Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX review | Visordown road test

Watch our verdict on the 2018 supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE.
Read the review here: bit.ly/2EQCIXj
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[@skts2610]

I bought one in April 2019, love this thing, such a capable motorcycle. She’s been all over northern Spain fully luggage’s up and two up. Brilliant bit of Kawasaki wizardry👌🏽

[@jeffskakie5324]

Nice to see a motorcycle journalist show us when they overcook it coming into a corner and how the bike handles it rather than editing it out. More reviews like this please.

[@cesarr5006]

Everybody complaining about weight? Weight? For a sport tour design to carry passenger (frame) it’s pretty good from what I see. The added comfort is worth the little extra weight. @ 200 horsepower doesn’t mean much

[@goodnfit1]

This bike will be a huge success for Kawasaki in the American market. We love power, performance, and the latest technology. This has them all in a comfortable package. And for a 52-year-old, knee draggin' track junky like me, this is the PERFECT sport tourer. I can't wait to get one.

[@aeror115]

goodnfit1 have fun! It’s an beautiful touring bike! I will take it out for a test ride

[@eddytoys8132]

This is the kind of unbiased, detailed reviews we need!!

[@sqd8r]

Not only one of the best reviews I've seen on this model but one of the best, most comprehensive and real world rider views ever, in video or print. Thank you for the time taken, the attention to real world details and the frankness overall.

[@stevegbond85]

Went out with one of these and a Ducati 1199 Panigale over Brecon this weekend. Stunned. Heavy bike but oodles of power and silky smooth. I want one. I have a z1000sx but I may get one of these next. Both fantastic bikes. Kawasaki are nailing the sports tourer setup we have been asking for.

[@7452]

Good video. I just bought the Ninja H2 SX 2 days before we had a string of bad weather and snow here in Iowa. Managed to put 200 miles on it and love it. My other bike is a Triumph 1200 Trophy SE

[@Curry3659]

Absolutely great review. I found the information delivered in an objective manner, with relevant subjective bits here and there.

[@nlfstreet]

Outstanding video of the H2 SX motor from Kawasaki, thanks a lot for all the information and wonderful footage.

[@PhilG221]

We need more reviews like this, back to the old Visordown style.

[@conceptsmart]

very nice review. As the owner of this bike I would like to add on : no issues with brakes, but steering damper is heavily needed

[@mikez3102]

Just got the ninja 1000abs 2017 and absolutely love it by the time I’m done with it hopefully they’ll have all the kinks worked out on the h2’s

[@axs7689]

Great thorough and informative review. Thank you

[@miguelhannes875]

Passed these bikes in the twistys last week! I was wondering what bikes were you riding now I know!

[@caribman10]

At 8:15 he's lifting the rear wheel off the ground on a sport-touring bike. Impressive. Even when he says it doesn't. But it looks like it does to me. Also, I have yet to hear the one thing every review of this bike has excluded: what its like on the pillion.

[@windyrun7979]

Great review full of honest, detail thoughts and experiences. Feel like I test rode it myself:)

[@aeror115]

Windy Run exactly! Just awesome

[@gloomymoonlight7324]

I literally fell in love with this motorbike! It is so sophisticated! I want to have one but unfortunately I don't have enough money to buy one.. I think I will stick to my Kawaski Z800 E for a while!

[@musashiyamasaki2885]

I love this review and I love my 18 H2 SX SE!

[@endlessjourney1]

Jus bought a used 2018 h2 sx se. Need help with setting up the dash and controls. Recommend any videos? Couldn't find anything online.

[@dhchamp157]

As a sports touring bike I'd have thought a comment or two about pillion comfort might have cropped up.can't see it being as good as the zzr.I like the bike tho.

[@eddiecollins7058]

Incredible machine. I wouldn't mind trading my BMW K1300S for the kawasaki H2 SX. Hopefully the demo bikes will be available soon in the UK.

[@columkenn]

How do those small headlights perform at night? Would prefer the styling of larger headlights

[@alphalobster8021]

So the ABS is tuned to be most active at road speeds and less intrusive on the track?

