Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Honda ST1300
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) is more powerful, while the Honda ST1300 is lighter and has the lower seat. The Kawasaki’s 142 hp (106 kW) gives it the higher peak output, while the Honda’s larger engine and tank suit its touring role. The Ninja emphasizes stronger output, whereas the ST1300 pairs a lower seating position with greater fuel capacity, giving riders a clear choice between power and a more accessible seat.


Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Honda ST1300: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 | Honda ST1300Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 1,261 cm³ |
| Power | 142 hp (106 kW) — Favorable value | 126 hp (94 kW) |
| Wet weight | 230 kg — Favorable value | 329 kg |
| Seat height | 820 mm | 778 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19 L | 29 L — Favorable value |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 | Honda ST1300Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 1,261 cm³ |
| Power | 142 hp (106 kW) — Favorable value | 126 hp (94 kW) |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 125 Nm — Favorable value |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | V four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 x 56.0 mm | 78.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 | Honda ST1300Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 5-speed |
| Final drive | Chain | Shaft |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 | Honda ST1300Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 230 kg — Favorable value | 329 kg |
| Dry weight | 228 kg — Favorable value | 283 kg |
| Seat height | 820 mm | 778 mm |
| Length | 2,105 mm | 2,270 mm |
| Width | 790 mm | 860 mm |
| Height | 1,170 mm | 1,390 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,445 mm | 1,491 mm |
| Ground clearance | 135 mm | 135 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19 L | 29 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 | Honda ST1300Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminium twin-tube | Diamond triple-box-section aluminium twin-spar |
| Front suspension | 41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability | 45mm HMAS cartridge fork |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability | HMAS gas-charged single shock with five-position spring-preload adjustability |
| Front wheel travel | 41 mm | 117 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 141 mm | 122 mm |
| Rake | 24.5° | 26.0° |
| Trail | 102 mm | 98 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 | Honda ST1300Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS. | Double disc. Floating discs. CBS three-piston calipers. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Optional ABS. | Single disc. CBS three-piston calipers. |
| Front brake diameter | 300 mm | 310 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 250 mm | 316 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR18 |
| Rear tire | 190/50-ZR17 | 170/60-ZR17 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) from 2018 and Honda ST1300 from 2018.
Power
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
142 hp (106 kW)
Highlighted valueHonda ST1300
126 hp (94 kW)
Wet weight
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
230 kg
Highlighted valueHonda ST1300
329 kg
Engine capacity
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
1,043 cm³
Honda ST1300
1,261 cm³
Highlighted valueTorque
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
111 Nm
Honda ST1300
125 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
820 mm
Honda ST1300
778 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Honda ST1300: which one to choose?
- Choose Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) if easier pushing and parking in city use matters; its comparable wet weight is lower by 99 kg.
- Choose Honda ST1300 if reaching the ground matters; its seat is lower by 42 mm.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has more power, at 142 hp (106 kW) versus 126 hp (94 kW) for the Honda ST1300.
- Which motorcycle is lighter?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) is lighter: it weighs 230 kg wet, compared with 329 kg wet for the Honda ST1300.
- Which motorcycle has greater engine capacity?
- The Honda ST1300 has the larger engine, at 1,261 cm³ versus 1,043 cm³ for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX).