Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Kawasaki ZX-10R
The Kawasaki ZX-10R is the more powerful choice, while the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has the lower seat. The ZX-10R produces 200 hp (149 kW), giving it an edge when acceleration reserve matters. The Ninja 1000SX suits riders who value a lower seating position, while the ZX-10R favors those seeking stronger performance. Both are Kawasaki motorcycles with distinct sport and sport-touring priorities, so the better fit depends on which of those riding needs matters more.
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Kawasaki ZX-10R: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 998 cm³ |
| Power | 141 hp (105 kW) | 200 hp (149 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 228 kg | 206 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 815 mm | 835 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L |
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 2019 | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 998 cm³ |
| Power | 141 hp (105 kW) | 200 hp (149 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 114.9 Nm — Favorable value |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 x 56.0 mm | 76.0 x 55.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 | 13.0:1 |
| 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 2019 | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 228 kg | 206 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 815 mm | 835 mm |
| Length | 2,040 mm | 2,085 mm |
| Width | 790 mm | 740 mm |
| Height | 1,050 mm | 1,145 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,435 mm | 1,395 mm |
| Ground clearance | 125 mm | 145 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminium twin tube | Twin spar, cast aluminium |
| Front suspension | Inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability | 43mm inverted Balance Free Fork, adjustable stepless rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged with stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability | Horizontal Back-link with BFRC lite gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, |
| Front wheel travel | 41 mm | 119 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 141 mm | 140 mm |
| Rake | 24.5° | 25.0° |
| Trail | 102 mm | 107 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Kawasaki ZX-10RModel year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Hydraulic. Four-piston calipers. | Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc |
| Front brake diameter | 310 mm | 330 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 250 mm | 220 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 190/50-17 | 190/55-ZR17 |
| ABS | Yes | Optional |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) from 2019 and Kawasaki ZX-10R from 2019.
Power
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
141 hp (105 kW)
Kawasaki ZX-10R
200 hp (149 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
228 kg
Kawasaki ZX-10R
206 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
1,043 cm³
Highlighted valueKawasaki ZX-10R
998 cm³
Torque
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
111 Nm
Kawasaki ZX-10R
114.9 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
815 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki ZX-10R
835 mm
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Kawasaki ZX-10R: which one to choose?
- Choose Kawasaki ZX-10R for highway riding with a passenger; its 42 % power advantage adds acceleration reserve.
- Choose Kawasaki ZX-10R for city pushing and parking: its comparable wet-weight advantage is 22 kg.
- Choose Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) for shorter-rider ground reach: its seat is lower by 20 mm.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Kawasaki ZX-10R has more power: 200 hp (149 kW) versus 141 hp (105 kW) for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX), supporting greater acceleration potential but not guaranteeing a higher top speed.
- Which is lighter to push into a parking space?
- The Kawasaki ZX-10R is lighter at 206 kg wet, compared with 228 kg wet for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX).
- Which has the lower seat?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has the lower seat at 815 mm, compared with 835 mm for the Kawasaki ZX-10R.