Kawasaki Ninja 1100 SX

OVERVIEW

Performance and Engine

This model unleashes 100.0 kW (136 PS) at 9,000 rpm and 113.0 Nm at 7,600 rpm from its liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, inline-four DOHC engine with 1,099 cc displacement. The powerband suits aggressive acceleration, aided by a slightly larger rear sprocket for improved low-end pull compared to predecessors. ARAI certification aligns with real-world claims of robust output for Indian roads, where it excels in overtakes and sustained high-speed runs.

A smooth 6-speed manual gearbox manages the power, and the updated Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) lets you shift up without using the clutch. The chain drive gives accurate power transfer, and the transmission works well for both sporty riding and relaxed touring. Indian reviews praise its reliability in all kinds of conditions, from city streets to highways.

The Ninja 1100SX achieves a top speed of 249 kmph, as verified across multiple Indian test sites, where its aerodynamic fairing and high-revving engine were tested. This figure holds in controlled conditions, making it one of the fastest in Kawasaki’s Indian lineup for speed-hungry riders. Real-world limits may vary with rider weight and wind, but it consistently hits the high 240s on open stretches.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Kawasaki says the Ninja 1100SX gets 17.85 kmpl in ARAI tests, showing good fuel efficiency for a litre-class sport tourer with its 19-litre tank.

Owners report an average of 23.5 kmpl in real Indian riding, which is better than the ARAI figure and includes both city and highway use.

Things like riding style, city traffic in places like Delhi or Mumbai, and using E20 fuel give moderate riders 20-25 kmpl. User reviews show mileage can range from 17 to 23 kmpl, and careful highway riding can even reach over 24 kmpl.

Features and Technology

The Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX offers advanced rider aids and technology for Indian sport-tourers, with E20 fuel compatibility and a stylish black-gold colour scheme.

1. Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four DOHC with 1,099cc displacement, 77mm bore, 59mm stroke, 11.8:1 compression, producing 136 PS at 9,000 rpm and 113 Nm at 7,600 rpm, BS6 2.0 and E20 compliant.
2. Riding Modes: Four integrated modes (Rain, Road, Sport, Rider) with customisable Rider mode adjusting traction control, throttle sensitivity, and power delivery via 6-axis IMU.
3. Traction Control: Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) with multiple intervention levels for enhanced grip on varied Indian roads.
4. Cornering Management: Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF) using IMU data for precise handling during leans and turns.
5. Braking System: Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System (KIBS) with dual-channel ABS, front 4-piston calliper disc, rear single-piston disc for optimal stopping power.
6. Quick Shifter: Updated bidirectional Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) enabling clutchless up/down shifts, including low-speed manoeuvres.
7. Cruise Control: Electronic cruise control for relaxed long-distance touring on Indian highways.
8. Display: 4.3-inch TFT dashboard with mode-specific layouts, voice-command smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, navigation, call/SMS alerts, and Rideology app integration.
9. Connectivity: Mobile app support with GPS tracking, USB Type-C charging port, service due indicator, real-time mileage, distance-to-empty, and average fuel economy display.
10. Suspension: Front 41mm inverted fork (120mm travel, adjustable compression/rebound/preload), rear horizontal back-link gas-charged shock (141mm travel, adjustable rebound/preload).
11. Frame and Ergonomics: Tubular diamond or twin-tube aluminium frame, 820mm seat height, adjustable windscreen, split seat, passenger grab rail, 135mm ground clearance, 1440mm wheelbase for upright comfort.
12. Lighting and Visibility: Dynamic LED headlamp, DRLs, pass switch, hazard lights, shift light, low fuel/battery warnings.
13. Tyres and Wheels: Tubeless 120/70-17 front, 190/50-17 rear on 17-inch alloy wheels for sporty grip.
14. Additional Aids: Power modes, engine brake control, launch control, clock, digital console (speedo, tacho, odometer, tripmeter), fuel injection, wet multi-disc clutch.

Build Quality

The Ninja 1100SX feels solid and durable, showcasing Japanese engineering that withstands India’s heat, dust, and rugged roads without rattles or flex. Reviews praise its strong build, from the engine to the plastics, and note that the weighted handlebars and heavy bar ends keep vibrations low, even after long rides in Mumbai traffic.

The twin-tube aluminium frame helps keep the bike balanced and long-lasting. It works well with the adjustable USD forks and a monoshock with a remote preload adjuster, which stays reliable even in a standard setup.

Handling

The suspension, with 41mm inverted forks (120mm travel) in front and a rear gas-charged shock (141mm travel), handles rough patches, potholes, and speed bumps well, keeping the ride smooth and comfortable.

The bike feels stable and confident at any speed, allowing quick turns even with its 238kg weight. It’s great for city traffic and highway rides. Reviews mention its steady handling in corners and on rough roads. Still, the 135mm ground clearance means you need to be careful over speed breakers in India.

Comfort

The wide, soft split seat at 820mm height, a slightly forward-leaning position, and mildly rear-set pegs make the bike very comfortable for long rides. Both riders and passengers appreciate the generous padding.

The bike handles heat well, keeping your shins warm without being uncomfortable, even in long traffic jams. The soft suspension smooths out bumps, helping prevent backaches on long trips. Reviews highlight the smooth engine and comfortable riding position, making it an excellent choice for daily use or long journeys.

Styling

The Ninja 1100SX has a dynamic look, with sleek fairings, bold lines, and an aerodynamic shape that shows it’s built for speed but also designed for comfort on long Indian highway rides.

The wide fuel tank, tall windscreen, and full cowling give the bike a strong, sporty look, complemented by sharp headlights and sculpted side panels. The design is mostly the same as before, except for new graphics. Reviews point out its bold presence on the road and note that it keeps the Ninja family style while offering upright comfort rather than aggressive clip-ons.

Colour Options and Variants

Kawasaki India gets the Ninja 1100SX, an exclusive

1. Metallic Brilliant Golden Black and Metallic Carbon Grey dual-tone colour

Replacing the old black-green. This new brown-black look, with gold accents on the fairings and tank, gives the bike a classy, premium feel. No other colour options are available locally.

Kawasaki sells just one standard version of the Ninja 1100SX in India, without the SE or Tourer editions found in other countries. This makes it easier for Indian buyers to get a fully equipped bike without extra costs.

Value for Money and Pricing

Kawasaki has priced the Ninja 1100SX at ₹ 14,42,000 ex-showroom across India, the same as last year, even with the E20 updates. It’s available at select dealerships. The Ninja 1100SX stands out for its litre-class versatility, 136 PS inline-four engine, advanced IMU electronics, TFT display, and quickshifter, making it more practical than many pricier superbikes for daily use.

Users call it a “steal” for long highway rides and classic Ninja looks. The smooth quickshifter, USB-C port, and Bridgestone tyres help justify its higher price compared to the Z900 (Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom). Many riders say its better refinement and touring features make it a smart step up from smaller Ninjas, and it keeps its value thanks to Kawasaki’s reliability, even though the service network is limited.

Direct rivals remain scarce in India’s premium sport-tourer segment, but positions

1. Suzuki Hayabusa
2. Ducati SuperSport 950
3. BMW F900XR

None of these bikes match the 1100SX’s balance of faired litre-class performance.