Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX & Winter Riding Guide With Chris.

Chris has been out riding the Welsh mountains on the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. Here's his guide to getting out and making the most of your Winter ride, get the heated gear on and get get stuck in!
#kawasaki #ninja1000SX #bikeworld

[@CubanRider]

The 1000SX is phenomenal. So, so smooth.

[@VivekAstrologer]

True , I am also using same SX1000 ninja 2023

[@oscarsheen3045]

I reckon the Ninja 1000 is, overall, the best bike in the world.

[@andrewbozhozr]

As a VFR800 owner, I think that is probably true... F class of bikes vanished in just one decade. Everything is "adventure" now.... And some of us still love sport/touring middle class.

[@ekkihp.4488]

You got it perfect!

[@lovelessissimo]

I love my Kawi, but the GS is pretty great in it's own right.

[@stevenwalk8564]

It may well be that.

[@powersliding]

you've been saying that a lot dad

[@GarryMcGovern]

I'm gonna sound like a pathetic sycophant now, but Chris has got to be one of the best bike journalists out there, anywhere (I love the 44th lads too, so maybe joint best - sorry Chris!! 😂). Top work as always mate!

[@Mr_fried]

I hear Karen Von Grumble spends most of his time at Boothy's salmon farm these days 😂

[@bobklee2397]

Chris far better

[@Greg-rq1yx]

I'm a Dad and agree. Have a 2018 and it's the best bike I've owned. Does everything and is super fun for all day riding.

[@murdocampbell4858]

I’m a Dad of 64 (years not kids), and I want a Super Duke R, not a 1000 SX. This is my 47th year of winter riding in Scotland. Great video, as usual, Chris! Great work 👍🥶

[@daniilrusanau5849]

Kudos to you😎

[@racerdaveracerdave]

I'm a dad and I want the 1000SX 😁 Cheers!

[@stephenmcqueen4029]

Good choice, we took 2 1290 sdr and 2 1290 sdgt along with my triumph street triple 675 r and another 765rs to Scotland last September

[@exothermal.sprocket]

1290 SD GT might be a good compromise.

[@PandaStencils]

Great video- Get out there and ride! I have a Ninja 1000SX and it is everything that you said.

[@leek487]

Love this program... So most, helpful,and a true joy to watch.... Thanks and keep up the good work!!!!

[@allenglishknives6823]

Heated gloves was the game changer for me 👍🏻

[@paulk9188]

Try Heated glove liners are even better, then you can wear any gloves you want

[@tahirsharif9461]

Great update Chris ...... a bike for riding. Good winter riding tips. Cheers.

[@Kefuddle]

This the most engaging and informative bike channel out there. Great stuff, thanks!

[@allwheeldrive]

Yes, good for your soul. I grew up in Michigan where the winters can be quite brutal. We'd all be waiting for the first 40-degree day, regardless of what the roads were like. Always a rush to get back out there! Great video. Thanks :)

[@1956colinb]

Hi Chris, Obvious that you are not a fan of the Ninja 1000SX and say you struggle with its looks, but to me, it’s a damn sight better looking than a KTM 1290 GT 🤮 Faster as well, it’s quicker from 0-60 mph than the KTM and in a top gear 40-80 mph roll on test it’s 2 seconds faster than the KTM as well ( BIKE magazine road test figures ) the Ninja is a 3rd Bike for me and I tested quite a few before going for the Ninja, had a test ride on a 1290 GT and couldn’t believe how crude it was, the engine vibration was so bad I actually thought that the engine was loose in the frame and I’m used to twins as my other two bikes are twins. I have a Panigale for sports duties and the Ninja fits the bill perfectly for sports touring, I know it’s probably not the most desirable thing, but in a way that’s a good thing because I don’t get too precious about it, don’t mind riding it for hundreds of miles in the rain when on tour ( it always happens 💦🙄 ) and I don’t get worried about it being parked outside a hotel overnight. To me this bike wins big style because it’s so easy to live with, when you’ve done a couple of hundred miles in the rain and you’ve still got another hundred to do before you get to the hotel, you’ll be glad you’re on the Ninja, it looks after you. It’s a very slick and comprehensive package at a brilliant price , I got the performance tourer edition, dash power socket, usb under seat and extended the warranty to 4 years and it cost me just over £13 grand on the road, absolutely stellar value compared to an overpriced “plasticky” BMW . I’ve got 6,000 miles on it now, don’t care how many miles I put on it, cos I know it’s bulletproof and won’t let me down, that’s what I bought it for , looking forward to putting another 6,000 miles at least on it this year as well 👍

