2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX Bike Review Road Test | Kawasaki Sports Tourer Review

[@ravver2610]

GSXS 1000 Szuzki is 209 kilos, so by that Kawasaki is more than 20 kilos havier, which is huge. for touring it does not make much difference, but for commuting and city riding, it makes it less agile, also the bike is too stable to my taste, it need some effort to lean it, compare to GSXS which is much more agile and lean down super quick. my observation is that if we have two point on the graph, ( touring Sports, Z1000SX is more closer towards touring , and GSXS is more closer towards Sports

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I'm guessing a slight raising of the forks in the triple clamps (5-10mm or so) and a decent set of sport-touring tires would fix any handling issues.

[@VTECheart]

I've always heard great things about the Bridgestone S20 Evo's

[@Bornie205]

I own a 2016 model which I use every day plus just rode 2k miles through Europe - great review, agree with everything you commented in

[@abritablondeabike]

In 2016 I chose the Versys 1000 over this bike for one simple reason. Top box. The versys has a top box plate designed in so you just drop the box on, no mess. I would chose the z1000sx over the Versys every time if it wasn't for the lack of thought with the top box. That is unless I am wrong and there is a plate you can screw on, if so I am ordering one.🖒 Good review dude.

[@S1000xrhp]

A Brit A Blonde A Bike - a Renntec sports rack for about £100 would fix that problem. Although I seem to remember on launch there was something about the sub frame not man enough for panniers and top box??

[@abritablondeabike]

yea your right. it's not really designed to have one like the versys is, and that kind of pisses me off because I love everything about the Z1000sx. it just needs top box capability to be a perfect bike.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The Versys has had it's power dumbed down a lot compared to the SX. It also runs a 180 rear instead of 190 (which may actually be more neutral handling). Top boxes are ugly in my opinion and throw the center of gravity off easily because it's like a giant lever. I'd rather buy a mono-wheel trailer and keep the bulk off the bike.

[@PhilWare1]

Funny thing is I can't stand top boxes, so the panniers suit me fine!

[@justinneill5003]

Yes there’s a plate you can bolt on, mine has it (there’s a clip of it on my channel) and fitting/removal of the box takes two seconds. Personally I prefer the look with just the panniers but the top box is just so practical, if I’m going any distance I take them all.

[@relaxation_therapy]

It looks absolutely awesome especially the headlight which is much more aggressive....

Stop whispering/mumbling at some of your sentences.. I can't understand it. How about the Engine Buzz that you will feel under your butt at a certain rev range in the previous model.. Is it gone?

[@S1000xrhp]

Joey Mantka agreed, he mumbles and you can't hear bits of sentences. It's like he's rushing to get his words out. Good review aside from that.

[@Smoove233]

You guys should try to do a review on the Z1000R and the FZ10-SP when they release

[@EEEBA1]

I thought the FZ10 is out already or are they making the SP version as well. In the US we don't have the SP version.

[@Smoove233]

E.S. Slc FZ10 SP isn't out yet anywhere but the regular fz10 is. It won't come to the states for another year probably

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The FZ-10 Super-Posh version won't come to the USA for now.

[@Smoove233]

They're probably gonna do the same thing they did with the regular 10's. The FZ came a year after the MT and it'll probably be like that for the SP

[@zane5598]

I can't decide if I want to add this or the Triumph Tiger Sport to my garage next year...

[@welswarrior1973]

Wow both headlights are ON in this version!

[@MyscBigdrop]

Hahaha yes! The one thing I don't like about my 2014 model

[@Fastliner8]

This or the mt-10 tourer.... any oppinions? I like a bit of crazyness but i want some more usability to munch miles. What do you think?

[@bagofchicken]

Great review

[@columkenn]

Looking for comparison between this and the BMW R1200RS, both sport-touring style. Anyone ridden both, which you recommend? And pillion comfort?

[@makjak111]

to get this 2017 n1k or a leftover 2015/2016 for less? that's going to be my situation come spring.

[@Land-Shark]

Nice! I am positioning myself to be in a similar predicament in 2018. :-)

[@TheNatos]

3rd review i watched that mentions a steering issue, tho the other 2 didnt say why. if its the stock tires causing it, what are some good ones to replace them with?

[@EEEBA1]

Natos That's what I was wondering as well. I'm thinking about getting this bike but I won't if there is a steering issue...

[@Cramec]

nice one, hopefully we will meet at a press launch some day ;)

[@YarekBalear]

Have a 2015 Z1000sx and it sounds like it's pretty much the same bike, especially with the issues with the stock tyres. Have read a LOT of feedback from users and the bike is supposed to be transformed by replacing them. I've just been too cheap to do it. I will say that above 40mph I haven't noticed any issue with them, it's really only at slow in town speeds that I've felt a lack of confidence in them. The engine is a bit buzzy though at 6-8k rpm, which you do get used to and ride though.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Some folks swap to the 190/55 rear which steepens the fork angle slightly and changes the rear tire lean-in profile. You can also stick with the 190/50 and simply raise the forks in the triple trees about 5mm per side for the same effect and save a few dollars/euros on tire price. I think the 55 series tire is more triangular vs. the flatter profile of the 50. Not sure about this bike and the vibration, but I had a 2011 FZ1 which I swapped a full Yoshi R77, an ECU flash, and a custom PC5 map on to handle the fueling and about 70% felt vibration went completely away. It was amazing. Not sure what would happen on the SX if the same treatment was done. Vibration can be caused by improper vacuum balance between TB's, resonance occurring in the stock exhaust system (design related), or just plain lack of fine balance per rod-piston assembly on the crank before assembly.

[@vmrksa]

Beautiful bike!!!

[@markhorton7013]

I sat on 1 of these recently in our local showroom.... the seat is like sitting on a plank of wood, it had a dead feeling and offered no sponginess or give at all and I certainly wouldn't want to do any time and distance on it.... no way. Give me a comfortable seat everyday.....All that said the pillion seat looks like they get a much better ride. Shame cos it's got a lot of other positive attributes.

[@markJones-yz6ke]

I'm completely the opposite!I tour on my 2013 RT 1200 BMW!an the sx felt much more comfortable!but the sx did have a custom seat!!I'm gonna get it!!

[@marcoingold1843]

Has it a quick shifter?

[@ajkhustler]

can anyone say which gps device used in this kawasaki z 1000sx

[@PatriotBelgica]

TomTom Rider 400

[@sushibar1]

Is this sport or naked ?

[@chessgains8075]

neither, its a sports tourer.

[@mugwump58]

This isn't specific to this bike but; None of the bikes I currently own have any electronic rider assists, no ABS, no lean angle sensing, no power modes. All of this has been controlled by myself. So I have concerns about how riding with these things will effect my riding, how my throttle control might have to change in the different modes, how trail braking would become different as I and the ECUs interact. I'm not advocating Ludditism, rather I'm concerned how I would find the interactions that I'm used to will be changed and how they will effect what I currently enjoy. Anybody care to comment?

[@LinwoodGallop]

mugwump58 none at all. you set the controls to fit you. corner management is there to prevent the rider from high siding. the computers support the rider. if they come on the rider made an error, but it's one he can live through because of the computers.

[@BFD15i]

All those electronic gizmos won't affect your riding at all. They are there to save your arse when you overdid it at some point. Unless you do so, you don't even realize that they are there.

[@OlllOHD]

Chef Gordon Ramsay. Is that you?

[@rishavbanerjee7683]

I couldnt understand his accent

[@tadavfr750]

When a writer speaks presuming his speaking is as good as his writing things go wrong. You need to invest some training of articulation before go on public. The comment sounds rather amateur presenter, I am afraid. This applies to all motorcycle journalists who suddenly changed their roles from writer to presenter. When combined with increasingly more professional visuals the limited ability of presenting is more exposed. Please get some training to say words clearly at least.

[@spoonman73]

Say it with me Kawasaki - We want it LIGHTER and FASTER mmkay?

[@jordanissport]

spoonman73 this is a sport touring bike not a super sport. Maybe you would like the concourse?

