Yamaha XJR1300 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) is more powerful, while the Yamaha XJR1300 has the lower seat. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) delivers 142 hp (106 kW), giving it greater acceleration potential for highway riding with a passenger. The Yamaha XJR1300's lower seating position can help shorter riders reach the ground, while the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)'s lower wet weight can ease pushing and parking. Consider which of power reserve, seat reach, and maneuvering matters most in your regular riding.
Yamaha XJR1300 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX): specifications
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2018 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,251 cm³ | 1,043 cm³ |
| Power | 98 hp (73 kW) | 142 hp (106 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 245 kg | 230 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 795 mm | 820 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L — Favorable value | 19 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 XJR1300Model year 2018 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1,251 cm³ | 1,043 cm³ |
| Power | 98 hp (73 kW) | 142 hp (106 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 108.4 Nm | 111 Nm — Favorable value |
| Engine type | In-line four, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 x 63.8 mm | 77.0 x 56.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Air | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2018 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 5-speed | Manual 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multiple-disc coil spring | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final drive | Chain | Chain |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2018 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 245 kg | 230 kg — Favorable value |
| Dry weight | 222 kg — Favorable value | 228 kg |
| Seat height | 795 mm | 820 mm |
| Length | 2,175 mm | 2,105 mm |
| Width | 765 mm | 790 mm |
| Height | 1,120 mm | 1,170 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,500 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Ground clearance | 125 mm | 135 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 21 L — Favorable value | 19 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2018 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Steel double cradle | Aluminium twin-tube |
| Front suspension | Telescopic forks. | 41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability |
| Rear suspension | Swingarm. Öhlins. | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability |
| Front wheel travel | 130 mm | 41 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 120 mm | 141 mm |
| Rake | 25.0° | 24.5° |
| Trail | 100 mm | 102 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Yamaha XJR1300Model year 2018 | Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)Model year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Hydraulic | Double disc. Floating discs. Optional ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Hydraulic | Single disc. Optional ABS. |
| Front brake diameter | 298 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 267 mm | 250 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-ZR17 | 190/50-ZR17 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Yamaha XJR1300 from 2018 and Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) from 2018.
Power
Yamaha XJR1300
98 hp (73 kW)
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
142 hp (106 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Yamaha XJR1300
245 kg
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
230 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Yamaha XJR1300
1,251 cm³
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
1,043 cm³
Torque
Yamaha XJR1300
108.4 Nm
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
111 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Yamaha XJR1300
795 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX)
820 mm
Yamaha XJR1300 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX): which one to choose?
- Choose Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) if you want more acceleration reserve for highway riding with a passenger; the power advantage is 44.9 %.
- Choose Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) if you want less effort pushing and parking in city use; it is 15 kg lighter.
- Choose Yamaha XJR1300 if a lower seat helps you reach the ground; its seat is 25 mm lower.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) has more power: 142 hp (106 kW) versus 98 hp (73 kW) for the Yamaha XJR1300.
- Which has the lower seat?
- The Yamaha XJR1300 has the lower seat at 795 mm, compared with 820 mm for the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX).
- Which motorcycle weighs less?
- The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX (Z1000SX) weighs less at 230 kg versus 245 kg for the Yamaha XJR1300; both figures are wet weight.