2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Review | Ultimate Motorcycling

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE aims to put the "Sport" in "Sport Touring," in a big way. Kawasaki's latest supercharged beast is the third iteration of the H2, based off of the shocking H2R, that was released in 2015.
At the heart of the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE is the 998cc supercharged inline-four cylinder motor found in the race-track-only H2R, with a few minor changes to make it more applicable for the street. Kawasaki engineers focused on providing mid-range power, as opposed to outright top-end power for the track, in an effort to make this a more approachable bike and they succeeded.
At 9500 rpm, the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE produces a staggering 101 ft/lbs of torque and that's enough to keep even the most discerning torque aficionado truly satisfied.
When twisting the throttle of the H2 SX SE, it's incredibly easy to be drawn in by it's deceptively smooth throttle response and linear power delivery - you'll be hitting triple digits effortlessly. The 998cc silky smooth character can be attributed to the dual secondary balancers, making this one of the most vibration free power plants that has come through the Ultimate Motorcycling garage.
With all that power on tap, one needs to be able to get it pointed in the right direction, and Kawasaki didn't disappoint. The H2 SX SE's handling is subtle, requiring little effort to get it tipped into a corner.
It's wheelbase has been extended by 30mm over its siblings, allowing for a great balance between road-going stability and agility. Still, the Supercharged Ninja is incredibly maneuverable, allowing for massive stability.
Of course, all of this is aided by the fully-adjustable KYB suspension. Despite the H2 SX SE's eyebrow raising weight figure of 573 pounds, the KYB suspension completely keeps this powerful machine in line.
Ergonomically, the H2 SX SE is far more comfortable than it's siblings, yet, not too far off either. Kawasaki has definitely focused on the "sport" in "sport touring" with the lower clip on bars and raised up footpegs. While it's more than comfortable for a full day's worth of riding, it truly is a sport leaning machine.
Keeping an ever watchful eye is a full suite of adjustable electronics, although, you'd be wise to keep them running in the background.
Available in two models: Ninja SX and Ninja SX SE, we put the top-tier SX SE to the test. Owners will be getting quite a few perks with that $3000 premium.
Here are just a few of the highlights as to what you'll be getting: Quickshifter, steel-braided brake lines, launch control, TFT screen, LED cornering lights, centerstand, taller windscreen, grip heaters, wheels with machining and clearcoat, two-tone seat, 12V socket, knee and tank pads, upgraded graphics.
Arthur Coldwells has spent a number of miles with the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE and is ready to share his thoughts in our review of this brilliant machine.
Check out our full 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Review! - ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018...
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[@charlievelez3510]

Can we talk about the impressive lean angles with minimal effort! Holy cow!

[@TheHerson1981]

this bloke is the best for reviews ... seen so many an well not so good but this guy ....awesome... top video

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Well thanks! Appreciate the nice words, how kind of you.

[@littlewing3473]

I agree, this is maybe the best review I've ever seen.

[@CrusaderGeneral]

Agreed, the presentation is superb, as if ordained by the QOE herself!

[@prabhanjannavarathna6466]

Amazing review, I was watching this less for the bike n more for the rewiewer's amazing oration, such an amazing clarity in the way u speak, u actually sound lot like James May

[@raymunchieftain4170]

Top flight review,the best I've seen !!

[@windridr66]

Sweet bike and great review!

[@CarolinaAutos]

Subscribed, great full review!

[@adamgrier6918]

Great review, thanks!

[@4N2IN0JA]

Great review! I was hoping to hear the bike chirp! This is my dream bike for sure. Too bad they cant super charge the Ninja 400!

[@7452]

I have the SX version and love it. Bought the removable side bags. Wished the SX had the better TFT dashboard. I have had all kinds of bikes since age 14 and I'm now 58. My other bike is a Triumph Trophy. This bike is relatively comfortable, easy to ride, lifts the front wheel up (at quarter throttle) shifting from 5th to 6th gear (100 + mph). Simply awesome. Hard to find because of limited production

[@R3RLEE]

Hard to find? Theres loads on ebay!!

[@PhotoTenderline]

Amazing review 😍

[@minigmac1]

Superb review!

[@clayman1980]

I'm really impressed by your lean angles on regular roads. I guess you'd be able to ride them with your eyes closed. :)

[@drblast]

Wonderful video!

[@tigerick7291]

Great review. What a gent.

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Thank you! Very kind.

[@vonhonderwitz]

Best review I’ve seen on this bike, thank you. Trying to decide between this and the Ninja 1000/Z1000. Looking a little more at the long distance touring aspect so the Ninja 1000 is probably my best bet but this bike looks very fun.

[@Texarmageddon]

Ninja 1000 would definitely be the better bike won't be anywhere near as fast, but if you want more of that sitting on a chair feel and fairly lightweight get the ninja 1000 IF you want more of that VFR800 very relaxed supersport feel then go H2SX.

