Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX (2018-2022) Review, Specs & Prices | MCN

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See all KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX reviews KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX (2018 - 2022) Review MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5) Owners' rating 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5) Specs Owners' reviews Bikes for saleFor sale
Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX side profile riding cornering
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Highlights

  • Huge performance sports tourer
  • Supercharged engine has loads of charm
  • Great build quality and reliability

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Annual servicing cost: £260
Power: 197 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm)
Weight: High (573 lbs / 260 kg)

Prices

New N/A Used £8,500 - £18,000 View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes 4 out of 5 (4/5) Author:Adam Child Updated: 26 June 2023

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX is a sports tourer that combines supercharged usable power and comfort is genius. There is arguably no faster way to travel around Europe in comfort. Behind Kawasaki’s impractical Ninja H2, it’s the king of the Autobahn.

  • Latest news: 2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX revealed

Heated grips, cruise control, cornering ABS and full colour clocks, it’s practical; yet at the same has the mid-range tyre-ripping grunt to take your breath away – love it.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine 4 out of 5 (4/5)

On the road, the H2 SX falls a little short. Yes, the fully-adjustable suspension is impressive, its ride quality is excellent, you’re never jolted out of the seat and the front doesn’t dive for cover when you apply the brakes. For the majority of the time the Kawasaki H2 SX performs as you’re expect a 260kg sports tourer to behave...

Cornering on the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX

However, I never felt fully confident with the feel from the front end feel. I don’t know if it was the cold road conditions, the Bridgestone BTS21 rubber, or something about the bike’s geometry but the front end always felt slightly vague and as a result I never had the confidence to throw the H2 SX on its ear. No, it’s not meant to be a sports bike but I’d I still prefer more feedback.

The handling questions that arose on the road weren’t an issue on track. With heat in the Bridgestone rubber, and the suspension tweaked for the track, the lack of front end feel wasn’t significant. On long, sweeping corners the H2 SX was unfazed and predictable. Ground clearance was impressive, as was the rear end grip.

While the electronics do a remarkable job of dealing with so much power and make the power accessible. Yes, the H2 SX is certainly more tourer than sports, it doesn’t have the agility of the Kawasaki Z1000SX, but for a big comfortable bike it wasn’t fazed when asked to perform outside its design window on track.

Engine

Next up: Reliability 5 out of 5 (5/5)

The Kawasaki H2 SX has the same 998cc capacity as the H2 and the crankcases are the same, otherwise it’s an entirely new engine. Kawasaki refer to the H2 SX as the second generation of its supercharged engines, after the Kawasaki H2 and track-only Kawasaki H2R and have striven to create what it calls a ‘balanced supercharger’.

In other words, while with the H2 the primary goal was total performance, with this H2 SX Kawasaki is trying to balance performance and economy. As a result, the new engine has been designed to offer more low to mid-range power than the H2 while Kawasaki is also claiming similar mpg figures for the H2 SX to that of its already frugal Kawasaki Versys 1000.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX covers serious miles in comfort

The supercharger’s impeller and intake system is new. Although the impeller is the same size, the shape and angle of the blades have changed. The intake chamber has been revised, as have the intake funnel lengths. Throttle valves are smaller, from 50mm to 40mm and cam profiles now have a shorter intake and exhaust duration. Kawasaki has also revised intake and exhaust ports.

The compression ratio has been significantly increased with new pistons. The higher compression significantly increases fuel efficiency.

The exhaust is all new, too, with smaller diameter header pipes and a shorter, more compact silencer and as a result is 2kg lighter than the H2 item. The end result is: 207bhp with ram-air, improved low to mid-range power and 25% more fuel efficiency. And it still chirps.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value 5 out of 5 (5/5)

The H2 SX is loosely based on the proven supercharged Kawasaki H2 and H2R. The supercharged engine has been de-tuned, therefore isn’t highly stressed and we’ve not heard any stories about the H2 or H2R. Kawasaki’s level of finish is very high.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX should be a reliable sports tourer according to our owners' reviews

Our Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX owners' reviews show positive comments other than one reader reporting thin paint.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment 4 out of 5 (4/5)

The base model shares the same engine, chassis and rider aids and is 4kg lighter. However, you don’t receive the new TFT clocks or the extras. If you want TFT clocks, cornering headlights, launch control, quick-shifter with auto blipper, centre stand, heated grips and a larger screen then you’ll have to dig deeper into your pockets for the SE model.

