Comparing the 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX to the 2022 Suzuki GSX S1000 GT. First ride review.

[@wolfiestreet6899]

The IMU is a genuine game changer on the Kawasaki. It's not a gimic or an arbitrary extra, it's phenomenal. It provides superior handling where you need to most. The kawa has superior precision and handles like it's on rails. The most competent bike I've ridden.

[@mrfrogzhat1]

Was the 6 axis helped me decide on the ninja , having the safety is a big bonus to a new rider

[@bikersquest]

Yeah I'd go for the Kawa for that reason alone. It's worth more than 10 odd more hp IMO, also the preload adjuster I don't think the Suzuki has that.

[@armandblake]

I have the 1000sx 2021 but don’t know exactly what that does

[@MMOsForLife]

@@armandblake Unless you are pushing your bike hard on the curves or track you won't use it. Suzuki was trying to hit a price point and felt putting that cost towards other features was more desirable.

[@JRDNGIXX]

@@armandblake it's a quick access to either soften up the rear or adjust it stiffer when picking up an extra weight like passenger/bags filled with stuff

[@jefferyhart6684]

rode both and ended up with the suzuki absolutely the rght choice for me

[@sivanm2130]

I think you are the only reviewer who describes the leg room in concrete terms. I suspected the GT would be more cramped, based on the previous F model. Thank you for confirming this.

[@DaveSp8]

Watched video on Tuesday 27 Aug 2024 at 11:50 am East Australian time. Thanks for posting. I’ve got a 2023 model Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx with a few mods such as Acrapovic exhaust system and just love the bike. Agree quick shifter could be a little smoother on the downshift. Thanks for posting your review 👍👍👍👍

[@mickrick84]

For longer touring and with a pillion personally I'd go for the 1000SX.. (paniers and top case mountable alltogether too..)

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Kawasaki for me best twin headlights that actually light up the Rd and absolutely better build quality

[@stevenw354]

I thought Suzuki is known for better build quality

[@misterb1132]

@@stevenw354 I believe they used to be considered slightly better built than Yamaha, but from what I have read lately that has switched. Had a '03 GSX-R 1000 & '08 Hayabusa for 11 years of riding. Can't decide.

[@stevenw354]

@@misterb1132 I went with the Kawasaki 2021 Ninja 1000. Great bike. I hear and believe that the Suzuki quick shifter is better, but honestly I typically use the clutch. Stock Kawi wind screen for me is too short.

[@tbobborap1]

great video, i took this actual bike out for a demo ride 2 wks ago, awesome machine - i didnt realize there were three different seat styles for it, myself being 21 stone i found it reasonably comfortable but could feel the fuel tank at all times, might be worth me looking into the different seat styles, i also found the shift down a bit clunky as you said but i presume i would get used to it over time - loved the LCD display (which inc night time mode) and the brightness can be turned down, at no time did i find it hard to read because of the sun - brilliant (bigger would have been better but no real issue) i couldnt believe how light she was (while riding) and how easily she moved left and right just by moving your hips one side to the other (been off bikes for 12 yrs) pleasantly surprised, the brakes were amazing as well, i think i would personally fit handle bar risers on mine (if i get one) and bring the bars up another 2" - 50mm - that would just take the weight of my wrists while in traffic but other than that she was very comfortable to ride, as you said plenty of leg room and the pegs and rear brake and gear change all seemed to be in comfortable positions for me (im around 5`10" im guessing) i put her into sport mode and was very carefull but supprised at the power - wow, straight back into road mode - lol, she also has a rain mode for safer riding if your heavy handed on the throttle, ive since rode another 22 ninja which had a taller screen on her and found it to be a whole lot better protection (as you said) than this smaller one - well worth purchasing ! im not into suzies so i cannot comment on any differences im afraid but im deffo interested in buying one of these ninjas, keep up the good work with the vids - regards pete

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. Nice to hear you like it. It’s a great bike. Hope you get one soon. If you buy it from Orwells can you mention You see the video on my channel. Thanks for watching 😬👍

[@tbobborap1]

@@itchingtoride will do (if it happens 👍)

[@florme6494]

Quick shifter and how it works on this bike. It should only be used above 3000 revs. Up you do while under acceleration. Down is very smooth but like I mentioned it has to be above 3000 revs and importantly, no throttle at all. These simple rules and you will find it very smooth.