[@mriduljayan4466]

I chose the Ninja 1000 have gone 150 mph+ on it. Absolute joy to ride.

[@vonhonderwitz]

Mridul Jayan Did you change the gearing on the bike?

[@fazesaixox7481]

I have a 2015 ninja 1000 and never had any problems with it a solid fun bike I'm going to keep it and buy a 2022 model or H2SESX next year. Both offer cruise control, heated grips and long rides better than any other tourer I've ridden from friends.

[@OneTwo-wt8qv]

I didnt see a BMW 1000RR / Hp4 video .. do yo have experience with that the RR or Hp4 and can you compare that power with this Bikes .. thank you

[@rimex619]

SE stands for slightly expensive

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Or 'stupidly expensive' depending on your budget..

[@mickshere9642]

Tapdancing about trading in my KTM 1290GT against one, straight reviews like this help me to decide

[@littlewing3473]

It's easy to decide, because some things never change. You take a car from Germany, a motorcycle from Japan and a girl from Brazil ... and you will make no mistake.

[@stiffmeister0hYeah]

did you ever do the comparison? The SX SE and 1290GT are what I'm looking at. I considered the 1290 S/R but don't like the neutered motor.

[@madcowusa4277]

Looking at this vs ZX14R. You strongly remind me of my '80s England schoolteacher. I'd wager you grew up riding a Yamaha RD350 two stroke, or at least wanting one back in the day?

[@selcukylmaz6172]

Kawasaki 💚🖤

[@MotoPrymityw]

how cool are those onboard fotage :)

[@Land-Shark]

When I was shopping for a bike in 2017, it came down to a choice between an H2 and a ZX-14R. I chose th ZX-14R for the much lower sticker price, and it fits me perfectly, but mainly because insurance was three times as much for an H2. I'm just curious, for those who own an H2 SX SE: what kind of insurance you are paying? I have a hefty full coverage policy with the Lizard Man that includes Theft, Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist, Collision, $50k for property damage, $60k for Personal Injury/Medical Coverage, Liability, Comprehensive, $200 Deductibles, and a No-Questions-Asked payout for the cost of a new replacement ZX-14R, or greater value if my bike's price has gone up, or they are discontinued and the replacement model is more expensive, and they'll have a check for that in my hands in 48-hours of filing a claim and being inspecting by one of their insurance adjusters to verify it's been totalled. I'm paying $78 per month for that policy. (*in 2017 it would have cost me a little over $300 a month for the same insurance policy on an H2) (**and, for the same policy it would have been $60/month for a Ninja 1000, $70/month for a ZX-10R)

[@TheMatttomlinson]

I'm in the same dilemma, H2 sx or zzr1400 (zx14r). Love the h2 sx as its very modern looking in comparison but its twice as much to insure. I'm yet to test ride both bikes saying that!

[@aleksandarbotic979]

Great review, i have the 2019 ninja 1000 and i love it, iam fairly tall 6.5 or metar 96 and the ninja 1000 fits perfect. Iam thinking of buying the h2sx, i just cant find a delearship that has one so i can sit on it and see if it fits. In your opinion is there more or less or equal room for legs on the h2sx conpared to the ninja 1000?

[@alexfintch1958]

the same question, same problem. did you manage to try h2sx yet?

[@aleksandarbotic979]

@@alexfintch1958 it pulls amazingly, but fit wise, ita nothing that spectacular when compairing to my ninja 1000, so i said fuck it, iam waiting for the zx14r 2022 model to come out now.

[@tosgem]

I am looking for a bike and I have narrowed it down to this and a few others. Please help me decide. The other options I have narrowed down to is Honda NC700, for cheaper, more economical touring, or the Harley Davidson VRod for good touring plus equal performance. Decisions decisions

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

@tosgem -- The Kawi H2 is a significantly different motorcycle to the other two you mention! It is bigger, much faster, and more expensive than the other machines. All three have their plus points but really, you probably couldn't have chosen a much more different bike than the H2 to compare to the other two. Cheers

[@tosgem]

@@ultimatemotorcycling That's why i can't decide

[@R3RLEE]

They are completely different bikes!!

[@mustafakhuzaima9722]

So is this like something between h2 and zx14r ? Or a replacement for zx14r

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

Hey Mustafa, The H2 SX SE could be categorized as a more street friendly H2, unlike the pure sport H2 and the race-track only H2R. It's more of an expansion on the H2 line itself than anything. Since it's unique in that it has a supercharger and is a descended of the H2R, I'm not sure it would be fair to say that it's a replacement for the ZX14R.

