2017 Z1000SX Owner review Candy Burnt Orange

A quick review of my 2017 Z1000SX Tourer in Candy Sunburst Orange. Check out the Z1000sx Facebook Page / madasadad

[@anderscarlsson3607]

Nice Review! I took my 2012 z1000sx to the local dealer last saturday and traded it in for a new one. Your video made me concider an orange one and when i saw it IRL i was totally sold. Really nice color! So now i am waiting for one as well, but i live in Sweden so there are no rush to get it, there are still snow here. But in the end of march i'll be a proud owner of, well..., pretty much a copy of yours. As many others have mentioned, it would be nice to see some more videos from you.

[@BFD15i]

Lovely bike. I'm in love with it since 2013, yet I still didn't buy one.. But there's this 'urge' to do so this year... I saw the 2017 SX in orange at a motorcycle-show last week. I have to admit: you have to get used to the color, but it really is beautiful! Ride safe mate, and have fun on your new SX! And I hope you'll keep us posted with more impressions of the bike.

[@GregsRandomShite]

Thanks for the walkaround and quick look. Like you, I'd only seen videos from their big PR launch up until now. It's nice to finally see a video from an owner. I've watched a couple of your videos and the bike just looks nicer and nicer in each one. I recently sold my 07 VFR, which was also a great sports tourer and probably not too dissimilar. I'm thinking more and more that one of these here orange beasts might have to be next. Thanks for the video.

[@davidhobson7851]

gregs randomstuff Thanks Greg for watching and your comments. I'm trying to do videos talking about the stuff I'd want to know if I was thinking about buying a bike. I'd test ridden a vfr in the past, great bike, the SX is more upright though and I'd say even more comfortable. I intend to keep mine for quite a while! Try one, you'll love it

[@jamesbayliss69er]

Love all your reviews mate! I pick mine up in a couple of weeks. I went for the Orange as well! I think you're the only person on KZbin to review the orange haha. Love it thanks mate!

[@davidhobson7851]

James Bayliss thanks buddy, welcome to the clan! Hope you really enjoy it

[@jamesbayliss69er]

David Hobson could you possibly link me in to where you got your front and rear 'fenda extendas' please? :)

[@davidhobson7851]

James Bayliss I got them off eBay, the front one is carbon fibre and the rear abs plastic I think pyramid

[@noostNL]

The color is amazing! didnt thought it would be this nice. Love the bike man!

[@davidhobson7851]

noostNL Thanks man, turns heads everywhere I go!

[@davidjones3222]

I have 2014 model, great workhorse, the improvements to the new machine for me are the seat and the gear indicator. Done Europe 3 times on mine, never missed a beat.

[@davidhobson7851]

david jones I had a big jump in technology moving from my non abs, non traction control 2013 model to the new one. I'm looking forward to touring on it. How many miles have you on yours? What tyres do you recommend?

[@mike-xb9rn]

Thx for showing the orange colour. Love the bike. I am buying this bike soon! Cant wait

[@davidhobson7851]

mike pawirodikromo you will love it! I've over 5000 miles on mine and have loved every one of them!

[@MatNewtonTrio]

Test rode one today. I'm seriously tempted. Lovely bike

[@davidhobson7851]

Mat Newton Do it!

[@InfusedBiker]

Very nice bike and review, I currently have a 2016 Triumph Tiger 800 and will probably upgrade to a 1000cc next year. It's a real shame that Kawasaki did not consider a cruise control. I hope you enjoy your bike.

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks, I've ridden a Tiger with cruise control and have to say it was pretty good. Ive the plastic palm rest on my throttle which is a pretty good alternative. Make sure you try the Z1000sx, you'll not be disappointed

[@notsowee5637]

Beautiful looking mate pick mine up sometime nxt wk, got the green, like urself have the panniers on wait I think sometime mid Feb r near Feb end. Glad to c a review other than mcn & the likes. Health to enjoy buddy..

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks Paul, its stunning. You'll absolutely love it

[@GuilhermeGalhardo]

Loved the tankpads

[@worldsnomad]

beautiful bike mate , would love to ride it and compare to my 2015 model....new one definitely looks better !

[@davidhobson7851]

Am loving it!, youd find the new one slightly more comfortable with seat wise and the new rear shock link although lowering by a few mm is still silky smooth. The engine is still a powerhouse! although with it now complaint with Euro 4 the exhaust is probably a bit quieter, but still sounds good to me

[@MayorofDipshittery-lq7if]

Good honest overview 👍

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Nice review David, love the bike and love you NI guys, salt of the earth people. Subbed you, ride safe 👍

[@davidhobson7851]

ChuckNinja Kawasaki thanks for your support 👍

[@addij3689]

beautiful bike, I own the 2012. I would love to upgrade to the 2017, but I wish the engine was updated. I'm considering a Zx10r now.

