Nice review. Ive had a 2012, a 2018 and now a 2023 versions so can give an honest review of what they’re like to own long term and for the money, imo they’re unbeatable. I’ve toured all over Europe in that time and can assure anyone you won’t be disappointed owning one. You’ll get mid 50’s mpg ridden safely, I’ve found them comfortable as any other bike can be over long distances, reliable (not had a single fault with any of the ones I’ve owned, unlike my friends GS’s), they can hustle and cruise when the mood takes you. Rear factory suspension settings let it down but a 1/4 turn on rebound (softer) and a set of Michelin pilots at 36psi will cure any harshness. Found the panniers and a decent tank bag provide enough space for me and the tours I’ve done (you can get aftermarket top box and brackets that work along side the factory panniers, I personally have never needed them). They’re a good looking, honest, solid, well made bike. We can nit pick its short comings and it may not suite everyone but for context I paid £9999 for a brand new December 2023 model. Road to Germany and South of France in 2024 (7k+ miles, 2 trips) the bike was a dream the whole time, had a blast and no issues. That for me is what these bikes are £/smile/mile. Safe riding All, roll on 2025 and have fun on what ever bike you ride 🏍️🏔️
I absolutely agree with this. I adore mine. I keep looking at other bikes but I can't bring myself to want anything else. It does everything I personally need it to do.
I have the 2019 Ninja (without the cruise control) and it's a blast. I've traveled to Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, done 4500 km's in two weeks in reasonable comfort. Later I shipped this bike to Spain and rode it around Sierra Nevada mountains, took it to Gibraltar, then on a ferry to Morocco and back and it was the best motorcycling experience ever. If you're considering buying this bike please note: - it really likes smooth roads. If you live in a bumpy area you will feel fatigued at some point and regret not opting for a bike with more suspension travel - adjustable suspension can do wonders if you spend the time to work with it and set it up properly. Default settings were no good for me - the stock seat can be uncomfortable for longer rides; I've replaced mine with a gel Sargent seat and it's a significant improvement - there are virtually no roads where you can legally use the power it offers, and it's only fun to ride above 100 km/h. Basically, the faster you go, the better it handles, so keep that in mind - you will make gas stops every 250 kilometers or less, and the fuel prices don't seem to be going down lately :D That said, I love this bike and just looking at it parked after a long ride makes me smile :)
i've had the same '19 bike for 3 years, replaced by a KTM 890adv last year, while i like the new one on some features (QS, CC, confort), i miss my Kawa like mad, and i cant look at it like i was looking at the Z (it was still called Z1000SX then in France) best bike i've ever owned by far. Wife is happy with the new one comfort for 2up ride, but i cant shake the feeling this could have been solved with aftermarket topcase (only had the solid cases, also, best and easiest installation ever)
I'm so happy you showed us the headlights! My 2023 V-Strom 800DE has the worst headlights I've ever used. I had the dealer adjust them and they're still dangerous. LED headlights are not an upgrade. They have good, clean light but suffer from terrible patterns. Also, a cell phone mount? I don't even own a phone. This should be optional.
I personally think LED lights are worse than Halogen , sure they may be brighter but as for beam and spread they are effing useless. I have a GSX S1000GT and I love the bike but the lights ? Useless above 40 mph on an unlit road.
Hi Andy … yes it’s a proper sports tourer with a look that comes from my era .. Pro’s and cons are fair … I really don’t get the switch back lit issue that people raise… if you are looking down to find your switches in the dark you are asking for trouble… that’s why it’s important to get instinctive with your bike switches…. Nice bike and not a bad price… Great review as normal … Thanks.. Mike
Not a bike I’m interested in but it was good to see that the headlight capability was explored. Headlight lighting ability is rarely looked at or mentioned on motorcycles but, for obvious reasons, is very important and I can’t understand why it’s not something that is usually featured.
Self cancelling indicators are not without quirks either , safest thing to do regardless if your bike has them or not is to religiously manually reset them after every corner regardless .
Yeah, love the colour, and so glad Kwakazaki keep some of these less busy colour schemes. The top box/pannier issue would be a show stopper for me…..what a weird limitation on a tourer.
Hi Andy, I'm liking the more upbeat delivery of the info. The slightly quicker, more energetic format is in keeping with modern trends. I like the way you balance that aspect, with a more natural commentary when riding a bike. In addition, the Q and A's are a winner. A lot of competition out there so nice to see you have given your prsentation some thought and tweaked it here and there, twits etc. Quality as always !
Nice review. Former 2013 Ninja 1000 owner here. Great to see cruise control and LED lights added. I could take or leave the fancy screen and suspension. I loved the power and ergos of the 2013. New bike looks fairly similar, down to the same candy apple green my 2013 had. I did not love the mid 30 mpg fuel mileage and the amount of heat that big inline 4 gave off in the brutal summer here in Houston. Also, full coverage insurance was crazy expensive. Bike had way more power than I needed, but was fun to feel that front end come up on full throttle. No rider aids except ABS on 2013. And man that engine sounded fantastic. Nothing sounds better than an inline 4 to my ears. Everyone should own a liter bike at least once in their life. Cheers.
Good evaluation apart from stating the inability (without after market accessories) to have both panniers and top box being a bit “Naff” followed by stating the bike ticks all the right boxes! (this is no good for my OCD) 😂
Thanks for the review. I have a 1000SX and your review of that was one of the factors that got me looking at them. Great bike. I find some of the criticisms of this bike in the comments to be comedic at best and utterly idiotic at worst. No centre stand? It’s not the 1940s anymore guys! Although I appreciate that most of you were born around then. Also it’s a sports tourer, not a full-fat touring bike. If you don’t understand that this means it doesn’t have an armchair on the back or carry enough weight to have its own gravitational pull then perhaps you shouldn’t be commenting, as clearly you don’t have a bloody clue! Lastly, self cancelling indicators? Seriously? Tell everyone you can’t ride without actually them 🤦♂️
How do you service the chain without a centre stand ? walk the thing like a prat for 200 metres trying to clean and lube it ... also loading and unloading is a lot easier for balance if not using panniers, then there's oil and filter changes, brake fluid flushes and so much more that's just plain easier with a centre stand especially if you're on the side of road or at a hotel during the long rides.... unless you're one of those people who pays the dealer to do any work on your bike, which interestingly the first thing a mechanic does is raise and level the bike,,, a-la centre stand.
@ You’re not very bright are you. I use an abba stand at home for all those things you’ve mentioned. And if you need to wheel your bike for 200 metres to lube the chain then you’re doing it, and many other things I suspect, very wrong. But hey, you sit there and complain about a bike you’ve never owned or even ridden. We all see you 👍
Beautiful Green. Love the look of it. Hoping you can get the Versys 1100 to test at some point as its on my radar now for 2025. Great review as always. Thank you.
