Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX: A Sporty Tourer

Introduction

The Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX embodies a mix of sportiness and touring prowess. With the ongoing evolution of adventure and crossover motorcycles, one may wonder how this model holds up against the competition and whether high performance is truly essential for a touring machine.

Kawasaki's Commitment to the Sport-Touring Segment

Kawasaki continues to cater to the sport-touring niche, offering models like the supercharged H2 SX and the refreshed Ninja 1000SX. While the changes may seem cosmetic, the technology within warrants a closer look, particularly for those who crave speed and agility in their rides.

Rider Insights: Kamil Krzemień

To assess the Ninja 1100SX, we turned to professional racer Kamil Krzemień, who has extensive experience with various sportbikes, including the April RS 125 and BMW S 1000 RR, currently racing on the Honda CBR 1000 RR-R Fireblade. His transition to street riding just eight months ago included a stint covering nearly 900 km to break in his new training bike.

First Impressions and Ergonomics

Krzemień's initial insights highlight the design of the Ninja 1100SX, particularly its front end and wind protection. While the sleek design looks appealing, he noted the small windscreen does not provide excellent wind protection, a critical factor for touring.

• Simple navigation options, though button placement can be tricky when wearing gloves.
• Instrument panel lacks advanced graphics yet offers essential data such as lean angle.

Transitioning to Touring: A Learning Curve

Krzemień's first touring experience was a ride in southern Spain, initially described as 'extremely boring' as he adjusted his mindset from speed to enjoyment and exploration. Over time, he grew to appreciate the journey as he slowed down and took in the sights.

Performance Comparison: Ninja vs. BMW GS

Upon comparing the Ninja to the BMW GS, Krzemień found the former far superior for road riding. Although he enjoyed the off-road capabilities of the GS, he favoured the Ninja for its road performance, comfort, and handling.

• The riding position of the Ninja felt more natural and less tiring than that of the GS.
• The high handlebars of the GS proved uncomfortable over longer distances.

Expectations and Performance

As Krzemień assessed the technical specifications of the new Ninja 1100SX, he set high expectations for its performance capabilities. Would it effectively satisfy the demands of a racer like him while providing the comfort required for touring? His thorough comparison and testing of both models underscore the Ninja's strengths, particularly for those who appreciate an agile road-focused motorcycle.