2025 KAWASAKI NINJA 1100SX Still Sharp, Still Civilised - But Is It Still Special?

Still Sharp, Still Civilised - But Is It Still Special?

- WORDS ROHIT PARADKAR

Smooth, tractable inline-four with strong midrange and better efficiency.

Stable chassis, good comfort, and excellent wind protection. Quickshifter works beautifully even in traffic, making it a polished, all-round sport-tourer.

Slight drop in power, firm ride, and a steep price hike for modest upgrades. Misses SE kit and feels more refreshed than new. If you are looking for a full-faired, four-cylinder litre-class machine from Kawasaki, you have had two options: the Ninja ZX-10R and the Ninja 1000. The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 is the sober sport-tourer that has historically prioritised balanced performance and practicality over aggressive track capabilities, off-road features, or minimalist design. Its primary objective has been to provide the excitement of a large-displacement motorcycle while maintaining daily usability. For more than a decade, it has served as a reliable sport-touring option. With the introduction of the Ninja 1100SX, Kawasaki has refined this approach by increasing engine displacement, updating electronic systems, and raising the price tag.

So what do we get in return? And is it enough?

The new engine

The headline change is displacement: up from 1043cc to 1099cc. But this isn't a fire-breathing evolution. In fact, the peak power has gone down slightly to 136PS, while torque rises to 113Nm. It's a common case of new-generation emission norms - where the engine grows but the spec sheet shrinks - at least at the top.