Preload won’t make the bike feel harder or softer. It purely sets the amount of travel in the shock and can also sharpen up handling on a lazy steering bike if wound up to raise the back end. You may be thinking of compression and rebound damping, which set the rate at which the shock responds to bumps and recovers from them. This is definitely a sports tourer, which absolutely does not need a shaft drive or self cancelling indicators. Man up bikers 😂
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a motorbike channel that understands what preload does. It’s for setting the sag and that’s it, it doesn’t soften or firm up the suspension.
@@Howling-Mad-Murdock Soft or hard is not the point of preload but yes, if you add preload without increasing the weight, it will be harsher riding and feel “hard.”
Ive never set either end of a bike. I run them with factory settings because I don't weigh like a land whale or ride faster than the road allows. I buy bikes that can handle what they're made for. I'm not posing to be a track racer .
@@berttompkins9096 Congratulations, you’ve completely missed the point of what adjustable suspension is for! Do yourself a favour and learn about it, then you can get the best out of your bike. Factory settings are meant as a starting point only.
Really enjoyed this video Andy. I particularly liked the way you revisited the bike answering questions from subscribers. It’s the way to go me thinks. Cheers from Anthony of Tring 🎉
Great review, fair play going out on freezing roads. Shame it hasn't semi active suspension, and you can't have top box and panniers. As tour two up to France. Ducati 1200 multistrada pikes peak 14, which for us is ace. But I would much prefer a sports tourers as a sports bike rider and prefer the setup. But most just don't to it fully loaded. And that's why I guess most go for adventure bikes. Not for off-road rubbish, but they are excellent two loaded. .
@@splodge57 Saying it has more power is incredibly short sighted. Sure, technically it does have more horsepower, but it also has less torque. How do you feel about that? Assuming you know what it means (a lot of people don’t).
It's a handsome bike, more so than the tall-rounders, which although very practical, do have challenging looks. Thanks for covering some of the viewers questions, which with your normal critique covered almost everything 👍🏻 Revs at cruising speed and average mpg are always my questions, everything else is normally covered 🙂
Just wanted to say that after trying multiple times and given up more times I finally got to pause that millisecond posting I see at the beginning of your videos, always wondered what it said and now I know, even took a picture, very funny, I do enjoy your efforts on every video and thanks for my impressive pausing skills. 😂
Great review - I sometimes miss my time when I lived in the UK when you could ride a bike through the winter. I now live in Canada and from November - at least the end of March the bikes live in the garage hooked up to trickle chargers. Lowest temperature where I live has been -16C so far. The older and blinder we get the more we appreciate things like backlit switchgear. Insurance - in Canada and the USA the bike would be classified as a "tourer" and despite being able to go like stink the insurance is a lot less than on a Supersport. Here insurance depends more on the type of bike rather than engine capacity. Pillion - forget it - the pillion seat is rock hard . . .want comfort - buy a cruiser.
A very detailed look at the bike, as a 2024 1000sx owner the only thing that bugged me was there is no centre stand, but other than that the bike is a fantastic sports bike and tourer. the standard suspension is superb, I am sure the Ohlins is even better.
My 2018 model isn't a Ninja yet the insurance companies all insist that it is. I have a right battle with them every year on this. Some even insist it's a H2 model..... bonkers.
Nice review as always, Mr Flyer. I did have a chuckle at the 'headlights at night' bit though. I don't think the bloke wanted to see footage of the lights in action so much as get your opinion on how they compare to other bikes.
Lovely bike as I started on sports tourers, brave of Kawasaki to stick with it given the popularity of adventure bikes with the masses. As I’m old I’d go for the Versys version.
As I said before, not being able to fit full luggage is a show stopper for me. The Suzukis look quite nice but V100 Mandello would be top of my list. Haven't ridden any of them yet though. And, no self cancelling indicators? Lordy.
👍 Great looking bike Many thanks for answering my question, the question I’m currently asking myself is when building my home workshop why didn’t I have underfloor heating fitted 🥶
Fantastic bike, I asked the dealer when, and they couldn't give me an answer, as they attempted to sell me one of three of last years stock. All the KTMs are gone, as in I think the dealership has handed in the card to sell them, sign gone from the shop as well and the Enfield stand was the only one that had a full selection of models. (we have two mega dealership's here like two floor kind of operations, with rider training offices, rentals, cafe, bakery, casual clothing) The only thing interesting was the NEW to here anyway was the Honda XR150L and Kawasaki KLX150 Just under 5K AUD Gotta love the economy
Morning Andy, I love the looks and the kwacka green is superb, but I tour with a pillion,so rules it out. I think the Honda 1000 hornet for me, under 10 grand in sp spec 😮
Great review! I own one 2025 1100SX SE. There is a You tube video out on a stock 2025 dyno run. (2 Wheel Dyno Works) It shows that this bike makes exactly the same H.P. as the previous 1000SX. So just because the manufacture claims 140 on the previous model and only 134 on the new 1100 means nothing. Also if you watch it, the 2025 makes quite a bit more torque throughout the RPM range. He also says there is much more potential for tuning increases with the new motor.
Thanks for the good review to finish off from your initial impression ride review. I have a 2020 Ninja SX, my second SX and I'd buy another if I were looking to get a new bike. The Panniers and Topbox thing can be overcome, as you mention by using aftermarket mounts such as the Ventura system, the reason Kawasaki don't offer it is down to the loading capacity of the bike. I have used mine with panniers and topbox for solo touring with no stability issues. My bike has "Self" cancelling indicators...I have to cancel them myself !!! Sorry...I'll get my coat...
If the heated grips work the same as the Z900RS ones which have identical controls, yes they don’t come back on when you stop and start the bike but they do remember which setting you left them in so only 1 press to get it back on to the same setting.
I didn’t know that. I struggle to get them to the hottest setting on my RS. I occasionally get them right and they are fine but generally find them akward. You could do a visual for me on your RS as. A late Xmas gift.
I certainly would consider a sports tourer rather than an adventure type bike. Shame about the pannier situation. Seen these in my local wheels and they do look nice.
Considering that all designers have got to work with is 2 wheels, an engine, seat and front end, that is one beautifully, very pleasing on the eye design. Love the colour and beg to differ on the exhaust, looks are so subjective but for some reason I like it and suits the bike. Price new was incredible if your a long time user/rider. Great review.
I really think you should add real world tested mpg and tank range to your reviews, particularly when testing a sports tourer. I'm not talking about the dash read out, that's too easy for the software to massage, I'm talking properly measured full tank to full tank mpg ..... range is a much underestimated feature of touring / adventure and sports tourers. The remaining capacity AFTER the res light comes on is very important and often accounts for 50 odd miles these days. ie my 900 gt pro returns for me a good 230-240 miles per tank, that's a benchmark deal breaking stat in my assessment of alternatives.