[@shivanksolaris]

whats the milage that you guys get? versys level really? please confirm.thanks

[@ridewithgnr2116]

I would love to drop the coin on a new bike like this, but..... I love my 10 year old Concours 14/GTR1400 so much. Loads of storage, handles amazingly well for a large bike and still has just under 100 ft lbs of torque to get it rolling quickly in most gears. It seems the sport-touring Yamaha FJR and Kawi Concours are losing interest in the market, but they are both fantastic efficient, and practical "sport" bikes in my opinion. Older designs, but great bikes nonetheless. I am not a fan of all the "control electronics", but Kawi is way past due for cruise control on the C14.

[@aeror115]

Thanks nice review ! I need more supercharged beasts in my 🏠

[@caribman10]

...and why didn't it have semi-active suspension from the start?

[@masterspin7796]

Im really surprised that it does not have a steering damper especially at this price point my Dragster RR came with it stock...Also, I would like to see a adjustable windshield and get this bike a little more "touring" with a softer seat and some storage compartments in the fairing. To me it looks a little funny and I might actually call it kinda ugly but you can say the same thing about the KTM Super Duke GT and that's my favorite bike besides my MV Agusta...I would be happy owning this motorcycle after I painted it another color...

[@DarylLonigan]

This should be a video for learner classes, learning how not to emergency brake.

[@whirinakii]

Great open honest review as a poster below said I own a ZX14R (actually 3 over the last 10 years) not sure about this bike need to throw my leg over and take one for a test ride but your review has opened me to consider this bike as a replacement not sure if I like the look of the bike bit I guess l need to see it in the flesh Thank you now to convince my wife

[@finnsk3]

The H2 SX makes less power and a decent amount less torque than the ZX14R. I was really keen to get the H2 SX but seeing the aweful dyno results I am no longer keen. Kawasaki has really restricted this bike due to all the cucks that ride touring bikes and are scared of power. I will probably still get one but it will be going strait to the workshop for replaced supercharger gears and a remap. I would want 300hp on dyno if I can get it. The engine and supercharger is definitely capable it's just Kawasaki trying to appeal to pussies has ruined this bike.

[@saddle8bag]

I've had that kind of ABS braking hiccup occur a few times on my Triumph. I think spirited riding is better done without it. I just never remember to turn it off before I get going. Is there documentation somewhere that talks about the power modes in more detail? I'm generally not a fan of most "sport" modes jerky throttle response, but if the alternative is to kill 50% of available go, that's not so hot either. Though with this thing, even 50% would still be fast enough.

[@ehsan83]

between ZZR1400 and H2SX which one consumes more fuel?

[@yourivleghert8365]

Nice review man, i think though that the on/off trottle complaint that u have had something to do with european regulations that state that whenever you close a trottle on a motorcycle that it has to be fully closed. Or so i've heared😄

[@bh7940]

So get it tuned?

[@redicanprime1181]

That was a great review.

[@vkvlogs7901]

Damn that cornering lights work like a charm...

[@fredsmith3963]

Awesome review. I love that it's not just a 100% Kawasaki butt kissing review. Y'all actually provided really honest, useful, information.

[@ridewithgnr2116]

..... Still waiting for a turbo or supercharged GTR1400/Concours 14. I get 45-55 mpg with my 08' after 10 years. Slap a blower on that beast, keep the smiles per gallon 40-50 and Kawi will own the sport touring market for years to come!!! At least I would hope so.

[@johndillon5290]

I wonder how this would perform on a track against a KTM 1290 GT (latest model) These are my 2 tourer choices.

[@jonesjonz1]

Nice bike but can we get an adjustable windscreen like the ninja 1000... PLEASE!!

[@valentinotuah403]

such a beautiful touring bike

[@kubakiller]

...aaaand the most important question no-one dares to ask, how hard/easy/expensive will it be to squeeze the ~300hp H2R power levels out of it?

[@vincbestia]

if you need to go slow i like to use back brake to adjust speed without changing throttle position much

[@Renzsu]

That brake incident shows exactly the need to take these manufacturers track tests with a grain of salt.. everything’s set up so you don’t get to overdo it in turning, braking, etc. But that’s not the real world. How a bike handles itself during a minor cockup is not something you’ll learn there I believe..

