2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX First Look Preview

If you’re the type of sport-touring rider who prefers the excitement of a supersport almost as much as the comfort of a touring bike, then Kawasaki has a bike you might want to check out. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is back for 2020 and it comes with a list of refinements for this model year. The smooth and exciting 1,043cc inline four-cylinder engine combined with its lightweight aluminum frame still provides the base platform of this motorcycle, while the latest evolution of rider-assist tech and a healthy dose of _sugomi_ styling take it to the next level.

From the outside looking in, the most conspicuous changes are the new bodywork, headlight, and wider front fairing design. The new look is right in line with the aggressive styling of the ZX-series sportbikes and a clue to the performance potential. As it is with all the Ninja motorcycles, the 1000SX is all about the thrill of the ride, first and foremost.

That being said, Kawasaki’s designers have made a concerted effort to make this ride a little more comfortable these days. A taller, adjustable windshield offers much improved wind protection and can be operated without the use of any tools. Ultra-bright LED lights and integrated turn signals keep the lines clean and sporty looking while drawing minimum power from the charging system. The new seat uses denser padding and an ergonomic design to improve both rider and passenger comfort. Combine this with an already relaxed riding position and you get a motorcycle that is even easier to ride long distances.

Not everyone will use their bike exclusively to tour, so the Kawasaki Genuine Accessory saddlebag mounts have been integrated into the rear passenger grab bars, which eliminates the need for unsightly mounting brackets. This creates a clean appearance when the bags are not on the bike so you can look good even if you are just taking a tour of the local back roads. A new, 4.5-pounds-lighter exhaust adds to the new, sporty appearance of the bike as well. If you dig beneath the new fairing, you’ll find the engine is now equipped with new electronic throttle valves which allow the ECU to better manage the latest generation of Kawasaki’s rider-assist technology. Not only do they improve throttle response based on the rider’s on-the-fly selection of the four ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain, or the customizable Rider mode), but they also allow the ride-by-wire system to work more effectively with the latest versions of the new and improved rider-assist systems.

These include the new Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), dual-direction Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), along with the electronic cruise control and Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), and are managed by the updated version of the six-axis Bosch IMU. Rider comfort is the name of the game, and with the latest additions to an already impressive list of rider-assist tech, the 1000SX starts to separate itself from the competition.

All of the rider assist along with the smartphone connectivity via the Rideology app and access to the standard information are run through the good-looking full-color TFT dash. All changes are manipulated via the controls on the left handlebar, and if you’re not familiar with the Rideology app, it allows you to track and monitor motorcycle performance and share your routes with friends after the ride is wrapped up.

Fans of the Ninja 1000SX will be happy to know that the rolling chassis remains pretty much unchanged. It still utilizes a fully adjustable 41mm fork, horizontally mounted rear shock with remote preload adjuster, radial-mount four-piston calipers, 300mm dual rotors, and wide, sticky tires. This year the bike comes with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 rubber. The 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX will be offered in only the Metallic Graphite Grey/Metallic Diablo Black colorway with an MSRP of $12,399.