[@RickyJr46]

Col, one of the good things about this Kawasaki is it's not the sort to do "overnights" in the dealer service bay. I prefer my friend's bikes to do that, the ones they brag about but sell before the warranty ends.

[@1956colinb]

@@RickyJr46 Agreed mate ! That’s why I called it bulletproof, I have utter confidence in taking it anywhere and not expecting any problems. I had a KTM 990 SMT once that was acting the goat on a France trip a good few years ago, it had been playing up with a misfire for a couple of days and then spent 3 days in a KTM dealer in Frejus right in the middle of my holiday, ruined it 🤬! Another friend recently bought a brand new KTM 1290 SA and at the end of a trip around Ireland he had to get someone to help him push it back onto the ferry as the keyless go just wouldn’t work! Bikes are in general getting more reliable though, my Panigale is no garage queen, I’ve used it loads including Euro trips, got 26,000 miles on it now and it’s been brilliant, but I am intending to use the Ninja 1000SX more for trips away, it’s just loads easier with the hard luggage, cruise etc. To make the Ninja utterly brilliant it needs 20 less and 20 more........20 Kgs weight off it,...and 20 bhp more up the top end of the Rev range without sacrificing the brilliant grunt and tractability it has now, then it would truly be the only bike you’ll ever need 👍

[@andrewlucas6214]

I choose my days a ride all year round. Short rides in the winter keep me and my bikes happy. Washing and the right treatments keep modern bikes tip top. No worries. Great vid!

[@paulcondie2520]

Great video! The 1000sx is my next bike in fact that's how I came across this channel. So many facts said in video. You got yourself a new sub!!!

[@tombailey6342]

VERY good article, i would like to add; wash with COLD water first, it gets the salt off easier. Also for super affordable protection, mix approx. ACF50 and GT85 :- 60/40, leave in an open container for a day or two, were it forms a gel like substance, brush on to any shiny parts you want to stay shiny!!

[@Roy_Godiksen]

As a 2018 Z1000SX owner, i can't think of a better all around bike. There's a reason MCN has it as "Best All Rounder Of The Year" Every year for a long time. All i can complain about is a bit to much vibration at some RPM, and it being a little annoying to clean and lube the chain with that huge exhaust blocking just about all access. It could be lighter, but that would be a minor priority over the two main complaints. Everything else is 10/10. I slapped a couple of M9RR's on it and i've scraped peggs at 10 degree weather. The TCS is flawless (the ABS is a bit too intrusive) and the bike just carves through corners.

[@RickyJr46]

Roy, mine is an '18 also. I ran M7RRs originally but swapped to Bridgestone S22s next. Those have a little more accurate steering and "on rails" cornering feel, but may not last so long. Maybe the M9RRs next? I absolutely agree with the restricted chain access, it's probably my #1 bitch! Other than that, she is all stars!

[@marcoalbicocchi7719]

Big Z 1000 SX, I own the 2018 model and to date the 108K Km distance bike, a bike with a fantastic engine, impressive 4 cylinder elasticity, you can trot at 25km / h in 6th gear, open the throttle and be thrown into the hyperspace ... Without touching the gearbox. Truly fantastic motorcycle, but here in Italy everyone wants crossover bikes for tourism.

[@alrightdave6135]

The 2020 model solves the huge flaw of previous models. Slow speed turn in. Night and day improvement

[@PaoloD2R2]

Living near the alps im FORCED to ride in winter. And love the fact that there is no one around lol

[@masongoss4615]

I’m enjoying the “informational” videos. All good advice. Looking forward to more bike tests soon hopefully!