[@spoonman73]

Jordan Truppner I own the bike and trust me it is basically an upright sport bike. The fact that they try to market it as a tourer is funny as it has none of the amenities of one and the wind protection is just ok. Also, even when compared to any of the nakeds or supersports it has the least power and most weight. Even the old zx-9 motor, which is what this is based on, would smoke this bike. Don't get me wrong it is a good motorcycle and fun to ride but it has so much more potential.

[@Alpine_Joe]

I kind of agree. f they're talking about BMW S1000R and S100XR etc as competition for the SX then it needs a jump in power to compete on a level playing field. That said, it's plenty fast and nimble for me as it is ... I'm never left behind when I go out with my mates.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Spoonman73, the current Z1000SX/Ninja1000 is not based in any way on the older ZX-9R engine. Through 2009 Kawasaki ran the fuel injected, bored-out ZX-9R engine (953cc) of which I owned a 2007 Z1000, but after that they went with a totally purpose built 1,043cc engine which from several accounts I read is based "loosely" on the earlier ZX-10R designs. Of course it's emphasis is mid-range which is why cams, valves, compression ratio, throttle bodies, air box, etc. are all designed to put power in the middle without a crazy top end. It's comparable to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 but without quite as much bark and down about 10 potential HP tuned in comparison. It's a SPORT-touring bike, not a sport-TOURING bike. It's not supposed to be an FJR1300 or Concours14. It's not supposed to be a ZX-10R. It's that sweet spot. For some it should have more power, for others it should weigh less. I agree with both sentiments, but it's not incapable of busting 160 mph and covering long distances. With a full system swap, lithium battery, and (if so inclined) swapping on lightweight wheels, this bike would drop at least 32 pounds of mass. Exhaust got heavier with EURO4, whereas last generation could drop 21 pounds with a full 4-2-1 Akrapovic, this one would drop more. Compared to the GSX-S bike, it's got a beefier subframe for supporting luggage and passenger weight, it's got an extra 1/2 gallon of fuel capacity, and it's got a larger set of fairings. It's all in how you slice it. I look at motorcycles as a canvass, not a finished picture.

[@jordanissport]

Lifted_Above bravo! Bravo!

[@christopherdevries1969]

Michelin Pilot 3 will give it a great steering. Just one more thing, you mumble to much, specially at the end of a sentence. Are you in a hurry?

[@yardblah5161]

sports tourer 2017..no cruise control...

[@tetracampeoes]

Cruise Control for use 2 times a year 🙄🙄

[@MotorcycleExtremist]

Low volume, hurried mumbling that no one can understand isn't very helpful. Please redo this review.

[@ziondanny7081]

Speak clearly, pleeeeease. And it's KaWAsaki, not Kasaki

[@HFilip11]

More important is to say that the W is not meant to be silent.

[@kevinbrennan2004]

10.4 there mate.

[@manitoy269]

εμετικη προφορα λεμε....

[@triv7252]

"touring tourness"

[@brodavid9960]

I can't understand what this narrator is saying.

[@stewartread849]

Really. He's perfectly clear

[@sugarrfree]

Way toooooooo heavy!! Why?!

[@markJones-yz6ke]

Heavy???try a RT 1200 mate😕

[@justinneill5003]

I have a 2012 and must admit it does feel on the heavy side when I’m pushing it around the driveway or parking lot but that’s also because the seat height doesn’t allow me to get both feet flat on the ground. But you learn to deal with it, and once on the move it actually feels pretty light to me. That said, my other bike is a Suxuki M109 and pretty much anything is going to feel light compared with that. I find the Z1000SX easy to ride, it feels agile enough and confortable, good brakes, smooth fuel delivery.good riding position. I’m running it on Pilot 4’s, excellent in the wet (we get a lot of it here.) It’s plenty fast too. When I hit 35k on the clock (if I don’t go for the ZZR614000) I’ll gladly replace it with the latest model of the same bike. I’ll be taking it to the Austrian Alps this summer, I’ll post my review after that.