Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX versus Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Sporttourer
Yamaha

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Crossover

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2020 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 14.995 €
RRP 14.899 €
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Pros:
  • mega-mature machine
  • silky 4-cylinder with punch and enormous elasticity
  • soft seating position, also suitable for longer distances with pillion passenger
  • Technically very well equipped
Pros:
  • High-revving triple with plenty of power
  • good touring and pillion comfort
  • complete technical equipment
  • Case and semi-active chassis series
Cons:
  • partial noise depending on the setting of the windscreen
  • minor vibrations
Cons:
  • Clutch lever not adjustable
  • Turn signals do not reset automatically

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.100 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
235 kg
Wheelbase: 1.500 mm
Length :
2.175 mm Height : 1.430 mm
Seat :
825 mm
Weight :
220 kg

Engine

Motor design: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 3-cylinder series, four-stroke 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 78 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 247 km/h
Performance: 142 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 111 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
328 km
Maximum speed: 210 km/h
Performance: 119 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 93 NM bei 7.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
360 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Double profile frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Horizontal backlink gas pressure shock absorber (travel 144 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Frame type:
Bridge tube frame
Front suspension:
Upside-down telescopic fork (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 137 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70Z R17
Rear tyres: 180/55Z R17

Brakes

Front brake
Double Petal Brake Discs, Double Radial Mounted, 4 Pistons ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc, single piston ( 250 mm)
Front brake
Hydraulic double disc brake ( 298 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 245 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

This machine is just great! Volker and Dietmar didn't want to be relegated anymore, that's rare. You can see the bike's maturity everywhere. Everything works easily and simply and the machine gives the pilot full confidence right from the start. It is guaranteed not to break so quickly, at least that's what it radiates. It is suitable for all those who want to be sporty during a longer tour - also with a passenger, because he also feels at home on the SX.
 
Kawa himself says about the Ninja 1000 SX: "Tours and sports – the Ninja 1000SX offers the best of both worlds". Usually we laugh at these marketing slogans, but in this case it hits the nail on the head.
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau,by far the best Kawasaki dealer in Northern Germany! Our tip for the Ninja 1000 SX: Definitely test drive.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 13.945 €
  • Used (3 years old): 10.000€
  • Years of construction: 2011-2021
  • Colors: red, green, black

Conclusion - what sticks

The Tracer 9 GT is a really good development of the already good Tracer 900 GT. Although it became 1,500 euros more expensive, it has also increased technically. The well-functioning semi-active chassis alone justifies the extra charge.
 
Also justified is the surcharge of the GT compared to the Standard Tracer 9. Although it costs 1,500 euros less than the GT, you also have to do without many delicious things such as suitcase, QuickShifter, semi-active suspension and cornering lights. If you add these features together, you have to wonder why the price gap is not larger. Clearly, the GT is the better deal!
 
The test bike was provided to us by Motorrad-Ruser from Haseldorf - thank you very much.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 13.999 €
  • Used (3 years old): 10.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2021
  • Colours: red, dark green, silver blue