[@harrycole1147]

Both great bikes, but if I bought the Kwaka that massive silencer would have to go.

[@doublex632]

Thanks for the review. The Suzuki just looks so much better. Not a fan of the higher pointy tank and the bar risers on the Kawasaki, just looks dated. Rode the big Ninja's for decades though, amazing times.

[@itchingtoride]

The Suzuki do look good 👍

[@alainpaquin627]

I have the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GTA and it's an amazing motocycle. However, if I would have taken the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX if I had a passenger on a regular basis for better comfort, adjustable windshield, and lower foot pegs. Two very good bikes.

[@melv889]

What does the A stands for? (GSXS-1000GT"A")

[@markmazzella5222]

Nice comparison, I’m waiting for a dealer to have one of each though I’m leaning towards the Kawasaki for the comfort either way the both look awesome

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. Thanks. Yes both very nice bikes 👍

[@ronaldthomas9396]

The lower seat and weight, bigger panel and styling is a win for Suzuki! I've been riding 54 years and have never needed a six axis baby sitter! These are sport touring bikes, not track bikes!

[@bm3513]

That asymmetric headlight on the Suzuki is a deal breaker for me.

[@ALIENdrifter66]

why, if you don't see it while riding

[@johnmetson6243]

Lol you say at the end which is best tourer by saying "for long rides you love the kwacker"gotta say I got one recently no regrets love it....your video help make the decision.

[@itchingtoride]

Hope you enjoy it 😬👍

[@martinhughes9769]

I've had many suzuki motocyes all been great i have the sx kawasaki 2017 bought it new, the new one as several more features than mine ,and few better than the suzuki ,as far as the suspension goes £35 / £ 40 can get the suspension set up for the individual ,kawasaki panniers are a much better system i believe suzuki have a hugely frame left on the bike not good , and the screen isn't adjustable, my opinion the finish on the kawasaki paint is much better deeper quality looking, however I do believe suzuki give a 3 year warranty now that is good 👍but still wouldn't go for it over the new ninja 1000 kawasaki, mine as been brilliant up till now just took it for mot 5 years old no issues thankfully, 👍

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. No frame for panniers on the Suzuki. They just clip on same as Kawasaki 👍

[@Stclairm1]

On month 5 waiting for my dark blue GSX-S 1000GT plus.

[@itchingtoride]

It will be worth the wait. It’s a very nice bike 👍

[@jaegerdunnick3587]

Did you ever get it, still contemplating which one to buy. Leaning more towards the gt but people keep saying get the ninja.

[@Stclairm1]

@@jaegerdunnick3587 yep and I love it overall. Did not want another black bike. Better tft screen, 10 more hp, hard bags were only $650 more. Also liked the looks better.

[@jaegerdunnick3587]

What about the brakes,do they feel "wooden " like everyone says?

[@Stclairm1]

@@jaegerdunnick3587 it definitely needs at least some HH front pads. I have yet to install mine. They are very soft with little to no bite and not very aggressive if you grab them hard.

[@chrisschepper9312]

Suzuki all day for me.

[@jjjohny_a5965]

both are great bikes...great stream

[@ManOfSorrowsAcqaintedWithGrief]

New subscriber. Awesome content 👍☺️. 🇰🇪🇰🇪👏👏👏

[@itchingtoride]

Thanks and thanks for Subscribing 👍

[@teecee90]

The seat on the Ninja is horrific compared to the Suzuki. The build quality of the Ninja is better but the Suzuki is faster and more fun.

[@misterb1132]

It's like they need to merge.