  • Related: this bike appears in our Top Touring Motorbikes feature

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX paint is a little thin according to one reader

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

There are three switchable power modes, Full, Medium and Low, with the latter two reducing power to 75% and 50% respectively. The traction control system has three settings and is fully integrated into cornering ABS system. There’s a quickshifter/auto-blipper which negates the need for the clutch during gearshifts and there’s even launch control.

That said, the suspension isn’t semi-active or electronically adjustable, as some were hoping, although both ends are fully-adjustable and there’s an easy-access remote pre-load knob at the rear.

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX paniers

The H2 SX’s cornering headlights are also a first for Kawasaki. Via a Bosch management system, three lights per side illuminate in relation to lean angle.

Clocks and switchgear are also bespoke and based around another Kawasaki first – a central, full colour, TFT dash. You can change the background colour and layout, while cruise control comes standard, as do heated grips on the SE model.

KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX for sale with MCN

  • NINJA H2 SX NINJA H2 SX (2019/19) £8,490 Worcestershire
  • NINJA H2 SX NINJA H2 SX (2019/68) £9,195 Gateshead
  • NINJA H2 SX NINJA H2 SX (2019/19) £9,299 Staffordshire
  • NINJA H2 SX NINJA H2 SX (2021/21) £9,995
  • NINJA H2 SX NINJA H2 SX (2020/20) £9,999 Derbyshire
View more bikes for sale

Specs

Engine size 998cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 16v, Inline four supercharged
Frame type Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Seat height 835mm
Bike weight 260kg
Front suspension 43mm inverted forks fully-adjustable
Rear suspension Single rear shock, fully-adjustable
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs with four-piston radial caliper
Rear brake 250mm single disc with two-piston caliper.
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £260
New price -
Used price £8,500 - £18,000
Insurance group 17 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 197 bhp
Max torque 101 ft-lb
Top speed 186 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Other versions

H2 SX - £15,099 (black only)

The base model shares the same engine, chassis and rider aids and is 4kg lighter. However, you don’t receive the new TFT clocks or the extras listed below.

More Kawasaki Ninja reviews on MCN

  • Kawasaki Ninja 125 review (2019-on)
  • Kawasaki Ninja 250R review (2008-2011)
  • Kawasaki Ninja 250SL review (2015-on)
  • Kawasaki Ninja 300 review (2012-2018)
  • Kawasaki Ninja 400 review (2018-on)
  • Kawasaki Ninja 650 review (2017-on)
  • Kawasaki Ninja H2 review (2015-on)
  • Kawasaki Ninja H2 review (2019-on)
  • Kawasaki Ninja H2R review (2015-on)

MCN Long term test reports

Michael Neeves has covered 17,520 miles on a Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE | Here are his final thoughts

Michael Neeves has covered 17,520 miles on a Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE | Here are his final thoughts

After a massive 17,520 miles spent aboard the MCN fleet Kawasaki H2 SX SE, Chief Road Tester, Michael Neeves reflects on his time with the supercharged sports-tourer. 18 miles With just PDI mileage showing on its bold TFT dash I start my 11-month journey with Kawasaki’s big sports-tourer. I’ve

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX (2018 - 2022)

17 owners have reviewed their KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX (2018 - 2022) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX (2018 - 2022)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Engine: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Value vs rivals: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Equipment: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £260
5 out of 5 2019 H2SXplus honest review 27 June 2023 by David

Version: Se +

Year: 2019

I’m a mature rider with 40 plus years experience and advanced training and experience. I loved this bike from off. Loved it’s unique looks and engine. Surprisingly capable for such a large bike and with the power brakes and suspension it is a pleasure to ride. Obviously the supercharger causes you to giggle and it really is quick once the supercharger kicks in but also very easy to ride and use because very tame below 6000 rpm.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Seat poor Suspension good when you learn to set rider mode Automatic suspension settings not bad Brakes feel lacking in initial bite but do work well Rear brake less so but ok The seating position is perfect for me @ 6 foot 15 stone with a better seat would be all day comfortable. Nice compromise between sport and tourer. No factory option or comfort seat. Not the best for pillions again a surprise for sports tourer the angle between seat and pegs being the problem.

