2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE Review
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- čas přidán 21. 05. 2018
- 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE Review - Ever since Kawasaki announced the original supercharged H2 I've been itching to have a go on one of these forced induction machines. The H2 SX SE is the top of the range touring edition...a completely new bike loosely based on the H2 but toned down a little for more long distance practicality. On paper the bike is a winner...what is it like in reality?
Thanks to Blade Motorcycles in Abingdon for making this review possible, visit them here www.bladegroupkawasaki.co.uk/
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I purchased one in April, been all round northern Spain touring two up, amazing piece of kit... She's a keeper and a future modern classic in my view.
Great review as ever. I've lived in Canada for thirty years but originally from Scotland and I must confess don't miss much but you're absolutely right when you say you can't beat Blighty on a beautiful Spring day. Thanks for the flashback 😊
I purchased a H2 SXSE in April 2019 with the Akro, tinted screen and panniers and all the toys. Ran her in and took her fully loaded with my other half as pillion to the Pico's. Two+ weeks of biking heaven. This is an absolute weapon if you want it to be, but more than happy knocking off the miles on motorways if that's your thing.I put Bridgestone T31GT's on before the tour, the S21's are very good, but the rear lasted just over 900miles!!...
SKT's I must say normally this still of bike isn’t for me, I’m more cruiser and dual sport. However this bike just speaks to me, whispering my ear, you want me, you want mount and ride me. I would definitely listen if I could.
Looks much better than the ZZR1400 in my eyes. Will have to try one out, I think a tour is needed on this 😎😎
I look forward to seeing a review with this bike ridden "properly" by the Chop!
Lamb Chop Rides zzr1400 is about 35 kg lighter
:O how dare you say that!!! the zzr1400 is beautiful minus the rear tail light!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes... Personally, I don't think it has the presence of the 1400, though the front being designed to look like Darth Vader's helmet is a nice touch :)
2wheels2fast ZZR1400 IS 13 KG heavier
Sold! Been looking for the right sports tourer and this has to be it. Now saving to buy one next spring :-)
Brilliant in-depth review.
I own the 2018 SX version and love it. I don’t miss the fancier TFT display because my attention is more focused on riding (often quickly) versus staring down where your eyes don’t belong. I did purchase the removeable side bags. I’m getting about 45 mpg which is great for a bike like this. My other bike is a Triumph Trophy SE for the really long touring
I like those older H2 gauges better actually. They look cool, are less distracting and keep costs down. New digital tech is almost immediately outdated anyhow...
A quick question. What gas mileage do you get out of full tank? I assume warning light comes on after about 160 miles..?
Traveling Joe do you still got it ? If so how is the bike treating you ? How many miles have you put on it ?
Brilliant bike, brilliant first impressions video.
Glad it was sunny looks great in the walk around
haven't seen TMF lose his composure yet, haven't watched this video yet, can't wait ! :P
Fantastic review. Lovely machine. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the review. I'm going to buy one this Saturday. Can't wait!!
Lucky man - enjoy!
TheMissendenFlyer Thanks...I’m sure I will.
Test rode one last week with the semi active suspension, very nice indeed
Beautiful looking, high performance motorcycle in true Kawasaki tradition!
Saw one of these parked up at the Northwest 200
It looks pretty sweet 👌
Another great review you could really sense that the bike is very user friendly 👍
Ohhhh yessss Mr. Missenden that's what I'm talking about
Thank you for a great review. I traded in my K1600GT for this bad boy and I have never looked back. Great job Kawasaki. Bmw can certainly learn a few things from this machine.
Nice review as always TMF
I love how it looks. It’s an insane, 200mph (ish), supercharged nutter bike and it looks exactly like one.
Amazing machine that’s more capable than virtually any person that will ride it.
If I win the lottery, it’s top of my Wishlist.
Must be surreal rinding a missile with public speeds. Thanks for the review Sir!
Thank you for the wonderful review. Excellent content as usual.
Thank you for watching!
I like the looks. Given that it's a sports tourer be interesting to know how easily it takes luggage,fuel consumption etc but acknowledge you only had the bike for a short time.Hopefully Kawasaki give a you test bike for a longer review👍
Sadly Kawasaki UK don’t talk to me...shame as I live literally down the road from them!
Great review. Im looking for a sport tour bike and this one has my attention. Will be going to check it out very soon ..
Great review. Thank you!
Love it although love the zzr14 too. I go out riding at 4am these days to avoid the overtaking lane hogs that clog up our roads and tempt bikersbinto undertaking. I am usually back for breakfast at 9am. Only things to consider on empty roads at that time are the increased risk of deer crossing roads.
