank range, more comfort and practicality. Thankyou for your comments.
Yes the 1000 u can race it every day for 20 years and nothing will never brake down I know I had one in the 80s and u can get a turbo put on if u want to and that really jumps up the hp. But it's fast just like it is🧝⚡
I have owned both bikes you can't compare the two the ninja is twice the bike!!!.... I think you have your rose tinted specs on
Road mode isn't going to soften anything. The 1000sx doesn't have electronic semi-active suspension.
Not yet, at least. My money is on the 2023 model getting an SE or LT version with skyhook suspension and other bells and whistles.
Would have watched whole of your vid but hdlmet cam just don't do it for me ,too much flickin about mirror checking etc (which is a good thing don't get me wrong ) chest cam braces much better still picture and still good view. 👍
With a pillion and for real and long distance touring the tracer.. otherwise the SX..
Mt10 touring 👍
You mean the Empty 10.
There's an oxymoron...."touring"....doesn't pass a garage!
Stopping every 180ks for fuel. I’m not to sure about that.
Waiting for the sportbikes on stilts fad to pass
Why are you crossing double white lines to overtake, its a NO No thumbs down
Hi Martin, I see where you mean. At the point I begin to overtake is where the road widens and we get an extra lane to overtake slower vehicles as its a steep uphill climb. I passed the vehicle to my left in the next lane, no need to cross the double white lines. Thanks for pointing this out though.
lets compare a sports car to a mid sized car , great waste of time , compare apples to apples not to oranges ,, what a waste of time this was
I think your comment is quite rude to someone who made the effort to make this video . You knew beforehand what bikes were being compared, so why bother , may be just to make afterwards this sort of negative comments?
Anyway me, and a lot of others just find it interesting to see a comparison between these very different bikes, that nonetheless can be used for very similar tasks ( commuting, highways,touring) but have a different approach.