Engine 5 out of 5

Hard to fault, plenty of power, and really goes when the supercharger kicks in. A pussy cat up-to 6000 rpm ballistic over 8000rpm. Really nice feeling on and off power. Personally not interested in remap for more power there’s plenty for the road and the bikes weight makes it a handful in the tighter stuff. Surprised by the economy averages high 40s when you’re not too aggressive

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Not yet had annual service Bike feels well engineered and built Feels special to own and ride Seat could be better for a sports tourer

Equipment 4 out of 5

The SE plus has all the extras but the dash is a little fussy to change settings love the accessories point on the dash and the screen is effective. Like the centre stand, heated grips and analogue rev counter. Screen very good and clear to read. Luggage fits well and is secure. Slightly odd shape make for an odd load but they blend well with bike and no issues at speed. Quick shifter effective but chain needs correct adjustment for it to be good rather than average. Chain adjustment easy but no standard tool from Kawasaki which is appalling for a bike if the cost and ability. S21 tyres work well and last once warm lasted me nearly 4k but trying the pilot road 5 next for year round use.

Buying experience: Bought from dealer with warranty Some minor issues with backup but the purchase was easy and warranty reassuring. No issues other than a front tyre issue that dramatically affected the handling until changed

5 out of 5 The ultimate all round bike with monsterous power 05 January 2022 by David Richardson

Version: SE Performance

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £250

This is such a fantastic bike in many ways. Mine has the Akropovic exhaust that sounds amazing and in SE spec it wants for very little . Its been remapped to 230 bhp and could of gone to 250 easily. At this power a ZZ1400 or Busa seem slow trust me ive owned both. Its more modern more agile more of everything compared to a ZZ1400 which of course still a great bike. I love how the H2 SX looks too. Its a mean green power house of a bike and looks like nothing else on the road. The chirping super charger and how it is savage yet comfortable is a addictive mixture. The best bike I've owned or ridden by a very large margin.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Its not mega adventure bike comfy but compared to a sports bike its absolutely fine for a good few hours. Rear brake is poor, front brake very good. Handling/ ride can be adjusted to perfection

Engine 5 out of 5

Should be 6 stars . Have a decent remap to sort the Euro 5 nonsense out and the true bike is revealed. Its got monstrous power but all the rider aids to help you stay alive. Having a super charged bike is cool and is always a talking point, having a bike that has 230 bhp is also very cool and fun.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Everything about this bike shouts quality and it rides and feels like a premium bike. Don't spend 20k on one . Mine is 3 years old , 5k miles full service history for less than a new bog standard ninja 1000 sx .no brainer .

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Great used buy . Decent MPG if riding under 8k rpm . Insurance was only £90 more than a much cheaper slower Honda Crosstourer.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Has most things I want and a few id never use. Needs back lit switch gear. Quickshifter is amazing . TFT dash is the best out there . The bike does it all and then some.

Buying experience: Great deal in every way . A lot of bike for your money as a second owner bike and mine looks and rides like it's brand new.

5 out of 5 Remap makes this bike 230 - 250 Bhp ! 30 December 2021 by David

Version: Performance

Year: 2018

Its not for the faint hearted.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Its not super comfortable compared with a adventure bike but compared with a sports bike it's like a sofa. Handling is superb and suspension can be set to perfection. Rear brake is weak front brake is amazing .