Nice review, Bike looks great, I'm sure id love to ride it, Just not quite practical enough as a tourer. Might be Ok solo. Just the wrong side of insurance change. So is my GS, ouch.
Despite of Brexit Denmark and the UK seem to share the weather conditions in December. I always enjoy your adult and honest reviews. I hope that your shoulder is getting better. 🇩🇰
Thanks for answering my question re headlight performance at night - absolute legend. Still tossing up between a Tracer 9 GT+ and the 1100SX. I'm leaning toward the Tracer but keep getting drawn back by the styling/looks of the 1100SX. Thanks again.
Hi Andy, A sports tourer has to have properties of both sports and touring bikes. A center stand is a must for a touring bike. I can live with luggage options here. Adjustable screen is a must imho. I can’t say I like the looks. The headlight unit is sticking out too much I think. Oh well, you won’t see that when you’re on the bike. All in all decent bike.
@ center stand for me it’s a must. It’s so much easier to put the side cases onto the bike. Try to clean a chain while it’s on the side stand. Bike cleaning by hand is so much easier. Adjustable windscreen. On cold days I want the screen a bit higher, out of the cold wind and in summer lower to get a cooling breeze unless there are lots of insects in the air, then you want it in a higher position. Adjustable windshield during riding or at least an adjustable top part, for me is a must. On every bike that had a fixed screen, I replaced it with a form of adjustable one.
@ This has an adjustable screen though, and I like to have my bike’s rear wheel in the air for cleaning and for chain lubing, so I have an abba stand. I don’t need to carry it around with me though. My bike is heavy enough!
@ i want to be adjustable while riding. My bike isn’t light either and due to shoulder problems I need a center stand because it’s the easiest way to clean bike and chain.
The restrictions on the luggage options will likely be due to one of the following or a combination: The rear subframe is not strong enough to take both a top box and panniers. Fitting both would exceed the GLW of the bike Fitting them would cause high-speed stability issues. IIRC this isn't just a Kawasaki issue and Suzuki put similar restrictions on their sports tourers. If you want to have both the BMW R1250RS SE fits the bill and has other niceties like a centre stand, shaft drive and semi active suspension and you can add heated grips and a heated seat if you want those too. It's more rounded/less sporty than the Kawasaki too so would probably be suitable for more riders needs. It is more expensive though.
Like my Honda, bolting the seat down is a pain if you are caught out having a flat battery as you need to have a tool to put a starter on/ access anything underneath.
Now that you say something, I don't think I've ever seen a bike review at night. Not a once. Which is weird because half of everything that has ever happened on earth was at night.
Great review with your limited riding time and rubbish weather.,I have the 2022 1000sx and love the bike overall the one niggle for me is the low beam is a joke but transforms when on high.having the tourer spec it came with a larger screen which does make a difference .when i tour I use a 30 litre kreiga soft bag on back seat along with hard panniers instead of a top box.my local Kwak dealer has the old model on offer at £9999,,what a bargain.
I have a 2020sx, full options with cases and givi V46 topbox. On holidays always with both on the bike, done more than 20k fully loaded. No issues at all. These comments of not being able to use the topbox together with the side cases are nonsens.
Kawasaki don't allow both panniers and topbox as factory luggage mounting plate. Its either topbox or panniers. As you suggest, you keep original handlebars for (original kawa panniers) and add topbox + mounting brackets from Givi. Whole rear seat is made of aluminium and i guess kawasaki did that to avoid warranty claims if customers will load the bike to heavy so the rear end breaks.
It’s a nice bike. I am more of a top box only guy and that’s mainly because it’s easier to throw a leg over the bike. You’re right about the plastic brake resivor, would it be so hard to have a metal one instead?
Ahhh, the flavor of life. Everyone is different in what is nice and what is blah. I, for one, couldn't care two cents about a quick shifter. I can live without self-canceling turn signals and lighted switch gear. They would be nice, though. For me, it is an absolute must to have cruise control and a comfortable seat. As I get older, I have found another deal breaker when purchasing a new bike, and that is battery access. My current ride is a BMW R9T Urban GS, and the engineers that came up with the ENORMOUS difficulty of removing/replacing the battery should be flogged.
I own a Ninja 1000 sx in performance tourer version which is the version you need as it comes with panniers and akrapovic end can but makes the bike quite a bit more of course. There are currently loads of deals on the outgoing 1000cc machine and as the owner of one except for the engine which actually has less bhp I can't see any real improvement on the new bike. Especially if you go for the standard bike which doesn't have the brembo front brake or ohlins rear shock (neither are teally needed) snd now only comes in black. Having said that im sure its still as brilliant as before and once all the old 1000cc are sold the 1100 will still be the best value sport tourer on the market. I would pay the extra snd get the SE just to get it in green if I was buying one.
@@paulfowler7618 You haven’t been paying much attention then. Taller 5th and 6th gears will improve smoothness and mpg at higher (motorway) speeds, and the reworked quickshifter is supposed to be better. Personally I don’t have an issue with it on my 1000SX (although the QS definitely isn’t the smoothest on downshifting unless it’s at higher revs - upshifting though is butter!). Given the choice I would always take more torque over more HP, which the new bike has, and lower down in the rev range too, where it actually matters in the real world (not at the pub reciting figures from the brochure) 😉
Good review, not sure I will trade my 2021 model in for SE model yet, Disappointed the USB looks like a after thought on the bars, mine OEM one plugs in under the pillion seat. I fitted the Kawasaki top box and frame to mine. The frame is substantial enough to go on the Sydney Harbor bridge and only rated to 120km here in Australia.I think Shad i think do a system for it were you can fit a top box and panniers together
This will be interesting and no doubt kick off comments. That road you were riding, two lanes when you did 70mph is actually a 60mph road as it didn’t have a solid crash barrier. Discuss 😅
Hey Mr. Missenden Flyer, you gotta try out the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, the night time low light sensitivity is way better than anything else on the market, will make your night ride video a lot better looking.
@@TheMissendenFlyer It's actually quite significant, especially in low light! You can see my comparison video between my old 4 and 5 in low light, it's at least twice as bright using 8-bit normal profile without any editing. ua-cam.com/video/_wR7sIMOA6U/v-deo.htmlsi=EadCqs4Bsazg8PEs&t=1166
Thank you for the thorough review, Sir, as always. Perhaps I missed it, but did you mention, at the "end of the day", if it is TRULY "necessary" (or advised) to get this new 1100 over the perfectly fine 1000sx? Is it really worth the extra money, or not really? I would think that the lower rpm's at highway speeds, on the 1100, might be a decent argument, but not totally sure otherwise. What do you think? Thank you again, for all you do for us on this channel, and continued safe journeys! Cheers!
