Opinions on Kawasaki z1000sx

BKtje

Hi folks. Just over two years after taking my first plunge into motorbikes and thinking it's time for an upgrade.

I currently have a Ninja 300, which I still adore, but as my bike is currently my sole form of transport all year round I'd like something similar but more comfortable and powerful for those longer trips through the mountains. This of course led me to my bikes bigger brothers and especially the Z1000SX (or Ninja 1000)

Has anyone on here have any first hand experience of it? Reviewers seem to like it and it seems to be fairly much in my price range (looking to go new again). Not to mention the Kawasaki panniers look class for those longer trips

Are there any other bikes I should be looking at? It needs to be decent for daily use and not have too many problems with wind at motorway speeds. Comfortable for a pillion would be great as well.

Thanks for any and all advice!

blade1

Seems to tick the boxes that you require.
Would a Yamaha MT-09 Tracer interest you at all?
Being a triple,something a bit different to the sx that you might like to consider

BKtje

I'm open to having a look at anything really. Will read up on it, thanks for the suggestions.

blade1

The tracer is a bike that I would love to try out.
Not saying there's anything wrong with Kawasaki but id prefer the Yamaha.
Each to their own though.
Try and test ride as many as you can when finding the right bike for you.

Here's a review of the tracer
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/yamaha/mt-09-tracer/2015/

BKtje

Just read a few reviews and it seems like a serious machine. A fair bit cheaper than the Z1000SX (guts of 4k over here) without losing out too much. It doesn't have the option of those super stylish panniers but that's something I can live without (especially since they cost about 1k as well!) I prefer the overall look of the Kawa though.

There's a Yamaha dealer near me (my go to mechanic actually) so I'll see if they have one in the showroom and/or available for test drive.

Really thanks for the heads up, it looks a serious initial contender.

blade1

BKtje wrote: »

Just read a few reviews and it seems like a serious machine. A fair bit cheaper than the Z1000SX (guts of 4k over here) without losing out too much. It doesn't have the option of those super stylish panniers but that's something I can live without (especially since they cost about 1k as well!) I prefer the overall look of the Kawa though.

There's a Yamaha dealer near me (my go to mechanic actually) so I'll see if they have one in the showroom and/or available for test drive.

Really thanks for the heads up, it looks a serious initial contender.

There are new ones advertised on Donedeal by a dealer for 10'995 I think which is a good price.
I am not one for buying brand new bikes but a couple of years down the line I will be checking out one for sure.

BKtje

I'm in Switzerland and since the strengthening of the franc vs the euro many dealers are now giving "Euro discounts", basically a temporary drop in price. The MT-09 tracer is currently at a little under 10k euro from about 12k (Z1000SX at about 13.5k euro down from 16k).

I agree with you that it's better to buy a bike/car that's a few years old but I'm a sucker for new shiny things, especially when I'm placing my life in their hands. That said I found a couple of Z1000SX with 1-3k km on them for between 9 and 12k euro. I'd be wondering why their price was so low but might be worth checking out as well.

BKtje

So finally starting to move on this. Just test drove the 09 tracer, in the rain, and I must say it was a joy. Very comfortable, plenty of power (though perhaps hard for me to judge coming from a 300cc) and a fuel economy at 80kph is in around 3.1l per 100km (according to the display) so nicely economical. I didn't try sport mode seeing as it was belting down but I can imagine the power.

I'm still not totally sold on the looks of it and while the upright seating position will be great for touring I wonder whether my weekend jaunts would be as fun.

I'm going to test out the z1000sx on Thursday or Friday (hoping the dealer has one available...) so I guess I'll make a final decision this week.

Apparently the dealer only has 1 mt 09 tracer left and won't get more till September. Over 700 sold in Switzerland already since launch!

jimgoose

Beautiful-looking bike, the Z100SX. It reminds me of the old GPz1000RX for some reason.

BKtje

Funny that you should say that as I don't really like the look of the GPz1000RX!

jimgoose

BKtje wrote: »

Funny that you should say that as I don't really like the look of the GPz1000RX!

What kind of talk is that?? Next you'll be telling me you don't like the Honda VF1000 Bol d'Or! :pac:

BKtje

jimgoose wrote: »

What kind of talk is that?? Next you'll be telling me you don't like the Honda VF1000 Bol d'Or! :pac:

Just had to google it and not sold on it either. I think it's the rectangular headlight that does it though I much prefer it to the GPz1000rx

Wonda-Boy

I test drove the Z1000sx in McCallans not so long ago. Lovely looking bike (terrible looking exhaust) bags of power and great handling and super brakes and lovely grunt from the engine. Screen is really really poor in both looks and function very cheap looking too. Riding position is very strange also, it feels like you are sitting on the handle bars you are that close to them. To me its trying to be the perfect hybrid of super sports and sports touring and doesnt get either right...you are sitting pretty much straight up which doesnt suit the bike IMHO.