Engine 5 out of 5

Ok let's set this to rest a £400 remap / ECU FLASH has made my bike 230 BHP. It has the Akropovic exhaust on and it would blow a ZZ1400 / busa off the road. You can bearly hold on to the beast if you explore the redline. It can easily be tuned for more power too. So people saying its not as fast as a ZZ1400 / Busa are mislead. Its heaverly restricted from the factory for Euro 5 . Undo that and it becomes the bike it should be. I've owned a ZZ1400 and a Busa by the way and the H2 SX SE is so much better and modern, it feels lighter more agile, the electronics are in the modern era and it also looks like a modern bike should. As for speed and the super charger chirping away etc there is nothing like it on the road. for an all round bike its incredible. I paid less for a 3 year old 5k milage H2 SX se than a new normal bog standard Ninja 1000sx costs. No brainer to go for a lightly used second hand H2 sx se, its so much more bike for the money. No I'd never buy a new bike that's 20k but you don't have to, a lot of 20k bikes are brought and hardly used. Most Ducati's are 20k + these days. Crazy.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Its a very high end expensive bike and it's built like one . Looks and feels classy . Quality is as good as anything on the road.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

For such an exotic bike the running cost are very reasonable. Fuel economy is better than my old and much much slower V4 Honda Crosstourer. Insurance is also very good.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Everything you need . Quick shifter is brilliant. Traction control, lean angle Abs etc. TFT screen is the best out there with an analogue rev counter- perfect in my mind. Only thing I'd like is back lit switch gear.

Buying experience: Had a great deal,great part ex and came with 2 year warranty .12 months MOT and full service history. Cant fault anything about the dealer.

5 out of 5 Easy Rider, with bags of excess in reserve. 18 May 2021 by Paul Maber

Version: SX SE

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £250

Incredible bike. Endless power, and being a larger rider, fits me well and I have no issues with muscling the bike around in the Twisties. Would like blue tooth connectivity but otherwise can't complain.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Can't complain. Covered 1000 miles and spent 5 hrs in the saddle, befor butt started getting a little numb. Was soft on the rear, so increased the preload to 4/5th the max (20 of 25 Clicks). As mentioned I'm a heavy fellow.

Engine 5 out of 5

Legendary. Or will be. Easy at low revs, great pickup and midrange. Also no need to change gear when on the move and is happy at 30 in top gear and pulls really well through the rev range.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Mine had 8.7k miles,band is showroom condition. Not a hint of a rusty bolt and I've already removed the fairings to check. Fingers crossed it'll all stay that way.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I had a Ducati Multistrada 1200s before this bike and let me assure readers, in comparison to that, this is sooo much cheaper. Fluids, oil, filter, air filter, brakes are all easy for a DIY job. All bike owners should be able to do this. My Ducati cost me on average 500 a year with belts alone costing over 300 a time.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Lack of blue tooth. It's a tourer. Would have been nice especially as blue tooth isn't exactly new technology. On an 18k bike, this could have and should have been included on the 2018 model.

Buying experience: Excellent. No complaints.

5 out of 5 Stunning engine, great bike but a poor seat 09 April 2021 by Old Git

Version: SE Performance Sport

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £550

A stunning engine that delivers endless grunt. Handling is good although the bike is still a bit heavy. Good economy given the performance, good build quality and finish but seat is uncomfortable, which is a real shame for a Sports Tourer.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I've fitted BST carbon wheels which makes the bike noticeably lighter and more flickable. It's a great "do everything" bike that you can ride to the Alps in day then spend the week running the passes before riding home in a day.The adjustable suspension is surprisingly good and the front brakes are excellent. The rear brake is however, pretty disappointing.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is stunning with endless grunt from nothing to the red line. I've had mine flashed to remove the throttle restrictions above 9,000rpm and it now delivers almost 220bhp. Lots of character despite the almost electric motor type delivery.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

After 2 years and almost 16k miles it still looks great. No paint or corrosion issues.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Very expensive to buy new. Running costs include the big/expensive 15,000 miles service. It's a lot of money but it's a lot of bike.

Equipment 4 out of 5

So many electronics that you need a 12 year old to explain what you need to do to reset the trip meters. :-) The headlight is mediocre but the the rest of the equipment is good. The luggage is great and fits well on the bike. The OEM tyres wore not great but the Michelin Road 5s I have fitted are great for the bike.The seat is uncomfortable after as little as an hour! For a bike that does touring so well it's a real shame Kawasaki cocked up on such a simple thing.

