2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX vs Versys 1000 - Which is the sport tourer to buy? | OVERDRIVE

Adventure bikes are the flavour of the season. But what if you wanted to go sport touring - munching miles at triple-digit speeds and enjoying every curve on the road and every patch of the open highway? Well, what we have here are two motorcycles that are meant to do just that, the sport-tourers from Kawasaki - the Versys 1000 and the Ninja 1000 SX. They are priced and specced so closely to each other that it will leave you wondering which is the right machine to choose. Our review could help you make a more informed choice. Let us know your thoughts!
#KawasakiNinja1000 #KawasakiVersys1000 #MotorcycleReview
SUBSCRIBE to OVERDRIVE for India's best automotive content! overdrive.in/subscribe/
OVERDRIVE is India's biggest auto media with India's most awarded television show, this KZbin channel, a magazine that's been the best of the best for over 20 years and more. OVERDRIVE offers a wonderful spread of automotive content including tests, reviews, comparisons, reports from motor shows, travel stories and more.
Shortcuts to OVERDRIVE's stories:
Latest reviews
overdrive.in/reviews/
Comparison tests of new cars and new motorcycles
overdrive.in/reviews/comparo/
The very latest motorcycle and scooter reviews
overdrive.in/reviews/bikes/
OVERDRIVE's feature stories
overdrive.in/news-cars-auto/fe...
Head to www.overdrive.in for breaking news, news analysis and all the events as they happen in the automobile market globally and especially in India.
Or follow us
Facebook / odmag
Twitter / odmag
Instagram / odmag

[@raunak21m]

Easily the best review and comparison for these two bikes on KZbin. Well done overdrive!!

[@Hindu888]

Much much anticipated comparison review........ kudos for such awesome video!! I really loved the video!!

[@Torquebeast650]

The instrument cluster on versys is classy af 🔥🔥

[@Torquebeast650]

@Mohamad bin Hamza you?

[@markg4929]

Excellent review, so much considered detail and considerations other reviews have not even touched on.

[@shivamsaraswat446]

That was like best quality review i have seen thus far. You guys have done outstanding work 👌✌️

[@omarkgad]

One of the best comparisons out there, thanks 👌

[@lakesbiker7286]

Great review Rohit. I used to have a 2013 Versys 1000, looks like its had alot of much needed improvements over the years! Is it now law to have the protection grille on the left hand side of the larger cc motorcycles? Also the fact you were riding on wet roads in the rain also real world riding, well done what waterproof clothing do you use Rohit?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Brilliantly produced video. Expertly presented. Finely captured details of bike specs. Well done.

[@bokeh_biker]

Very well made! Thank you very much!!! I love the Ninja and plan to go for it. Right now I drive the MT09 2020.

[@Ruchir1712]

Been waiting for a video like this for a long time. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@rohit_paradkar]

I hope you liked it!

[@vivekraghava4205]

Another quality review by Rohit! You are a masterclass in giving detailed information about your experience!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you, Vivek 🙏🏼

[@griff4424]

Very Well done Rohit , I really like your approachand the comparisons , very informative

[@ktkace]

Subbed! Very informative!

[@varoescal]

Great review! Thank you!

[@druegeme]

Thank you from California! Very enjoyable and informative review. Ride safe and enjoy!

[@DennisdeLange]

Very good and nice review! Many thanks!

[@JCF69700]

Very good review, really exhaustive 👍 (watched from France)

[@stonehands0249]

Good comparison video. I'm looking at both for my next upgrade.

[@andrewandlm]

Watching from UK. very good review.

[@JohnMFlores]

Great, comprehensive evaluation.

[@donnyazoff980]

Great review mate!

[@justwhenyouthought6119]

Great review, thanks.

[@dankeene442]

Nice review. Thanks for sharing

[@Tobeon2]

This was the review I needed. Thank you!!!

[@saurabh17387]

Great review! Well balanced and informative.

