Kawasaki Z1000SX Bike Overview
This original motorbike was released in 2010 to rave reviews and, because there were hardly any issues, Kawasaki have simply just improved the model each time. Now, the Z1000SX has sharper lines, exudes comfort and has a whole range of rider aids for the more advanced motorbike enthusiasts, proof that Kawasaki listen to their customers’ wants and needs.
Kawasaki began their little tweaks to the Z1000SX by altering the suspension at the front and the back and by converting the shock linkage; this has made a little impact on the steering and has slightly decreased ground clearance but it isn’t a massive issue.
The engine has been left alone, at the end of the day it was very successful in the 2014 model so why change it? The only change that Kawasaki had to make was to the make the fuelling cleaner and to change the exhaust that complied with EU regulations but, apart from that, it is pretty much identical to the older model.
The 1043cc machine is the child of the z1000 and the ZX-10R, with the attempts to create the perfect mongrel of a naked track styled machine. Taking the character and looks of the Z1000 and pairing it with the thrill of ZX-10R in a practical package.
It was hard to find fault with the Z1000SX original engine but Kawasaki have spent the time fine tuning it attempting to give a sharper throttle response, pushing peak performance levels and not forgetting the addition of new power modes and traction control.
The one thing about this bike is that it is completely jaw-dropping; the lines are sharp and sleek and it is a real head-turner. It comes in three different colours, all as stunning as each other, and the quality is, of course, of a high standard. Amazingly, Kawasaki have retained the quality it is so famous for and kept the price point under £10,000 which is staggering considering all the add-on rider aids it comes with.
2017 saw the release of the updated version of the Z1000SX; the brand new SX model is complete with lots of extra rider features like the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), an integrated Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Other optional extras include panniers.
Find out more about the Kawasaki Z1000SX…
Kawasaki Z1000SX Bike Spec
- Capacity1043cc
- Top speed165mph
- Weight235kg
- Average fuel consumption49mpg
- Seat height815mm
- EngineLiquid cooled, four-stroke, 16v
Kawasaki Z1000SX Bike Insurance
Owner Reviews
Pros
I love the colour. I think it gives it a custom/aggressive look
Cons
Me.
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Excellent to ride, would recommend fitting a comfort seat, but once you have you can keep going for hours before needing to stop, but the wife says it's not pillion friendly but then not many bikes are.
No problems at all, if I had to nitpick then I'd say it rattles a bit at top speed.
Brakes are excellent, the bike stops as well as any other non ABS bike
For me the ride quality is A1, it's everything I look for in a bike, the suspension is firm but not back breaking, I get excellent feedback from the brakes (non ABS & non traction control model) and it corners almost as well as a zx10 and with a upright riding position you can keep going for a lot longer.
It's all you need for the road or the track. 140bhp isn't to be sniffed at and you will make any boy racer put his tini weni back in his pants.
I'm getting about 175 miles out of a tank on country roads and about 130 to 140 in the city
Pros
Engine
Cons
Centre stand
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Very comfy
Not a problem here
Never had a problem
Very fast and great in the twisties
Bullet proof doesn't miss a beat
Not the best fuel economy
Pros
Looks great, rides smooth. Suspension easy to modify for different types of riding. Corners well, feels light
Cons
Sounds a bit tame. Needs a bit more grunt from the engine… sounds great at high RPM and I like the low end sound too which this doesn't have at all.
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This is an all rounder motorbike. Great on long journeys, great for Sunday fun.
Never had a problem. Reliable.
Tires = Good Grip so that is a riders preference. Brakes are good enough.
This is an all rounder motorbike. Great on long journeys, great for Sunday fun.
Very quick. More power than you will ever need on a road.
It is thirsty as it's a 1000 however no more than other equivalent bikes.
Pros
It’s good fun with plenty of power and performance. I am 6ft 4 and it’s a decent size for me
Cons
They added traction control and other electronic bits to the Z1000sx later on. That’s all I would improve and they have.
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I used to have a Ducati ST2 with the optional touring seat. It was bigger than the Z1000sx and a little more comfortable. The fairing on the X is much better and protects well.
So far no problems. I am not expecting any either
Front brake is great. Rear brake is a little weak. Will look at replacing the pads and seeing if there is an improvement.
Ride very well. Can see why it has got great reviews by the professionals for the last 9 years
At around 140bhp it’s more than enough for me. Others that ride hyper bikes may want more.
Seems good enough for me. At about 160miles and still fuel in the tank with spirited riding I cannot complain
Pros
Cheap to run
Cons
Luggage frame could be narrower. Both head lights could have dipped and high beam
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Seat becomes hard on long distances
Does rust
Stops well
Ok
Enough power to get banned or locked up
Cheap to run
Pros
Weather
Cons
Cruise for long rides.
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sports and tour
Solid.
They stop.
Very easy bike, very stable.
Power when need instantly.
Fuel cheap at the min.
Pros
Versatility is the best thing, fit panniers for touring and remove for the sporty look. Great ride quality with a pillion. Awesome all round ride and sport look when needed
Cons
Brakes are a little soft could be sharper.
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Brakes are a little soft could be sharper.
Pros
The engine
Cons
Centre stand
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Took me a while to find a good suspension setting and the OE tyres leave something to be desired
Peach of an engine. Beautiful linear power delivery
Sports bike territory but acceptable
Excellent so far
Haven't tested the lean angle abs yet. Hope not to.
Pros
Comfort, Performance and reliability
Cons
Improved instrument panel display
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Very smooth. Can be a bit heavy on sharper corners but generally excellent.
More than enough power for the use I give it.
Cheap to run. Good fuel economy. Averaged 54 MPG on my recent trip to Austria
100% reliable with sublime build quality
Great brakes
Pros
The modern look
Cons
The exhaust
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Heavy bike but easy on powering out of corners . Enough grunt.
Depends on the settings
A full tank will only do about 100 miles, depends on how you ride
A little to much plastic, but frame is very strong.
ABS brakes are fabulous. Smooth brake system specific