Lovely bike all the same just wasnt for me.

Take a spin on a Versys 1000 also or if you really want to be the best of the best the new S1100XR from BMW.....what a beast of a machine but more buttons then a grannies jumper!!!!

BKtje

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

I test drove the Z1000sx in McCallans not so long ago. Lovely looking bike (terrible looking exhaust) bags of power and great handling and super brakes and lovely grunt from the engine.

I don't actually mind the look of the exhausts too much but most people I spoke to have the same opinion as yourself.

[/quote]
Screen is really really poor in both looks and function very cheap looking too. Riding position is very strange also, it feels like you are sitting on the handle bars you are that close to them. To me its trying to be the perfect hybrid of super sports and sports touring and doesnt get either right...you are sitting pretty much straight up which doesnt suit the bike IMHO.
[/quote]
First i've heard of the shoddy screen, something I'll be sure to check out when doing the test drive. As I'm quite short (5foot 6) I wonder if I'll have the same problem with regards the handlebars, perhaps I'm already used to it since the Ninja 300 is in part styled on the Z1000SX (or Ninja 1000 in the US) though you aren't sitting straight up on the 300 so I dunno. Sure will see later this week

Take a spin on a Versys 1000 also or if you really want to be the best of the best the new S1100XR from BMW.....what a beast of a machine but more buttons then a grannies jumper!!!!

I read that the new Versys 1000 is quite a tall bike which might give me problems which is why I never really considered it Will ask the Kawa dealer for a test drive anyway, nothing to lose!

I've kind of ignored BMW's but will give the S1100XR a look see, i do love my buttons!

Cheers

GoTilUBlow

Sat on a Z750, similar architecture, felt like my knees were scraping the ground and elbows up in the air, position feels way too far forward

blade1

GoTilUBlow wrote: »

Sat on a Z750, similar architecture, felt like my knees were scraping the ground and elbows up in the air, position feels way too far forward

Check this out! http://cycle-ergo.com

BKtje

That's a great tool!

Cuddlesworth

Same seating position as my ER6, which I love. You need to hold on with the legs, not with weight on the bars.

Cienciano

blade1 wrote: »

Seems to tick the boxes that you require.
Would a Yamaha MT-09 Tracer interest you at all?
Being a triple,something a bit different to the sx that you might like to consider

I'm not a fan of the Tracer. It's a really sterile looking version of the Mt-09.

Wonda-Boy

Cienciano wrote: »

I'm not a fan of the Tracer. It's a really sterile looking version of the Mt-09.

But the ride, performance and handling more then make up for it from the reviews. I have seen far worse looking machines tbh.

prunudo

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

But the ride, performance and handling more then make up for it from the reviews. I have seen far worse looking machines tbh.

Haven't had a go but I wasn't that impressed with it when I saw it at the rds, although as you say the reviews do seem positive.

Wonda-Boy

jvan wrote: »

Haven't had a go but I wasn't that impressed with it when I saw it at the rds, although as you say the reviews do seem positive.

I think the price makes it a whole lot more attractive TBH.

blade1

Cienciano wrote: »

I'm not a fan of the Tracer. It's a really sterile looking version of the Mt-09.

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

But the ride, performance and handling more then make up for it from the reviews. I have seen far worse looking machines tbh.

jvan wrote: »

Haven't had a go but I wasn't that impressed with it when I saw it at the rds, although as you say the reviews do seem positive.

They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

prunudo

blade1 wrote: »

They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Maybe if I win that Today fm competition I'll be eating some pudding

blade1

jvan wrote: »

Maybe if I win that Today fm competition I'll be eating some pudding

What's this?????????

prunudo

blade1 wrote: »

What's this?????????

The chance to win €10k, that would cover the cost of a new tracer

blade1

jvan wrote: »

The chance to win €10k, that would cover the cost of a new tracer

I see.
Best of luck so!!

prunudo

blade1 wrote: »

I see.
Best of luck so!!

Ha, I'll need it, never win anything! But sure as they say, if you're not in, you can't win

BKtje

Got a craving for some pudding now, thanks folks.

Test drove the Z1000SX today. Night and day for me between 09 tracer and Z1000SX. That excitement that was missing from the test drive yesterday was there in abundance this afternoon (although to be fair, it was a nice sunny day which helped).

Kept it in newbie mode for the whole drive (Low power and maximum traction control) and the power still blew me away. Was literally laughing away to myself with sheer joy.

I had no problems with regards the handlebar position and while the screen did look a little "off" it didn't cause me any undue concern. Can always change it at a later date if needs be.

Guy offered me more or less what I was hoping for in trade in value as well (minus a few hundred for some nasty scrapes on the faring where bike had toppled over last summer) so I came away from the whole experience very positive. Will have a think over the next day or so but am thinking that by end of next week I'll have a new bike.

