Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX in the driving report: Sports tourers evolve

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Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX in the driving report

The Greens have evolved the sports tourer

Kawasaki has revised its sports tourer Ninja 1000 SX again for the 2020 model year. We have already been able to drive the express steamer in Spain.

Kawasakis express steamer has been courting the favor of all those who want to combine extended two-wheel tours and refreshing driving dynamics but are not into the look and / or attitude of travel enduros for 10 years. Not entirely unsuccessful, because now there is already facelift No. 4

More electronics and more convenience

With such constant evolution there is naturally less and less to improve, but of course the Japanese engineers were not lazy. So there is now a bit of contemporary digitization: The 4.3-inch color TFT, already known from other Kawasaki models, is arriving and with it the now almost inevitable smartphone integration via Bluetooth.

Kawasaki

There are now also driving modes, namely three pre-configured and one freely configurable. Two power settings (full shower or 75%) and three traction control levels can be thrown together as you like. An integration of the ABS does not take place here despite the multi-axis smart IMU, i.e. the curve-capable anti-lock device only knows one operating mode.

There are also a few comfort features that, curiously, have not made it into the SX in 10 years: heated grips (optional) and cruise control (standard), as well as an almost BMW-esque selection of improved seating options of various heights and comfort levels.

Nice, but not decisive in terms of driving dynamics. Just like the extremely moderately adapted cladding look, which justified the recently awarded sports label "Ninja" in the last update.

Successful new tire choice

Speaking of sports. It was shaped from the beginning by the characteristically rough and energetic four-cylinder heart. A Kawa unit through and through in the best sense of the word, therefore only manageable changes on this front: New mapping, a new single rear silencer, newly designed intake trumpet. Everything for slightly better manners and Euro 5. The newly introduced automatic switch promises a little extra entertainment.

Just like what is probably the most relevant innovation in terms of driving dynamics: The Bridgestone S20 first tires in special specification "N", much criticized for their getting used to, was finally allowed to follow the much more up-to-date S22 rubber from the same company, again in a specially mixed special compound.

It’s hard to recognize how neutral and trustworthy the Touring Ninja is now. Curves of all colors can be divided safely and precisely without any excitement. Surprises: none. Just as calmly, the bearish broadband quad shortens the annoying straight lines in between, almost independent of gear and speed: known to be strong and now a little creamier on the throttle, as usual full of character in the acoustics. The automatic gearshift works perfectly in both directions and also supports the sporty motor experience.

Spring elements became more sensitive

The response of the slightly redesigned chassis has also improved noticeably and now offers an almost perfect compromise between firmness and comfort. Drivers over 100 kilos can encourage the rear to pump lightly at a very brisk pace, but this can be remedied in no time thanks to the full adjustability and practical preload control using the hand wheel.

Otherwise everything as usual: long-distance skills from seating comfort to wind protection and dynamics suitable for hobby racers from engine to chassis. You have to contort to find points of criticism, but here you go: the paths of the fluffy transmission are a bit long, the ratio in sixth gear is a bit short in the long run and the vibrations between 5,000 and 8,000 revolutions are somewhat present . But after all, you have to save a little something for facelift number 5.

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX is available in stores now, prices start at 13,745 euros plus additional costs.

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