2024 Kawasaki Z900 vs. Ninja 1000 SX: Could the Z be your budget friendly Ninja alternative?

[@cmbiker]

Just picked up a 2024 Z900 today. Had a Ninja 1000 before, and it was a great bike overall, but the Z900 is a gentleman's hooligan bike 100%.

[@MrInfoPhilly]

What year ninja you had?

[@cmbiker]

@@MrInfoPhilly 2017

[@Short_Bus]

I own the Z900 SE now. Absolutely love it! But the 1000SX is still on my list.

[@Kwikasfuki007]

I hear ya!! Bought one of those myself a few months ago. Big upgrade from Ninja 650! Enjoy the ride!

[@PeteTheCat2314]

I own the exact 2024 1000sx in the video. Riding for 6 years and this is the best bike by far that I have had the opportunity to ride. Only downfall I have is the insurance. It is the most expensive I’ve paid on a motorcycle. No tickets or claims made ever. But I still love the bike and will never get rid of it haha.

[@AysKalz]

I've been looking for a comparison on these bikes for 2 weeks. Perfect timing. Bought the 900 2 weeks ago but still interested in the 1000

[@Rickmac22]

Owned both... The Ninja 1000sx is hands down superior in every way! The tuned, upgraded Z900 is a lot of fun! But that 1000sx package is a dream come true!

[@darthtyranus7683]

Depends on what type of super

[@kctc9973]

No brembo and Ohlins

[@sbeast1216]

Superior in price? No? So not every way.

[@Rickmac22]

@@sbeast1216 picked up a used 1000sx for $9k & the Z900 for $7.5k… $1500 for 17hp, 8 ft/lb torque, quickshifter, IMU, bag mounts…? Guess some only think of price (get a scooter) others think value.

[@stratolestele7611]

​@@Rickmac22dude, what's with insulting reply?

[@derrickwoo4693]

I own a Ninja 1000SX 2024 model. Would like to point out that the rider mode is available on the 1000SX, you will need to enter the settings menu and it can be turned on and off. (Hold down on the reset button to access the settings) Great review on both bikes!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I thought it was available on that bike! Thanks for reminding me about that setting. I had forgotten about that.

[@Champion2Manager]

Thanks for the comparison. 👍🏽 well done! I’ve always felt as if even though refined, the sx1000 was boring to ride whereas the z900 was not the best at anything in its class with barely no extra perks (cruise control, up and down quickshifter, tracking control,etc.) which irks me a lot, but I could be wrong 😑

[@KeenanHaydenIsaacs]

I am a fan of the Kawasaki naked bikes, I owned the Z300 and Z650 and now looking to upgrade. I'm looking at the Z900 and Z1000SX. My concern is the riding position and the pillion also being comfortable. My questions is, how different are the riding positions? is it a big difference on the Z1000SX, are they fairly similar?

[@armandoramireztiamo]

I loved this video!

[@clayharrison8889]

I just got the ninja last week, love it! Sold the z 900

[@bikermc]

thank you, please do a comparison view on z900 and zx4r/4rr

[@teej1987]

Lol what

[@ninji5226]

If I didn't want the ability to carry stuff (and keep a factory look) I would seriously consider the Z, its an oddly cool looking bike, especially in person.

[@fdub301]

I’d love to see you talk about the h2sx if possible

[@PeterLoweOne]

I've only had the chance to review the Z H2. I'd love to review the other one as well!

[@LarryMusgrave]

Do they both have a standard key, or does the 1000 have the KPAS fob? I have an 18 Concours and I'm not a fan of the fob....

[@PeterLoweOne]

Both have standard keys still.

