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
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[@Torquebeast650]

The instrument cluster on versys is classy af 🔥🔥

[@Torquebeast650]

@Mohamad bin Hamza you?

[@raunak21m]

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

[@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 👀

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kaustubhdhavale]

A sports tourer is supposed to deliver both the thrill of power and comfort ..I think the versys 1000 is perfect ...ive had it for more than a year and its a keeper for me ...ive done 700 plus kms on it in a day and was ready to hit the bar that evening with zero riding fatigue...there's no other bike which offers you so much comfort ...but then its different strokes for different folks I guess ...the video was quite well done btw although I think you should do a 500 plus km ride on both and see the difference ...you'll definitely choose the versys 1000 😜

[@rohit_paradkar]

I agree to an extent. As I mentioned in the verdict, the Versys is certainly the easier motorcycle to live with between the two.

[@vivekraghava4205]

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

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you, Vivek 🙏🏼

[@markg4929]

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

[@nishant1857]

The production quality is really good in this video.

[@rohit_paradkar]

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

[@ianmills35]

Watching from Scotland. Great review thank you 👍🏍

[@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.

[@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

[@abhas4]

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX ❤️👑

[@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.

[@Hindu888]

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

[@saurabkumar6624]

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

[@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.

[@RIDEWITHGAME]

I think its not fair to compare both the bikes together. Though they have the same engine and pricing, they are different like Chalk and Cheese. Versys is for those matured individual who love to travel with their better half. N1000 is for those who want to impress their chicks. Nothing beats the comfort of the V1k. And for the pricing both are a steal, a proper VFM bikes. I just hope when I am ready to plonk the money, V1k has the TFT screen too

[@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

[@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.

[@Ruchir1712]

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

[@rohit_paradkar]

I hope you liked it!

[@stefintoxie1831]

First comment 💥 Ninja 1000 SX ❤

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@justjavid3897]

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

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you

[@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

[@PramodKumar-bj5ee]

Good review and Thanks for the effort you and your team put on this video making.😎👍

[@Edd13Xx]

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?!

[@clayharrison8889]

I love my new 1000sx ninja! Just got the 2024 model last week!

[@Tobeon2]

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

[@NMdesertracer]

Mufflers only a Mother could love!

[@lovelessissimo]

Agreed. Terrible.

[@jamesepler7156]

The Ninja is one of the all around best bikes in the world. Kawasaki engineers consistently rate it as their favorite bike for day to day riding and ownership. The Versys is pretty cool but needs to make a decision on what type of bike it is adventure or sport touring. I think the Versys 650 is way more fun and user-friendly than the 1000. Piss on all the electronics. That technology will change so fast. In six months it will seem old and boring...

[@floraexoticsfloraexotics]

Very informative video. I own a 2019 Ninja 1000. On a serious note the new 1000 SX looks lame. It was the exhaust of the 2019 Ninja that caught my fancy . So true about the Non Petal disks for the brakes .

[@mayankthechaudhary]

Dont forget the ..... 1. instrument cluster 2. quick shifter(up N down) 3. Easy chain cleaning due to single exhaust 4. Corner ABS 5. Cruise Control 6. Better handling

[@floraexoticsfloraexotics]

@@mayankthechaudhary Well I live and ride in the Hills so cruise controls on cars are of no use. My 2019 has the covering abs. I always prefer the analog instruments cluster . Quick shifter is something that is admit i miss on my 2019.

[@Tenktory]

@@mayankthechaudhary They have also integrated heated grips. Previous versions used Oxford grips with external controller. Not something you could call a thing of beauty ;) BTW, the problem with previous dashboard is a poor visibility. Digital part is only so-so during sunny day. And a stupid illumination makes impossible to use a revometer during night. It's very bright but you can't see a reading.

[@shivamsaraswat446]

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

[@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.

[@rakesh3967]

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

[@griff4424]

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

[@prakharnigam8860]

That Red Passion following the Versys at 4:04!

[@druegeme]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@omarkgad]

One of the best comparisons out there, thanks 👌

[@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.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

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

[@NitinHatekar]

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

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you 🙏🏼 pls do share it

[@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.

[@andrewandlm]

Watching from UK. very good review.

[@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?

[@pramathewyayawar7857]

Ninja 1000 is an open class sports bike, that's why it has "Ninja" moniker. And yes it is indeed a sports tourer. However, Versys is by no means a sports bike or even a sport tourer. It's an adventure tourer, just like Ducati Multistrada is.

[@divyanshusingh210]

So, What do you think those alloy wheels suggest?

[@SagarHingalAI]

Nice video guys 👍🏻

[@paulcantrell7020]

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

[@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.

[@stonehands0249]

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

[@tathagatahalder]

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

[@dsinghr]

1000 SX is the smoothest motorcycle to ride..

[@thatsleepingchannel]

That saree guard is a detachable BBQ grill!

[@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.

[@DennisdeLange]

Very good and nice review! Many thanks!

[@JCF69700]

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

[@VENKVIEWS]

These are amazing bike with reasonable price from kawasaki❤

[@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 .

[@veljkovic92]

Ninja 1000SX got it's looks wastly ruined by that decision that beautiful, unique exhausts should be switched for this can. I owned a previous version and loved it completely. New one is just degradation.

[@walenikhil4311]

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

[@vsp004]

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

[@saurabh17387]

Great review! Well balanced and informative.

