Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Review 2020/2021 - loads of updates, improving a great motorcycle - Jeff Ware
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- čas přidán 26. 10. 2020
- For 2020 - 2021 the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has undergone some small changes that have netted a big impact, taking the sports tourer back to its old good handling self after the Japanese manufacturer got it wrong with the 2017 - 2019 models. Changes to the suspension and a change of tyres, while still retaining the 190/50-17 rear, which is quite old school, have made the Ninja 1000 steer and corner brilliantly when compared to the outgoing unit.
The bike also gets additional Power Modes now, as well as Cruise Control, more screen adjustment, a taller seat height, three KTRC settings plus off, a TFT display and comes in at $16,999 + ORC here in Australia.
Check out our full written review on the 2020 Ninja 1000SX here - bikereview.com.au/review-2020...
Check out BikeReview.com.au for more reviews like this.
Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe! Jeff Ware - Krátké a kreslené filmy
One of the best reviews.... and honest: you mentioned the bad handling of the previous 2017 while most press "ignored" it...
that is indeed fixed in the >2020 models... really solid machine now, you cannot go wrong with one of these
Thanks for the feedback and sorry about the late reply. Jeff.
I've always thought of the Ninja 1000 as the sensible sports bike. The sporty side of sports touring seems to have been largely adsorbed by the sporty side of ADV bikes, so it's good to see Kawasaki persisting with this and the H2 SX.
That's it - it is exactly that, a more useable but still sporty motorcycle.
In my humble opinion your the best bike reviewer out there.
Cheers!
Just bought this 2021 model in all black; picking it up later this week. After watching this, I’m even more excited, and I didn’t think that was possible.
Photo of the black model? :)
@@wayanbarre How in the world do I upload a pic to CZcams in this comment section? Never done it before.
I’m about to pick mine up today. All black with the saddlebags. Can’t wait
Good clear review: thanks Jeff.
Cheers! Jeff
Informative review thanks 😃👍
great, practical review!! thanks mate
Concise and informative.
Great video.
Regards from Brazil.
Cheers, mate..!!
good review with good points about steering and in general how it performs instead of all journalist that are summing up the specs. Thank you
Thanks Antoine, glad you found it useful, Jeff.
Great review.....!! Great bike!!
great review thx
This bike is a good value for the money. Especially since the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is about $2k more expensive.
Just bought the black 2021, love it!
Me, too.
Me too. 10 Ducati, 4 Bmw 4 harleys etc… Ktm’s. This is the best bike I’ve ever owned. I know there is no ecu flash yet so i just got the yosh slip in abs the sound is awesome abs lost a ton of weight maybe 10lbs
Awesome presentation I really love it an its a good piece of informative presentation 👍 please keep doing more videos
👍🤝
Really torn on this and the GSX GT. I just get the feeling that the SX is a notch up. From the reviews I do wonder if the GT has a touch more character due to its quirks. Great positive review, thanks.
What a beautiful bike
Got a 1000 SX 2021 special edition from Matt Jones. The SX is a Beauty👍. Nice review mate😎
How do you like the bike, and what did you have before? Thank you.
Great review! Sorry, I'm from the U.S. and sometimes I have trouble understanding with your accent. When you talk about the difference in handling between this model and and the previous generation, would the previous generation include the 2019 model? I'm trying to decide if I want to spend the extra money on this 2020 model just for the cruise control, but if this model handles better than the 2019 model then that may push me into purchasing the newer model.
Hi Jamie - thanks! Over here, the 2020 model is the first with the improved handling. I think it came out in the USA in around July/August 2020. Hope that helps!
I was hyped up for this bike. Until I set on it. At 6’4”. My legs were severely cramped. It maybe a good tour for some. Not for my long legs.
Yeah I agree. I am 6'2 and it was the limit for me leg room wise. Shame, as it is a great bike. Jeff.
The break fluid container placement is weird. I cannot unsee it.
Really want the riding ergonomics of the Versys 1000 but the weight is a challenge, this bike seems to bring the same advantages but easier to back into a parking space or otherwise manoeuvre without the engine. Time for a test ride I think!