Buying experience: I bought from the local dealer and t was a simple, straight forward transaction.

4 out of 5 Amazing but some flaws. 15 January 2021 by Ste

Version: SE tourer

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £200

Great bike but pricey

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Very good suspension set up as standard and good brakes. Comfort seat isn't comfortable!

Engine 5 out of 5

Amazing engine but slightly rough and strange racing tickover sporadically.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Paint thin and had faulty ignition replaced under warranty as well as a few factoy recalls.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Servicing can be pricey, shop around. Insurance can be high, again shop around. Eats rear tyres.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Everything except built in sat nav.

Buying experience: Dealer Bournemouth Kawasaki was brilliant

4 out of 5 on the road 23 October 2020 by jeff

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £350

performance outstanding handling excellent good looking bike would not recomend at present i dont think dealers technical knowledge is experienced enough with a bike of limited numbers

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

bike very comfy did tour of Spain no problem or discomfort brakes fantastic

Engine 4 out of 5

performance outstandingly good throughout the rev range problem on idle and slow speeds appeared after 3000 miles dealers not able to cure

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

finish and build very good no problem anywhere

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

servicing very expensive only one year roadside recovery and only covered in UK and not Europe

Equipment 5 out of 5

loads of good electronics Bridgestone tyre well up to job would have liked tyre pressure monitoring and a navigation system as an option (bike is a sports touring)

Buying experience: bought new from dealer paid around £18000

5 out of 5 H2 SX SE 05 June 2020 by Simon Sweet

Version: SE

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £170

It's a little weighty and a handful at low speeds but very stable once the speed increases.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

The rear brake is pretty weak on these.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is as good as you'd expect. A little jerky at low speeds on fueling.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Slight corrosion on some of the fasteners.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Running costs aren't too bad. Original back tyre was squared off by 3500 miles.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The dash is clear and informative. The heated grips are effective but the operation is very confusing with one button for three settings.

Buying experience: It was an ex demonstrator from a main dealer.

5 out of 5 01 March 2020 by David

Version: SE

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £175

Does everything really well. Only less than perfect point is the seat.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5 Engine 5 out of 5

Super smooth with loads of power.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5 Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Not done the big 15,000 mile service yet but 7,500 was reasonable.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Loads of extras and a good TFT dash.

Buying experience: Good dealer service.

5 out of 5 If you want a H2 SX, this is the one to have 12 September 2019 by Joe Average

Version: SE +

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £300

This is the bike it always should have been. Although expensive, the SE+ is the H2 SX to have.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Electronic suspension is a dream, once you've had it its hard to go back to a bike without. Brembos give more bite & stopping power than standard, a lot more confidence inspiring.

Engine 5 out of 5

Super smooth, super quiet, super quick with the whirr & chatter of the supercharger. Dialling in your own settings on power, engine braking, throttle response etc makes the ride bespoke to you. Quick shifter still isn't the best, but is a blast once you've learned when & when not to use.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Generally quality is amongst the highest of all Japanese makes. Still a tad off BMW & Ducati, but not far. Exhaust downpipe will discolour quickly if used in inclement weather.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Its a lot of money for a bike, but its in a field of its own so hard to rate for value. Like all hyper bikes it'll eat rear tyres... 1500 to 2500 miles.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Pretty much all the toys in the shop. Being picky... No tyre pressure sensors.

Buying experience: Kawasaki dealer very good.

5 out of 5 2019 Bike of the year? 17 July 2019 by Barry Blythe

Version: Performance Tourer

Year: 2019

Perfect all rounder, tad expensive but you get what you pay. No bad features hence bought 2019 model following my purchase of the 2018 launch model. Great the bike now as electronic suspension.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Fantastic engine and handling (for a bike this size). Brakes cant tell much difference from last years model despite Brembo upgrade but nice to have some bling effect.

