This Kawasaki Motorcycle Now Comes With Built-In Dash Cams, At Least In Japan

For years, Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000 was the go-to sport-tourer for riders who wanted a fast yet comfortable machine that didn’t stray too far into either supersport or adventure territory. It wasn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer, but it was balanced, practical, and—most importantly—fun. Now, for 2025, it has evolved into the Ninja 1100SX. Or has it?

Stylistically speaking, the “new” Ninja 1100SX looks identical to its predecessor. And yes, given that its engine is pretty much the same, it still delivers that unmistakable inline-four growl. Plus, given it’s built on the same frame and underpinnings, you can bet it rides very similarly to its predecessor, too.

And so I think it’s pretty interesting to see Kawasaki taking a different approach in updating its models. It’s keeping things as close to as they always have been, all while rolling out tweaks that ensure their survival in ever-changing times. It seems to be working for Kawasaki, too, as keeping its bikes the way they always have been also means lower R&D and manufacturing costs for Team Green.

Slowly but surely, Kawasaki's flagship tourer is getting more and more tech.

With all that being said, the most significant change to the new Ninja 1100SX comes in the form of a displacement bump from 1,043cc to 1,098cc. This brings a slight reshuffle in performance figures—power is now 134 horsepower at 9000 rpm instead of the previous 139 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, but torque has increased across the board.

Other tweaks, such as longer 5th and 6th gears, a revised intake system, and an updated quick-shifter that now works as low as 1,500 rpm, ensure that the bike remains competitive in today’s market.

There’s also a new SE model, which brings Brembo brakes, an Ohlins rear shock, and heated grips to the table. Beyond that, the refinements are subtle—things like larger rear brake discs, handlebar weights, and a USB-C port. Necessary upgrades? Not really. But these small changes allow the Ninja 1100SX to stay relevant without alienating its existing fanbase.

Then there’s the tech. As motorcycles become increasingly digital, even an old-school sport-tourer like the Ninja 1100SX can’t escape the march of progress. In Japan, it now comes standard with front and rear dash cams with GPS functionality. On paper, this sounds like a win. No more awkward helmet-mounted action cams. No more worrying about whether that GoPro on your handlebar is recording.

Plus, if you’re ever involved in an incident, you’ve got hard evidence of what really happened.

But this addition isn’t without its downsides. The placement of the rear camera likely means that installing a tail-tidy or fender eliminator is no longer an option, or at least not until aftermarket manufacturers manage to integrate the camera into their design. Swapping out the stock mirrors for aftermarket ones? Probably off the table too.

So while the dash cams add convenience and safety, they also take away some of the customization that many riders enjoy.

Ultimately, Kawasaki’s approach with the Ninja 1100SX is a double-edged sword. It remains the same beloved sport-tourer it always has been—fast, comfortable, and well-equipped—but it also refuses to truly move forward in any significant way. The new features, like the cameras, may make it more appealing to modern riders, but they also highlight the ongoing debate about built-in tech versus aftermarket customization.