[@fredorico41]

I got 2023 ninja 1000sx and it is a great bike love it, riding Here in Australia 🦘

[@Wasabi-one]

If you want to tour on Z900 you will need taller windshield. Best one is available from Kawasaki. I tried aftermarket and it made buffeting so bad it was not rideable. Ninja has the advantage of better windshield from factory and longer wheelbase for faster rides it’s more stable. Same with fairings… will make bike aerodynamic. Most importantly: ninja optional luggage is the biggest advantage. I did get Givi sidebags for my z900 and it was a royal pain to find and fairly expensive. And if you have tail tidy on your bike the factory turn signals will interfere with the luggage on the Z so you will have to replace your tail light with integrated turns….if you decide to get the 900 For touring go with the SE model as it’s easier to adjust the rear suspension to accommodate the weight of your luggage and passenger. Cruise control is a very nice option on ninja. Another aftermarket add on that’s a must is quickshifter. Consider it. Worth the cost.

[@enricohagn]

Why "you need a taller windshield" for touring?

[@cd6649]

He talks about having to upgrade the z900 to compete on all areas. SX had better: brakes, motor disp, cruise control, windshield/ wind protection, bags/ carry options, suspension, tires, electronics and sensors, quick shifter.

[@PeterLoweOne]

You can get the Z900 SE with better brakes and suspension than the Ninja, but my point is riding enjoyment. The SX is absolutely the better bike on the spec sheet, but you can save a lot of money, and for many users, get just as many smiles per mile with the Z. There will always be be better bikes up the spec sheet, if you want to shop by the spec sheet, why stop at the Ninja 1000SX when the H2 SX is right up the line? My point is that people should never buy a bike for the spec sheet. People don’t hang around at bike rally’s and pull out the spec sheets for their bikes and debate the relative merits of each spec. They talk about why they love their bikes, and why they love other bikes. They talk about fun, enjoyment, the things they’ve done with their bikes, the places they’ve gone, and the things they’ve seen. If the Ninja is the right bike for you, you should buy it. You’ll absolutely love it. But there are absolutely buyers out there who may want to save some money by giving up some specs, and will still end up with all the bike they could ever need or want. That’s what this video shows. Backing up my point further, I was originally looking at the Ninja 1000 SX but ended up buying the Z900RS SE. on the spec sheet, my bike has better suspension and brakes than the Ninja, but that’s not the point. I’ve been able to fit soft luggage on my bike (with the option of hard luggage) and I can do everything I would have done on the Ninja. From a spec sheet, my bike has less. But that’s one of the things that I love about my bike. It looks great it rides phenomenally, and I love it. Never buy a bike from a spec sheet. Buy a bike because it will bring you joy. For many people the Z900 may bring them all the joy they’re hoping to find and it will save them money along the way.

[@BotGamer-nc8vf]

Z900 price ?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Up to date pricing can always be found at www.kawasaki.ca

[@Audace1400]

I liked the z900 until I rode it back to back with the z1000sx.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. The Ninja 1000SX is one of my all time favourite bikes (now being replaced by the Ninja 1100SX which will be upgraded and less expensive for 2025!)

[@RodeoRides]

I'm a Kawi guy but the MT 09 is ahead of the Z900 in every way, I hope Kawasaki gets busy.

[@teej1987]

You've obviously not ridden both. They are 2 completely different animals.

[@RodeoRides]

@@teej1987don’t have to ride both just stating facts and I’m a kawi guy.

[@teej1987]

@@RodeoRides you can't state it as a fact when you haven't ridden both

[@RodeoRides]

@@teej1987compare specs including weight I’m not defending Yamaha or knocking Kawasaki the specs speak for themselves, again being a Kawasaki homer if I was buying a bike as this time it would be the Yamaha even with that ugly headlamp. I really hope Kawasaki steps it up which probably won’t happen but one can hope.

[@Wasabi-one]

Kawi can use some tech for sure but that mt is sooo ugly they need to get busy😂 I can’t understand how they actually selling any of them

[@sai799oo]

Love from India.. I wish i can buy a ninja bike on 2026😂

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

The z900 is pretty much just as fast as the 1000sx.