[@Mmyers1177]

Nice Comparison Great Information Solid Knowledge

[@itchingtoride]

Thanks 😀👍

[@CorvusHyperion]

Excellent review. Thanks.

[@itchingtoride]

Nice to know people like the videos. Thank you 😬👍

[@BlackStagStyling]

Good comparison of the two bikes mate. Would agree with you, even though I haven’t ridden them. It sounds like the Suzuki is the slightly better option 👌👍🏼

[@BibtheBoulder]

I wouldn't have either bike. For me the better choice by a mile is the ZZR1400. More comfortable, 50mpg, mile muncher of the highest order, and way more desirable. It's only downside is no cruise control....I can live without that. Oh, and look what their residual value is....you won't have cliff-face depreciation....

[@Stclairm1]

The 14R is quite a bit mote money in the US with no bags, no cruise, an older display, and no quick shifter. I’ve been a fan of the 14R for years, but I don’t see it as comparable.

[@BibtheBoulder]

@@Stclairm1 ...and therein lies the beauty of motorcycles...there's such a good choice out there nobody needs ride anything that doesn't suit. I did look at both the Kawasaki and Suzuki 1,000's before I bought the ZZR. My biggest issue was the physical size of the two bikes. I'm a pretty big guy and I dwarfed the 1,000's. I got some soft luggage for the ZZR, honestly feel no need for a quick-shifter with the bike being ballistically fast anyway, and having the latest up to date dash is all well and good but withing a year you no longer have the latest up to date dash....and I'm just fine with the one it has. Nonetheless, I wish you well whatever you ride. At the end of the day we re all motorcyclists....well at least I am when I'm not in the car....lol

[@Stclairm1]

@@BibtheBoulder Don't get me wrong, I love the ZX14R. I really like the blue 2012. They're just not dealing on them and I couldn't justify it for the crazy back road riding I do. That thing is a monster.

[@dry509]

Is it buzzy at motorway speeds 65-75 mph? I am curious also about comfort since you have to bend over to reach the handlebars?

[@wolfiestreet6899]

Different type of bike, apples n pears.

[@stevenw354]

I think you did a great job comparing the two bikes. Thanks. Not sure if you can test ride bikes in US before buying. That would be nice.

[@itchingtoride]

Thanks 😀👍

[@stevenw354]

@@itchingtoride looks like I need to learn more about the IMU though. I like the look of the Suzuki better, but is seems like the Kawasaki is a better bike

[@itchingtoride]

@@stevenw354 The only difference is on the Kawasaki the ABS and Traction control adjust as you lean the bike. It will make it a better system but are you going to push the bike that much on the road to even use the traction control. Maybe on track you would notice the difference. You wouldn’t notice any difference when riding the bike on the road. So I wouldn’t worry about the IMU mate. They are both great bikes.

[@stevenw354]

@@itchingtoride my ex wife laid her bike down at 70 something mph years ago taking a turn to fast and then braking in the turn. Would this system help manage a mistake like that?

[@stevenw354]

@@itchingtoride Not real easy to understand how beneficial this is DATA-DRIVEN PERFORMANCE A compact BOSCH® IMU enables inertia along 6 Degrees of Freedom to be monitored. Acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes plus roll rate and pitch rate are measured. The yaw rate is calculated by the ECU using Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modeling software.

[@raluxgaza]

Very good comparison mate

[@CapitanTrueno15]

Very good review. Thanks a lot! I'm also trying to decide which of these two bikes to get but for daily use, even in town, I guess the Suzuki is easy to handle and a better option. Saludos desde Gran Canaria. España

[@itchingtoride]

Thanks 😬👍

[@dardobartoli]

Hi, why do you say the Suzuki is easy to handle? I absolutlely guarantee that you will not notice the differnce in weight when moving it around, in fact I would go so far as to say the Ninja feels lighter!