If weights a concern, try the Yam Tracer as well, 200kg, even the SX is 235kgs and Tracer is more like the versus riding position.
I think you will find the foot pegs arnt that low or neutral. I ride a versys 650 and had high hopes for this bike. They basically moved the pegs an inch and threw an sx on the side.
Do you know why the luggage options are either panniers or top box but not both? Seems odd on a touring bike especially considering they’re designed with a pillion in mind.
Yea agree. Dont like this either. This is a pity. I have heard that the chassi is not stiff enough to handle both sideboxes and a top box. I am not sure but that explains that it cant handle heavier weight. I think thats a shame when its not a lot of sporttourer out there that not costs awful much. The old Yamaha Tracer 900 had the same issue but the new model for 2021 that chassi is now stiffer and i think handle 193 kg. But is it sporty enough?
Not sure why but agree!
BANDIT 1300R. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
Great Review, I have shortlisted the Ninja 1000SX and the BMW R1250RS and interested in your thoughts on handling between the two and is the BMW worth the extra 10k.. cheers..
Hi Graeme, wow that is a hard question. I think the Ninja 1000SX has everything the BMW has, slight edge in handling to at the very top 10/10ths but general riding the BMW is a better handler, just can't be pushed to the limit of the Kawasaki. $10k is a lot, but if you love the Boxer, it's money well spent. Jeff.
@@BikeReviewcomau Thanks, yes it is a hard one, Boxers have more soul but nervous about the front end feel with semi active suspension.. Cheers Graeme
Hey Jeff I know they’re not exactly the same category but if you had to buy one which one would you pick between this and the Suzuki Katana and why. Cheers. Great review btw.
Hard choice! KATANA as I'm still a hoon at heart!
How does it compare to Suzuki GSX S1000F ?
Suzuki is more eager / sportier / also older tech... whereas sx excels in all the departments...suzuki will wake the hooligan in you
The OEM tyres on the 2017 SUCKED! I felt like I was always fighting the bike into corners. I figured it was me, stepping up from my much loved 9R. The Ninja 1000SX became a DIFFERENT BIKE rafter the PR5's went on. OMG, what a difference. No more fighting. Leaves me smiling.
It's still not a perfect bike though, the dash, the too forward and too wide mirrors, the hard seat, the vibes above 7000RPM, the snatchy fuelling, the fuel hunting on neutral throttle while cruising, the difficulty cleaning the chain... but it tours like a mother f*****r and can play in the twisties. I'd upgrade to the 2020/2021 if money was no object though...
Had exactly the same problems !
What are the PR5's? I have the 2017 and have the same experience. I'm about to change my tyres so would love to know. Thanks.
Chachi M - Michelin Pilot Road 5's.
I must admit mine is end of lease soon after 3 years , and I have tried several other bikes , and I’m not sure the new sx has done enough to stay ahead of the game , my main gripe is the handling , it does everything tour , sport , twisties etc . But it doesn’t excel at anything when you really want to push it and lack so much feedback , it’s never filled me with complete confidence.
Jeff, after mounting fresh Bridgestone S22s (including a 190/55 rear) my 2018 went straight to Dave Moss for a tuning session. Tell ya what, I've spent A LOT more money for motorcycles that weren't nearly so enjoyable as this one. And it's got anvil-like reliability!
Fantastic! I'm sure it is steering better with the 55 rear as well. Great! Jeff.
Thanks Jeff, excellent review. Confirmed a few questions I had. Is that now the model with the "self healing paint"? Cant believe an Aussie was going on about rain! :)
Hi Jim, I just called Kawasaki and they confirmed that no, it doesn't have the self healing paint. Cheers! Jeff.
An other wise good review spoiled by crazy loud music!😢
I wish we'd get this color in the US, for the most part is just boring black...
....and the 20221 model is still BETTER ! What a great bike !
What are 2021 updates? Thank you
@@EEEBA1 BNG!!
I need that as a second job I’m bored as hell!!
Is this beauty comfortable for tall riders? About 190cm?
I'm 187cm and I would not want it any tighter between the footpeg to seat distance... Jeff.
