2021 Kawasaki ZH2 SE Long Term Part 1 (4K)

[@DrBIeed]

Finally an actual review of the SE model. Not sure what took so long. Every other video about this particular variant of this bike is basically, yep it has a better suspension… but nobody actually rode the thing on the track! Hats off for this one!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers, more to come…

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I see Brock's Performance has an ECU flash for it, finally. 227 HP at the wheel.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Does that come with extended swing arms, taller bearing, and bigger balls so I can ride it?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@DANTHETUBEMAN I don't know. Brock might help you out there. Hahaa kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3jNeIylgMdoY8k

[@BrianFrichette]

Chris does so many (amazing) videos, I forgot about BJ and how freaking awesome he is as a reviewer.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Ah man, thanks Brian! Yeah Chris is ace, talented git! ;-)

[@cursedwon2910]

Great video, was there ever a part 2 done? Final thoughts after having it over a long period of time?

[@shadowred1980]

Great to see BJ back in the mix. Looking forward to the mods on this, it's been a while since one of your project bikes has had the upgrade treatment (on camera).

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Cheers Shadowred! Yes it's been a while!

[@gtrmadman4127]

Bought a 2023 performance yesterday , looking forward to receiving on Thursday 🎉

[@fromfareastindy8234]

Thx Kawasaki and BJ!! I want to thank you guys for letting me know that the SE model is here and that it's a great one. Thanks to you I now understand what my 2021 model ZH2 is missing and what I need to do.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Cheers!

[@paul.vanhout57]

Regardless of the reviewer, Bike World is at or near the top of the charts.

[@phantombigballs8165]

Just never do part 2s

[@latestviking]

BJ, I'm absolutely salivating to see the weight shaving project and the long term review. Thanks for the video - great one as always.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Don't get too giddy, but I will try!

[@doordevloer9105]

Great review, where is the part 2?

[@tvdinner325]

I have the '23 SE, and love it. Just another 55 EZ-payments and it's all mine!

[@kevinmill7965]

So when's next update video coming

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Soon, nigh on 20k miles later!

[@mxriderwd]

So where’s the long term review? It’s been a year and there is no part 2

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Well remembered! It's actually on its way nearly 20k miles later!

[@thisisben3593]

Looks so much better than the normal h2

[@MotoQuickShifter]

No it doesnt far from it lol

[@MotoQuickShifter]

Where is Part2?

[@gm16v149]

I reckon it would handle a very fast and smooth track like Phillip Island pretty well despite its weight. There’s really only two slow corners that I can think of. If I was going to buy one I’d definitely be paying extra for the SE. If only Kawasaki had given it better looks, let’s face it we all buy bikes that look the goods if we can. Kawasaki is right up there with the tech though, I love those up/down quickshifters.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Smooth tracks, yes, but still that weight with the way the engine/SC pushes power through the chassis will always hold you back. Lots of fun mind you!

[@bebel3163]

Je la trouver moche sur écran après l'avoir essayé quelques mois après je l'est dans mon garage 😋😋😋

[@Tenksen]

switch the end can and look at it in real life and she's a beauty, not very photogenic got to be real to feel the presence haha. mine gets attention all the time.

[@Crombe76]

Is there going to be a part 2 for this video?

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Yep, and a part 3, and 4, and...

[@MotoQuickShifter]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 still waiting mate

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

@@MotoQuickShifter It's all shot dude, and no doubt in Bike World's queue 'to do', which they will - busy fellas ya know! :-)

[@siraff4461]

