The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 has always been one of our most highly rated faired sporty motorcycles for use in India thanks to its combination of a beautifully refined and powerful four-cylinder engine, but also its relatively comfortable suspension and riding position. This bike has been a good seller for Kawasaki India as well and its replacement, the Ninja 1100SX, is due to launch in India within the next two weeks.
- Bigger engine produces more torque but slightly less power
- No visual changes compared to outgoing 1000
- Expected to cost Rs 75,000 – Rs 1 lakh more than Ninja 1000
The main talking point with the new Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX is its move to a bigger 1099cc motor. The climb from the previous 1043cc has been achieved by a slighter longer stroke – now 77mm x 59mm vs the previous 77mm x 56mm.
Despite the bigger dimensions, power has dropped by 4hp to 136hp, although torque has gone up by 2Nm for a total of 113Nm. More significantly, the peak power and torque figures are now made slightly lower in the rev range which should result in even more effortless performance. Kawasaki has also lengthened the gearing in 5th and 6th gears to make long distance touring more relaxed.
Other mechanical changes include tweaks to the bi-directional quickshifter for better low rpm performance and Kawasaki claims improved fuel efficiency as well. Finally, the bike moves from Bridgestone S22 tyres to the newer S23 compound.
Visually, the bike is more or less identical to the Ninja 1000SX and it continues with the same suite of electronics including riding modes, power modes, traction control, ABS, a bidirectional quickshifter and electronic cruise control. What’s new is the inclusion of a new handlebar mounted USB Type C port.
The new Ninja 1100SX is likely to launch in India within the next two weeks. We expect it to carry a price hike of around Rs 75,000- Rs 1 lakh over the existing bike which is no longer listed on the company’s website but was last priced at Rs 12.19 lakh (ex-showroom, India). As of now, the company will only be bringing the standard Ninja 1100SX and the higher-spec SE variant with Brembo M4.32 front brakes and an Ohlins rear shock does not appear to be on the cards.
Also See: Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX review