[@AST4EVER]

Awesssssssome video in fullllllll depth

[@rame791]

Portugal, Arrabida in Setúbal! nice xD

[@logik23]

What do you get with the SE version over the base aside from cornering lights? Seems like some important information that you forgot to mention

[@HavasiP]

logik23 I think launch control and the quickshifter and also a color display. Might have forgotten something.

[@Gillyg71]

Beautiful bike

[@ghost.97]

But can you wheelie it?

[@BN1960]

Nice review, seems like a cool bike. I do wonder about the cornering lights though...some car driver somewhere is going to mistake them for indicators...

[@chr11sf]

Yeah I thought that....not keen on them..

[@ElroyMcDuff]

I'd be more concerned about the tiny headlight and people not noticing you in the first place.

[@petermurphy75able]

I agree. There should be a switch for them to be turned on at night.

[@tpierce3]

Nice!

[@JReed305]

The bad thing about this bike is I feel it will be the eventual replacement for the Concours 14/ GTR1400, which it most definitely is not. Nice bike but like the Z1000 it is more sport then tour.

[@brianjacobsen5762]

How much?

[@mathewj23]

Wow I never knew the cornering lights adapted to the lean angles like that. Only seen that on cars till now.

[@disekjoumoer]

KTM's 1290 and the Beemers do it too, as far as I know.

[@ElroyMcDuff]

And the latest FJR.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's absolutely freaky diving into a curve after dark not being able to see 10 yards ahead because your beam dipped. Cornering lights would be really helpful.

[@paullovesey4863]

Surely there’s enough tech bods at Kawasaki to make the cornering lights only illuminate from dusk till dawn

[@danishazman6222]

The chirp is not caused by the rotor blades but by the blow-off valve. When you thottle-off at high RPMs, the supercharger is still generating high boost pressures but the engine doesn't need the boost so it dumps it through the BOV, making the lovely chirping noise ;)

[@SVC-hz6dq]

In a different video it is explained that compressor to engine speed ratio is 9,2, the compressor blades then reaching the speed of sound around the 11,000 rpm zone.

[@Snakes709]

There are 2 different noises. One is the bov, the other is the blades breaking the sound barrier which you hear if you are above 5000rpm.

[@jarek916]

I like it very much.....very nice bike but i'm still in love with my K1300S :)

[@stevenfebvre5151]

Great review, thank you. And practical too. Let's face it the guys filling their boots and test riding them like they stole it aren't being honest!

[@georgie2158]

Are those fucking cornering lights on thr lean in. Fucking amazingggg

[@jackwednesday]

Watching these reviews is painful, not because they are bad reviews........but because I am too poor to buy any of these bikes. Sigh, I need to be content with my Honda pcx 125 scooter. Maybe I should paint a little 'brembo' logo on the calipers in modeling paint?

[@HalfdeadRider]

I know how you feel lol maybe in our dreams we will :)

[@stevenfebvre5151]

jackwednesday stop it brother!.... I'm gonna start a dodgy kick starter donation page to help a brother out! You like? In the mean time there's always PCP 😮

[@highcountrypioneer3025]

jackwednesday better not to have than be in debt. I have Pcx150 and a vstrom 1000 that you can find for cheap, does 95% of the h2 sx

[@stevenfebvre5151]

HighCountry Pioneer Yeah Jack HCP is right, I too don't advocate in(debtedness) it was merely an off the cuff remark as it's not for everyone (and you'll never own anything) but having said that pcp is a doorway but only if you're prepared to give the bike back (and make the repayments of course). Plenty of really low mileage (6000miles) z1000sx out there for under £6K 👍🏻 and that's practically new at a third of the price!!

[@aponcapone]

Dont be sad buddy. At least you ride!!!! Thats what its all about🤘

[@tatuksa]

i have zx14 and i think it's the to change the grean beast. im not sure if the new h2sx will give me the same power and comfort and the same leaning angel because i do track sometimes

[@Jaykayrajput]

tatuksa it's not a H2 but it will do better than most of these ... Just loose the bags

[@tatuksa]

RJ jr. thanks still i don't know the price

[@user-lz4ts9bo5m]

H2SX is so cool!