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you, Guptaji

[@dankeene442]

Nice review. Thanks for sharing

[@donnyazoff980]

Great review mate!

[@ktkace]

Subbed! Very informative!

[@heshdog91]

Great work from Australia!!

[@KunalGandhiBharat]

Amazing !! Rohit bhai!!

[@rohit_paradkar]

Thank you

[@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? 😳

[@Legendsgonzalez]

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

[@dougiequick1]

Seems like reviewers out of India have a warped idea of what constitutes ADV motorcycles ...anything with 17" wheels is obviously NOT intended for dirt which then disqualifies them from the accepted defintion of "adventure" riding ....Kawasaki just does not have anything of note beyond the lackluster price point KLR650 model (in the US at least) well there is also their 300 dual sport ....I mean ANY motorcycle can be used to have "adventures" on but the actual genre popular these days involves motorcycles clad with knobbies and larger front wheels among other attributes such as extra ground clearance and suspension travel ...a motorcycle can LOOK like an ADV bike but if it has 17" front wheel for example? It is nothing more than "a look"

[@pradidorai]

Spend 13lakhs on these and you could still cruise only at 100-120 on the Indian highways. Instead buy a ninja 300 and save the remaining for a sedan. 😂😂😂

[@sathishrao7926]

Or strike a balance and buy a Ninja 650 !

[@KT-pf8gw]

@Brendon Fernandes dude car kids will never understand bikes!!! so why r u wasting time!

[@MahilSonowal]

Do you know about inline 4 cylinder kids??

[@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.

[@brianquigley7336]

Which wersion of the Wersys would you wide ?

[@varoescal]

Great review! Thank you!

[@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.

[@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??

[@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.

[@muralidharmk7424]

Ninja 1000 SX is a great motorbike & an excellent package! But, this motorbike has balance related design flaw (drifts to the right due to heavy exhaust). That is why the previous generation Ninja 1000 had dual side exhaust(equal weight distribution on both sides). Unfortunately, Kawasaki is not willing to solve the issue! They are in denial. So, Isn’t as perfect as typically one would expect from a Japanese Company. If you are willing to ignore this flaw & perfect balance doesn’t matter to you, it is a great motorbike & smooth as butter! The lighter exhaust version sold in some countries will work better!

[@gustavoquintero6036]

Why would you compare two motorcycles that are not at the same purpose level 🤷‍♂️, they are completely different !!

[@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

[@justwhenyouthought6119]

Great review, thanks.

[@JohnMFlores]

Great, comprehensive evaluation.

[@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.

[@borkarms]

Very Interesting comparo, the winner is a sportier , more powerful machine. The Versys 1000 in India is a highly underrated and unknown species, Everybody blindly buys the Tiger's and GS's of the world. But I think if you want to do a Kashmir to Kanyakumari ride , there is no better , more comfortble machine than a Versys 1000.Snap the versys with Pirelli Scorpion STR tyres and its capability improves manifold. I guess it will be more comfortable than the gold standard - BMW R 1250 GS/ GSA. The just unveiled 2021 Versys 1000S in Grey and red decals looks smashing, hope Kawasaki India launches the same model and color option in India next year.

[@TheWAP5]

1250GSA is in different league buddy, there is absolutely no comparison. Even the Tiger 900 is more versatile than Versys1000. It is good for all day cruising but its not agile, show it some traffic and bad roads, it will tire you out and its not fun.

[@borkarms]

@@TheWAP5 They have to be better marginally, they cost Tiger 900 GT pro( 4 lakhs), Tiger Rally pro( 6 lakhs) and BMW 1250 GS ( 12 lakhs ) more than the versys.How many Indian owners really do the Trails for which these bikes excel, most buy only to show off, spend time on these bikes on the MG roads of their city. What i am saying is if you consider the tarmac , the Versys is no less and phenomenal machine for the price.

[@TheWAP5]

@@borkarms True, I was specifically talking about the GT version. When you spend so much money, you'd definitely want a more versatile machine. Its pricier because its built that way, its almost about 60 kgs lighter. There is a reason Versys is a dud because we have very few roads which would extract utility out of versys to be honest.

[@rohit_paradkar]

The Versys is an excellent machine, extremely comfortable and the pricing is spot on too. But, it doesn’t compare to the versatility offered by more purpose built adventure motorcycle. Even the road-focussed variants of the Tiger or the GS offer better agility on tarmac and superior performance on poor roads. I’m not even talking about the trails here. We have often complained about the Tiger being too heavy and the Versys is heavier still. The low-set steering yolk or the 17-inch wheels make it even lazier and challenging when the roads disappear. There are Hayabusas and bicycles that have gone to Khardung la too, but they aren’t the best ways to get there. Hence the clear demarcation between purpose-built adventure bikes and sport-tourers like these.

[@NandoWasabi]

Why do your bikes have over size side racks?

[@stevensullivan5287]

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

[@idamsidamha]

Ooo man! Look at the massive grill🤦

[@lovelessissimo]

In the US, the LT is 7000 dollars more than the Ninja.

[@darrenlambert7162]

You start of by saying the versus is an adventure bike? It is not and has not been advertised as an adventure bike, please do not mislead riders looking for a adventure bike.

[@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.

[@alexmarangon1587]

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

[@jamescornflake1542]

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

[@satriyowicak380]

That barbeque grill hurt every eyes