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you, Guptaji

[@justjavid3897]

Neatly portrayed 💯Clearly Explained❤️Kudos to the team for the great work👑Clearly stands out🔥🔥

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Excellent. This is not a pandering fluff piece intended to appease a manufacturer. This praises the bikes where due, but also calls out the perceived short comings. Exactly as it should be.

[@rakesh3967]

Superb review made it really clear for the prospective buyers. please compare Z900 vs street triple R or RS .

[@SagarHingalAI]

Nice video guys 👍🏻

[@marccanderson]

Nice review!!

[@ianmills35]

Watching from Scotland. Great review thank you 👍🏍

[@akshatrockport]

Barbeque grill free!

[@rohit_paradkar]

😂

[@amalprasad2290]

🤣

[@NoShadowOfDoubt1]

That's for drying clothes

[@ruggedtourer]

😆

[@arnonuhm6234]

but what is its purpose? It's the first time I see something like this 👀

[@ernieschatz3783]

After owning two upright adventure bikes, I'm starting to realize that a slightly leaning forward posture is easier on my back and but. It that regard, I would prefer the Ninja. Less buffeting from the Ninja's windscreen as well.

[@jpschramek]

Great review. I live in Canada and just bought the Ninja. Watched several review videos and nice to get a different perspective. PS- your English is better than most American or UK based videos as well!

[@lovelessissimo]

Hey, quick question: what kind of insurance rates are you paying for the Ninja? It seems all the companies think the N1K is a zx10r or an H2. I was seriously quoted 4500 a year from Progressive. I pay 600 a year for my Ninja 650.

[@hankjones3527]

Super review.

[@mansolo1756]

Excellent Review!

[@vsp004]

This video helped me make my choice and pick the Ninja! Thank you!

[@robertcawley6543]

excellent review

[@geoinfierno]

How is pillion comfort in the ninja1000sx?

[@Ohno0es]

Got my 1000sx 2020 since July and I was thinking of the Versys first ... but seeing the two next to each other and sitting on it.. that Versys feels so HUGE (mind you, I'm a skinny rider). Now I've put over 3600km on the 1000sx and can only say.. i'm sad winter is coming! (but hopefully still plenty enough days inbetween eh eh)

[@baseballplayer4912]

How much did you get it for ? $$&

[@Ohno0es]

@@baseballplayer4912 15500 eur, incl. panniers, heated grips and different screen

[@milindshinde9247]

Very well covered 👏

[@Edd13Mercury]

I started on a ninja 400. Definitely got to get me one of these babies! I literally don’t know how much more you can improve on a motorcycle other than making it go faster?!

[@kimphilbi9109]

Fantastic comparison 👏 👍

[@paulcantrell7020]

So, both bikes have sari guards fitted to the left side? Or, am I seeing things?

[@heshdog91]

Great work from Australia!!

[@mihirsamak]

Does the Ninja come with a steering damper?

[@banerjeedeb8074]

Versys is NOT an adventure tourer - it’s a sport tourer esp. meant for tarmac and not off-roading. Ninja’s review was on-point.

[@nishant1857]

The production quality is really good in this video.

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you. Shall pass on the compliments to the video tram 😊

[@johnoswald5093]

Nice review Rohit. What is purpose of large grill on LHS rear? Is it a legal requirement in India?

[@rajdeepbose6323]

Yes. That's known as a saree guard. In India, saree is a traditional dress for women and since ages, motorcycles are mandatory to have saree guards installed in the Rear LHS. The automotive rules suck here.

[@triv7252]

@@rajdeepbose6323 that is f*cking stupid

[@KunalGandhiBharat]

Amazing !! Rohit bhai!!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you

[@brianquigley7336]

Which wersion of the Wersys would you wide ?

[@Kazaamshady]

Those saree guards are so horrendous

[@rohit_paradkar]

BBQ grilles for those camping trips...

