2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX [Specs, Features, Photos]

Last updated:July 11, 2023

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Is A Capable And Powerful Sport Touring Motorcycle

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
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Kawasaki’s 2023 Ninja 1000 SX stands out as a compelling choice in the sport touring segment, blending performance, comfort, and advanced technology. This bike has a powerful 1,043cc inline-four engine, which delivers a thrilling 140 horsepower along with a well-rounded riding experience. The engine is paired with a 6-speed transmission featuring a quick shifter, allowing for clutchless upshifts and seamless acceleration. Aiding rider control, the motorcycle also comes equipped with an Assist and Slipper Clutch and electronic cruise control.

Showcasing an aggressive design, the Ninja 1000 takes its styling cues from its more potent siblings in the Kawasaki lineup. The motorcycle features a distinctive LED headlight and taillight, contributing to its modern and sleek appearance. The bike is not short on the tech side and is well equipped with a full-color TFT display, providing riders with essential information and smartphone connectivity through Kawasaki’s smart phone integration.

Reigning in the power and keeping things in line In the suspension department, the Ninja 1000 features a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork in the front and a horizontal back-link shock with adjustable rebound damping and preload in the rear. Braking capabilities are provided by high-quality components, including dual 300mm front discs with radial-mount monobloc calipers and a single 250mm rear disc, all supported by advanced technology. All this just means that you get an excellent performing motorcycle that is at the top of the sport touring realm and compares well with other Japanese brands in this segment.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX starts at: $13,199 USD/$15,699 CAD

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $13,199 USD/$15,699 CAD
Key Features:
- Assist & Slipper Clutch
- Riding Modes
- Cruise Control
- TFT display

Main Specs

Engine: 1,043 cc 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled
Power: 140 horsepower
Torque: 82 lb-ft
Weight: 513 lbs (232 kgs)
Seat Height: 32.3 inches (820 mm)

Competitors

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	1,043cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
Power	140 hp
Bore x Stroke	77.0 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio	11.8:1
Fuel System	Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 4
Starter	Electric
Lubrication	Forced lubrication, wet sump
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch	Wet multi-disc, manual
Transmission	6-speed, Return
Final Drive	Chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	ø41 mm inverted fork with compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability / 120 mm (4.7 in)
Suspension Rear	Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability / 144 mm (5.7 in)
Brakes Front	Dual semi-floating ø300 mm discs with radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston calipers
Brakes Rear	ø250 mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tires Front	120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tires Rear	190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Fuel Tank Capacity	19 litres
Color	Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray /Metallic Matte Sovereign Red / Metallic Diablo Black /Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	Digital
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	82.7 in
Overall Width	32.5 in
Overall Height	46.9 / 48.2 in
Wheelbase	1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Ground Clearance	5.3 in
Seat Height	32.3 in
Curb Weight	514 lb
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12 / 24 / 36 / 48 months

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Features

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Electronic Cruise Control allows a desired speed (engine rpm) to be maintained with the simple press of a button. Once activated, the rider does not have to constantly apply the throttle. This reduces stress on the right hand when traveling long distances, enabling relaxed cruising and contributing to a high level of riding comfort.

Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions.

Supercharged Kawasaki Ninja Drag Races A Modified McLaren 720S & Porsche Porsche 911 Turbo S

Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.

Using the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s advanced modeling software and feedback from a compact IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that gives an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner. The systems that KCMF oversees vary by model, but may include:

Designed to help riders maximize their acceleration on the track by enabling clutchless upshifts with the throttle fully open, KQS detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch. On models that offer clutchless downshifts, during deceleration the system automatically controls engine speed so that the next lower gear can be selected without operating the clutch.

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.

Clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.