Blimey. I feel like I've gone back 25 years when reviewers could get enthusiastic about bikes without all the PC BS we get from most these days. Instead of the usual lines of "its too much for the road" and other cliche'd cr4p I heard "we want more power from a supercharged engine". Thank all thats holy there is still someone who doesn't think ABS (or electronics in general) is the be all and end all or that anything over about an 800cc triple is too much engine. BJ you have made me feel like the veil of PC crud might still have a chance of being lifted. Thanks for the great review/intro. I can't wait for the rest.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Oh, depending on how you ride the thing, it can be be waaaaay too much! At least it's a sure fire way to get exhausted pretty darn quick. ABS meanwhile, can be great and most modern systems on big bikes work brilliantly 99% of the time - but, there are inconsistencies which in my experience have turned a completely normal moment into butt clenching terror when it does something unexpected. Sometimes even hitting a bump while braking makes it momentarily cut in just enough that you end up going a few yards further than you had planned to. On a Diavel once, decelerating for a junction at a sedate pace, a few yards from the line there was a tiny patch of gravel or whatever - ABS quickly cut in, and I sailed right over the line so half the bike was in the road and if anything had been coming, boom, hospital. It's these little things that are difficult for them to iron out, these rare instances, but it only takes a second for something to do something unexpected to turn a good day into a bad one, without it being the fault of the rider. That's my beef!

[@siraff4461]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 Thats exactly my experience with them too. I just wish there was a mandatory off switch. It can be helpful if you're half asleep and can't really be bothered riding (then why ride at all?) but if you're awake and alert I find them generally to be more hinderance than help - especially if the calibration isn't great. Some systems are better than others but as you say it only needs a tiny inconsistency to make most of them wave the white flag. I would much rather deal with a tyre skidding for a foot or two than the bike completely dropping the brakes off just when I need them. I've never had one put me over a line yet but I've had the same situation where they allow the bike to go yards further than if the system wasn't on - in one case having to carry about 5mph more than I wanted into a corner. That time it happened to be ok because I wasn't pushing it but if I had been going just a bit quicker that would have been a nice little excursion through a hedge. I find they can be very tyre and surface sensitive too. The more the surface changes the worse it gets and if you're on touring rubber it intervenes much more often too. I think another thing to mention is rider skill level. Its hard to say this without sounding condescending but I think riders who have only ever used bikes with ABS are missing out on a very valuable skill set. We used to learn the bike and what the rubber/brakes could do in varying conditions which I think set us up well for future riding - I've never dropped a bike on the road in 27 years even though I rode all year round (snow and all) for the vast majority of that. I've only ever owned two bikes with ABS but I've ridden a lot of others and in general I feel safer with more control when its not fitted. Now when a new rider learns with ABS, rides only bikes fitted with it and so on thats great right up until the day it lets them down - be that a mis-calibration or a system fault - at which time they have nothing to fall back on because they're just used to grabbing a handful of level and hoping. On the Zh2 I agree - if you ride it wrong its going to go wrong but lets be honest thats more about self control and bike control. I do think big power bikes can be too much for some people but a blanket "its too powerful for the road" is to presume everyone is going to try and hammer it everywhere without the skill or attention level such things require. There is always a time and place. Its just less times and places for full whack the more powerful the bike is.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

@@siraff4461 Aye, and there's always the 'throttle goes both ways' malarky for power - it could have 10,000bhp, and you could still ride it no problemo. Riding it hard? Okay, then the equation changes a bit, but the point remains the same. I prefer to say something is 'too much for me' on the road, rather than 'it's too much' on the road. Self control, and self awareness, is the key to riding anything. One last word on ABS - learner and beginner bike ABS usually terrifies me. Cheap bikes aren't going to get the best systems, when really they kinda should even though as you say it's keeping branches of the skill tree away from new riders. But we can't change that, better start swimming or we'll sink like a stone etc, and even with 30+ years of riding experience when I get back on non TC etc bikes I have to really think about it and bed myself back in for when I reach the edge of whatever passes for my skillset. But, use TC etc properly and you can still spit yourself to the moon if you're not careful, seen it happen enough times, you still see it in racing too, the best systems hold a little finger rather than a whole hand.

[@PaoloD2R2]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 those ABS issues were the biggest reason i sold my triumph speed twin 1200. It had decent braking but from time to time under very heavy braking for whatever reason abs made the braking inconsistent making me skip the braking point i planned, thus gifting me with the biggest collection of brown saddles i've ever had. Till the day i had too much and sold it for the sake of my life. It probably was and old ABS model, slow and all, but i don't care: it was dangerous IMHO and i felt at danger every time .

[@Uber1Noob]

I have a tweaked out Z9. Love it. Looking pretty hard at one of these tho.