[@fatsharks]

This was awesome. Cheers, mate!

[@markhollidge8514]

Don't normally leave comments but that was really informative, useful and enjoyable. Moreover, your enthusiasm shines. Already ride all winter. Might test the Ninja once lockdown is over. Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Mark Hollidge Thanks Mark, appreciate it.

[@LouCFur90]

Salt is the perfect reason to not ride in the winter. Your enthusiasm is appreciated though. :D

[@kalhanratty1]

Exactly why I keep my bike in the garage until after some good Spring rainstorms to clean the road off.

[@angrydwarf6563]

Chris nailed his review if the 1000sx perfectly. It’s most definitely a dads bike (I’m 52) and I use mine daily for work and exactly the reasons described. Works well alongside the R1m and Tuono in the garage for more fun riding when weather allows. I don’t think that there are better equipped bikes around for that price point.

[@oscarsheen3045]

Would like to see this journo ride the hayabuasa when it comes out! His insights are some of the best on the net.

[@faizikazmi]

Chris, thanks for the video, it was amazing.

[@paulvanhout9695]

I’m a Dad but opted for a GSX-S1000F as my “comfortable” sport bike. Does not have the features or touring capabilities of the Z1000 but maybe 15 kg lighter and a more spirited ride character. Great tips on winter riding and no doubt the Kawasaki is a well-designed and executed sport tourer.

[@traviscarter9300]

You are right. Great value. I'm going to look into the Keis heated gear also. 👍

[@roberthall1437]

Great advice Chis. Loved the video.

[@andydowson8248]

Great video, thanks Chris. 👍

[@llerradish]

Good for you....I'm glad your out there enjoying it. I have a different technique....I go south for the winter, it 76 degrees where I'm at or 25 c for you guys across the pond. Yeah, I'm in Arizona.

[@norczinorczi]

Today I had my first ride of this year because of your video.

[@shivamsaraswat446]

Hey Chris, that was an amazing video, nicely reviewed & explained. ✌️

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks, it's all in the edit. Only kidding!

[@digger8180]

👍🏻Riding through winter is fantastic I have been riding year round for a long time so I expect that puts me in the dad bracket! I ride a BMW K1300S, make sure it's well coated in ACF prior to the salt and have just cleaned it last Sunday for the first time in months. The only really important thing to do if riding through out winter is buy a pump up hand held automotive pressure bottle sprayer and spray the brake pads and brakes with break cleaner after riding. I have been using the bike daily. To clean it after the worst of winter I used swarfega Jizer parts degreaser on frame and engine, hot soapy water on the bodywork, bike looks like new. Here's to the new season lets hope they let us travel a bit further even if it's only in our own country.

[@Justwanthavefun_100]

I just like Chris Straight talking journalism and crazy skill

[@pw9150]

Love the idea of warm & not too heavy clothes 😍 ... even the gloves could be heated 😜 wonderful just to go for a ride, whenever you want (well, checked the temperature & road conditions) ✨ Therefore I have injured for the whole year: to be instantly happy on the road in nature or even only for a short coffee-ride to get me relaxed - thx for the nice vid, will definitely have a look on those clothes 😂😂👍🏻

[@johna6968]

Never really understood those riders getting proper down because of iffy weather. Get ya kit on and go for it. Theres also something therapeutic about making a brew and cleaning the bike off later.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

Go for what? Frozen snot all down the face? Almost no grip even when upright?