Engine 5 out of 5

Supercharged what's not to like

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5 Value vs rivals 4 out of 5 Equipment 4 out of 5

Little behind latest from BMW hopefully Kawasaki will continue to develop the Rideology App

Buying experience: Colchester Kawasaki great service and price not my closest dealer over 200 miles away but worth the journey. Bought my last two H2 SX's from them 2018 and 2019 models

5 out of 5 H2 SX Stealth bomber 11 July 2019 by Sith rider

Version: Standard

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £120

Drag touring at it's best. Ok it's not as fast as a full blown H2 or even a ZZR1400 but that's not what this bikes about its middle ground. As an all rounder it's pretty damn good. H2 SX is more of a Bomber than a fighter that's the best way to describe it. But what a bomber all the tech onboard is making the ZZR1400 feel a bit old in terms of all the goodies. Supercharger noise is so cool and addictive to listen to. Forget the loud exhaust you want that whistle.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Ride quality is 2nd to none comfort 1st class at warp speed and for such a heavy bike you dont notice. Brakes are bang on I mean they stop this 260kg bike better than my 2018 R1.

Engine 5 out of 5 Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Robust design and the occasional glimer of exotic over enginered parts. Kawasaki heavy industries haven't let us down in its brilliant build quality. A lot of bike for not alot of money.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Ride economicaly and the Bridgestones will last but ride like a dick the they wont.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Super charger is wow factor sounds awesome and delivers performance.

Buying experience: Preston superbike gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. Gave me a great trade in on my bike and gave me a great deal on the new one.

3 out of 5 I have now gone back to a ZZR1400 04 January 2019 by Dave

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £300

Like a previous comment, buy a gen 2 (2012 onwards) ZZR1400 instead. The ZZR1400 is better at everything, more power, faster and much better for touring and especially for a pillion. The H2 SX pillion seat is laughable, unless your other half has the bottom of a 12 year old. The price of the H2 SX is ridiculous and nowhere near worth it. Are all the gizmos added to make it seem worthy of a nice new car price? Maybe. I have now gone back to a ZZR1400. The only thing missing is cruise control, why doesn't the ZZR1400 have cruise control? Kawasaki missed a trick with that, but it is still better than the H2 SX. If they stop making the ZZR1400, I will keep mine for as long as there is nothing better out there. Don't be lured by the word 'supercharger' the hype isn't what you actually get.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I can ride my ZZR1400 at least 600 miles in a day, with the H2 SX, nearer 350-400miles a day. Ride quality is ok, but that vague front end is scary at times. Tips in quicker than a ZZR1400, but as they both weigh the same, they corner similarly. Brakes are ok, too.

Engine 3 out of 5

Hmm, being supercharged it pulls from tickover, but, it isn't as fast as a ZZR1400 no matter what anyone says. They maybe a tuners dream, but you could turbo a brand new ZZR1400 and still have change from the price of a standard H2 SX SE, and way more power. The engine isn't anywhere near as smooth as a ZZR1400, either. Quite a let down considering the hype.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

As with any Kawasaki I have owned, the quality and reliability are second to none.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

About the same as any other large capacity bike.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Plenty of equipment IF you buy the H2 SX SE.

Buying experience: Dealer was ok, but then when you are chucking them the best part of 20 grand, they would be nice.

4 out of 5 Smooooooth 05 September 2018 by Shifty

Version: SE

Year: 2018

It’s a phat sportsbike, the love child of a ZX10R and a ZZR. In a straight line you could close your eyes (metaphorically speaking) and feel a ZZR below you. Throttle and sound is similar. But it tips in more eagerly and that feels very strange and unnerving. This is due to lack of any true tyre feedback. It feels numb and you rely on the bike to look after you instead of relying on feedback from the bike to do it. I really hope a new set of tyre will sort it. Everybody has covered the good stuff about the bike so no more to say here. On tyres again it hideously tracks road lines and tarmac shapes and crowns. Just can’t forgive Kawasaki for these tyres. If you find a totally unrealistic bit of flat smooth tarmac it feels like a magic carpet! I do love the bike as I said the good points people have already covered are awesome. Very awesome. Compared to my MTS 1200 2014 it's a cut above.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I don’t think electronic adjustable suspension would improve it. On my MTS I used to switch it from Sport to Tour to soften it. But the throttle on the Kwak is smoother than the MTS sport setting so no need. Who bothered with urban anyway !!

