Yamaha Tracer 9 GT vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX are among the most cross-shopped touring bikes of 2026. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX leads on power with 142 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SXThe verdict
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
119 hp.
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
142 hp and 0.60 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Our 8.5/10 at $13,499, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
220 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
Our top score in this matchup at 8.5/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
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Yamaha Tracer 9 GT vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX makes the most power at 142 hp and 111 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $13,099.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?
The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is the lightest at 220 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT: 119 hp and 220 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