[@juliuscarlopoblete2092]

Waiting for this long termer review from BJ 👍👍👍

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Cheers dude!

[@garyrhode3755]

Is the 2023 Z H2 under a recall, was considering a Z-H2 base model, Year 2023, new? any opinoins?

[@paulmunson3049]

When are we getting an update 😬😬

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Very soon Paul, BJ's been doing loads...

[@CraigHarris62]

I would love to see Part 2.

[@damien9975]

Good to see you back BJ 👍

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Many thanks Damien!

[@altF4tality]

Part 2 hello?

[@avo1921]

Where is Part 2????

[@phantombigballs8165]

In a ditch

[@kawakarma]

Great review. Enjoyed every bit!

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Why thank you very much!

[@alanbenn9938]

Is there a part 2 yet?

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Yes! Approaching 20k miles and the vid is coming soon!

[@kevinmill7965]

Still waiting for longtermer updates mods etc...guess not happening

[@roy-sr5ct]

Hey BJ since you had some time with the yamaha mt10 and now the zh2 which is the better bike in your Opinion.and why? I already have the Yamaha MT10. And was just considering adding this bike to my stable

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Ooooo, two very different steeds! What I would say is, if you can have both, have both!

[@jasonskinner3847]

Brilliant video BJ. 👍👍

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks dude, tell your better half I now have my own plum cordial thanks to her!

[@mraki1980]

Great to see BJ once again!

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks Raki!

[@Yii00T]

Brembo Dylema?. I've heard of the Stylema what are these ones you talk of mate?.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Boom boom...

[@leicesterlee6877]

Any news on part 2 🙏🏻

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

It's coming dude! Nearly on 20k miles!

[@alexdansby]

Part 2???????

[@JustinWelchUK]

Are there any updates on this?

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Yes! Soon dude!

[@Wilberon_McBane]

Awesome to see BJ back on the 'tubes and really looking forward to the project updates! Cheeky end can and remap from JHS I feel? 😉

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks Wilberon! Ooooo very possibly!

[@Wilberon_McBane]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 you know Will and James could work some magic into that easily! Sure they had a H2 in a while ago for a remap? Made 250hp I think? 😱

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

@@Wilberon_McBane They did an SX version too, going to pop down and a look at the results soon.

[@nickrider5220]

Looking forward to your real world mods - good video, thanks 👍

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks Nick, will try and keep them real world, promise!

[@perryburns6515]

Bemoto, PLEASE PLEASE come to Australia!

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Don't tell us! Tell them! ;-)

[@perryburns6515]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 hahaha yeah I have. Straight after my message I went onto there website and grovelled 😀. Just trying to create awareness in a few places

[@geoffpoole1972]

Great review! :)

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks Geoff!

[@khakimzhanmiras]

Is the supercharger a gimmick? No other manufacturer uses it and it seems to add a lot of complexity and weight to the engine.

[@breakz187]

Yes

[@Marlonzen]

No. No other manufacturer uses this supercharger because this is made by kawasaki for these bikes specifically. It's effect is not for "lol moar power TOP SPEED RACE GO", the effect is instant torque, and the way it works with this engine makes it the smoothest in any gear and at any rev range of any gear I've ever felt.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

@@Marlonzen I’m not sure I completely understand what you mean? I just find forced induction redundant for motorcycles. There are easier ways to make torque. And given the low weight of bikes the bottleneck is tire technology. Have you ever ridden an r1250r?

[@Bandara925]

@@khakimzhanmiras the r1250r is within 1 or 2 lbs of the zh2's curb weight with only 5 more ft lbs and almost 70 less hp.. sure there are ways to make torque like with a heavy boxer engine. the z h2 doesn't need to sacrifice one for the other when its able to make about 14 lbs of boost

[@clemfandango9534]

No it’s not a gimmick. The problem with in line 4 cylinder engines is they tend to be boring lower down in the Rev range and only provide any fun when you get past 8000rpm. Not this bike - the supercharger gives you fun and a lovely noise from 3000rpm, when a normal 1 litre 4 cylinder bike is still asleep and a bit boring. So the supercharger makes a big difference !!

