It’s Kawasaki’s best-selling UK model, and we can see why. The Z1000SX is a genuine sports tourer, as ready for a weekend in the south of France as a track day. It probably also helps that Kawasaki has few offerings in the high-selling sub-125cc sector.
But the Z1000SX is by no means peerless. Here’s our rundown of other machines to consider.
Kawasaki Z1000SX specs
Engine: 1043cc in-line four
Weight: 230kg wet (231kg with ABS)
Power: 140hp
Price: £9,299 (£9,699 with ABS)
First Ride: 2014 Kawasaki Z1000SX review
Click here to read Kawasaki Z1000SX owner reviews
Yamaha FZ1 Fazer
Yamaha FZ1 Fazer
With an old R1 engine, the FZ1 Fazer has specifications that were once the preserve of sports bikes but in a chassis that won’t give you backache.
Like the Z1000SX, it’s perfectly positioned to cater for riders who’ve grown tired of sports bikes but aren’t quite ready to get big-capacity quasi adventure bike. As happy tootling around at a leisurely 3,000rpm as terrifying pillions at 11,000.
Engine: 998cc in-line four
Weight: 220kg wet
Power: 150hp
Price: £9,799 (£10,199 with ABS)
Click here to read Yamaha FZ1 Fazer owner reviews
BMW F800GT
BMW F800GT
A sensibly clothed, competitively priced tourer whose deceptively fast acceleration belies it’s easy-going, leisurely character.
The F800GT will plod along happily at almost any engine speed, with plenty of low-down grunt, but also likes to be revved.
With belt-drive, generous wind protection and good fuel economy (59mpg in Visordown tests), it looks like one of the easiest bikes in this mix to live with.
Engine: 798cc in-line four
Weight: 213kg wet
Power: 90hp
Price: £8,175 OTR
Click here to read BMW F800GT owner reviews
Honda VFR1200F
Honda VFR1200F
Available with Honda’s much-overlooked automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, the VFR1200 offers something no other motorcycle can: 170hp in a twist-and-go.
Traditionalists can get the manual, and it’s still a comfortable powerhouse, with Honda’s Traction Control system to keep things in check.
One criticism is that it’s 19-litre tank (18.5 on the DCT version) can give a range of just 150 miles. With shaft drive, at least you’ll never have to tighten a chain.
Engine: 1237cc V-four
Weight: 267kg wet
Power: 170hp
Price: £12,399 OTR (£12,999 with DCT)
Click here to read Honda VFR1200F owner reviews
Triumph Sprint GT
Triumph Sprint GT
Leaning more towards touring than sport, the Sprint GT comes equipped with massive panniers, offering 62 litres of luggage capacity as standard. At this price, we’re not sure you’ll find many other sports tourer that do that.
It’s also got a gel seat, standard ABS, a huge fairing and a 200-mile tank range.
Its single-sided swing-arm gives it a long, 1537mm wheelbase, and the steering can feel heavy. The kickback is good high-speed stability.
Engine: 1050cc triple
Weight: 268kg wet
Power: 130hp
Price: £8,499 OTR
Click here to read Triumph Sprint GT owner reviews
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