Also gave the Versys 1000 a go and while the engine was great (not surprising since it's the same as the Z1000SX) it still felt somewhat similar to the Yamaha in seating position etc which just doesn't seem to do it for me.

Wonda-Boy

Good stuff, if you had that huge grin then run with it i say.

Very best of luck.

BKtje

Went and ordered it today to bring an end to this chapter. Am delighted though it's going to be a long week to wait.

Also bread and water is what I'll be eating for a month or so

blade1

Throw up a few pics when you get her!!!!!!!!

BKtje

Will do. Am going take her out for a trip run my local mountains on saturday to get used to her which I'll probably video as well so as to have a memento for later on

Thanks everyone for advice and comments

Wonda-Boy

Videos would be great, see what we are all missing.

BKtje

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Videos would be great, see what we are all missing.

You won't be missing much that first drive, just someone taking a lot of care getting used to a new heavier and more powerful bike!

gctest50

jimgoose wrote: »

Beautiful-looking bike, the Z100SX. It reminds me of the old GPz1000RX for some reason.

necessary faster :

BKtje

Got a call at the start of the afternoon asking me whether I could come collect her today. Apparently the dealer already has someone wanting to rent my old Ninja 300 for the weekend but it would need to be limited to 25kw thus he needed it sooner if possible to do the work. I was more than happy to oblige.

Only got to do about 60km thus far in taking the long way home but I absolutely love it. The extra noise is going to take some getting used to, maybe have to buy myself some earplugs (or a better helmet :pac:) but it was a joy. Nice and comfy, lots of power (still only used it in low power mode though), it's gorgeous (with and without panniers) and plenty of buttons to play with

Took a photo of the old bike and my dad initially didn't notice the difference since the styling is so similar although in person the Z1000SX is a good size up.

Tomorrow will take her on a run through the pre-alps which I hope to film (if I can find my camera.) and which I am immensely looking forward to. Going to be over 34 degrees as well!

I've attached some pics as promised (with one of my old bike thrown in for comparison).

Wonda-Boy

BKtje wrote: »

Got a call at the start of the afternoon asking me whether I could come collect her today. Apparently the dealer already has someone wanting to rent my old Ninja 300 for the weekend but it would need to be limited to 25kw thus he needed it sooner if possible to do the work. I was more than happy to oblige.

Only got to do about 60km thus far in taking the long way home but I absolutely love it. The extra noise is going to take some getting used to, maybe have to buy myself some earplugs (or a better helmet :pac:) but it was a joy. Nice and comfy, lots of power (still only used it in low power mode though), it's gorgeous (with and without panniers) and plenty of buttons to play with

Took a photo of the old bike and my dad initially didn't notice the difference since the styling is so similar although in person the Z1000SX is a good size up.

Tomorrow will take her on a run through the pre-alps which I hope to film (if I can find my camera.) and which I am immensely looking forward to. Going to be over 34 degrees as well!

I've attached some pics as promised (with one of my old bike thrown in for comparison).

Its a striking bike I wish you the very best. Take it easy and she will give you hrs of pleasure.

Where you not tempted by the Kwacker Green at all?

BKtje

Not for a second, though hesitated for a red one. There are some green bits, namely the suspension setter and endsv of the forks. Guess this way i can never forget what I'm on ;D

Wossack

looks well in the black imo

Wonda-Boy

BKtje wrote: »

Not for a second, though hesitated for a red one. There are some green bits, namely the suspension setter and endsv of the forks. Guess this way i can never forget what I'm on ;D

Nah, black in fact looks better then the red. The exhaust sticks out alot more (cosmetically speaking) on the green and red.

goodlad

Animal bike man. Although im surprised you think the stock exhausts on them are noisy. I would consider them quiet as a mouse... haha! Get some aftermarket exhausts on and then see what you think

BKtje

Yeah i know they ain't really noisey but for me it's like the difference between me singing in the shower and a rock concert compared to old bike.

BKtje

Went for a 150km spin through the pre alps yesterday. I seriously love the bike but it's quite thirsty. That said it's probably down to heavy uphil acceleration between hairpins, the gauge was in free fall but ****it, so much fun.

During normal sendible usage it claims to have a range left of 150km even though I'm on my last bar. Guess I'll see over next few months the cost of heavy vs light throttle.

Wonda-Boy

Compared to a 250cc a new born baby is more thirsty.....lol

Wossack

Yea, youve 4x 250s under ya now..!

Wonda-Boy

Wossack wrote: »

Yea, youve 4x 250s under ya now..!

And his own weight....lol

BKtje

More like 3.5 300cc

Wonda-Boy

Stick more pics up mate with nice scenery in the background. Was in Switerland last year on the bike with a few lads off here, sadly I did not get to see much of the place which is a shame.

BKtje

Only took one pic on that first ride but will be doing some touring over the summer so will get some more.