KAWASAKI Z1000SX (2017 - 2019) Review
At a glance
| Owners reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £260 |
| Power: | 140 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.09 in / 815 mm) |
| Weight: | High (518 lbs / 235 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe first Kawasaki Z1000SX had the mixture right back in 2010 and they’ve just continued to improve the model over the years, culminating with this latest version.
It has since been replaced, so follow the link for the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX review.
The new SX is littered with advanced rider aids, is sharper looking and comfier than before. Kawasaki have simply listened to customer feedback and made small changes which have made a big difference.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineKawasaki have lowered the rear by changing the shock linkage and modified the suspension at both ends. The lowered rear has slightly reduced ground clearance and slowed down the steering slightly compared to the previous model. The steering is ok, just not as neutral as I was expecting. But the feedback is actually impressive, more so from the rear.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityAs the old saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke don't fix it’, which is why Kawasaki have left the motor untouched from the old 2014 model. The bore and stroke and all internals are the same as the old 1043cc Z1000-derived motor. Kawasaki have been forced to clean up the fuelling for Euro 4 and added an eco-friendly exhaust, but essentially it’s the same with near identical power and torque.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueKawasaki have retained a high quality feel while keeping costs low. The clocks now feature a gear position indicator, changeable rev limiter and ambient temperature.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentPrices haven’t been confirmed yet but are expected to be below £10,000 - only a few hundred more than the current model. Impressive considering the amount of rider aids and new technology. ABS now comes as standard, panniers are an optional extra.
Equipment
Kawasaki have added traction control (KTRC), controlled by an integrated Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This is also partnered to the new Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) which modulates braking force, meaning the SX’s traction control and ABS are both lean angle sensitive for the first time; a very similar system to the current ZX-10R. Panniers don’t come as standard and are an optional extra.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1043cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v DOHC in-line four cylinder, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin tube |
| Fuel capacity | 19 litres |
| Seat height | 815mm |
| Bike weight | 235kg |
| Front suspension | 41mm inverted forks, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Horizontally mounted rear shock, adjustable preload and rebound |
| Front brake | 2x300mm petal discs. Tokico four-piston radial calipers |
| Rear brake | 1x250mm petal disc, Tokico single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70ZR17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/50ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 49 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £93 |
| Annual service cost | £260 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £7,000 - £9,500 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 140 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 82 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 165 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 180 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2010: Model introduced
Other versions
Kawasaki Z1000: Super naked version
Other Kawasaki Z model reviews
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2014-on)
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2010-2013)
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2007-2009)
- Kawasaki Z1000 review (2004-2006)
- Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2014-on)
- Kawasaki Z1000SX review (2010-2013)
- Kawasaki Z125 review (2019-on)
- Kawasaki Z250SL review (2015-on)
- Kawasaki Z300 review (2015-on)
- Kawasaki Z400 review (2019-on)
- Kawasaki Z650 review (2017-on)
- Kawasaki Z750 review (2007-2012)
- Kawasaki Z750 review (2003-2006)
- Kawasaki Z750R review (2011-2012)
- Kawasaki Z800 review (2013-on)
- Kawasaki Z900 review (2017-on)
- Kawasaki Z900RS review (2017-on)
- Kawasaki Z900RS Café review (2018-on)
Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI Z1000SX (2017 - 2019)
7 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI Z1000SX (2017 - 2019) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KAWASAKI Z1000SX (2017 - 2019)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £260 |
Year: 2018
Great bike as stock.
Brakes are good but poor initial bite
Paint stone chips easily.
Year: 2017
More power than I'll ever need, brakes to match, every electronic rider support going, comfy to ride, lots of bike up front so weather-proof for year-round riding, great lights, integrated pannier system a joy and she's oh so pretty.
Loves the bends, devours the straights. Even with panniers filtering is easy. I've needed a pee before I've needed to stretch my legs. Commuting on busy roads into Oxford a pleasure, taking the long way home a treat. I ride year-round in all weathers and am enjoying the extra weather protection of the substantial fairings and screen. I am degrees warmer than on the GSR750.
140bhp. Smooth at all revs in every gear. Very forgiving in busy traffic. There's no-one going ahead of you at the lights. Overtaking from 60-90 even in 6th before you know it, drop a gear and she's there before you've even thought about it.
Very early days of course but the finish is superb. Paintwork (burnt orange is the fastest colour) is gorgeous, plastics solid and sturdy, all exposed metal seems well protected.
Purchase seemed excellent value to me, such a lot of bike for the money. MPG varies depending on how good a time I'm giving myself from 30ish to 50ish. Not yet at first service which is just a 'nut-check' at 4500.
Electronic rider supports can be as helpful as you want or not at all. Still on the supplied tyres which are OK, I will change to PR4 when ready I think as I've always enjoyed those. Kawasaki panniers solid. Easy to remove, capacious. No top box option with them so looking for something post-Christmas for when I'm not carting much stuff to and from work. Standard exhausts are a bit of an odd look maybe but I don't really mind and they sound good to me.
Buying experience: On Yer Bike Aylesbury gave a decent deal on a six month old ex-demo with 1000 miles on clock, which they put up to full tourer spec for £9k. Customer service top notch.
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £350
What is there to say apart from what a bike, handling and grip is awesome. And the sound of that exhaust is just wicked when you open it up, blistering speed that will put a smile on your face. You can tour on it or be a hooligan when the time is right.
Love it
6000 miles so far from new and hasn't skipped a beat
Michelin pilot 4's and heated grips, what more is there
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £136
I like its stance, handle bar positsion, and the mirrors are better positioned, not just ornaments. The panniers, how they attach and detach, no ugly mounting frames on show. All the traction and suspension gadgets. I've had this bike over seven months and never tire just taking its cover off and seeing its overall looks, and colour.
The longest l have rode it was approx two hours, back was a bit stiff when l got off. Very lightweight easy to take bends, seems wide, but still easy to filter. City and country roads are not a problem.
Starts first time every time, usual Kawasaki quality, build and finish.
Had to get checked at 600 miles.
How it looks and rides.
Buying experience: Bought from M&S motorcycles in Newcastle, shopped around most of the country and glad to say l got the best deal on my doorstep. Gary was first class, l got the bike at the retail price, but got offered the best part ex value.
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £300
Massive improvement over previous version
Great ride supple and well balanced, handles all roads, this best improvement over the old model. Brakes are top notch for road use. The riders seat is more comfortable now but its still not a two up long haul bike, pillion seat is just to small compared to a proper tourer.
Lovely smooth power delivery,not as vibey as my old model much easier to ride at higher revs. Still got a good top end rush. 140 hp is good enough for most situations.
Lovely paint, finish on other parts not as good as some European brands but that is reflected in the price. No issues with reliability so far.
not much difference to any other 4 cylinder 1000.
New clocks are good, no helmet lock, the std Bridgestone tyres seem to work much better than on the old bike, but i will still try some other brands when worn out
Year: 2017
Excellent bike with one or two issues
Great engine but gearbox needs better refinement when going down in the gears.
Cruise control on longer trips.
Version: Tourer
Year: 2017
This is my second Z1000SX. I loved the first one and I wasn't even going to swap it. But when I read about the improvements on the new Z, it was as if they asked me to write a things they could possibly improve. Head lights, wind protection, seat comfort, gear indicator, outside temperature ... I must say however, I am still slightly disappointed with seat comfort. It is claimed by Kawasaki to have been improved with this new version, but I really can't feel any major difference from previous version. Apart from that, I can't fault it. Amazing bike.