[@JustsayinAgain]

ZX-14R owner, which is probably *still* the best sport-tourer on the planet. When Kawasaki announced a supercharged sport-tourer, I had anticipated a significantly lighter bike with the same power. When you're buying a bike in this category, who frikkin cares about fuel economy, especially on a bike that costs $22k?

[@topgun8683]

I want that dash on my Versys 1000LT !

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Ninja1000 instrument display will probably end up on the Versys, which is a very good display.

[@PragmaticTornado]

Damn, I want one. I have a 2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX Tourer now, but I think it's boring. This one however..

[@joegarcia793]

That supercharger chirp at 4:19! If this is the future of big bikes then the future is going to be a good place! This thing is definitely a wayyy better looking alternative to the ZZ1400R

[@DJ10ROCS]

Joe Garcia You have to be joking?! 😂😂😂 The ZZR is a stunner compared to this! I'd not say no to owning one however!

[@yardblah5161]

Hmm...disappointed..I knew the 260+kg would hurt this and so it has...how did they make this as heavy as a 1200 GSA?..that has a 30l tank and scaffolding

[@Ihelpanytime]

Has kawasaki stopped producing the normal H2?

[@aeror115]

I help anytime no for 2018 they have the H2S already to buy

[@jancox90]

If you barely notice the supercharger, what's the point???

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

maybe cus its a smooth power delivery and not a "kick" like a turbo?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

If I remember right, Kawasaki incorporated vanes on the turbine intake, to regulate flow and velocity.

[@JonTheChron]

It was proven today that the SX can easily gain 50 HP at the wheel with just an ECU flash, and these are just preliminary numbers.

[@tancakar8987]

it looks very heavy and if the fueling is bad i rather get a ZZR1400

[@MrCaptainCrazy]

For all practical usage, I don't see a huge difference between a Z1000sx and the H2sx in terms of preformance... Both bike are sports bikes with some touring accommodations. Neither are like a Goldwing or FJR, which is great for people that want sports bike preformance.

[@Texarmageddon]

More like straight line performance... and even then they aren't that good.

[@MrSimonfoz]

I love this bike but not sure its worth changing my ZZR1400 just yet for it.

[@senecamcmillian]

Simon Foster I feel the same way

[@richardgower5396]

very nice bike, but a supercharger has a life span(they are very hard on bearings) then its off to the shop...my ZX-14R is pure cubic centimeters..when you want true simple power there is no substitute.IMHO

[@bloodysinner9456]

There is a new ZX14/ZZR1400 coming.

[@tatuksa]

i have zx14 and i think it's the to change the grean beast. im not sure if the new h2sx will give me the same power and comfort and the same leaning angel because i do trck sometimes

[@Sunedosa]

I have the 17 SX, considered changing to this for a while but 30kg + and more than double insurance costs plus the far larger pricetag convince me otherwise. I really like how this bike looks though, the front fairing/screen is brilliant while the 17 SX's front fairing/screen is not wide enough so you catch a LOT of wind.

[@touristguy87]

sigh amazing how much displacement matters to some people

[@davidnewton3485]

Get the bike tuned , it will make you cry

[@GIGABACHI]

572 lbs. WOW. (O_O) . . . lighter than a ZZR1400(and even like that I would probably take the big N/A ZZR1400 over it for other reasons). That been said, I would totally rock it if "given" to me.

[@JosephMyLife]

but it is a H2 series... What was Kawasaki thinking..

[@geoffhalsey2184]

Does an already powerful 1000cc engine need supercharging? It would make much more sense on a 600. Lightweight and powerful, the ideal combination.

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

DAMN i want this bike.. Guess i'll have to wait until next year. Can't buy 2 brand new bikes the same year. :)

[@aeror115]

volvomannen79 craziness is limitless! What did you get this year?

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

AeroR KTM 1090 Adventure R.

[@aeror115]

Perfect, much adventure with this beauty

[@JimWakable]

Not sure why Kawi is competing with itself, the ZX-14 (which I own and will own forever)... vs Concourse-14 vs this... I think because they are Kawi and they can. Does look cool - I will admit.