[@batshitcrazymotorcycles7044]

great review. PRELOAD? how does this work on the model? Manual or electronic?

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

I will check!

[@MattieXMoto]

Any update

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Not far off 20k miles a year later, and yes another video is coming soon!

[@JQiRamos]

This vs a streetfighter or super duke? Weight aside, strictly based on how you feel when riding the bike, which do you prefer? Thanks!!

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

They're essentially a different subsect of the big naked class really, firmly in the sports arena meaning excellent track performance as well as being great on the road. The Z meanwhile, is significantly more road-focussed and is a much heavier bike but the real tell is the tyres, Rosso IIIs. They're more touring/road biased tyres whereas the other two will come on Supercorsas, or Rosso Corsas, or something else as sticky. So it all depends on your riding and what you prefer. Personally, I still like the way those two (and the Tuono, especially the Tuono!) handle themselves, that's still more my kind of thing, the dainty handling makes up for my lack of skills! If I never went on track though, or only ever once in a blue moon, the Z is so appealing because as a road only naked it's probably the best there is. Basically, right now it's a tough choice, I'd struggle! Roll a couple more years down the line though and it'd be the Z every day all day.

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

nice review a great bike

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Cheers!

[@Myself6M]

I didn't hear well, did you say 'really usable on the road' or 'wheelie usable on the road'? 😂

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Erm, ah, dealer's choice!

[@hawkslayers1]

best bike reviewer on youtube simple as that nice job

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks man!

[@dmandhelen]

I know a computer can read something 500 times a second.. but is it really possible to adjust a mechanical mechanism up to 500 times a second ?? How does it work?? If it’s so much better than standard suspension why don’t race bikes have it .. I’m a bit confused 🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

It's basically witchcraft! I have asked some questions of Kawasaki for a future episode about the suspension, so should find out a lot more about it!

[@dmandhelen]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 it all sounds a bit “ crafty” all right .. but I don’t think it’s anything to do with witches 🤔🤔🤔🤔😁😁😁

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

@@dmandhelen Fair enough, stay the course till we see pointy hats, got ya!

[@dmandhelen]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 😆😆😂😂👌👌

[@bbbonthemoon]

Where is part 2

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Loading later this week.

[@Revviews]

Great video. It certainly isn't the the most competitive neither does it have the best brakes or suspension but man does it make you feel good and put a massive smile on your face. I'll be doing the full review on the Z H2 2021 in the coming weeks, then have some mods to add such as the Scorpion can and Sprint filter (doing videos for those too). Will be an excellent comparison to the nakeds I have already done videos for.

[@bebel3163]

Commence par l'essayer mon gard!!!

[@Revviews]

@@bebel3163 start with lesser?

[@dbtrackz33]

Great review

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Cheers!

[@davidgarcesarias9849]

How bad is engine heat in town?

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Not had a single problem with heat.

[@vainparasite]

Ace to see you back m8, where have you been hiding? 😂👍👍

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks muchly. Ahhh, the joy of being a parent...

[@vainparasite]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 no better job buddy 👍👍👍

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

AWESOME AMAZING FANTASTIC MAGICAL TOP ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Yay! :-)

[@hokiecolt8107]

Looking forward to seeing your updates to the ZH2 SE! BrenTuning?! Brocks Peformance?! Sprint Filter?! BST Wheels?!

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Wheels possibly, mapping I'll do at JHS. Brock does some awesome stuff but James knows his onions too!

[@massfrat5501]

Any taller riders here. I'm 6'2, 230 lbs and wondering any of you taller riders have the bike or test rode it? Would appreciate feedback. Cheers.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

My exact height!

[@Yii00T]

So what's this like in comparison to the Ninja H2🤔😅

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

The H2 is the only sportsbike to ever break me, riding position-wise, no such issues here.

[@kevinmill7965]

Still waiting lol

[@cripticdestiny]

i will be looking forward for the mods

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Cheers!