[@mathewmaheo4806]

What's worse are the law! Who in the right mind is gonna take a girl draped in sarees on a bikes such as these?

[@lakesbiker7286]

Oh I see that's what the grilles are for? They must add 2-3kg to the bike surely??

[@NMdesertracer]

Is that there for so you wont get your flip-flop sucked into the rear wheel?

[@abhijeetmahajan9]

Its so criminal and soar to eyes that overdrive team itself hesitant to show right profile...and not so surprisingly haven't mentioned once...

[@ROrneli]

good video! What is those grills on the rear left side of both motorcycles? is that some indian bike regulation ?

[@NeerajSharma-pw1zu]

yes. It's a regulation requiring bikes to have side grills covering half of the rear wheel to prevent clothes of the person sitting on the pillion getting entangled in it.

[@walenikhil4311]

Which is this road? Lonavla-Amby Valley road??

[@Mathei91]

11:28 are these speeds correct? I haven't been on a bike for 6 years so I'm not really up to date... But 2.3 seconds? 😳

[@prakharnigam8860]

That Red Passion following the Versys at 4:04!

[@abhas4]

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX ❤️👑

[@frederickstaana1269]

Amazing ang informative video.. ❤️ from Phillipines

[@anthonygonzalez3019]

Not sure what to get Suzuki gsx1000 gt or Kawasaki ninja 1000sx

[@NitinHatekar]

Very nice story Rohit. Very informative, balanced and engaging. Enjoyed it.

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you 🙏🏼 pls do share it

[@stevensullivan5287]

What are those rack things on the left side???

[@stefintoxie1831]

First comment 💥 Ninja 1000 SX ❤

[@Tenktory]

Do you know if Kawasaki has made any changes in the suspension or are the new tyres the only factor that affected handling?

[@alanbriggs7177]

If you are talking about the Ninja, then there are some changes to the forks compared to the previous SX model. I had the SX and switched up the Ninja; it is a lot better handling at low speeds.

[@Tenktory]

@@alanbriggs7177 I guess that they were equiped with different tyres, weren't they?

[@motovin77]

Hi Rohit, Although the Ninja is marketed as a sports tourer, to be honest in India road conditions are not uniform every where, we do encounter bad patches / offroads during our touring, how does the Ninja 1000 SX handle that? That's been my only concern to really be able to consider it as a take it anywhere bike (Touring and definitely not to trails)

[@mmodnao]

Good question, I’d like to know the answer to this as well.

[@mikenortje3023]

what are those BBQ grids attached to the side of the bikes ??

[@martinserjeant9399]

What are the horrid guards for ? I’m guessing some obscure law, otherwise nice review

[@lacrauzorro]

Just for curiosity, what's the purpose of the grid on the left side of the bikes I use to see in India?

[@kkiwi54]

I'd like to know also - ugly 😞

[@hakunamatata7097]

It is called "saree guard" which prevents loose clothing (especially sareers) from getting caught in the rear wheel.

[@alokkulkarni78]

Precise review, loved it 😎✌️

[@motobiketrails]

Lovely analysis and comparison, Rohit. Ninja 1000 SX all the way!!!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you! 😀

[@chrishart8548]

So is there a z1000sx with 2 exhaust at the rear and petal disc brakes. And this version with normal brakes and only one exhaust?

[@WolfinWolvesClothing713]

@@chrishart8548 yes, the earlier ones are dual exhaust, and petal rotors, the 20s are single with normal rotors.

[@aarfeenanees9147]

Can you guys do a s1000xr vs Versys?

[@alexmarangon1587]

Sorry...! But what the hell is the gate to the left of the rear wheel for ?????????

[@paul-the-trucker4214]

So many points to dispute regarding the versys 1000, its all relevant to the rider. As a 6'4 male i find the versys to be perfect for me, none of the issues you suggest are issues for me.