[@aidenlothian9642]

@@Bow-to-the-absurd lol

[@touringriders7248]

Excelent review/presentation. Where I live is not easy going arround during winter... Nice tips ✌️

[@daniilrusanau5849]

Enjoyed the video! 😊

[@MiamiJato]

Great video on my old bike, it’s a great value for sure

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Part riding extraordinaire, part motivational speaker. Thanks, Chris! 😉 👨‍👩‍👧❤

[@davidreed6817]

You must have been on the edge of grip in some of them sections but your lines and "drive" were inch perfect, brilliant smooth ride, and yes I'm old enough to be a (grand) day! lol

[@sbrides3042]

Great film as usual, good content and fair appraisal of the Z1000SX.......Versys 1000 is even better when it comes to comfort and combination of prune with practicality.....yes I am a Dad......keep up the good work bike world 👍

[@darylclifford]

Why is the Versys better? Just seating geometry? Asking you as my Ducati Sport Tourer isn’t my spines best friend. I’ve been riding for 45 years and my best memories were on a Kawasaki Z1300-6 cyl I bought on impulse, then loved it.

[@ashermil]

I ride a ‘15 Versys. It’s a great riding posture: you can sit up straight and enjoy a good all-around view (with your head at about SUV height or so) or slide back on the seat and lean forward a little for a more aggressive crouch. (Nice big saddle with lots of room to move around. Doesn’t slide you into the tank like a Versys 650’s does.) Either way the pegs are right under you; you can get up onto the balls of your feet and it distributes the weight perfectly.

[@colindeans5972]

Really good, cheers 🍻

[@tonypammen6150]

Nice one Chris 🍺👍

[@ckkrons2338]

Just caught this video, excellent advice. I ride year round above 2C/36F on dry roads. To me a bike with hood wind protection is key and all your points in gear. Better than snowmobiling-no waiting on snow.

[@bruceleong9534]

I’m a dad and winter is my favourite time of year to ride. But then again down here in Australia our winters are like your balmy Spring days. Summer is when I add fuel stabiliser and make sure the trickle charger is working! Riding in globally warmed 40C days is torture! 😉

[@darylclifford]

Haha agree totally. Sydney traffic in 40*C my Ducati’s rear cylinder literally roasts my inner thigh through my jeans. I’ve now stopped riding in summer.

[@allenglishknives6823]

Great video, thanks 👍🏻

[@joaomoreira5879]

Really good quality vídeo. Congrats

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@richarddoheny]

interesting review! thanks for the KEIS tip!

[@gadielhernandez6489]

You know is a good video when you’re not interested on the bike but still watch and enjoy all the way through!

[@dardobartoli]

[SX1000] Too alien, from a man who adores KTM 🙂 Great advice on riding in UK winters, on days like today when many I know have already stored their bikes for a month, it's 20C even here in Wales at the end of October...

[@_jeep392]

GREAT VIDEO 👍 GREAT INFO 👍

[@ponderguy7724]

This how a motorcycle review should be conducted - brilliant.

[@giovanniricci4369]

Very good content, I wished I could put more than just a like on it. Ride safe (and warm 😀)!

[@DJWProductions95]

Never a bad time of the year to ride the black mountain pass in Wales 😎

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

You're not wrong, amazing whatever the weather.

[@johnbini1929]

Really nice review. I'm buying the 40th anniversary color scheme ... WONDERFUL 🙂

[@stanleyknife1967]

Yep, I’m that dad........and I am very happy too. Great video.

[@markbteeps]

Best unexpected thing on my Ninja 1000 SX: the mirrors keep the wind off my hands, that makes cold weather riding so much better!

[@petervan-huysse5803]

I really enjoyed this video and I’m more than happy to ride on cold winter days with my winter kit on, but riding on ice and salt is going that bit far for me. I don’t enjoy the ride as I’m constantly thinking what I might potentially miss read which could throw me off the bike. Then when I get home I worry I’ve not washed all that road salt off and it’s quietly rotting away a critical or expensive component hidden away on my bike somewhere? However, if you’d rode a winter hack in this video it would of all made sense, but then the video wouldn’t of been so enjoyable. (You can’t win) Plus a cheep winter hack probably wouldn’t of had all the bells and whistles like ABS and traction control. Keep the videos coming, great camera work and conversation starters 👍

[@commandobiker40]

Lovely video mate

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@stubbk3]

great review. used to love the mid xmas holidays ride on that sunny day,, not had a bike for about 9 years and really want to like the z1000sx but also dont want to admit i turned 50 and riding a gsxr for more than ten minutes will result in three days of pain,, decisions decisions

[@nickprice3605]

Footspa 🤣 Great article Chris 👍

[@mihirsamak]

Damn that blue colour at 11:18 !! Looks hot AF. I haven’t seen this colour on kawi website ever.

