By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Sport Tourer
Kawasaki Versys 1000 (LZT00A) vs Z1000SX (ZXT00G)
Kawasaki Versys 1000 vs Z1000SX: which one you'd rather spend the big miles on.
Roll over rippled pavement on the Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the plush suspension's soaked it up before you've braced for it. The Kawasaki Z1000SX's suspension keeps it pinned to its line.
So which one do you buy?
The Versys 1000 has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Nose ahead: Versys 1000
For a day of interstate and back roads, the Versys 1000 makes a little more sense. Put it down to more range per tank and a better reliability record. Sit on both, because the gap is modest.
The Z1000SX has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: Z1000SX
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the Z1000SX. Credit stronger brakes and harder acceleration. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
What makes each one tick
Versys 1000
Low in the revs, there's enough pull in the Versys 1000's inline-four for a two-up pass on one easy roll of the throttle. The bars and pegs don't buzz. The tall fairing shelters two people mile after mile.
Nils rode the Versys 1000 in 2012 (NastyNils Testride).
Z1000SX
Past the midrange, the Z1000SX's four keeps pulling into a top-end rush, and the fueling never stumbles on the way. Its twin discs bite hard and build stopping power progressively. At corner entry, the aluminum frame doesn't squirm as it turns in. A peg touches down first.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Z1000SX has the lower seat: 32.4 in (822 mm) vs 33.3 in (845 mm).
- The Z1000SX has the lower wet weight: 503 lb (228 kg) vs 527 lb (239 kg).
- The Z1000SX makes more peak power: 138 hp (102 kW) vs 118 hp (87 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not their thing
Learning on either of these is the hard way. A gentler bike will make you a better rider sooner.
On commuting and running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Versys 1000
What owners say
Strengths
- Exceptional reliability and low running costs
- Supremely comfortable for long‑distance touring
- Excellent value with standard electronic aids
- Surprisingly agile handling for its size
Trade-offs
- Polarizing styling not loved by all
Z1000SX
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful and flexible engine
- Agile handling despite weight
- Excellent build quality and reliability
- Strong brakes with good feel
Trade-offs
- Lack of electronic rider aids
What they share
- Displacement
- 1043 cc
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Front brake
- 300 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Versys 1000 | Z1000SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.3 in (845 mm) | 32.4 in (822 mm) |
| Wet weight | 527 lb (239 kg) | 503 lb (228 kg) |
| Versys 1000 | Z1000SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 118 hp (87 kW) | 138 hp (102 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,000 rpm | 9,600 rpm |
| Torque | 75 lb-ft (102 Nm) | 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 7,700 rpm | 7,800 rpm |
| Top speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) | 165 mph (266 km/h) |
| Versys 1000 | Z1000SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 41 mpg (US) / 5.7 L/100 km | 31 mpg (US) / 7.63 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (21 L) | 5.0 US gal (19 L) |
| Versys 1000 | Z1000SX | |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Telescopic | Upside-down (USD) |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 190/50-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Versys 1000 | Z1000SX | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