[@dougiequick1]

BTW at least in the US these days the Versys is considerably more money than the Ninja! The one I saw was like $18k US while I see the list price for the Ninja SX is only 13+k ....The Versys has more tech plus a centerstand etc....and is taller "adventure" looking which was offputting to me ...what do I want a motorcycle with higher center of gravity just for LOOKS sake?? wth kawasaki??

[@sandrego2884]

Its so funny how you guys in india reviewinv these bikes talk as if the saree guard don’t exist🤣🤣 Talk about a giant elephant in the room

[@Eruton136]

That is because everyone gets rid of them even before getting delivery

[@wadeberry8261]

Is that what that is

[@smg1707]

Is the saree guard a government requirement?

[@KrishnadeepYT]

@@smg1707 they come standard but you can remove them

[@MotoVikz]

@@smg1707 Yes. That is a mandate to get the bike registered. But almost everyone removes them soon as they get it registered.

[@ayushverma6696]

I still miss the class that Ninja 1000 used to offer.. The 4 way exhausts were way better than this wickedly placed Pipe on this SX.

[@4321rpraveen]

Sir I want to know if it's easy to drive versys in traffic... will high center of gravity make it difficult compared to ninja.... I am 5:10

[@willemlogghe943]

I've had the Z1000sx (ninja 1000) now I have the Versys 1000. The Versys 1000 is much more agile than the ninja. I changed because of the everyday use in traffic.

[@ritinsharma5330]

Ground clearance on ninja?

[@tathagatahalder]

Tooooooo much advertising damps the experience of such a highly professional and informative video.

[@fernandocantu6966]

Why do your bikes have over size side racks?

[@TheWAP5]

Did you miss out on tank capacity and range while talking about sport tourers??

[@rohit_paradkar]

Good observation, thank you. We indeed did, though we have added the fuel economy figures. Adding a pinned comment with the range.

[@George196207]

A better comparison then some who take a dual purpose bike and then see if the Verseys a street bike is as good trail ridding. Ninja hope you have good wrist and a strong back if actually ridding long range all bent over .

[@kiddcisco]

Personally prfer the new exhaust on the 1000SX, strongly considered one but I knew what I really wanted was an H2 SX SE and thats what I bought. Either of these two are great bikes, just pick what you prefer. Neither of these bikes are meant ffor any off road especially the 1000SX, basically they are pavement only and the Versys is not an adventure bike , it strikes the pose but falls short of the off road capability. The 1000SX is a good bike , add a can and good to go. Great electronics

[@kugangles9860]

Only problem with the H2SX is that you can purchase two brand new ninja 1000 sx's for the price of one H2SX. The H2SX is nice sport tourer but I feel Kawasaki priced it way too high just because of the whole supercharger speal. But different strokes for different folks.

[@2631Fred]

what is that huge metal frame on the left of the bike??? Seen it a few times on Indie bikes.

[@hakunamatata7097]

It is called "saree guard" which prevents loose clothing (especially sareers) from getting caught in the rear wheel.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I really wanted a Versyes 1000 until I sat on it. The seat was hard as a rock!! I'm not buying a bike that needs a 500+ dollar seat just to make it rideable. It was literally like sitting down on blacktop. Maybe I will change my mind later but right now I'm bummed about it. Now when I sat on the new Goldwings that was more like it lol I been riding Harleys for 20 years and just want to try something new . But comfort is a must. And no I haven't had trouble with a Harley. Ever. You don't have to hate them to want to try something new

[@tinker6435]

I think u need a bed not a motorcycle

[@tazzicek]

my friend rides 1000kms/day on versys with basic seat and he says it's pretty comfortable

[@davidknows3320]

Is that apparatus on the left rear supposed to keep a pillion's feet out of the rear wheel? Is this a common problem? It looks ridiculous. Can you take them off after sale?

[@rohit_paradkar]

That’s the “saree guard” which is mandatory on all two wheelers sold in India. It’s meant to prevent the saree, the typical attire of Indian women, to get tangled in the chain/wheel while riding two-up.