[@ericw1261]

Bike World - Chris is the best content host you've ever had - don't let him go!

[@anuragrpande]

agreed

[@TrevorATX]

No you are exactly right with the definition of sport touring and what it should be. That is exactly what I am looking for a more comfortable supersport bike basically. A supersport speed or near speed with more comfort to travel longer without my ass hurting after 30 minutes lol. It is between this and the honda africa twin, but that is a whole different animal that tours and goes off road and way less speed. Btw your reviews are my favorite on any channel. I guess I relate to what you are saying more than others. Maybe they are too old and dads

[@ebroebro1]

Hadn't thought about it until you said it. Figured I just happened upon the perfect daily rider/weekend canyon carver. I am 47. Have a 25 year old daughter....................Dad bike!!!! 🤣

[@stevenwalk8564]

It's what I use mine for. It's brilliant.

[@jimmybe64]

2 hours (Killarney to Brisbane) is enough for me on my 1000SX. Getting a gel pad cut into foam and recovered. After that, it should be brilliant.

[@nickthequick]

"I don't care if it rains or freezes, as long as I have my plastic Jesus, hanging from the .. - erm - cockpit of my bike ..?" Nice review of my personal bike. I am certainly old enough to be a dad (although I am not) and that just means I don't feel the need to be "hip"(ster) anymore (thank Dog for that), but I have tried and done stuff, you know, and I have learned about what's good and important - to me; fun, practicality and reliability that will last many, many miles, and to have it all at a fair price. Thus: Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. Mine, she's called Ziggy. PS: I have a couple of videos on my channel, unfortunately I am not as lucky as you when it comes to camera person and editing ..

[@davidknows3320]

Man, I really like the Dads bike!

[@jims6235]

That was great thank you. Now do the zzr1400. :)

[@snowsteve]

Love your content, Chris! Thank you for everything! I have a 2018 Versys 1000, which is mostly a taller Z1000, and it's also a great balance of comfort, utility and sportiness that appeals to me as I age. Just curious, what is the bike shown from 4:50 to 4:54?

[@scottnineteen]

Bravo!

[@dashparsons7056]

Great vid, Chris. Quick question on that Quad Lock set-up you had in the video. How’d you get that onto what looks like Kawasaki’s own GPS mount? It looks like the bicycle mount from Quad Lock. Was that secure enough at speed with just those elastic bands that come with the QL mount or did you secure it some other way?

[@coderedcamaro4812]

This video is really helping me decide to trade my z900 in on a 1000sx

[@bobbybackmarker9665]

Very enjoyable chat. Believe it or not but In some ways this bike is similar to my 2nd gen Busa.

[@musamusa2961]

Thanks God I will buy one for myself

[@Nexus-6]

I will never not own a bike without heated grips. Aftermarket heated grips are inexpensive, I personally love the Oxford ones. And if your bike comes with the factory ones, you're already set.

[@DGBomber]

I almost bought one because it's a really good deal, but the Kawasaki dealer didn't have one to test ride, so I test rode and bought a 2021 S1000 XR instead. I spent more but boy I'm happy

[@markjones336]

Just sold my sx,bought a Rt!Much better in the winter!And summer!Got enough power(nearly 130bhp)for me!Thats the same as a old fire blade!

[@ericaworthington2675]

Super important also to keep your neck warm in winter riding, as you lose lots of heat from an uncovered neck

[@skts2610]

Brilliant stuff, but I won’t be going out until it’s 10’C at least, don’t do cold stuff and most definitely don’t want salt on the H2😂....

[@ekkihp.4488]

I have the same heated grips on my Z900RS Cafe. I think, they could be a little warmer.