[@johnmetson6243]

Ninja

[@steveottavaino3804]

Nicely done review, a well balanced assessment of the 2 bikes. Vibration a huge element of riding for me (super vibration sensitive) but seldom does anyone mention it, always suspicious of inline fours especially. My FJR too much, my ZX14 acceptable just to calibrate you. Interested in both to possibly replace the FJR, no access to test rides, so hoping you can advise vibration levels at normal operation RPM’s and speeds. Enjoyed the vid, subscribed. Cheers!!

[@itchingtoride]

Hello thanks for watching and subscribing. I didn’t have any problems myself with vibration on the Kawasaki or Suzuki. But everyone is different mate. Sorry cannot help anymore than that.

[@flasher2001z]

Thank you for this comparison. I'm trying to decide which of these two bikes to get. Your information was very helpful.

[@itchingtoride]

Glad to help 😬👍

[@BibtheBoulder]

Try a ZR1400.....

[@chrispack3131]

@@BibtheBoulder Better still try a Kawasaki GTR 1400.! Ride safe

[@BibtheBoulder]

@@chrispack3131 I like those too....

[@borkarms]

Good review. Enjoyed watching.

[@itchingtoride]

Thanks 👍

[@okinawanah3463]

The number plate is ridiculous I would keep it in the side cases and tell any police officer that the mounts were vandalized and ripped off

[@superduperkid3143]

Great bike but I'd never buy from a dealer that load up a bike with their name and logo. Car manufacturers do that enough, we don't need it on bikes.

[@andrewolle9183]

Gorgeous bike, i do miss my ZX7😢

[@itchingtoride]

I had one. Great bikes 😬👍

[@Memo-xr4nu]

which one would you prefer for long trips ?

[@itchingtoride]

They are both great bikes but I would say the Kawasaki would be a little bit better on a long trip.

[@roygarcia7250]

👍😲 verry nice,pa shout out from mindanao Philippines

[@dry509]

What about the new Honda NT1100 tourer compared to these?

[@itchingtoride]

That’s funny I was at a Honda Dealer today. I was speaking to them about test riding there bikes. It went well they are happy for me to test ride them. Will do the HT1100 soon 😬👍

[@oneeightseven9392]

Kawasaki, on a bike with the engine capacity of one liter, for which they are asking money as for a motorcycle with the engine capacity of one liter, there is a fork 41 millimeter and a miserable swingarm, made of two sticks. Regarding power - I recommend googling measurements at the Dyno bench, Suzuki outputs about 140 per wheel, and Kawasaki 125. Kawasaki's only advantage is electronics, specifically corner ABS.

[@itchingtoride]

The bhp I use is from the manufacture. It will be at the crank.

[@nevillemcnaughton6306]

@@itchingtoride the extra power from the Suzuki is the extra rpm, no more power for same rpm as the kawasaki?

[@nevillemcnaughton6306]

When doing a road test would it not be reasonable to have the tester spend a few minutes and set preload front and rear?

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. I don’t have time to do that to every bike I ride. I ride the bikes how they come from the factory. That way I am comparing a standard bike to a standard bike. I am just giving people a bit of an idea what the bikes are like to ride. Most bikes have fully adjustable suspension. So you can adjust the bike how you like it. These are just my thoughts on the bikes that’s all. Always best to test ride the bikes yourself before buying. Thanks for watching 👍

[@nevillemcnaughton6306]

@@itchingtoride Then I will maintain my position that it is not a comparison. When comments are made about soft and firm the move out of the realm of comparison to misleading. The critique is not singularly at you. One would think the dealer would say to you, now lets get you set up and do it with you and for you.

[@NoNegotiations]

Does this motorcycle compare to s1000XR?