[@claudebaron9525]

Sure with a supercharged it pulls on your arms more than a normally aspirated bike but repeating it’s the most powerful bike you’ve try Isn’t very glorious for you because in stock form all the H2 SX I saw did around 170 HP on the dyno ( at the back wheel) Witch isn’t very impressive as my ZX14 2103 , six years old as 210 HP with a reflash and full yosh, but the H2SX as something for itself as in stock form it’s Dr. Jekyll but with a reflash , a slip-on and air filter it became Mr. Hyde with à hefty 239 HP at the back wheel now you could brags it’s the powerful thing 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Absinthe2401]

Nice bike, but I will stick with my 2013 ZX-14R. Cheaper by far, as fast if not faster, and I think better looks. Hopefully Kawi puts a supercharger on the next one!

[@SicVic999]

My local Kawi rep said that it looks like the end of the line for ZX14. No more real upgrades or changes being developed for it.😕

[@spoonman73]

Cool bike, but hard to justify that price when a 14R costs half of that and is equal or faster. The Bike Show raced one against a ZX14 which smoked it so, there's that....

[@BJO-s1000xr]

spoonman73 Yep I saw that

[@triv7252]

You're right there's nothing wrong with the ZX14/ZZR1400 except it's old technology now and very soon won't pass the ever stringent worldwide emissions regulations. Let's not forget that this H2 SX motor can be tuned to 260bhp with nothing more than a software download...try doing that with a ZX14

[@markb4772]

That ZX14 was tuned, if you even lightly tuned an H2SX it would rip the back out of the 14, also the H2SX is a lot more technologically advanced with ride by wire and IMU

[@ModernGolfer]

Kawasaki STILL needs to make a street version of the H2R. The current lineup doesn't even match the bhp:weight ratio of motorcycles like the Ducati Panigale V4. WTH?

[@ultimatemotorcycling]

er... this H2 SX is a street version of the H2R. The H2 is the other street version of the H2R that's been out for a couple of years and we rode it on track at Fontana kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHbJY5KJbJVjj7s. Hope this answers your question?

[@UltimaRSfan]

The 2019 H2 packs 243hp with ram air, 220 ish without

[@christopherhollins9868]

Ever watched a Ninja H2 vs Panigale V4 drag race? H2 wins every time

[@Texarmageddon]

Panigale V4 is a race bike that's street legal... H2SX is a fast as fuck fun street bike meant for the street..

[@conceptsmart]

i have zx14r and my friend has h2sx (non se) and we swap bikes from time to time. visibility of the bike in the traffic is 10 times better with zx14r. car drivers noted this one much earlier and better. so, regarding traffic safety - zx14r is much better.

[@raymunchieftain4170]

I'm thinking 299 K is top speed. Any body criticizing this has never rode a Super Bike as you have Sir!!!!

[@christopherhollins9868]

Why do people always say "the ZX-14R is as fast but cheaper"? I'm sure Kawasaki thought of that and the point of the H2 SX isn't to straight line race (hence, the H2!!!). Really gets on my tits 😡

[@shashankthegamer]

For this price, no electronically adjustable suspension, quite heavy. A Concours or 1400GTR is a much more bang for buck against this one.

[@hectorj32]

1400 GTR is a brilliant bike I kept mine for 7 years, and never thought I would change. However one test ride convinced me, and I have recently traded mine for a H2 SX/SE. I have had every Kawasaki since the Z1 including Z1300, ZIR, ZX10 ZXR, a couple of Z1000 GTRs and I have ridden or owned just about everything else along the way (except Horex V6} and nothing else compares to this bike in my humble opinion.

[@hectorj32]

Last word! I just enjoy bikes, and I love to see people out on their bikes enjoying themselves or just riding to work in safety and comfort. No racing and no confrontation with other road users. So whatever machine you ride, have fun ride safely and just keep on riding.

[@trent3872]

@@hectorj32 I have a concours and absolutely love it, have put 10000 miles on it in 6 months but I'm obsessed with the h2se sx. I've never ridden an h2 se sx, tell me what I'm gonna love about the h2 compared to my CONNIE.

[@XenoRacing]

Is that sound the bike? Sounds like a can of WD40 that's almost empty lol

[@14icbm]

That's the supercharger warming up for the killer ride;)

[@markb4772]

mont's 14r It’s birds, the engine isn’t even running

[@ModernGolfer]

The H2SX (and SE) is NOT the 'most powerful' street motorcycle out there. There's several others that are more powerful, and about 9 others in the same range (195+ hp). Worse still, it's heavier than just about all of them, LOL.

[@raymunchieftain4170]

Nunya Bizness, really what do yo ride or have ridden compared to this man? Provable??????. Everybody on this site knows the difference between Bullshit and bernie sanders.

[@Texarmageddon]

As far as street motorcycles you can buy for under 30k.. there aren't any bikes you can purchase put an ECU flash only and make 220hp.. Full exhaust and these guys are hitting near 240... The H2 is even worse as I hear they are getting around 260ish..