A bit top heavy fully loaded riding in narrow streets or parking lot. Givi sells topbox holder that so you can use factory side-pannier handrails. New model got lower revs and slightly lower gearing. All kawasaki suffers from high gearing that makes them buzzy. To solve the gearing go down in rear sprocket size and mount a 55 profile tyre. That will drops revs on highway without trigger EMU/ABS error codes. 1000SX and VFR800X is still my favorite touring bikes after 25 years riding. excellent price / Value and insurance compared to all other brands.
Hi Andy, with regard to the heated grips not staying on after switching the bike off and back on again, would you want them automatically on during the summer ? 🤣🤣
A friend of mine has just ordered one of the last 1000SX from the local dealer. Based on the deal he got and how restricted the 1100 seems to be (basically you need a pipe and ECU flash for it to make decent power) I think he chose well.
Were the cars coming towards you doing their headlights? They looked really bright. One of the many things I complain about is modern cars with supernovas for headlights that seem to point straight ahead.
The trouble with so many motorcycles today is that there is far too much emphasis on trendy current gadgets and not enough thought on the practicalities of riding a motorcycle in the real world. The omission of a centre stand, a front mudguard that's so small it's useless at stopping any mud and a pillion seat that's clearly a box ticking exercise to say it's got one but clearly offers no real comfort unlike the pilots seat which looks great.
@@richardmarsh1332 Yeah unfortunately that’s total bollocks! I don’t need a centre stand when I’m out and about, and when I’m at home I use an abba stand. Also my pillion says it’s the most comfortable bike (for her) I’ve ever owned, both from a seating point of view and regarding the overall smoothness of the ride. Sure, it’s no Goldwing, but if that’s what you want then just buy one of those! Stupid comment really.
I have 2023 model and I did get mudguard extension from Puig to front and rear, those are quite good upgrades if you have to ride all conditions (eg. touring). Only problem was to found out paint code for front extension, when Kawasaki does not provide them. I could use center stand aswell, but I did put scottoiler to help chain oiling so I can live with that. Pillion seat is just fine, no complaints at all. I have ride 5000km with pillion.
Nice comprehensive review. Good to hear the cons even if they are minor as minor ones can grow into major niggles with time. Just an a aside, I counted 25 jackets hanging up. How close is my count? 🙂
concours 14 here with upgrade suspension and exhaust ecu flash.. it set up for twisties and track. how is this compared to grunt of connie.. out of corners ? Its fast -? displacement means all.. cheers
As always thank you for the very nice video! Quick question, in a hypothetical, imaginary and not ideal situation where you would be allowed to have only one bike, and the only options being either a Z900rs or the 1100sx, which would be the one? Thanks again
Great vid. Do you anticipate riding the NT1100 2025 soon? I have been considering either the NT or the Kwak. Power is significantly different, but it’s for the road. I have a GSXR to also use. Comfort, touring, with the ability to make progress on the road will be the focus. Thanks again!
I understand from reviews of the 1000cc version there were issues with the 4 cylinder buzz at varying rpm range, sometimes the handle bars or pegs or seat and sometimes a bit of all 3. Are you saying this engine of the 1100 has been damped so there are none of these vibes at higher highway speeds?
Great review and its a nice bike but as with a few other comments i think if i could get last years model i would and also if honda can stick a fairing on that hornet and turn it into a sports tourer version .........
Nice review. Ive had a 2012, a 2018 and now a 2023 versions so can give an honest review of what they’re like to own long term and for the money, imo they’re unbeatable.
I’ve toured all over Europe in that time and can assure anyone you won’t be disappointed owning one. You’ll get mid 50’s mpg ridden safely, I’ve found them comfortable as any other bike can be over long distances, reliable (not had a single fault with any of the ones I’ve owned, unlike my friends GS’s), they can hustle and cruise when the mood takes you.
Rear factory suspension settings let it down but a 1/4 turn on rebound (softer) and a set of Michelin pilots at 36psi will cure any harshness.
Found the panniers and a decent tank bag provide enough space for me and the tours I’ve done (you can get aftermarket top box and brackets that work along side the factory panniers, I personally have never needed them).
They’re a good looking, honest, solid, well made bike. We can nit pick its short comings and it may not suite everyone but for context I paid £9999 for a brand new December 2023 model. Road to Germany and South of France in 2024 (7k+ miles, 2 trips) the bike was a dream the whole time, had a blast and no issues. That for me is what these bikes are £/smile/mile.
Safe riding All, roll on 2025 and have fun on what ever bike you ride 🏍️🏔️
@@ColT-z1w then you can pay 38k for a bmw or Honda Gold wing
I absolutely agree with this. I adore mine. I keep looking at other bikes but I can't bring myself to want anything else. It does everything I personally need it to do.
I have the 2019 Ninja (without the cruise control) and it's a blast. I've traveled to Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, done 4500 km's in two weeks in reasonable comfort. Later I shipped this bike to Spain and rode it around Sierra Nevada mountains, took it to Gibraltar, then on a ferry to Morocco and back and it was the best motorcycling experience ever.
If you're considering buying this bike please note:
- it really likes smooth roads. If you live in a bumpy area you will feel fatigued at some point and regret not opting for a bike with more suspension travel
- adjustable suspension can do wonders if you spend the time to work with it and set it up properly. Default settings were no good for me
- the stock seat can be uncomfortable for longer rides; I've replaced mine with a gel Sargent seat and it's a significant improvement
- there are virtually no roads where you can legally use the power it offers, and it's only fun to ride above 100 km/h. Basically, the faster you go, the better it handles, so keep that in mind
- you will make gas stops every 250 kilometers or less, and the fuel prices don't seem to be going down lately :D
That said, I love this bike and just looking at it parked after a long ride makes me smile :)
Thanks for the real world feedback.
No, thank you! By the time I bought my 2019 Z1000SX, I had your review memorized 🤣
i've had the same '19 bike for 3 years, replaced by a KTM 890adv last year, while i like the new one on some features (QS, CC, confort), i miss my Kawa like mad, and i cant look at it like i was looking at the Z (it was still called Z1000SX then in France)
best bike i've ever owned by far.
Wife is happy with the new one comfort for 2up ride, but i cant shake the feeling this could have been solved with aftermarket topcase (only had the solid cases, also, best and easiest installation ever)
I'm so happy you showed us the headlights! My 2023 V-Strom 800DE has the worst headlights I've ever used. I had the dealer adjust them and they're still dangerous. LED headlights are not an upgrade. They have good, clean light but suffer from terrible patterns. Also, a cell phone mount? I don't even own a phone. This should be optional.
