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Sport Tourers

2021Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance

★ 4.0
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The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance is a versatile sport tourer built for riders seeking real-world performance and comfort on longer journeys. Its 1043cc inline-four engine delivers 140 horsepower with strong mid-range torque, making it equally at home carving mountain roads or cruising highways. Known for its balanced blend of aggressive styling, practical ergonomics, and dependable engineering, it appeals to experienced riders wanting sport bike capability without sacrificing usability.

Capacity
1043.0 ccm
Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Wet weight
235.0 kg
Seat height
835 mm
Power
140.1 HP (102.3 kW) @ 10000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 2021 2022 2023 2024

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 85Agility 73Comfort 78Off-road 8Touring 82Road manners 92
Off-road & trail8%
Cornering85%
City riding62%
Daily riding75%
Touring85%
Two-up78%
Track65%
Best for
Designed as a sport-touring machine that blends fast, engaging performance with the comfort and electronics needed for longer rides.
Built for
A refined, muscular sport-tourer that rewards confident throttle use with strong midrange punch and stable high-speed manners.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for off-road use, absolute beginners, or riders wanting a lightweight, minimalist naked-bike feel.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 835mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
1043.0 ccm
Power
140.1 HP (102.3 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Torque
111.0 Nm (11.3 kgf-m) @ 8000 RPM
Engine type
In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.5962 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression
11.8:1
Cooling system
Liquid
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Ignition
TCBI with digital advance
Valves per cylinder
4
Lubrication system
Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1440 mm
Overall length
2100 mm
Overall width
825 mm
Overall height
1190 mm
Seat height
835 mm
Wet weight
235.0 kg
Fuel capacity
19.00 litres
Ground clearance
135 mm
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Twin-tube, aluminium
Front suspension
41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preload/4.7 in
Rear suspension
Horizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, remotely adjustable spring preload/5.4 in
Front wheel travel
119 mm
Rear wheel travel
144 mm
Rake (fork angle)
24.0°
Trail
99 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Front brakes diameter
300 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc. ABS. Single-piston caliper.
ABS
Yes
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
190/50-ZR17
Other
Color options
Metallic Carbon Grey/Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Moondust Grey/Metallic Diablo Black, Emerald Blazed Green/Matallic Diablo Black/Metallic Graphite Grey Dollars
Warranty
12

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 2021202220232024
Capacity 1043 cc 1043 cc 1043 cc 1043 cc
Seat height 835 mm 835 mm 835 mm 835 mm
Fuel capacity 19 L 19 L 17 L 17 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

4.0
★★★★☆
Rider rating
MotorcycleDB

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance is a sport tourer that does exactly what it promises. The 1043cc engine produces 140.1 hp and 111 Nm, which suits the bike's character well. With an 835 mm seat and a 235 kg weight, it is best suited to covering long distances quickly and in comfort, although it is too heavy and road-focused for off-road use. Worth a close look if it fits your needs.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance?

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance has a Capacity of 1043.0 ccm (63.65 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance have?

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance has a Power of 140.1 HP (102.3 kW) @ 10000 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance have?

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance?

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance has a Torque of 111.0 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM.

How much does the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance weigh?

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Performance has a Wet weight of 235.0 kg (518.1 pounds).

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