[@davidknows3320]

The Fat Biker I see. Thanks for the explanation.

[@struth3606]

Whattt a video🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rohit_paradkar]

Hope you liked it. Pls to do share!

[@mindspinn311]

Ninja 1000SX is almost $5000 less than the Versys 1000SE+ we get in the US. I would choose the Ninja anyway and I’m a fan of the Versys line.

[@TheWAP5]

Off topic - Would you believe if I tell you Ninja 636 is quicker as well as faster than both of them?

[@rohit_paradkar]

So is the Street Triple even without the aerodynamic aid of the racy fairing.

[@sathishrao7926]

Gorgeous and VFM tourers ! N1000 is my favorite of all Kawasakis even though I own a Vulcan.

[@sathishrao7926]

@Brendon Fernandes : Of course I know the importance of ground clearance on Indian roads.. I ride a Vulcan S which has the same clearance as the Ninja and I’ve had the exhaust damaged twice due to scraping !!

[@sathishrao7926]

@Brendon Fernandes : Since an Arrow ( or Two Brothers ) costs about $1000 and is probably illegal in India, I’ve installed Fork raisers which have increased the overall clearance by about an inch..

[@chrishart8548]

@Brendon Fernandes wow 235kg for the 1000sx may as well have the versey's

[@darylclifford]

At 4:37 What adjustability is he saying? I replayed 4:37 over and over maybe 10 times and can’t understand what he’s saying! Anyone know? is it just me??

[@rotrecoz6108]

Range of adjustability

[@darylclifford]

@@rotrecoz6108 I think you got it, thanks !!

[@VENKVIEWS]

These are amazing bike with reasonable price from kawasaki❤

[@stanleyknife1967]

Great video. I have a 2018 model and love it. I totally agree about the rotors and the exhaust - they look much better on the older model. Cruise control would be a welcome addition though, but the throttle is fairly light, so not too tiring on long journeys.

[@kindajal]

what are those rack/mesh on the left side for?

[@darylclifford]

It’s apparently a sari guard (Indian womans long dress). Stops their dress getting dragged into the chain and sprocket. Don’t know why they don’t just use an elastic type band to wrap around their leg? In the late 50’s Aussie men used to tuck their trouser leg into their socks, then pull an elastic metal band (like a watch band) over their shoe and around their leg. Please hit thumbs up if this makes sense!

[@kindajal]

@@darylclifford is it required by law to have it?

[@Nowlala]

@@kindajal no

[@jamescornflake1542]

Went to try an SX today. Gosh. It is far too small if you are 6 foot +.

[@hlpang1075]

Why do bikes in India have that large grill on the left? What is it used for?

[@hakunamatata7097]

It is called "saree guard" which prevents loose clothing (especially sareers) from getting caught in the rear wheel.

[@nenadmiskovic4193]

What is the grid on the left for?

[@hakunamatata7097]

It is called "saree guard" which prevents loose clothing (especially sareers) from getting caught in the rear wheel.

[@saurabkumar6624]

That humungous saree guard....I was able to notice throughout the video....kawasaki very much concerned for saree safety😂

[@vickeysingh2044]

Plz plz try to give Africatwin1100 review, plz I already requested u on CNBC same review

[@rohit_paradkar]

We have been requesting Honda for a test unit, but they don’t seem very keen

[@subhadipdutta9272]

Only if the Ninja had more ground clearance would it be a more sensible choice than the Versys on Indian roads. At least 170 mm ground clearance (laden) is required to handle Indian roads, and sometimes that too is not enough to keep up with our world class off-road sections that one finds on a plenty of roads. The Ninja is the one that will do good on super smooth highways with minimum speed humps, that too, having very low heights. The Versys would be the more sensible choice if one wants to go beyond the super smooth highways.

[@thatsleepingchannel]

That saree guard is a detachable BBQ grill!