I personally think LED lights are worse than Halogen , sure they may be brighter but as for beam and spread they are effing useless. I have a GSX S1000GT and I love the bike but the lights ? Useless above 40 mph on an unlit road.
Hi Andy … yes it’s a proper sports tourer with a look that comes from my era .. Pro’s and cons are fair … I really don’t get the switch back lit issue that people raise… if you are looking down to find your switches in the dark you are asking for trouble… that’s why it’s important to get instinctive with your bike switches…. Nice bike and not a bad price… Great review as normal … Thanks.. Mike
Not a bike I’m interested in but it was good to see that the headlight capability was explored. Headlight lighting ability is rarely looked at or mentioned on motorcycles but, for obvious reasons, is very important and I can’t understand why it’s not something that is usually featured.
Self cancelling indicators are not without quirks either , safest thing to do regardless if your bike has them or not is to religiously manually reset them after every corner regardless .
Very true!
Yeah, love the colour, and so glad Kwakazaki keep some of these less busy colour schemes. The top box/pannier issue would be a show stopper for me…..what a weird limitation on a tourer.
You can have aftermarket box with factory panniers e.g. from Givi. Sub frame weakness is the reason why Kawasaki does not provide them together.
@ fair enough, but does that not beg the same question?
Hi Andy,
I'm liking the more upbeat delivery of the info. The slightly quicker, more energetic format is in keeping with modern trends.
I like the way you balance that aspect, with a more natural commentary when riding a bike.
In addition, the Q and A's are a winner.
A lot of competition out there so nice to see you have given your prsentation some thought and tweaked it here and there, twits etc.
Quality as always !
Cool, thanks!
Nice review. Former 2013 Ninja 1000 owner here. Great to see cruise control and LED lights added. I could take or leave the fancy screen and suspension. I loved the power and ergos of the 2013. New bike looks fairly similar, down to the same candy apple green my 2013 had. I did not love the mid 30 mpg fuel mileage and the amount of heat that big inline 4 gave off in the brutal summer here in Houston. Also, full coverage insurance was crazy expensive. Bike had way more power than I needed, but was fun to feel that front end come up on full throttle. No rider aids except ABS on 2013. And man that engine sounded fantastic. Nothing sounds better than an inline 4 to my ears. Everyone should own a liter bike at least once in their life. Cheers.
Agreed
Good evaluation apart from stating the inability (without after market accessories) to have both panniers and top box being a bit “Naff” followed by stating the bike ticks all the right boxes! (this is no good for my OCD) 😂
Thanks for the review. I have a 1000SX and your review of that was one of the factors that got me looking at them. Great bike.
I find some of the criticisms of this bike in the comments to be comedic at best and utterly idiotic at worst. No centre stand? It’s not the 1940s anymore guys! Although I appreciate that most of you were born around then.
Also it’s a sports tourer, not a full-fat touring bike. If you don’t understand that this means it doesn’t have an armchair on the back or carry enough weight to have its own gravitational pull then perhaps you shouldn’t be commenting, as clearly you don’t have a bloody clue!
Lastly, self cancelling indicators? Seriously? Tell everyone you can’t ride without actually them 🤦♂️
How do you service the chain without a centre stand ? walk the thing like a prat for 200 metres trying to clean and lube it ... also loading and unloading is a lot easier for balance if not using panniers, then there's oil and filter changes, brake fluid flushes and so much more that's just plain easier with a centre stand especially if you're on the side of road or at a hotel during the long rides.... unless you're one of those people who pays the dealer to do any work on your bike, which interestingly the first thing a mechanic does is raise and level the bike,,, a-la centre stand.
@ You’re not very bright are you. I use an abba stand at home for all those things you’ve mentioned. And if you need to wheel your bike for 200 metres to lube the chain then you’re doing it, and many other things I suspect, very wrong. But hey, you sit there and complain about a bike you’ve never owned or even ridden. We all see you 👍
Beautiful Green. Love the look of it. Hoping you can get the Versys 1100 to test at some point as its on my radar now for 2025. Great review as always. Thank you.
Yes it’s on my list! Thanks for watching….
Preload won’t make the bike feel harder or softer. It purely sets the amount of travel in the shock and can also sharpen up handling on a lazy steering bike if wound up to raise the back end. You may be thinking of compression and rebound damping, which set the rate at which the shock responds to bumps and recovers from them. This is definitely a sports tourer, which absolutely does not need a shaft drive or self cancelling indicators. Man up bikers 😂
@@MV-XD2 100% agree
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a motorbike channel that understands what preload does. It’s for setting the sag and that’s it, it doesn’t soften or firm up the suspension.
@@Howling-Mad-Murdock Soft or hard is not the point of preload but yes, if you add preload without increasing the weight, it will be harsher riding and feel “hard.”
Ive never set either end of a bike. I run them with factory settings because I don't weigh like a land whale or ride faster than the road allows. I buy bikes that can handle what they're made for. I'm not posing to be a track racer .
@@berttompkins9096 Congratulations, you’ve completely missed the point of what adjustable suspension is for! Do yourself a favour and learn about it, then you can get the best out of your bike. Factory settings are meant as a starting point only.
Like the question and you answering out on the road when riding the bike nice one
Glad you approved!
Good review. Nice looking bike. Coming from ZX1100's of the past it has a proven pedigree. Great sport tourer
I love sports tourers and this one is really beautiful. Great review.
Thanks for watching!
Ty for the review Andy ...all the best.
Thanks, you too!
Really enjoyed this video Andy. I particularly liked the way you revisited the bike answering questions from subscribers. It’s the way to go me thinks. Cheers from Anthony of Tring 🎉
Appreciate that!
Great review, fair play going out on freezing roads.
Shame it hasn't semi active suspension, and you can't have top box and panniers. As tour two up to France. Ducati 1200 multistrada pikes peak 14, which for us is ace. But I would much prefer a sports tourers as a sports bike rider and prefer the setup. But most just don't to it fully loaded. And that's why I guess most go for adventure bikes. Not for off-road rubbish, but they are excellent two loaded. .
Good review, good format, very watchable. (Agree re. the exhaust's 'flat-pack departure lounge' too! : )
Thank you!
Great pace/ informed review. Stunning bike.
Kawasaki for something different..
And well built..
Thanks TMF
🏍️ 🙏
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for testing the headlights, much appreciated.
No problem 👍
Lovely bike. You can still get the 2024 1000SX for £10495. More power, less Euro gubbins, great value.
A few for sale on eBay in dealers under 10 grand.
@@splodge57 Saying it has more power is incredibly short sighted. Sure, technically it does have more horsepower, but it also has less torque. How do you feel about that? Assuming you know what it means (a lot of people don’t).
Yep for a budget, do it all sports tourer, buy a 2020-2024 model
@@djidan1466 Budget ??
