This week, Kawasaki announced a highly anticipated update to their beloved Ninja 1000 SX sports tourer, now reborn as the 2025 Ninja 1100 SX. Along with this update, Kawasaki introduced a premium SE version that promises enhanced performance and comfort. The Ninja 1000 SX has long been a favorite for those who wanted a powerful, well-rounded sport-touring motorcycle without the tall suspension typically seen on many crossover-style bikes. So, the big question is: does this 2025 update do enough to keep the Ninja 1100 SX at the top of the sport-touring segment, or could Kawasaki have done more? Let’s dive into all the details to find out.
New Engine: Bigger, but with Less Peak Power?
The standout feature of the 2025 Ninja 1100 SX is the new 1100cc engine. This is the same inline-four configuration seen in the previous generation, but now with a displacement increase from 1,043cc to 1,099cc. However, despite the bigger engine, there’s an unexpected twist: peak power has actually decreased.
- The previous Ninja 1000 SX boasted 140 horsepower at 10,000 RPM, while the new 1100 SX produces 134 horsepower at 9,000 RPM.
- In terms of torque, there’s a slight improvement, with the 1100 SX delivering 113 Nm, up from 111 Nm.
The slight dip in peak power might leave some enthusiasts scratching their heads. After all, shouldn’t a bigger engine produce more power? According to Kawasaki’s press release, the focus of this engine is on providing more usable power throughout the rev range, emphasizing mid-range torque—a characteristic that’s particularly useful for touring and everyday riding.
However, it’s worth considering that this change could also be a move towards manufacturing efficiency. The Versys 1100 Adventure Tourer, which was announced alongside the Ninja 1100 SX, shares this new engine and has very similar performance figures. Instead of producing two different states of tune for similar bikes, Kawasaki appears to have harmonized the performance characteristics of the Ninja and Versys models. While some riders might miss the extra thousand RPMs of the older version, this approach likely simplifies production while still offering a solid performance package.
Real-World Performance: Does the Power Dip Matter?
For the average rider, the reduced peak power is unlikely to make a significant difference. The Ninja 1100 SX still offers more than enough power for spirited riding, and the focus on mid-range torque means you can be a little lazier with the gears, making it more suitable for everyday commuting or long-distance touring. Additionally, longer fifth and sixth gears mean that cruising at high speeds, especially on highways, should feel smoother, with the engine working less hard at those speeds.
The 1100 SX also gets an up and down quickshifter that works from as low as 1,500 RPM, making it more usable around town for smoother gear changes in slower traffic.
Tech Upgrades and Practical Features
Kawasaki has made several other upgrades to enhance the Ninja 1100 SX’s practical usability:
- A USB-C port now comes as standard, allowing riders to keep their devices charged while on the move—essential for long tours.
- The rear brake has been upgraded with a larger disc, moving from 250mm to 260mm for improved stopping power. This upgrade is particularly useful when riding with a pillion or carrying luggage, where the extra weight can make it more difficult to stop quickly.
- Bridgestone Battlax S23 tires now come as standard. Reviews of previous models criticized the OEM tires, so this switch to the more reputable Battlax line should improve handling and overall performance, particularly for long-distance riding.
Introducing the SE Version
Perhaps the most exciting part of Kawasaki’s announcement is the introduction of a Ninja 1100 SX SE version, which brings a host of premium components and features to the table. This marks the first time Kawasaki has offered an SE version of their Ninja SX sport-touring lineup, and it comes with some significant upgrades:
- Brembo M4.5 calipers, Brembo master cylinder, and Brembo rotors for superior braking performance.
- Steel braided brake lines as standard, which provide better feel and consistency under hard braking.
- An Öhlins S46 rear shock, offering improved ride quality and comfort, especially over longer journeys or on rougher roads.
- Heated grips come standard on the SE model—an absolute must for year-round touring in colder climates.
- The SE version is also the only model available in Kawasaki’s signature green color, which is sure to appeal to die-hard fans of the brand.
Pricing and Value
As always, pricing is a key factor when considering a new bike. For 2025, the standard Ninja 1100 SX is priced at $12,499, which is only a $100 increase over the previous generation’s black base model. Given the updates, this seems like a reasonable price hike, although some might argue that losing a bit of peak power for an extra $100 doesn’t sound like the best deal.
The SE version, on the other hand, comes in at $13,399. That’s a $1,750 premium over the standard version, but when you consider the added Brembo brakes, Öhlins shock, heated grips, and other upgrades, this price starts to look like excellent value. To put it into perspective, upgrading the base model to match the SE’s spec would likely cost more than the price difference.
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Final Thoughts: Did Kawasaki Improve an Already Great Bike?
So, did Kawasaki do enough with the 2025 Ninja 1100 SX update? In many ways, yes. The bike now offers more mid-range power, improved usability with the quickshifter, better tires, and small but meaningful changes like the upgraded rear brake. The SE model adds even more performance and comfort with its premium components.
However, some riders might feel a little disappointed with the slight dip in peak power, especially considering that the previous Ninja 1000 SX was already an incredibly well-rounded machine. But in the real world, most riders will likely never notice the difference. In fact, many will probably appreciate the increased torque and longer gears for more comfortable touring and daily riding.
Overall, the 2025 Ninja 1100 SX continues to be one of the best sports tourers on the market, and with the addition of the SE model, Kawasaki has given enthusiasts the option to go all out with a premium spec bike.
Ninja 1100 SX Specifications Table
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Engine Type | Inline-four, 1,099cc |
Power | 134 hp @ 9,000 RPM |
Torque | 113 Nm |
Quickshifter | Up and down, usable from 1,500 RPM |
Tires | Bridgestone Battlax S23 |
Brakes (SE) | Brembo M4.5, steel braided lines |
Rear Shock (SE) | Öhlins S46 |
Heated Grips (SE) | Standard |
Price | $12,499 (Standard) / $13,399 (SE) |
FAQs
1. How does the Ninja 1100 SX differ from the Versys 1100?
The Ninja 1100 SX is a sports tourer with a focus on road performance, while the Versys 1100 is more adventure-oriented with taller suspension and a more upright riding position.
2. Why did Kawasaki lower the peak power of the Ninja 1100 SX?
Kawasaki focused on increasing mid-range torque and manufacturing efficiency, tuning the engine for better real-world usability rather than outright power.
3. Is the SE version worth the extra price?
Yes, the SE version includes premium upgrades such as Brembo brakes, an Öhlins rear shock, and heated grips, making it excellent value for riders who want the best performance and comfort.
4. Does the Ninja 1100 SX have good long-distance touring capabilities?
Yes, with its increased mid-range torque, longer gears, and improved rear brake, the Ninja 1100 SX is well-suited for long-distance touring.
5. Can the quickshifter be used at low speeds?
Yes, the up and down quickshifter now works from as low as 1,500 RPM, making it more useful for everyday riding.
6. What is the fuel efficiency like on the Ninja 1100 SX?
Fuel efficiency figures have not been explicitly mentioned, but the increased torque and longer gears should contribute to better efficiency at cruising speeds.
7. What tires come standard on the Ninja 1100 SX?
The 2025 Ninja 1100 SX comes with Bridgestone Battlax S23 tires, which are highly regarded for their performance and durability.