2014 Kawasaki Z1000SX ongoing review

[Kwacky]

New Z8 rear fitted. 6748 miles from the last one.

[Perkles]

You could see how square it was from behind ,very impressive mileage

[Kwacky]

Bike did well on holiday. Nice and comfortable, good fuelling, no issues with the extra weight, handled pretty well.

The chain seems to have dried and gotten slack but it's done 1200 miles since I last adjusted and lubed it.

The cheap suspension showed itself a couple of times on the back roads.

Other than that, a great bike for the job.

[Kwacky]

Bike has now clocked over 19,000 miles. With the Euro trip and the zx6r out of action I've used it a lot more than anticipated.

I'm going to test ride the Versys 1000 and the ZZR1400 tomorrow if I get chance. If not I'll book something with Kwak Birmingham. I may go for another SX as they're well priced and reliable. Not sure when to change bikes though. The next big service is at 22,500 miles. when all of the fluids get replaced plus a full suspension inspection and possible service.

I'll have a chat with Kwak tomorrow and see what's on offer.

[Perkles]

but the Versys is fugly ,SX looks much better

[Kwacky]

Mrs Kwacky saw your facebook photo of your zx10r and asked if we have the same bikes . I guess that means I could get a green zx10r and she wouldn't notice

I do like the look of the SX. It's not bad for an all rounder. The Versys isn't pretty, it's more of a tourer/adventure bike. Still no harm in trying one.

[Perkles]

The new zx10r gets slated in this months fast bikes superbike test,I know I am biased but its not a level playing field with it being euro 4 compliant.It will be interesting to see what the other manufacturers do when they have to comply next year.The fast bikes test is only on track though so I cant see how its a proper test of a bikes all round sporting ability

[Kwacky]

Rea and Sykes seem to be struggling with it......

[Perkles]

Rea and Sykes seem to be struggling with it......

lol yes thats what I Thought Its a terrible review thought they really slate it
The BMW comes out on top

[Blade]

Decat and end can should clean things up and save a sh1t load of weight.

[Kwacky]

There was a blue SX parked up at K World live. I've not really paid any attention to them online but in the flesh it's a stunning deep blue, it looks really good.

[Perkles]

it was quite noticeable how popular the sx was at k world live

[Blade]

They had an all black SX deomstrator with carbon akraprovic ends cans at Wigan Kawaskai which looked awesome. The carbon cans looked mint on the black bike imo.

[Kwacky]

I ordered a new torque rod as the one on the SX is corroded. I suspect as it's so low to the ground and next to the rear wheel it gets pelted with stones which causes the paint to chip and the metal to go rusty. I did think about painting it but they're cheap so I'm replacing it.

[Blade]

The new zx10r gets slated in this months fast bikes superbike test,I know I am biased but its not a level playing field with it being euro 4 compliant.It will be interesting to see what the other manufacturers do when they have to comply next year.The fast bikes test is only on track though so I cant see how its a proper test of a bikes all round sporting ability

Good news for Kawasaki. They can junk the euro4 power sapping rubish

[Kwacky]

Doing some window shopping. These bikes seem to hold their value. 2014 models with average mileage are going for around the £7k mark.

I'm going to have a look in the autumn to see what the market is like. New ones can be had for around the £9k mark. I don't mind paying £2k to trade in for the latest model.

[Cav]

Wouldn't you take the opportunity to have something new though?

[Kwacky]

I'll never say never. I'll take a look at the zzr1400 and the Versys 1000. There's not much else which appeals to me as a commuter. The VFR does nothing for me, I've been disappointed with the build quality of the Triumphs. The Tracer wasn't for me.

[Cav]

New SV out soon.. would you entertain one of those? Fingers crossed the engine casing paint is thicker now, they used to corrode terribly

[Kwacky]

Aren't Suzukis generally made out of cheese? I've not heard too many glowing reports about their build quality.

I like the SX, it ticks most boxes. It's not the greatest looking bike I know but you get a lot for your money. It's great for work and I had no complaints about it when I toured in France.

There's the BMW S1000XR as well. I had forgotten about that.