@@tonychettleburgh8953 around £10-11k if you can find one of the last few around.
It's a handsome bike, more so than the tall-rounders, which although very practical, do have challenging looks. Thanks for covering some of the viewers questions, which with your normal critique covered almost everything 👍🏻 Revs at cruising speed and average mpg are always my questions, everything else is normally covered 🙂
Just wanted to say that after trying multiple times and given up more times I finally got to pause that millisecond posting I see at the beginning of your videos, always wondered what it said and now I know, even took a picture, very funny, I do enjoy your efforts on every video and thanks for my impressive pausing skills. 😂
Well done - you made it!
Great review - I sometimes miss my time when I lived in the UK when you could ride a bike through the winter. I now live in Canada and from November - at least the end of March the bikes live in the garage hooked up to trickle chargers. Lowest temperature where I live has been -16C so far. The older and blinder we get the more we appreciate things like backlit switchgear. Insurance - in Canada and the USA the bike would be classified as a "tourer" and despite being able to go like stink the insurance is a lot less than on a Supersport. Here insurance depends more on the type of bike rather than engine capacity. Pillion - forget it - the pillion seat is rock hard . . .want comfort - buy a cruiser.
Nice on Andy, getting over 50 years old myself and always leaned into sports bikea... This or the Suzuki equivalent may be in my nearish future.
Good video. As for the bike - it’s terrific value. Not a lot to dislike. I would consider getting one.
A very detailed look at the bike, as a 2024 1000sx owner the only thing that bugged me was there is no centre stand, but other than that the bike is a fantastic sports bike and tourer. the standard suspension is superb, I am sure the Ohlins is even better.
Last generation was 1043cc not a 1000cc but the insurance has always been an issue since it changed its name to Ninja for some reason
My 2018 model isn't a Ninja yet the insurance companies all insist that it is. I have a right battle with them every year on this. Some even insist it's a H2 model..... bonkers.
@BikenutGB yep, lots of problems with the insurance company saying it's a H2.... I wish 🤣🤣🤣
Nice looking bike. The new camera seems to capture the headlights much better than the old one.
It does!
Nice review as always, Mr Flyer. I did have a chuckle at the 'headlights at night' bit though. I don't think the bloke wanted to see footage of the lights in action so much as get your opinion on how they compare to other bikes.
The lights look brilliant my Fazer were like candles mk 1 Fazer these LEDs are brilliant 😊😊
Lovely bike as I started on sports tourers, brave of Kawasaki to stick with it given the popularity of adventure bikes with the masses. As I’m old I’d go for the Versys version.
As I said before, not being able to fit full luggage is a show stopper for me. The Suzukis look quite nice but V100 Mandello would be top of my list. Haven't ridden any of them yet though.
And, no self cancelling indicators? Lordy.
👍 Great looking bike
Many thanks for answering my question, the question I’m currently asking myself is when building my home workshop why didn’t I have underfloor heating fitted 🥶
Fantastic bike, I asked the dealer when, and they couldn't give me an answer, as they attempted to sell me one of three of last years stock. All the KTMs are gone, as in I think the dealership has handed in the card to sell them, sign gone from the shop as well and the Enfield stand was the only one that had a full selection of models. (we have two mega dealership's here like two floor kind of operations, with rider training offices, rentals, cafe, bakery, casual clothing) The only thing interesting was the NEW to here anyway was the Honda XR150L and Kawasaki KLX150 Just under 5K AUD Gotta love the economy
Morning Andy, I love the looks and the kwacka green is superb, but I tour with a pillion,so rules it out. I think the Honda 1000 hornet for me, under 10 grand in sp spec 😮
Yes looks a great bike that doesn’t it
Great review! I own one 2025 1100SX SE. There is a You tube video out on a stock 2025 dyno run. (2 Wheel Dyno Works) It shows that this bike makes exactly the same H.P. as the previous 1000SX. So just because the manufacture claims 140 on the previous model and only 134 on the new 1100 means nothing. Also if you watch it, the 2025 makes quite a bit more torque throughout the RPM range. He also says there is much more potential for tuning increases with the new motor.
Cool, thanks!
Great review as always, don't agree on the top box because it's a sports tourer not a tourer and it destroys the looks
But it your two going to south of France just not enough space. Men on bmw gs need large top boxes and panniers. 😂
@keithwaller4545 i agree top box belongs on a gs
Thanks for the good review to finish off from your initial impression ride review. I have a 2020 Ninja SX, my second SX and I'd buy another if I were looking to get a new bike. The Panniers and Topbox thing can be overcome, as you mention by using aftermarket mounts such as the Ventura system, the reason Kawasaki don't offer it is down to the loading capacity of the bike. I have used mine with panniers and topbox for solo touring with no stability issues.
My bike has "Self" cancelling indicators...I have to cancel them myself !!! Sorry...I'll get my coat...
🤣
If the heated grips work the same as the Z900RS ones which have identical controls, yes they don’t come back on when you stop and start the bike but they do remember which setting you left them in so only 1 press to get it back on to the same setting.
Aha - I didn’t realise that, thanks!
I didn’t know that. I struggle to get them to the hottest setting on my RS. I occasionally get them right and they are fine but generally find them akward. You could do a visual for me on your RS as. A late Xmas gift.
I certainly would consider a sports tourer rather than an adventure type bike. Shame about the pannier situation. Seen these in my local wheels and they do look nice.
Great review! Should be able to have panniers and a top box
A beautiful bike. I love it!!!
Great vid Andy and all my questions answered. It is a rather beautiful looking machine. Cheers!
….and you certainly know a good looking machine David! 😘
@ 🤣🤣 It arrives week after next which is a month early. 😍🏍️
Considering that all designers have got to work with is 2 wheels, an engine, seat and front end, that is one beautifully, very pleasing on the eye design. Love the colour and beg to differ on the exhaust, looks are so subjective but for some reason I like it and suits the bike. Price new was incredible if your a long time user/rider. Great review.
Thank you
I really think you should add real world tested mpg and tank range to your reviews, particularly when testing a sports tourer. I'm not talking about the dash read out, that's too easy for the software to massage, I'm talking properly measured full tank to full tank mpg ..... range is a much underestimated feature of touring / adventure and sports tourers. The remaining capacity AFTER the res light comes on is very important and often accounts for 50 odd miles these days. ie my 900 gt pro returns for me a good 230-240 miles per tank, that's a benchmark deal breaking stat in my assessment of alternatives.
Nice review, Bike looks great, I'm sure id love to ride it, Just not quite practical enough as a tourer. Might be Ok solo.
Just the wrong side of insurance change. So is my GS, ouch.
Despite of Brexit Denmark and the UK seem to share the weather conditions in December. I always enjoy your adult and honest reviews. I hope that your shoulder is getting better. 🇩🇰
Thank you - sadly it’s not!!