[@MrSimonfoz]

Sounds like you need to ride it like my ZZR1400 on the road.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Basically yes, loves fast sweeping. You can jam/slam/bam it, but it gets tiring pretty quick!

[@MrSimonfoz]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 Thanks mate same on the ZZR scary on small B roads!

[@helgejohan3604]

I take the standard🤙🔥looks better too😎

[@garyrayner6330]

My Dad owns one, it is brilliant but it has a very nasty side with no steering damper. Doing wheelies, riding hard on even a slightly bumpy road or even going near 200kph the front end has a tendency to start floating and waving about, it feels like you’re going to have a tank slapper.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Yes, exactly that, almost had me on the finish straight at Combe, BiiiiiiiiiG slapper, too little weight on the front, new pants please... steering damper on the list!

[@PaoloD2R2]

i'm getting a new 20 plate ZH2 next week and i think (exhaust aside) i will end up looking for a steering damper, i every video of the bike i've seen, the front end is floating a bit too much for a 200hp bike. But it doesn' t seem we have many options in that regard :(

[@siraff4461]

My first big bike was an early Blade back in the late 90's. This looks solid as a rock in comparison.

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

It can get slappy now and then, almost had me at Combe at one point, funny enough I've been looking to see who does them too!

[@stinkintoad]

The stock exhaust would need to go. Muffler is way too large.

[@Bandara925]

also weighs 15 or 20 lbs lol

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

We will get there eventually, few things to do first! :-)

[@wildingnemo5869]

i can afford the se but i like red better so regular zh2 it is i hate that they do that with the colors

[@Red-74-]

Problem with non ohlins electronic suspension is the shock cannot be serviced to specification as there's no info released by manufacturers, so over time it will be underdamped horribly

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

That right? I'm with Kawasaki in a few days so I am SO asking that!

[@Nekminute]

Ninja H2 is the perfect commuter bike not the Z

[@hoanglam668]

mate the bike looks small on you 😂

[@morri03]

A bike to challenge the Bimota Mantra for the ugly world championship

[@pareechapramthed9216]

👍👍👍👍👍👍😃😊😊👏😊👏

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Thanks Pareecha!

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Why do you say OMG?? Blasphemy??

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

It's prounced "Z" you silly wankers. 😜

[@svvitchio]

I hate to be that guy.. ..but the compressor is spinning the wrong way in the intro.. i'll let myself out.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Don’t blame us, that’s Kawasaki’s own vid.

[@davisasantos6739]

Awesome bike, except sht design.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

What an irrelevant and boring review. Much better to watch Mark Pulling who represents the 99% that aren't racers.

[@rideroll9609]

Without the flash this bike is a trash.... Terible dyno power curve at highest RPM, thanks to Euro 5...

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Er, literally one of the straightest lines I've seen on the JHS dyno! You can see it here@ kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6GnaKKuiN9nlbs

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

It does flatten off after 10,000rpm and holds the same power figure till redline, I forgot to add, but that's not a huge surprise on a naked bike. From the off till the flattening though, it's nearly dead straight and pretty perfect for the road.

[@siraff4461]

@@benjaminkubascronin3082 If its like my brothers H2 (original green frame version) then that flat line at the top is because it closes the throttle plates after 10k. With a filter, exhaust, charger gears and a map his made 281hp at the wheel and for a while was the most powerful in Europe. If you're able to get near the midlands PCR (Paul Curran) did the work and I would think a Z isn't a mile removed.

[@Jade-nh2ps]

I don’t know how Kawasaki manage to do it but they continue to make the ugliest bikes known to man, they are freaking horrendous eyesores!

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

Aye, but beauty is in the eye after all and, saving grace, you can't see it while the supercharger is blowing your socks off - bonus! ;-)

[@flyingdutchy01]

how come Kawasaki's are so goddamn ugly? who buys these things? The last pretty Kawasaki probably dates back to 2003. Bring back the neon green!

[@clemfandango9534]

I think it looks great !

[@benjaminkubascronin3082]

One man's Pat Butcher, etc...

[@fyorbane]

Kawasaki Z900RS , Kawasaki Z636 ninja, H2 are great looking machines. KTM 's in my opinion are far uglier.