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. I haven’t rode the S1000XR. It’s something I will try sometime. Think it will be very similar with its inline 4 cylinder engine 👍

[@christophereaves7108]

Couple of comments if you don't mind pal. Nice video and I almost agree with everything. I have had a z100sx since 2018 and recently rode the suzuki. First point is the suzuki is a blatant copy of the z100sx so much that God knows how they got away with it. The z1000sx is not wollowy in my opinion I have pushed mine and never missed a beat. Plus the cornering abs and traction will keep yup on the straight and narrow way after the suzuki gives up. The z100sx dash is very disappointing 😞

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. They are both very good bikes. I think because the Kawasaki has softer suspension it moves around more than the Suzuki when you push it in the corners. Other than that it rides nice. Same as the quick shifter. There’s nothing wrong with it on the Kawasaki it’s very good it’s just the Suzuki one is perfect 👍

[@alanl2668]

Fully adjustable suspension on the Kawasaki. The review bizarrely says would soften the Suzuki Suspension but it’s perfectly easy to stiffen the Kawasaki Suspension. The Suzuki suffers from the usual finish issues and weird cheap plastic stuck on the tank. Suzuki dash is nice but I wouldn’t buy a bike for a dash and analog dash is nicer imo and both could be cheaper and better for less tech but all bike suffer this.

[@itchingtoride]

@@alanl2668 Hello. Yes both bikes have adjustable suspension like I said in the videos. So you can set them how you like. I only said about softening the Suzuki suspension because it’s the one I would buy. So I was saying what I would do to it. But yes you can stiffen the suspension on the Kawasaki if that’s what you want to do.

[@wolfiestreet6899]

The IMU makes the Ninja the superior machine.

[@dry509]

Are each one buzzy at motorway speeds 65-75 mph?

[@itchingtoride]

No didn’t notice any vibrations.

[@JRDNGIXX]

Yes Ninja is buzzy. Had the ‘14 model and it was buzzy. Tried the 2021 and it’s the same buzzy motor at 60-75mph

[@dry509]

@@JRDNGIXX Thanks

[@wolfiestreet6899]

@@JRDNGIXX I've not found it terribly buzzy, certainly not distracting or unbearable. I think its partly that the bike is very taut and well screwed together so it transmits it more. Abit like when a car is so well insulated from the outside you notice interior sounds more!

[@mrfrogzhat1]

The 2022 ninja isn't buzzy at all at the bars ( i suffer from vwf so it affects me instantly ) little bit from the seat if you press back

[@anuragrpande]

I have the 2021 ninja, did you try turning the preload knob for more preload?

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. No just kept it all standard. Same when riding the Suzuki GT.

[@tomg6284]

Well that just dumb. Why do you think they put that on the bike?

[@itchingtoride]

Yes very Dumb as I didn’t have any luggage or passenger on the bike. I am a average weight. I’m not 30 stone so think it will not be far out 🤔

[@nigelgreen7657]

That exhaust is horrendous a deal breaker 😠

[@itchingtoride]

It’s not the best looking exhaust. Most people would change it for a race can anyway. Get a bit more sound out of it and improve the looks 👍

[@hlpang1075]

What about vibrations?

[@itchingtoride]

Did not notice any vibrations on any bike.

[@GuydGuitar]

There is no 2021 Suzuki GSX S1000 GT, it is a 2022

[@itchingtoride]

Don’t know why I put 2021. Thanks I have changed it 😬

[@Davidlouis3]

It’s because the bike is new the down shifter is lovely smooth

[@Mike-er7ym]

The Kawasaki wins on the looks for me the Suzuki looks awful! In my opinion 🤢

[@itchingtoride]

Hello. I like the look of both but I think the Suzuki looks just that bit better. Everyone is different 😆👍

[@simonlovatt5211]

I disagree I think k the kawasaki is better

[@ZERODOSI]

Enunciare i valori di potenza e coppia senza riferirli ai giri motore è del tutto inutile. Prova noiosissima.

[@marcino7327]

These app review lol😢

[@itchingtoride]

The App might need a update 😆

[@tomg6284]

Ok now I call BS on you saying suzuki is better in corners. The Kawasaki has fully adjustable front. All you need to do is an adjustment for road conditions. Jabber jabber, think more about what your saying.

[@itchingtoride]

I know what I am saying. I am taking about a standard bike from the factory. That’s what I am riding. You can adjust the suspension on both bikes. Jabber Jabber 😆

[@Davidlouis3]

142hp