Ninja 1000 SX

[CC Mac]

After some deliberation I came to the conclusion that my Honda Crosstourer was too high and too heavy for me. I have a trip to Germany coming up and the thought of loading up the Crosstourer with luggage and extra weight eventually made me decide to get something lighter and lower. I did a fair bit of research and decided that although it is chain drive, a Ninja 1000 SX would fit the bill. All bikes are a compromise one way or the other. Took a trip to A&D in Denbigh to look at a couple, then a test ride yesterday. I was offered a very fair px, then deposit paid on a 2022 black and white (not seen that colour scheme around so that's a plus) 6700 miles on the clock. Loved it, first time riding a bike with a quick shifter, so a bit less strain on the wrist. Handling, suspension and a surprisingly torquey engine. Pick it up in a couple of weeks. Can't wait. On the ride back home I knew I had done the right thing.

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

They are excellent bikes. Enjoy your trip

 

[CC Mac]

After just a few miles I thought, this will be handy in the twisties, comfy too.

 

[littleade]

I tried one in 2018, but the riding position and suspension set up was just a tad too sporty for me, it was uncomfortable on the B and C roads I took it on which is where I usually ride and I had tingly fingers after 40 minutes so I bought another GS instead. The later ones have improved and then as is now the build quality looked superb and they're very keenly priced so it's not surprising they sell so well. I did like the Kwaka green, the finish was very good indeed. Enjoy your new bike

 

[richh]

Nice bike.

You were surprised a 4-cylinder litre bike has some torque?!

 

[CC Mac]

I tried one in 2018, but the riding position and suspension set up was just a tad too sporty for me, it was uncomfortable on the B and C roads I took it on which is where I usually ride and I had tingly fingers after 40 minutes so I bought another GS instead. The later ones have improved and then as is now the build quality looked superb and they're very keenly priced so it's not surprising they sell so well. I did like the Kwaka green, the finish was very good indeed. Enjoy your new bike

This one has bar risers on it so it wasn't a huge change from the Crosstourer. Legs more tucked in though but not too sporty. No vibes noticeable yesterday, unbelievably smooth.

 

[CC Mac]

Nice bike.

You were surprised a 4-cylinder litre bike has some torque?!

Yes I was, the Crosstourer had a reflash and it had loads of torque, before the Crosstourer I had a K1200 R Sport before that and it was very torquey also. I thought I would notice that this one had 200cc less but I was wrong, thankfully.

 

[CC Mac]

What finally instigated the change of bike was a ride the previous week. Riding a good biking road between Abergele and Llanrwst, some of you will know it. Tight and twisty in places with a few open stretches. I passed a guy in a Fiesta and noticed in my mirrors he started having a go. He obviously knew the road well, so I thought I would create a gap in order to put him off. I did, but I could really feel the weight in the tighter bends. I couldn't have ridden quicker safely. I could have easily gone quicker on any of my previous bikes. My 1200GS Hexhead would have done it with ease. The deed is done now. Looking forward to the Kwak.

 

[TYKEBBS]

Kawasaki make extremely good bikes which are reliable

Enjoy your new bike

 

[Mzokk]

I had a 2014 one for a couple of years, great bike, after realising I was getting too long in the tooth to scrunch up on my R1. Way torque-ier feeling engine than the R1 as much as it was geared for about 150mph so very peppy. (the R1 standard gearing was 104mph.........in first )

 

[littleade]

This one has bar risers on it so it wasn't a huge change from the Crosstourer. Legs more tucked in though but not too sporty. No vibes noticeable yesterday, unbelievably smooth.

I think I remember reading in a bike test that they solved the vibes and snatchy throttle when the Euro emissions changed. It's been the best selling sports tourer for years

 

[Lord Snooty]

Excellent bikes, I had one in the rare Burnt Orange colour and it really sparkled.

 

[CC Mac]

The next two weeks will drag like a seals arse until I pick it up.

 

[skr80a]

Did you keep your CT seat . Might know someone looking for one!!

 

[barny]

If you can spend a bit of time setting up the suspension for your weight it makes a lot of difference on the SX it takes out any wallowing mid corner and increases comfort. Good luck with your new bike, I've had mine just over a year and it is a great bike both touring and ride outs. If it need heated grips try the Ultimate Addons not expensive and easy to fit on the SX plus front and back fenda extenders.

 

[siddo]

I nearly got the H2SX SE. I let my head rule my heart and got the GSA.
The small tank was what finally put me off.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

I always thought that Kawasaki make heavy bikes or heavier than the competition at least so did think that the OP saying he wanted something lighter than the crossdresser was going to be a fantasy.

I looked up the weights and whilst the ninja is certainly no lightweight I was staggered at how much the crossdresser weighed so yep the ninja is deffo lighter than that

P.S I like the ninja and they do go well despite it being a lardy fucker and this is in no way denigrates your buying choice so best of luck and health to enjoy

 

[snelly]

I bought mine as a replacement for the zzr1100 2018; the flat bars and the seperate higher pillion seat meant the mrs was'nt all over my back when a bit hard on the brakes; she prefer's being higher to look over the top of my head; suits me suits her; as others have said they are good bikes ; enjoy.

 

[CC Mac]

Had it a week now, fender extenda now on front. Before I picked it up I had a front grille fitted to protect the pipes. Larger rear hugger on the list. Tank ring fitted, didn't need to change the tank bag. Hand guards fitted. Bought a replacement seat but it's a bit thin and not as comfortable as the standard one. Will get a gel seat or if anyone can recommend a seat upholsterer I would appreciate it. The screen is rubbish and really limits the performance of the bike, 65 feels like 90. Ordered a Powerbronze double bubble but it arrived scratched. Waiting for the replacement. Got a fitting kit for my Abba stand, so I will be familiarising myself with the joys of chain drive. I also need to fit some kind of ram mount for my Quad Lock. Currently don't have the right combination of bits to fit to this bike. I am adjusting to the handling of the bike. This will only come with the miles. Currently turning in too soon probably because my last two bikes were longer than the Kawasaki. Really enjoying it it. Fuel economy is impressive, getting 54+ mpg which is about 10 mpg better than the Honda. Important considering fuel prices at the moment.

 

[barny]

If you don’t mind spending a bit on it changing the original exhaust end can saves a good chunk of weight.