[@Texarmageddon]

C14 is getting axed and zx14 might see the same fate this year too... will know in 11 days if zx14 sees an update

[@rehsa2194]

This bike has a lot more leg room and an overall better seating position to me. I’m 6’5”

[@panzerfaustwot8530]

47.8 MPG (UK-specs) isn't better than a ZZR-1400 (when driving normally) I think the H2 SX is more of a gimmick, just get the ZZR-1400 if you want a sporttour and the GTR-1400 if you want to really tour.

[@Xsheaffer]

ABS issues at the track and you seem surprised. Cmon man!

[@Daedricbob]

Looks a good machine, but I have to admit I can't get past the styling, I really don't like it.

[@09roadraider40]

Send your ECU to moore mafia KZbin channel and he will fix all the issues in the ECU and she will run smoother and have lots more power. The best mod you could do to this bike.

[@leeryan1969]

Thanks my man for saving me £18K!

[@wiliyantoadinata9170]

i'm happy with my z1000 '17 LOL ( that;s what i got )

[@csabafarkas8100]

My new kawa ninj h 2 sx

[@clanmac66]

Not sure it's worth 3K (£) more than the ZZR1400.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's very ugly. Wish Kawasaki would pull out the ZX-12R file, the GPz1100 file, the 2004 ZX-10R file, the ZZR1200 file, etc. and remember what smooth, curvy, beautiful motorcycles looked like. Sick of the modern insect look. Except now this insect has been eating a lot of cheeseburgers and Doritos. Utterly pointless motorcycle. Versys1000, Z1000SX, Concours14 all built for touring. Even a ZZR1400 does that job nearly as well. They didn't need another sporty touring bike. Why not build a 750 supercharged Vtwin with much less weight, all the modern electronic crap, sort of an S1000XR competitor and replace the heavy Versys1000 with it? That would have made a lot more sense than crowding the already crowded heavy-ish sporty line in Kawasaki's lineup with another heavy-ish sporty touring-ish bike. So let's get something straight here........you're approaching the weight of a ZZR1400....without as much power of a ZZR1400, to save on fuel consumption (by a few mere ticks), while costing THOUSANDS MORE than the purchase price of the ZZR1400? Sorry, it wasn't a bike that Kawasaki needed to build. Touring doesn't need 200 hp. It just doesn't. What speed zone in the world will allow it? Nevermind the cost of maintaining a s/c motorcycle doing less than a proven reliable n/a bike already does. And insurance? Yikes. Sport touring is much better left for the Z1000SX, Verys1000. Other brands with sporty ADV would be more comfortable and much less weight (V-Strom 1000, Tracer 900GT, even S1000XR).

[@wowerman]

I think is more high tech bike and nice looking in some way.It's performance is related to shape I suppose.Also new trends and fashion?But look at very old Kawa's.Thery were more sqare'ish too. As many Kawa bikes owner I do not mind.

[@essexriderunleashed9321]

256kg wet, holy crap that's heavy.

[@Aivaras83]

sound is of blow off valve (BOV) not a charger blade sound...

[@Viajero69]

Incorrect.

[@Aivaras83]

@@Viajero69 as you can't base your answer on facts, then your answer is empty 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Viajero69]

@@Aivaras83 Whatever dude. Look it up.

[@bigdon37]

Supercharger blades sound a bid annoying

[@keithmartland6463]

Wonder how long it will be before the police start riding these things!

[@Viajero69]

The Finnish Poliisi ride them.

[@disekjoumoer]

Apart from the re-introduction of supercharging, like we had back in the 80s with turbocharging, and the various discussions about that, I simply cannot see any practical purpose in this bike.

[@Texarmageddon]

Emissions.... it's all in the emissions.

[@TLH442]

Dude get a foam cover for your microphone eh!!! Your P's are giving me a headache.

[@bennytt7275]

Ms stopped me or this is what I would have bought.

[@Flanjamin]

This review looks like its come straight from motor week retro. Common guys get with the times.

[@aeror115]

Flanjamin they need time bro in 2040 the SX is nice and retro for them;-)

[@RobinMario]

Nice manuscript.

[@scotty2221]

For that bike just go BMW route. Way over priced for this bike. By 25% at least.