When Kawasaki unveiled the supercharged Ninja H2R at 2014 Intermot show and the Ninja H2 a month later, they went straight into history as the world’s fastest production motorcycles. Love them or loathe them, the duo will hold a special place in everyone’s hearts many years from now, just like how we still revere the 1969 H1 Mach III, 1972 H2 Mach IV, 1972 Z1, 1984 GPz900R Ninja, among many other Kawasakis.
The track-only H2R was nothing if not shocking with an engine produced 300 bhp. The street-oriented H2 produced 197.6 bhp, on the other hand. Both bikes were wrapped in a bodywork whose styling has never been seen before. Designed by the Kawasaki Aerospace Company, every wedge on the bike was to create more downforce.
However, the H2R and H2 were true sportbikes, so touring or commuting on them meant that the rider had to suffer. Many had pondered if the H2 could be made more practical.
Well, your prayers have been answered when Kawasaki took the covers off the H2 SX at the 2017 EICMA show. Kawasaki now has a supercharged sport-tourer, like how John McLain now has a machine gun. Ho ho ho.
Here are 5 things we’re expecting from the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX.
What is a sport-tourer if not for its accommodating ergonomics.
The H2 SX’s steel trellis frame is based on the H2, but has been strengthened and and lengthened. Along with a new passenger seat, they are thicker and wider. The handlebar has been raised higher for a more upright riding position.
While the styling is still unmistakable shouts H2, it’s now rounder, larger and has a taller windscreen.
Another benefit of the revised frame is the ability to carry a passenger and luggage. The H2 SX has been rated to carry 195.5 kg. The swingarm has been lengthened by 15mm for added stability, while the steering lock angle has been increased by a substantial 30 degrees on both sides to ease low-speed maneuverability.
The H2R and H2’s manic engine has undergone some changes make it easier for both street riding and touring. The objective was to provide more low- and mid-range torque.
The supercharger’s impeller was completely redesigned, with new intake chamber, cams and exhaust. The engine’s thermal efficiency was also increased by upping the compression ratio to 11.2:1 from 8.5:1; along with new cast aluminium pistons, cylinders, and cylinder heads. Both intake and exhaust cam profiles were shortened for the requirements of street riding.
These changes still yield the exact same 197.6 bhp and 101 Nm of torque.
Another important aspect for a sport-tourer is range, for you can’t expect to tour in a realistic manner if you have to stop for fuel every 200/250 kilometres.
The H2 SX now has a 19-litre fuel tank. The revisions to the engine’s character has resulted in a fuel mileage figure that matches the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (Z1000SX) and Versys 1000.
The H2 SX will feature a new 2-mode LCD display.
Apart from that, it also utilizes electronic cruise control, all-LED lighting, 3-mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki Intelligent ABS (KIBS), engine brake control, three power modes, together with a 5-axis Bosch Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) with an extra sixth-axis (yaw) calculated by Kawasaki’s own software developed in World Superbike.
The H2 SX SE adds full-colour LCD, LED cornering lights, a larger windscreen, Kawasaki Launch Control Mode which controls wheelie and wheel spin, quickshifter for both up- and downshifts, braided steel brake lines, heated grips and centrestand.
Both models are suspended by fully adjustable 43mm KYB forks and 40mm rear shock with revised Uni-Trak linkage.
Brakes are 320mm discs up front, squeezed by 4-piston calipers, although they aren’t Brembos.
We expect there’s a lot more than just specs when the H2 SX and H2 SX SE makes its appearance in Malaysia. Here’s to getting there quick so you’ve more time to enjoy your destination.
“Supercharge your journey,” as Kawasaki calls it.
By now, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R and Ninja H2 have established themselves as being the most powerful production motorcycles being sold to the general public.
But the Kawasaki H2R and its H2 sibling are not just about an extremely powerful supercharged engine stuffed into a frame. No, the H2 and H2R represents the pinnacle of mechanical engineering. Being so earns Kawasaki Heavy Industry’s (KHI) revered “River Mark” – the mark of excellence for innovations with historic significance. Kawasaki isn’t wrong when they are promoted as “Built Beyond Belief.”
As such, the track-only H2 and road-going H2R are premium products, hence the owners of the products expect premium service.
In this sense, Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., KESB created the Kawasaki H2R and H2 Elite Squad. The Elite Squad was activated as soon as the first units of the Ninja H2R and Ninja H2 were handed over (click here for our coverage on the ceremony).
A H2R or H2 owner may call 03-5566 5662 to book an appointment. The Kawasaki H2R and H2 Elite Squad will then arrive at a location specified by the owner, pick up the bike and deliver it to the Kawasaki Exclusive Service Centre (KESC) for expert maintenance or repair.
The Elite Squad transports the H2R or H2 inside an enclosed van, to ensure safety and your privacy.
All KESCs are equipped with comprehensive equipment, including special tools and electronic diagnosis equipment that are unavailable at non-official workshops. Similarly, the personnel at KESC are specially trained to handle the maintenance and repair of the special H2R and H2. That in itself is great assurance that your H2R or H2 is well taken care of.
KESB quotes RM159.00 within the first 30km. However, if the owner requires a pick-up service only outside the 30km radius, an additional charge of RM1.38/km is levied; while for pick-up and return service, an additional RM1.17/km is charged.
Please visit Kawasaki Motors (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.’s official webpage for more information.
© Copyright – BikesRepublic.com 2023 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