I'm 191cm with very long legs and the legroom is ample enough. Upper body ergonomics are superb, with no back, neck, or shoulder tightness. For being age 63 that is really saying something! One mod I did was swapping out the stock rider and pillion pegs for Z H2 items. They are solid aluminum and give better connection when cornering but without amplifying vibration to any noticeable degree. I think there might be a skosh more legroom with them, too.
I don’t no the metric conversion. However I am 6’4”. I set on one. It was a no go. Legs were way to cramped. It was a huge disappointment for the way they advertised it.
Video is called Review 2020/2021 - but you talk about changes in 2020 model. please change title
Same bike. Cheers.
Agreed, but you get used to it, especially because the rest of the bike is so damn sexy. Well, except for the huge exhaust can - that’s being replaced.
Been along those roads a lot from living in Newcastle. Love a good steak and kidney at Pie In The Sky
I've has mine since August and have done 9000+ km on it already. It's an amazing bike. My only gripe was how hard it was getting to the stem valve, but with my new Pirelli Angel GT2 I got myself some bent valves. If you want to see some nice twisties and amazing scenery in Spain (soon from Portugal too) drop by my channel and take a look-see. Cheers
Nice video but I switched off after the 6th add...
Sorry to hear that - Google/YT control that so not much we can do. Are they ads you can skip?
Please, please, please stop the rubbish music over the riding footage. Ride and talk that so we can hear what you are thinking as you are thinking it and to most importantly it also let us hear the bike as you are riding it.
Hi Richard, I don't do talk and ride reviews sorry. Not into that. I only play music over the riding footage if there is a problem with the riding footage sound - such as excessive wind noise. Cheers, Jeff.
I wonder if possible to go to a 190/55 rears tyre will turn the bike in more easily. BTW really good review
Lane filtering is illegal in the States...well, at least here in the southern states..a big NO NO. I can see why too, because theres to many idiots who dont pay attention, and people with road rage issue's..which equates to danger
stock exhaust sounds like a 100cc bike
I had a 2017 performance model for three years from new, and although this bike looks amazing and sounds amazing, I can't say it was a good bike.
Let's start with riding. Any trips longer than 30 miles were a pain in the back for my legs, especially my knees. I'm 188cm tall. I'm not short, but it supposed to be a touring bike. For me, it isn't.
Problem with electronics. After not even two years, cables rusted, and the turn signal and horn stopped working.
A constant problem with error on the dashboard. I can't remember what part Kawasaki replaced, but thanks God, I had an extended warranty because it costed a fortune.
The instrument display started to fog !!! Not even three years old bike !!!
Few other small problems like paint that come off in some places.
I have NEVER ridden this bike in the rain. Kept always under super expensive cover on my driveway. The bike was thoroughly clean by me, dried and treated with ACF 50 every three months. All service done at Kawasaki.
I was so happy to sell it to Kawasaki after three years.
First time hear kawa have this much problems... I am stay at Malaysia it’s hot and raining all the time... using my ninja 300 for 4 years now and clocked 98k kilometres with daily ride around 150km ... I don’t have a single issue other then normal service “It’s A Great bike.. after this COVID-19 solved I will buy ninja 1000
@@fmlmobilelegend9723 Bike always started on the button and took me where I wanted, but all other problems I had put me off from this brand. Another thing, this is not a touring bike, at least for someone who is 6.2 and above. Good luck with yours
@@chrisw4215 😂 it’s happens one or two with defects out of millions units it’s all luck I guess
@@fmlmobilelegend9723 6'2" people are defects in Malaysia?
@@fmlmobilelegend9723 do you know what FML means? Fuck My Life!
The 2020 + Ninja ja 1000 TFT has a manufacturer defect which kawasaki acknowledges but blames it on the TFT manufacturer...to date there is no solution provided or reason given.
IF YOU CHANGE DISPLAY MODES OR REVIEW TRIP COMPUTER THE CLOCK RESETS!!
KAWASAKI, FIX THIS!
Hi, what you are referring to when you say "...CLOCK...".
Do you mean the time of day shown or the trip meter or the odometer??
Yup I confirm. On my 2020 sometimes the clock (hour:seconds) resets! very annoying... still no solution provided.
Bonza review Jeff. Great m8n Woof!