At the end of the day...
We set off 500 miles ago to discover how much Kawasaki have improved the new-for-2017 Z1000SX and the short answer is: a bit. But this new model is the combination of lots of little improvements, like the new gear indicator, the slightly taller screen and the brighter headlights, rather than any single drastic change. And the biggest technological advancement – the Imu-informed cornering ABS and smarter traction control – you most likely wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) experience in regular day-to-day riding, even though it’s hugely reassuring to know they’ve got your back in an emergency. So KTM’S Super Duke GT remains several leaps ahead. Its sporty side is more engaging, more intense, more sophisticated and more thrilling, while its touring side ranges somewhere between equal to and slightly ahead of the SX, depending on where your priorities lie. As a result, it’s no surprise that the Super Duke GT is the bike both Jimmy and I prefer. That is, until we introduce the pesky concept of money into the equation. The Z1000SX Tourer is £10,736 on the road, panniers and all – add the heated grips and call it 11 grand for simplicity. Our Super Duke GT, with its luggage and all the electronic extras unlocked, is almost £6000 more expensive. Six grand. That’s more than half the value of the SX again.
“But what about PCP?” you ask. Surprisingly, rather than make the Super Duke GT look more affordable, finance actually pushes the two further apart. With the same £2000 deposit, same three-year term and same 5000 miles per year, the Kawasaki’s monthly repayments are half the KTM’S: just under £130 compared with almost £260.
And while the Kawasaki is half the money, it’s certainly not half the bike. The Super Duke GT might be better, but the Z1000SX is better value. Put next to most other sports-tourers the SX is a mighty fine road bike: huge reserves of refined any-gear grunt, wrist-pleasing ergonomics and considered comfort for two (improved on the 2017 model with a longer, thicker pillion seat). Its notable low-speed awkwardness is frustrating, but some owners of earlier versions say the fix is as simple as swapping tyres from the standard, model-specific ‘N’-spec Bridgestone S20s to, well, anything else.
Both bikes are superb blends of effortless speed and all-day comfort. KTM’S Super Duke GT is truly astonishing, and those whose budgets can stretch to one are in for a wild ride. But Kawasaki’s Z1000SX is closer in feel, in looks and, crucially, in price, to most riders’ idea of what a sports-tourer should be.
“The KTM is several leaps ahead, but costs £6000 more”