[@1ridgy]

Personally I’ll wait for the ice and salt to go. I’m not bothered by the cold, you dress to suit, but it’ll kill me to se salt pitting on my new bike

[@IanTheEarlobe]

Same it’s the fucking salt that will nuke your shit

[@alexandersmith1751]

Decent 👍

[@bollox1235]

Great vid. Do you know if Honda are bringing out a new VFR 800-900 ?

[@joaozaugusto]

Hello, can you tell me how you adapted your quadlock support to the GPS support? Thanks 🙏🏼 keep the good work

[@lsimsek]

You should have fitted winter tyres to enjoy better. I'm glad to have Anlas® Winter Grip on my Tracer 900. Suggested!

[@ericw1261]

Wish they were available in the USA. How do they perform in light snow and patches of ice?

[@williammahaffy4642]

Brilliant vid! Spot on throughout. I committed to riding at least 1 day every month of the year. Went out JAN30 this year in 26°F (-3C). Tires were frozen and had minimal contact patch and couldn't even get them properly warmed up. Only did 30 extremely careful minutes but learned a HUGE lesson about being the "adjustable rider". The best part was seeing the faces of the cagers when they saw someone out there putting down some miles no matter what..... LOVE IT!!

[@964tractorboy]

A proper chatty review (?), but none the worse for it. Great. Personally I like the angular looks of the SX, but I'm "of an age"...

[@a.bergantini4129]

Funny, the reason why I didn't ride today is because the sun is too hot out here! Too damn hot!

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Minus 40c and gravel all over the roads where I live in Canada. The bike stays in the garage from November to May no matter what. Damn my whole roads are covered in 6-8 inch of packed ice and snow 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ you buy all the heated gear you want but there’s an exception it’s called Canada 🇨🇦

[@stephenstokes5603]

I've got a new triumph speed triple but its a hard ride so considering the kawasaki ninja 1000 sx

[@rajeevkarmakar3827]

My dream sir

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Thinking the Tracer 900GT (890cc) might win me over quicker than this. And I think the difference in weight would put them in the same power to weight category if that's a concern.

[@shreksexy6879]

Agreed, but lots of good reviews on the ninja and value for price is good also.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@shreksexy6879 Then Suzuki announced the GSX-S1000GT. I'm going hmmmmmm....

[@tomg8636]

I"m a pretty new rider, been riding jsut over a year, so after this year, i haven't had as much time in the sadle as i would have liked. After all the raves that this bike gets, i was really excited to test ride a Ninja 1kSX and i must confess i was quite disapointed. I have a BMW F800GT, and ok, the engine of the SX is way nicer, but the gemomotry and handling, i couldn't wait to get back on my bike. The best way i can describe it, my bike likes to go in a stright line, it corners well, but if you let go it pretty much wants to go stright and its wonderfully stable... but this bike steers so quickly it seems like it wants to be manhandled all the time and takes much more concentration to go stright. Anyway, just curious if anbody else knows where i'm coming from... i expected to love this bike., but its not for me. That aside great video, and keep safe.

[@RickyJr46]

My Ninja 1000 is very fun and confidence inspiring on backroads, where I ride it like a sportbike even with the hardcases attached. In town, at very low speeds downtown, it is not the ideal tool, but that just means get the hell outta Dodge!

[@threethrushes]

No suche thing as badde weather for thine metalle steed, just badde drapery. Ancient English proverb.

[@ramadanslim3500]

FJR🔥🔥🔥

[@TWTourist]

Good information. I ride year round but that is easy here in Texas. Why is it considered a sport tourer? When I here sport tourer, I think of the FJR1300, C-14, ST1300 and the likes. Comfortable, shaft drive, powerful and fun to ride.

[@anxiousappliance]

and 600lbs.

[@ans512]

So so so good a reviewer.... That's Chris for you!

[@etdbsub0]

“Winter riding is good for the soul.”

[@fs3994]

Ninja 1000sx best dad bike according to my daughter who loves riding on back more than my HD softail. Where I live without the hard bags people just see it as a sport bike. I like the modern looks and full size feel. That being said, for solo rides it just doesn't provide the raw excitement as my cbr1000rr.