Thanks for answering my question re headlight performance at night - absolute legend. Still tossing up between a Tracer 9 GT+ and the 1100SX. I'm leaning toward the Tracer but keep getting drawn back by the styling/looks of the 1100SX. Thanks again.
You would be very happy with either Bike Phil.
Plastic fluid reservoir is good. Very light and won’t corrode.
Hi Andy,
A sports tourer has to have properties of both sports and touring bikes.
A center stand is a must for a touring bike. I can live with luggage options here. Adjustable screen is a must imho.
I can’t say I like the looks. The headlight unit is sticking out too much I think. Oh well, you won’t see that when you’re on the bike.
All in all decent bike.
@@palantir135 It definitely isn’t a “must”. At all. Give me one good reason why it is. I’ll wait…
@ center stand for me it’s a must. It’s so much easier to put the side cases onto the bike. Try to clean a chain while it’s on the side stand. Bike cleaning by hand is so much easier.
Adjustable windscreen. On cold days I want the screen a bit higher, out of the cold wind and in summer lower to get a cooling breeze unless there are lots of insects in the air, then you want it in a higher position. Adjustable windshield during riding or at least an adjustable top part, for me is a must. On every bike that had a fixed screen, I replaced it with a form of adjustable one.
@ This has an adjustable screen though, and I like to have my bike’s rear wheel in the air for cleaning and for chain lubing, so I have an abba stand. I don’t need to carry it around with me though. My bike is heavy enough!
@ i want to be adjustable while riding. My bike isn’t light either and due to shoulder problems I need a center stand because it’s the easiest way to clean bike and chain.
The restrictions on the luggage options will likely be due to one of the following or a combination:
The rear subframe is not strong enough to take both a top box and panniers.
Fitting both would exceed the GLW of the bike
Fitting them would cause high-speed stability issues.
IIRC this isn't just a Kawasaki issue and Suzuki put similar restrictions on their sports tourers.
If you want to have both the BMW R1250RS SE fits the bill and has other niceties like a centre stand, shaft drive and semi active suspension and you can add heated grips and a heated seat if you want those too. It's more rounded/less sporty than the Kawasaki too so would probably be suitable for more riders needs. It is more expensive though.
Like my Honda, bolting the seat down is a pain if you are caught out having a flat battery as you need to have a tool to put a starter on/ access anything underneath.
Yes, that is a pain isn’t it.
Now that you say something, I don't think I've ever seen a bike review at night. Not a once. Which is weird because half of everything that has ever happened on earth was at night.
Good point!
Great review with your limited riding time and rubbish weather.,I have the 2022 1000sx and love the bike overall the one niggle for me is the low beam is a joke but transforms when on high.having the tourer spec it came with a larger screen which does make a difference .when i tour I use a 30 litre kreiga soft bag on back seat along with hard panniers instead of a top box.my local Kwak dealer has the old model on offer at £9999,,what a bargain.
Dark, cold, wet roads, foggy- this man deserves a medal😂
I’m glad you spotted that!!
100% not for me well done Andy brave man.
You should try a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello and it comes with an option of a heated seat.
Excellent video Andy 👏
Thanks 👍
It is gorgeous but no top box for touring? And I would prefer shaft drive.
I have a 2020sx, full options with cases and givi V46 topbox. On holidays always with both on the bike, done more than 20k fully loaded. No issues at all. These comments of not being able to use the topbox together with the side cases are nonsens.
Kawasaki don't allow both panniers and topbox as factory luggage mounting plate. Its either topbox or panniers. As you suggest, you keep original handlebars for (original kawa panniers) and add topbox + mounting brackets from Givi. Whole rear seat is made of aluminium and i guess kawasaki did that to avoid warranty claims if customers will load the bike to heavy so the rear end breaks.
It’s a nice bike. I am more of a top box only guy and that’s mainly because it’s easier to throw a leg over the bike. You’re right about the plastic brake resivor, would it be so hard to have a metal one instead?
Ahhh, the flavor of life. Everyone is different in what is nice and what is blah. I, for one, couldn't care two cents about a quick shifter. I can live without self-canceling turn signals and lighted switch gear. They would be nice, though. For me, it is an absolute must to have cruise control and a comfortable seat. As I get older, I have found another deal breaker when purchasing a new bike, and that is battery access. My current ride is a BMW R9T Urban GS, and the engineers that came up with the ENORMOUS difficulty of removing/replacing the battery should be flogged.
I own a Ninja 1000 sx in performance tourer version which is the version you need as it comes with panniers and akrapovic end can but makes the bike quite a bit more of course. There are currently loads of deals on the outgoing 1000cc machine and as the owner of one except for the engine which actually has less bhp I can't see any real improvement on the new bike. Especially if you go for the standard bike which doesn't have the brembo front brake or ohlins rear shock (neither are teally needed) snd now only comes in black. Having said that im sure its still as brilliant as before and once all the old 1000cc are sold the 1100 will still be the best value sport tourer on the market. I would pay the extra snd get the SE just to get it in green if I was buying one.
@@paulfowler7618 You haven’t been paying much attention then. Taller 5th and 6th gears will improve smoothness and mpg at higher (motorway) speeds, and the reworked quickshifter is supposed to be better. Personally I don’t have an issue with it on my 1000SX (although the QS definitely isn’t the smoothest on downshifting unless it’s at higher revs - upshifting though is butter!). Given the choice I would always take more torque over more HP, which the new bike has, and lower down in the rev range too, where it actually matters in the real world (not at the pub reciting figures from the brochure) 😉
Good review, not sure I will trade my 2021 model in for SE model yet, Disappointed the USB looks like a after thought on the bars, mine OEM one plugs in under the pillion seat. I fitted the Kawasaki top box and frame to mine. The frame is substantial enough to go on the Sydney Harbor bridge and only rated to 120km here in Australia.I think Shad i think do a system for it were you can fit a top box and panniers together
Thanks for the final thoughts Andy, very interesting and enjoyable. I do like the Ninja SX I must admit as this latest 1100 version looks lovely 👍👍
Totally agree
Great vid. Very nice bike too. Seems like a really nice traditional sports tourer. Much prefer it to the other ones on stilts.
Totally agree!
This will be interesting and no doubt kick off comments. That road you were riding, two lanes when you did 70mph is actually a 60mph road as it didn’t have a solid crash barrier. Discuss 😅
I think you’re watching too closely!
Much appreciate the cold night ride for headlight information 😊. I guess like the 1000 before it, its a very difficult bike to dislike. Cheers.
No problem 👍
Hey Mr. Missenden Flyer, you gotta try out the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, the night time low light sensitivity is way better than anything else on the market, will make your night ride video a lot better looking.