[@davidhobson7851]

Im loving the power of the bike, the ZX10 would be awesome, but too race focused of mine and my GF needs

[@bazbazzler188]

Fantastic review im off to buy one

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks barrie, you'll not regret it!

[@stevefoster8349]

Nice review, great looking bike can't wait to try one out thanks for sharing.

[@davidhobson7851]

Go try it- so much torque

[@stevefoster8349]

Thanks David. I popped into the dealers just after Christmas and sat on one but it was display only and had no batteries in, so I'm waiting for them to get the demonstrator in, which should be soon, hopefully .

[@superbike1]

I think that colour is the best I have seen. I had a 2015 in ebony but I love that colour. Kawasaki made a daft mistake by not adding heated grips and cruise. It would have been the perfect bike for any road rider then.I have a BMW s1000xr now as I am 6'2" but I still prefer the silky power delivery of the zed although the BMW is a bit faster if that is what you want.

[@davidhobson7851]

I tried the s1000xr and loved it too, bit vibes but i think that's easily addressed. Was a bit of a stretch for me at 5'6, but brilliant bike. I had a 4th gear power wheelie and it scared me half to death lol

[@innerarmour4524]

congratulations sir

[@davidhobson7851]

Thankyou, do you ride yourself?

[@JIMWSMITH]

Thanks for the info on carrying a pillon on the older model. I have been looking at a 2015 model and didnt realize the grab handles were so poor. I also want to carry the wife so its important she feels safe. 👍

[@davidhobson7851]

Jim Smith The grab handles are far better on the Touring model and the straight ones on the non touring, but like any bike, nothing beats sitting/ test riding one

[@Herzankerkreuz67]

Watched with envy...👍👍👍 Congrats !

[@davidhobson7851]

andree hammerschmidt Thankyou, it really is a fantastic machine

[@vn3801]

nice review, thanks mate

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks buddy, if you get a chance to try one, you'll not be disappointed!

[@motodxb]

i actually like this color. lovely bike. i need to test ride one of these soon.

[@davidhobson7851]

nabeel DXB you’ll love it if you test ride it! The Orange was only available for 2017 and was a very popular colour. It’s strange that Kawasaki discontinued it

[@motodxb]

yes you're right. lucky you, how is the wind protection and comfort at higher speeds?

[@davidhobson7851]

I found the bike comfortable enough but ended up using an Airhawk seat when touring and kept it on all the time. Wind protection was fine for me after Id replied the screen with a double bubble one and it was kept on the medium setting at all times. Ive sold my SX and moved to a Ducati Multistrada, i was getting a sore knee and numb left hand although thats more to do with my medical stuff than the SX! Id still highly recommend it, they are a super motorcycle

[@motodxb]

that's a beautiful bike as well. thanks for all the info, i think i'll do the same mods if i get the kawasaki. cheers.

[@markJones-yz6ke]

I'm gonna get one!felt much more comfortable than my RT 1200 BMW!which hurts my lower back!

[@JonTheChron]

I have a 2011 (bought new) and looking to upgrade to a 2017, i'm really liking the new design compared to 2011 model

[@davidhobson7851]

JonTheChron you'll not be disappointed, I upgraded from a non abs 2013 model. How many miles have you covered, any issues? I intend to keep this one for a long time

[@emh782]

Great video, still waiting to get them in the US. Would love to see a follow up video!

[@davidhobson7851]

Have just received a mic so hopefully will get a longer review on the road soon

[@lyn5star757]

David. Are you sure that the colour is Sunburst orange?. Kawasaki's website states that it is Candy Burnt Orange. Great review, well done.

[@davidhobson7851]

lyn 5STAR Thanks, you are correct it is indeed Candy Burnt Orange! I'm a numpty lol

[@lance2256]

Nice bike David I like your tank protectors I know your center is a Kawasaki pad how about your side tank pads? I'm in the U.S.and have not seen them, are they Kawasaki accessory also?

[@davidhobson7851]

larry yes they are Kawasaki knee pads, part no 999940894 from the uk website

[@69eletronica]

😍😍😍 z1000sx 👑

[@chvcky1]

Lovely bike...i had a 2013 also and I found the bars too narrow and just felt a bit weird handling wise and steering as a result...do these feel wider too you on this latest model please ?

