Yamaha FJR1300 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
Yamaha FJR1300 is the more powerful choice, while Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) is lighter. The Yamaha’s 146 hp (109 kW) gives it the higher output, but that alone does not settle which sport-tourer is the better fit. The Kawasaki’s lower mass supports easier pushing and parking, while the Yamaha’s lower seat may make ground reach easier. Both offer a sport-touring focus, so the practical distinction is whether you value less weight or a lower seating position more.
Yamaha FJR1300 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX): specifications
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha FJR1300Model year 2019 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,298 cm³ | 1,043 cm³ |
| Power | 146 hp (109 kW) — Favorable value | 141 hp (105 kW) |
| Wet weight | 288.9 kg | 228 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 805 mm | 815 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 25 L — Favorable value | 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 | Yamaha FJR1300Model year 2019 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,298 cm³ | 1,043 cm³ |
| Power | 146 hp (109 kW) — Favorable value | 141 hp (105 kW) |
| Torque | 138 Nm — Favorable value | 111 Nm |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 x 66.2 mm | 77.0 x 56.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha FJR1300Model year 2019 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 6-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Multiplate assist-and-slipper wet clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final drive | Shaft | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha FJR1300Model year 2019 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 288.9 kg | 228 kg — Favorable value |
| Dry weight | 264.9 kg | 221 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 805 mm | 815 mm |
| Length | 2,230 mm | 2,040 mm |
| Width | 749 mm | 790 mm |
| Height | 1,326 mm | 1,050 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,544 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm | 125 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 25 L — Favorable value | 17 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha FJR1300Model year 2019 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminium, Diamond Shaped | Aluminium twin tube |
| Front suspension | 48mm fork, fully adjustable | Inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Rear suspension | Single shock, adjustable preload and rebound damping, 4.9-in travel | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged with stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Front wheel travel | 135 mm | 41 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 124 mm | 141 mm |
| Rake | 26.0° | 24.5° |
| Trail | 109 mm | 102 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha FJR1300Model year 2019 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Unified Brake System and ABS | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Hydraulic. Four-piston calipers. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Unified Brake System and ABS | Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers. |
| Front brake diameter | 320 mm | 310 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 282 mm | 250 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-ZR17 | 190/50-17 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
This comparison uses Yamaha FJR1300 from 2019 and Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) from 2019.
Power
Yamaha FJR1300
146 hp (109 kW)
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
141 hp (105 kW)
Wet weight
Yamaha FJR1300
288.9 kg
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
228 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Yamaha FJR1300
1,298 cm³
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
1,043 cm³
Torque
Yamaha FJR1300
138 Nm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
111 Nm
Seat height
Yamaha FJR1300
805 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
815 mm
Yamaha FJR1300 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX): which one to choose?
- Choose Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) if easier pushing and parking in city use matter; it is 60.9 kg lighter.
- Choose Yamaha FJR1300 if reaching the ground more easily matters; its seat is lower by 10 mm.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- Yamaha FJR1300 has more power, at 146 hp (109 kW) versus 141 hp (105 kW) for Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX).
- Which motorcycle is lighter?
- Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) is lighter at 228 kg wet, compared with 288.9 kg wet for Yamaha FJR1300.
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- Yamaha FJR1300 has the lower seat at 805 mm, compared with 815 mm for Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX).