WHAT IS IT LIKE?

I bought my new Z1000SX last year. Being near Bournemouth I bought it from Bournemouth Kawasaki (superb dealers) and home to Kawasaki's BSB team.

Having had many bikes Cars over the years my last was a VFR1200F and I wanted something that could tour but also cope with the twisties. I test rode a few bikes including the MT-09, MT-10 Tourer (crazy bike but great fun), H2 SX (licence loser) and the SX. Overall the SX was the best for my needs, it fitted the criteria and then some.

Living With It

To me, it looks superb in the classy Emerald Green. I went for the tourer pack with the spacious panniers, but aesthetically I have improved the looks by adding an R&G tail tidy and smoked screen. Being an oddball, I like the look of the standard cans, but they're not to everyone's taste.

The engine is a peach. Smooth, almost turbine like with an amazing top end rush at 7,000rpm that reels the horizon in swiftly. Kawasaki have also waved a magic wand on the airbox, giving an addictive howl. The gearbox with its slipper clutch is positive in its action as is the light clutch.

Being 2018, it benefits from the latest electronic wizardry with cornering ABS, switchable power modes and amazing LED headlights. These are superior to my BMW 5-Series xenons..

So, Any Negatives?

Just a few, but nothing major. The seat isn't great, buy a gel seat, I did and it transforms it.

The pillion perch isn't the best, my wife finds it cramped, so get a divorce and be happy. It feels slightly buzzy, but coming off a V4, perhaps it is me and not the bike. Maybe I'll drop a tooth on the rear as this seems a popular mod, as I'm sure it would pull this with ease.

Beyond doubt, it's the best bike I've ever owned. It may not be the best tourer, the best sports bike or most powerful, but it covers all these bases admirably.

There are very few direct competitors, the most obvious being the 

Suzuki GSX-S1000F

 however the Kawasaki Motorcycle has a far better pillion perch and hard luggage so makes a sensible tourer. The model is Kawasaki's biggest seller and with good reason. Go buy one, you won't regret it.