KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX — Top Speed 280 km/h (174 mph)

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX a good buy? Quick answer

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has a listed top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph) with 142 hp, 111 Nm torque, 1000 cc engine, 235 kg curb weight. It sits in the Touring segment and is better matched to experienced sport riders than absolute beginners. Compare rivals side-by-side using the tools on this page.

Feature Value
Brand KAWASAKI
Model KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX
Engine size 1000 cc
Power 142 hp
Torque 111 Nm
Cylinder / Valve 4 Cylinders, 16 valves
Weight 235 kg (518 lb)
Front Brake 300 mm dual disc, Radially mounted monoblock 4-piston caliper
Rear Brake 250 mm single disc, Single-piston caliper
Seat Height 83.5 cm (32.9 in)
Front Tyre 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tyre 190/55ZR17M/C (75W)
Cooling Liquid Cooled
Front Suspension 41 mm inverted fork, stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustable
Rear Suspension Horizontal back-link, gas-charged, stepless rebound damping, spring preload adjustable
Motorcycle Type Touring
Top Speed 280 km/h (174 mph)
Fuel Capacity 19 L (5 US gal)
Fuel Consumption 6.0 L/100 km (39.2 mpg US)
Prevalence of Service Network
Service Quality
Spare Parts Availability
Price $13,699
For Other Motorcycle Price Lists Click for KAWASAKI Price List

Spec-based reading of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX as a Touring: focus on the numbers that match how you ride — power, weight, seat height, and fuel range — then verify with a dealer test ride.

Pros

  • Liquid cooling for more consistent heat management

Cons

  • Heavy curb weight (~235 kg / 518 lb) — parking and U-turns need more care
  • Tall seat (~835 mm / 32.9 in) — shorter riders should test fit

Who is it for?

Best suited for long-distance and highway riders.

Who is it not for?

Less ideal for very short riders who need both feet flat at stops, brand-new riders looking for a first motorcycle.

Commuting / city use

As a touring motorcycle, city use is possible, but size and weight may need more attention in dense traffic.

Highway / longer rides

Highway comfort, range, and passenger/luggage use are the strengths of the touring segment.

Good for beginners?

Power and/or sport focus make the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX a demanding first motorcycle. Newer riders should usually step up gradually.

Seat height & rider fit

Seat height is about 835 mm (32.9 in). Shorter riders should sit on the bike before deciding.

Fuel economy & range

Listed fuel use is about 6 L/100 km (~39.2 mpg US). With a ~19 L tank, theoretical range is around 317 km (real-world range varies).

Two-up riding

Two-up comfort depends on seat length, passenger pegs, and load capacity — check fit with a passenger before long trips.

Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

Our specification data lists 280 km/h (174 mph) for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX.

How much horsepower does the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX have?

Listed power is 142 hp.

How much torque does the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX have?

Listed torque is 111 Nm.

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

Engine displacement is listed as 1000 cc.

How much does the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX weigh?

Curb weight is listed at about 235 kg (518 lb).

What is the seat height of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

Seat height is about 835 mm (32.9 in).

What is the fuel economy of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

Listed consumption is about 6 L/100 km (about 39.2 mpg US).

What is the fuel range of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

Theoretical range is around 317 km based on tank size and listed consumption; real-world range varies with riding style.

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX liquid cooled?

Yes — it is listed as liquid-cooled.

How many cylinders does the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX have?

It is listed as a 4-cylinder engine.

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX good for beginners?

Power and/or sport focus make the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX a demanding first motorcycle. Newer riders should usually step up gradually.

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX good for commuting?

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX can work well for commuting, although its size and touring-focused design may be more than some riders need for short urban trips.

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX good for highway riding?

With a listed top speed of 280 km/h, the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX has enough performance for typical highway speeds and overtaking. Long-distance comfort still depends on riding position, wind protection and rider preference.

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX suitable for short riders?

Seat height is about 835 mm (32.9 in). Shorter riders should sit on the bike before deciding.

Is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX A2 licence friendly?

A2 licence fit depends on power and power-to-weight limits (≤35 kW and ≤0.2 kW/kg). Based on listed figures, it may exceed typical A2 limits unless a restricted kit version exists.

What are the pros of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

Liquid cooling for more consistent heat management.

What are the cons of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

Heavy curb weight (~235 kg / 518 lb) — parking and U-turns need more care; Tall seat (~835 mm / 32.9 in) — shorter riders should test fit.

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