Kawasaki·Sport-Tourisme·1043cc

Ninja 1000 SX

↘ Evolution history · 2011 → 2024
14
Years of production
4
Generations
1043
current cc
142
Horsepower
14
Vintages

The versatile sport-tourer. 142 hp, complete electronics, accessible price.

↓ Changes year by year
Gen 4 · 2020 — 2024
NINJA 1000SX — EURO 5 & FULL ELECTRONICS

2020 overhaul: new name Ninja 1000SX, Euro 5 with ride-by-wire, bi-directional KQS, cruise control, Bluetooth TFT, 4 riding modes and slipper clutch. The most complete electronics package in the sport-touring segment at its price. Replaced by the Ninja 1100SX in 2025.

2024
AAesthetics
Last model year before the Ninja 1100SX — full equipment carried over
Minor
2023
AAesthetics
Colours carried over — no notable change
Minor
2022
AAesthetics
New Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Diablo Black colours — equipment unchanged
Minor
2021
AAesthetics
New Metallic Matte Fusion Silver Green colour — equipment unchanged
Minor
2020
MEngine
Euro 5 with ride-by-wire — power maintained at 142 hp / 111 Nm
Major
EElectronics
4 riding modes (Sport / Road / Rain / Rider), bi-directional KQS quickshifter, cruise control, improved KIBS
Major
EElectronics
Colour Bluetooth TFT — RIDEOLOGY app (calls, music, GPS) — first in the range
Major
CFrame
Assist & Slipper clutch — 20% lighter lever pull — Bridgestone S22 tyres
Medium
AAesthetics
New name Ninja 1000SX — updated design consistent with 2020 Ninja range
Medium
Buyer radar
2022

Bluetooth TFT, bi-directional KQS, cruise control — the complete package for ~€10,000 used.

TOP BUY
2020

First Euro 5 ride-by-wire in the range. Some TFT bugs reported on 2020 — prefer 2021+.

GOOD PICK
Gen 3 · 2017 — 2019
Z1000SX/NINJA 1000 — IMU & EURO 4

Major 2017 overhaul: Bosch 6-axis IMU, lean-sensitive KTRC, KCMF, Showa BPF fork, revised cockpit, taller windscreen. Engine reaches 142 hp and meets Euro 4. Renamed Ninja 1000 in most markets.

2019
AAesthetics
New Metallic Spark Black / Flat Ebony colour — last year for the Z1000SX name in Europe
Minor
2018
AAesthetics
Colours carried over — no notable change
Minor
2017
MEngine
Euro 4 engine — power raised to 142 hp / 111 Nm
Major
EElectronics
Bosch 6-axis IMU — lean-sensitive KTRC and KCMF — cornering ABS — first in segment at this price
Major
CFrame
Adjustable 41mm Showa BPF fork — revised cockpit — taller adjustable windscreen
Major
Buyer radar
2018

Proven IMU, cornering ABS and 142 hp — excellent sport-tourer used buy under €9,000.

TOP BUY
Gen 2 · 2014 — 2016
Z1000SX — TRACTION CONTROL

Significant 2014 update: 3-mode KTRC, two power modes, monoblock radial calipers and taller 6th gear. The Z1000SX enters the electronic aids era.

2016
AAesthetics
Colours carried over — no notable change
Minor
2015
AAesthetics
New Pearl Brilliant White colour — range carried over
Minor
2014
EElectronics
3-mode KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) and 2 power modes (Full / Low) standard
Medium
CFrame
Monoblock radial-mounted brake calipers — 3% stiffer rear shock — remote preload adjuster
Medium
MEngine
Taller 6th gear ratio for more relaxed highway cruising rpm
Medium
Buyer radar
2015

KTRC and improved braking. Most complete Gen 2 — good spec-to-price used buy.

GOOD PICK
Gen 1 · 2011 — 2013
Z1000SX — LAUNCH

Derived from the 2010 Z1000, the Z1000SX arrives with full fairing, raised position, 19 L tank and reworked suspension. It creates an accessible performance sport-tourer based on a 1043cc four-cylinder.

2013
AAesthetics
Colours carried over — no notable change
Minor
2012
AAesthetics
New Candy Diamond Orange colour — sold as Ninja 1000 in some non-European markets
Minor
2011
MEngine
Launch — 1043cc 4-cyl 138hp / 110Nm carried over from 2010 Z1000, recalibrated for road use
Major
CFrame
Full fairing, comfortable dual seat, 19 L tank (vs 15 L Z1000), pillion grab handles
Major
CFrame
Reworked suspension for comfort: softer rear shock, increased travel
Major
Buyer radar
2012

Proven concept, solid Z1000 engine. Lack of traction control dates it against 2012 rivals.

GOOD PICK