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks Charles, am loving it! I don't think there is any change in bar width. The revised rear shock and lowered ride height seems to have removed most of the weird handling you refer to, I had it on my 2013 where the first 15 degrees of lean took effort then the bike sort of dropped into a bend after that. Ill be changing to Michelin PR4 as soon as the OEM tyres wear out that will hopefully let the bike roll into bends smoother. Its not bad at the minute but the weather has been so wet that I havent had much time to explore the handling

[@Alpine_Joe]

The orange is lovely ... and I'm really liking the more aggressive looking front end too. Regrettably 'er indoors doesn't agree with me that we need to upgrade our '16 model :-(

[@davidhobson7851]

Well, the more you wear it out the less its be worth, better changing immediately! lol

[@davidhobson7851]

facebook.com/madasadad/?ref=ts&fref=ts Check out the Facebook page I've just started, seems to be the only English speaking one. Hopefully we can grow this community. Post your thoughts and comments on this fantastic machine

[@BillyBigBalls770]

Cracking colours, tail tidy needed, how's the chain access for cleaning and adjusting?

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks John, yes a tail tidy would be the job! Its on the list of things to do. No problems with chain access or access for adjusting, although I havent had to adjust it yet

[@stampedfish]

I am looking at a leftover 2015 with zero miles on it, or the 2017 green 1000. There is about a 3000 dollar price difference(the 2015 is largely discounted) Are the new improvements worth the money to buy a 2017. Ex. Electronics, seat, rails, lights ect. I am torn between the to any advice would be amazing!

[@davidhobson7851]

Hi stampedfish, my advice is go for the 2017 if you can stretch to it. That way on top of the fantastic looks, greater comfort and more effective driver aids, you'll not be looking at 2017 models wishing youd gone for them and ending up trading up anyways

[@funninja1405]

That's a fantastic bike - one advice to Your partner is - the safest and easiest way to hold on the bikes pillion seat is to hold You handsome man with Your knees !! You will feel far more confident and together with the time You won't feel the need of holding Yourself with hands at all ... that's tested on many pillion passengers :-) I hope You will have great time on your bike Cheers

[@amacro11]

Very nice! Al

[@draiguk]

Really like the bike, thinking of trading in my ER-6F for one, but the wife disagrees. She does point out I've only had the 650 from brand new for 4 months, which I suppose is fair enough, so maybe next year when they start appearing not from brand new..

[@davidhobson7851]

Draig UK changing bikes is always costly! I had no interest in changing until I said the fatal words to the dealer "aye sure do me some figures, just out of interest" lol

[@T.4.Two.]

Thanks for the great review David, I have watched your vlogs and you live in a lovely part of Ireland. My wife and I have just been looking at the new ZX and my wife has commented about been high on the pillion seat. Is there any way of doing a review from the pillion's POV, love the colour also.

[@davidhobson7851]

Hi Paul, what height are you and your wife?

[@T.4.Two.]

David Hobson I'm 5'8" and my wife is 5'3", she is concerned about wind blast!

[@davidhobson7851]

PAUL I'm 5''6 and my gf is 5'1 and she's no problem, she can look over my shoulder but not over my head, I block nearly all the the with only her arms feeling the wind. Now saying that she's only been on the back so far for about 2 hours. To put it in context, she wouldn't get on the back of my 2013 and we're currently planning a 500 miles over 3 days trip at Easter

[@T.4.Two.]

David Hobson thanks for your help, hope you enjoy the trip and see you soon on your next vlog.

[@davidhobson7851]

PAUL glad to have been of some help, I brought my gf to the dealers and had her on the back before I would make a decision! Am planning another run out where the engine sounds are the star!

[@jeremyt7722]

You may not realize it, but lots of people are watching for your update lol. I'm close to getting one here in Canada and would love to know if the new IMU/ABS/TC are too invasive or is more like a safety net. Lots of hate about it in the forums. Thanks

[@davidhobson7851]

Jeremy T thanks for the comments, I only got it back from the first service on Thursday and it's been raining ever since! Am going to do another walk around now it's fully kitted as the tourer should be and then if it ever dries up, do a video on the road. On damp roads I've had the tc light blink in all but 6th at its most 'restrictive' however it is not in the least intrusive. If it wasn't for the light flashing on the dash, you wouldn't know your ass was being saved!

[@davidhobson7851]

Well as it turns out that light was the gear change light! I've put up another video explaining the mistake. The IMU is fro the ZX10 and i haven't heard anyone complain about it. In fact in the launch reviews, there are a lot of positive comments on the system. Im guessing the haters haven't actually tried one yet!

[@niko93988]

Lovely color! The old model had some vibrations at seat and footrests level, is the new engine smoother? Do you feel the vibrations?

[@davidhobson7851]

Niko - the vibrations are not as bad, probably due to the thicker seat. I haven't had an issue with footpegs either

[@niko93988]

David Hobson thank you for the feedback, enjoy the nice bike!