I don’t think the Four made too bad a job of it do you?
@@TheMissendenFlyer It's actually quite significant, especially in low light! You can see my comparison video between my old 4 and 5 in low light, it's at least twice as bright using 8-bit normal profile without any editing. ua-cam.com/video/_wR7sIMOA6U/v-deo.htmlsi=EadCqs4Bsazg8PEs&t=1166
Thank you for the thorough review, Sir, as always. Perhaps I missed it, but did you mention, at the "end of the day", if it is TRULY "necessary" (or advised) to get this new 1100 over the perfectly fine 1000sx? Is it really worth the extra money, or not really? I would think that the lower rpm's at highway speeds, on the 1100, might be a decent argument, but not totally sure otherwise. What do you think? Thank you again, for all you do for us on this channel, and continued safe journeys! Cheers!
looks like a nice little bike
It's a lovely bike and a great video.
Many thanks!
We are spoiled with our Goldwings! Beautiful bike though! I'm pretty sure I would hurt myself on that speed demon!
A bit top heavy fully loaded riding in narrow streets or parking lot. Givi sells topbox holder that so you can use factory side-pannier handrails. New model got lower revs and slightly lower gearing. All kawasaki suffers from high gearing that makes them buzzy. To solve the gearing go down in rear sprocket size and mount a 55 profile tyre. That will drops revs on highway without trigger EMU/ABS error codes. 1000SX and VFR800X is still my favorite touring bikes after 25 years riding. excellent price / Value and insurance compared to all other brands.
A twin cylinder bike at the same revs always feels more relaxed. I am always looking for another gear, on a four pot bike.
Insurance?! Zone 6 London, off-road parking, quoted £6.5K...
Great video, very informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very quick question I know this has a quick shift up and down, but does this have? Auto blipper
Rev match
Yes
Great information thanks for sharing Happy New years
Same to you!
Stunning looking bike Andy that green is 😘 keep up the great vids Andy 👍
Thanks, will do!
Hi Andy, with regard to the heated grips not staying on after switching the bike off and back on again, would you want them automatically on during the summer ? 🤣🤣
No - but I wouldn’t have had them on from the last ride in summer. I just want the bike to start as I last left it…..
A friend of mine has just ordered one of the last 1000SX from the local dealer. Based on the deal he got and how restricted the 1100 seems to be (basically you need a pipe and ECU flash for it to make decent power) I think he chose well.
I've heard that on the dyno, the 1100 makes exactly the same power as the 1000. Albeit lower in the rev range which makes it feel more grunty.
Andy, did Mrs Flyer get a chance of test riding the pillion perch? From the brief glimpse I saw it looked somewhat lacking for a sports tourer.
No, sadly not, no top box no Mrs flyer pillion!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Of course, didn’t think of that which is a definite design blunder on Kawasaki’s part.
Were the cars coming towards you doing their headlights? They looked really bright. One of the many things I complain about is modern cars with supernovas for headlights that seem to point straight ahead.
I’m with you on that!
Not a bike I would personally be looking at, but another good review, thank you for that. Usual great looking traditional 'Ninja green' too.
Thanks for watching!
Wait. YOU WERE LOOKING.
Kawasaki is the best tech and power. Free stuff others charge for.
@@berttompkins9096 to purchase my friend.......
Lights seem to have a very narrow throw but that may just be the camera
It's really weird to drive on the left, I'm Canadian and every time I see it I wonder if I would be able to. Nice Bike
You’d be able too no issue….I have no problems riding on the right when I go abroad….
The trouble with so many motorcycles today is that there is far too much emphasis on trendy current gadgets and not enough thought on the practicalities of riding a motorcycle in the real world.
The omission of a centre stand, a front mudguard that's so small it's useless at stopping any mud and a pillion seat that's clearly a box ticking exercise to say it's got one but clearly offers no real comfort unlike the pilots seat which looks great.
@@richardmarsh1332 Yeah unfortunately that’s total bollocks! I don’t need a centre stand when I’m out and about, and when I’m at home I use an abba stand. Also my pillion says it’s the most comfortable bike (for her) I’ve ever owned, both from a seating point of view and regarding the overall smoothness of the ride. Sure, it’s no Goldwing, but if that’s what you want then just buy one of those! Stupid comment really.
I have 2023 model and I did get mudguard extension from Puig to front and rear, those are quite good upgrades if you have to ride all conditions (eg. touring). Only problem was to found out paint code for front extension, when Kawasaki does not provide them. I could use center stand aswell, but I did put scottoiler to help chain oiling so I can live with that. Pillion seat is just fine, no complaints at all. I have ride 5000km with pillion.
Nice comprehensive review. Good to hear the cons even if they are minor as minor ones can grow into major niggles with time. Just an a aside, I counted 25 jackets hanging up. How close is my count? 🙂
Nowhere near! 😉
I wish Kawasaki would bring back an updated Concours 14.
Yes me too….
concours 14 here with upgrade suspension and exhaust ecu flash.. it set up for twisties and track. how is this compared to grunt of connie.. out of corners ? Its fast -? displacement means all.. cheers
Well it’s not got quite the shove of the mighty 1400 but it’s no slouch! We call it the ZZR1400 - sadly I don’t think they are available any more….
As always thank you for the very nice video! Quick question, in a hypothetical, imaginary and not ideal situation where you would be allowed to have only one bike, and the only options being either a Z900rs or the 1100sx, which would be the one? Thanks again
Hmmm tricky - I regret to say (as a Z900RS owner) it would probably have to be the SX - it's a better "all rounder". Close call though, marginal.
@ thank you for your answer! have a great day
Great vid. Do you anticipate riding the NT1100 2025 soon? I have been considering either the NT or the Kwak. Power is significantly different, but it’s for the road. I have a GSXR to also use. Comfort, touring, with the ability to make progress on the road will be the focus. Thanks again!
No plans too, I’m afraid Darren.
You could ask Mr Fly to sit on the back in the garage, would give her a little bit of an impression of comfort
Yes fair point!
I understand from reviews of the 1000cc version there were issues with the 4 cylinder buzz at varying rpm range, sometimes the handle bars or pegs or seat and sometimes a bit of all 3. Are you saying this engine of the 1100 has been damped so there are none of these vibes at higher highway speeds?
Yes - much improved....
I have the Ninja 1000sx tourer and find it hard to fault. Superb bike. 👍👍
Good to hear
Really love that color!
Yes me too....
What's 0 to 100 and top speed?
Recently purchased the 1000sx. Gorgeous machine. Which colour screen is that, dark smoke Puig?
Standard Kawasaki touring screen afaik!
Great review and its a nice bike but as with a few other comments i think if i could get last years model i would and also if honda can stick a fairing on that hornet and turn it into a sports tourer version .........