Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Yamaha MT-10
The Yamaha MT-10 is more powerful and lighter than the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX); they are very close in specifications. The Yamaha produces 160 hp (120 kW), while the Kawasaki remains a sport-touring alternative with the same seat height and tank capacity. Their specifications otherwise point to distinct priorities, with the Yamaha's lower wet weight standing out and the Kawasaki offering greater engine capacity. Choose based on which of those differences matters more to your riding.
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Yamaha MT-10: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha MT-10Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 998 cm³ |
| Power | 141 hp (105 kW) | 160 hp (120 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 228 kg | 210 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 815 mm | 815 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 | Yamaha MT-10Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,043 cm³ | 998 cm³ |
| Power | 141 hp (105 kW) | 160 hp (120 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 x 56.0 mm | 79.0 x 50.9 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| 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 | Yamaha MT-10Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | Multiplate assist and slipper clutch |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha MT-10Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 228 kg | 210 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 815 mm | 815 mm |
| Length | 2,040 mm | 2,095 mm |
| Width | 790 mm | 800 mm |
| Height | 1,050 mm | 1,110 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,435 mm | 1,400 mm |
| Ground clearance | 125 mm | 130 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 L | 17 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha MT-10Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminium twin tube | Aluminium Deltabox |
| Front suspension | Inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability | 43mm KYB® inverted fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged with stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability | KYB® piggyback shock, fully adjustable |
| Front wheel travel | 41 mm | 119 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 141 mm | 119 mm |
| Rake | 24.5° | 24.0° |
| Trail | 102 mm | 102 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 | Yamaha MT-10Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Hydraulic. Four-piston calipers. | Double disc. ABS. Hydraulic. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc. ABS. Hydraulic. |
| Front brake diameter | 310 mm | 320 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 | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) from 2019 and Yamaha MT-10 from 2019.
Power
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
141 hp (105 kW)
Yamaha MT-10
160 hp (120 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
228 kg
Yamaha MT-10
210 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
1,043 cm³
Highlighted valueYamaha MT-10
998 cm³
Torque
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
111 Nm
Yamaha MT-10
111 Nm
Seat height
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
815 mm
Yamaha MT-10
815 mm
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) vs Yamaha MT-10: which one to choose?
These models are very close in specifications.
- The Yamaha MT-10 is 18 kg lighter than the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) on their shared wet-weight basis.
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has 1,043 cm³ of displacement, compared with the Yamaha MT-10's smaller engine.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Yamaha MT-10 has more power, at 160 hp (120 kW) versus 141 hp (105 kW) for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX).
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- Neither has a lower seat; both seat heights are 815 mm.
- Which motorcycle has the larger fuel tank?
- Neither has a larger tank; both have a capacity of 17 L.