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks Niko

[@flukieson]

great review David have always fancied owning one of these bikes but thought there just a bit to sporty for doing some serious touring 2 up. You should take it for a run up round our roads here would beat Carrickfergus to larne any day.. LOL

[@davidhobson7851]

alan fluke I done couple of hundred miles in a day with my gf on so depending on the tour it would be more than comfy enough. Where's your roads, I'm up for a run anywhere!

[@flukieson]

Hi David i currently have a cbf1000 and cant really fault it, but i have always loved the styling of the z1000sx like yourself and thanks to your reviews i found out a lot about the bike. I am close to Dungannon so your more than welcome to come up this direction sometime and i will gadly show you a few roads

[@davidhobson7851]

alan fluke I'll be your direction on Monday as it happens!

[@flukieson]

Seriously you out for a run then..

[@davidhobson7851]

alan fluke yes I should be finish d work about 3, pm me on the Kawasaki Z1000sx Facebook page

[@wascarg5341]

Nice bike man , Am thinking about getting this Do you recommend it ?

[@davidhobson7851]

wascar G I totally recommend the SX, fast and comfortable, the best of both worlds!

[@davidhobson7851]

Ive a coupe of new videos up, let me know your thoughts

[@iancurnow9060]

Excellent

[@davidhobson7851]

Thanks buddy

[@richlfc3604]

Hi Dave, where did you get the throttle assist grip please?

[@davidhobson7851]

RichLFC360 hi Rich, I got it Just off eBay, very cheap, about £4-5

[@richlfc3604]

Thx Dave I got 1 on order for 99p, by the time it gets here from china I might get some decent weather to get out on the bike, nice vlogs BTW, I'm thinking of the SX or the street triple RS to be my next bike but i'm not sure yet!!

[@davidhobson7851]

RichLFC360 good job! 2 very different bikes! I’d say the rs would be great for hooning around on, but if speed and distance are your goal, then It has to be the sx!

[@aluisious]

I don't understand why the Ninja 1000 is so heavy. It weighs as much as my Multistrada DVT, which is a much bigger bike. The frame is aluminum tho...??

[@davidhobson7851]

aluisious I would guess the 4 cylinder engine would be heavier than your v twin for a start

[@hasriothmman1461]

Hi David, may i know what is yr height?

[@davidhobson7851]

Hasri Othmman of course 5'6

[@RavenKilloran]

Those pillion handles are what comes with the touring kit, otherwise you'd have the same handles as before.

[@davidhobson7851]

RavenKilloran no all 2017 models come with those grab rails as standard

[@RavenKilloran]

Right you are. Older models with the tourer kit has those rails though. xD

[@davidhobson7851]

Yes upto 2013 all the grab rails were straight, 2014-2016 only the Tourer got them as part of the touring pack

[@theresonly1truth138]

Hi mate. Does it pulls in low rpms?

[@davidhobson7851]

Elie Nehme Pulls like a train! 30mph to OMG in 6th!! Totally awesome

[@theresonly1truth138]

@@davidhobson7851 its an all round bike especially that it has IMU which is awesome. Can u see any other all round bike ?

[@davidhobson7851]

Elie Nehme There are not many alternatives! I’ve changed to a Ducati Multistrada 1200S, which is also a brilliant all rounder. The SX is smoother with its inline 4, the multistrada has more torque with its L twin. I changed because the riding position suits me better on the Ducati

[@oguztemel1978]

Hi David, Nice review and a beautiful bike. I'm also thinking about it to buy one but now I have the 2015 model. Do you think if it is still a problem to get the rear tyre of the bike on a decent paddockstand because with the previous models it was awful and not done. Thank you.

[@davidhobson7851]

Yes I sold my paddock stand and bought an Abba stand which is brilliant

[@Danny83Munich]

i tradet my 2014 for the 17 but in green cant wait to get it from Kawasaki :)

[@davidhobson7851]

Youll love it, when do you collect it?

[@Danny83Munich]

David Hobson i get it on saturday hope the weather here in Germany dont turn into snow . but yea the plan is to get it on saturday cant wait :D

[@davidhobson7851]

Thats great, Id love you to post some pictures on the Z1000sx Facebook page, the link is here facebook.com/madasadad/

[@Danny83Munich]

David Hobson thx i will my friend :)

[@johnmayberry7669]

I've got a 2017 sx as well m8 get shot of that tail tidy it is f...n horrendous looking

[@davidhobson7851]

Yea it’s a bit clunky looking! I changed to a Ducati Multistrada 1200s about a year ago, different bike, more comfortable and as quick as the SX but engine not as forgiving, the sx pulls from 30 in 6th, Multi only enjoys 6th from about 55 mph

[@renztampengco6221]

TOO MUCH IDLE!

[@davidhobson7851]

Renz Tampengco Hi, the bike was started from cold which is why the idle is high, once warmed up the idle drops to normal