Engine 4 out of 5

Silk pure and simple on the throttle. Slams shut when shut. Thanks to Eurocrats. But much much less than the MTS I rode. The EBS helps:

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very well put together fit and finish, I’ll be fitting ZZR panels. Reliability — we will see!

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

3750 is too few miles but petrol usage is lower than a MTS.

Equipment 5 out of 5

What else can go on!

Buying experience: Very very good with Bristol Kawasaki. Really great guys. But the factory did leave a bolt off the clutch reservoir.

3 out of 5 Buy a 2012 onwards ZZR1400 instead 27 June 2018 by Davvo

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £250

If you want a bike to travel across Europe fast, then buy a ZZR1400. The ZZR1400 is far better at everything, and it is significantly cheaper than the H2 SX SE. The 2012 onwards ZZR1400 has more power and is the same weight give or take a KG or two. No, you don't get cruise control which is a huge miss from Kawasaki, and no you don't get pretty coloured clocks and launch control or even a quickshifter, but bar the cruise control, why are the others needed on a sports/tourer? Wish I had kept my ZZR1400. I shall be going back to a ZZR1400 before the Summer is over. Come on Kawasaki, add cruise control to the ZZR1400.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Not bad comfort wise, but I find the suspension very hard. Dialling it all down doesn't make an awful lot of difference. I find I do around the same mileage before a break as my previous bike, a tankful is fine before my knees hurt, but after that I can't go much further and I am used to riding all over Europe. Brakes are ok, they stop you well enough.

Engine 4 out of 5

Well, rubbish compared to a ZZR1400 which is so smooth compared to this, which is more agricultural and low down grunt is crap. Maybe Kawasaki restricted these like they did the original ZZR1400.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

As always, quality is high with a Kawasaki, but ride through the winter and you need to keep on top of cleaning and servicing like all bikes. Reliability is good with Kawasaki, I had two ZZR1400's over an eight year period with no reliability issues at all. More than 50,000 miles on them and not a single worry. I have no reason to believe that my H2 SX SE will be any different.

Value vs rivals 2 out of 5

Value is terrible. £19,000 for this? I was mad, must have forgotten to take my meds that day. Anyone that buys one of these has more money than brains.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Only things I have have added are a sat nav and a Fenda Extenda. It has all the bells and whistles, but most of it is to sell them rather than any real world use.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer, he took a kidney and a lung to pay for it. Feels like I was robbed frankly.

4 out of 5 Steet sleeper SX SE 07 April 2018 by LoneRider

Version: SE

Year: 2018

Fantastic motorcycle. Huge upgrade from my 2016 Z1000SX

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Ride is superb. You don't feel the extra weight.

Engine 5 out of 5

YES, it has been notably restricted by Kawasaki at the expense of making it a touring bike. And more practical. But what does that tell you about the engine?

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

This is the next level from the usual high quality from Kawasaki.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Insurance premium be a problem for some.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Love the colour TFT! 3-stage Heated grips! Quick shifter was effortless and seamless accelerating above 5000rpm. Downshifting very smooth from 6th down to 5th/4th/3rd. Cruise control very easy to use and works well. Wind protection was also very good.

3 out of 5 Falls short of the hype & expectation 04 April 2018 by Joe Average

Version: SE

Year: 2018

Overall the bike just doesn't live up to the hype.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

A really nice stable ride, great handling & balance for the style of bike. Worth spending time dialling the suspension to your own taste.

Engine 2 out of 5

Unfortunately it just seems so breathless low down in the range, then when the engine spins up the front wheel wants to lift. Hopefully this is something that will be addressed in future models. Quickshifter isn't the best, needs improvement.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5 Value vs rivals 2 out of 5 Equipment 4 out of 5

TFT display is a bit overrated, not really sure the SE version is worth the extra, all things considered.

Buying experience: All good, very helpful dealer.

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