Come to New Zealand - undertaking on motorways is normal (and legal) :o
Excellent review as ever. 😊
I really like that you did a unproper walkaround of the bike at the dealer sir 😊, hope you cont. To do that.
Great review again sir, kawasaki is the 1st bike i have learn to ride a motorcycle and that bike still alive in my father garage in bits and pieces lol 😁😁😁
I thought my old blackbird was powerful in its day but this looks awesome very nice
Just found my next bike. Great review TMF 👌🏼😃👍🏼
Cheers Shifty!
Not sure why people complain about poor rear brakes, they always will be poor.
It's like using your handbrake to stop your car, it's just a dragging brake.
Therefore will never be anywhere near as good as a front brake, which has different forces acting on them.
Great channel btw
Kawasaki launched a new H2 SX with Showa Semi Active Suspension now, spoke to Kirkcaldy Kawasaki in Fife Scotland and it costs £ 21,599 the dealer said. Looking forward to check it out.
Another Home Run for TMF. The day you ride the Yamaha Niken should be the day MCN offers you a job! I was excited for this one, and you didn't disappoint.
Yes looking forward to riding the Niken - stay tuned!
Hello sir 👋🏼 love your reviews
Thank you Colin...
What an impressive bike! Like you, I'm a bit unsure of the pointy-looking front end, but the rest of it seems amazing. I do like that TFT plus analogue rev-counter - sets it apart from the all-TFT competition. Blighty looking beautiful there in the late Spring sunshine!
Cheers Andy (this was recorded back in early April believe it or not - cracking Spring we’re having)....
I have a Z1000SX (2018!) at the moment but I know this will be my next bike, I just love it.
this is my dream bike! I love it one day I hope I will have it.
It looks fantastic in the green and black and has some very impressive stats! I love those wheels...
Not sure it would tempt me away from my Adventure Bike, although maybe more because I’d be worried about losing my license!!
Great review though 🙂
Great review! :)
I'd love to own one, was chatting to a guy a couple of days ago who has one. He confirmed it's a very thirsty machine. It's one of those bikes that if you have to ask about running cost then you can't afford it. Sadly I'm in that category. I think it looks striking (though the exhaust would be binned) the paint job is amazing. Nice video Sir.
Thank you M4 - been a while since I heard from you!
TheMissendenFlyer I'm always here lurking in the shadows. Great work TMF.
Best bike reviews, ever! :) Great work.
Thanks Richard....
Looks great
Hi TMF, great review as always, test rode the standard SX which is a great bike, and obviously this H2 model is something else, and exhaust aside quite like the looks, however I will stick with my Italian twins lol.
oooooooo my local dealership too! nice vid mate
I do enjoy your balanced, honest and informative reviews sir but I nearly choked when you said ‘25C and hot’, probably because I was chugging a Coopers Sparkling and was caught short with your comment about the temperature. Here in Australia 25C is quite pleasant.
If you can't escape white vans on a Kawasaki H2, I'm afraid you're doing it wrong. haha ;P
AWESOME! I do wonder how much power is too much power though. With you on the looks, think I'd still rather the Z900RS.
1624: I live round this area and there are much nicer roads with some twisty road and slower roads near the Milton interchange. Rowstock roundabout A417 turn left towards Streetly great sweeping bends and hills should try this on your tests, great channel keep it up.
22:08 - ...boring ride through France LOL Great video as usual, keep 'em coming.
Great review TMF not my sort of bike but still great looking.
Hi TMF. Great review as usual. I rode this very bike back to back with the Z900rs a fortnight ago. The people at Blade in Abingdon were great. It cost 20 pound for insurance cover. The H2 SX was a great bike but far too powerful for my road skills, the Z900rs however was a brilliant bike for half the money. As other people have commented, the lack of electronic suspension is disappointing. Also I noticed on the H2 exhaust there was a chunk of plastic missing off the end trim of the exhaust. I know its a demo bike but for 18 grand that's bad. Cheers
Yes that Z900RS is a lovely bike isn't it....loved that puppy!
Enjoyed that, great! I like the styling and there’s some lovely touches, but too much pointless technology for me ( for the road anyway). Kawasaki’s are generally nice bikes with lovely engines. Come on Triumph, let’s have a replacement for the Sprint!
Last night I watched you review a 125cc Chinese scooter.....I wake this morning to you riding this 1000cc supercharged beast.... I have entered the "Twilight Zone" Dah-dee-dah-dah, Dah-dee-dah-dah,Dah-dee-dah-dah, Dah-dee-dah-dah... LOL ;)
As a road bike the H2 SX SE is more than any rider could ask for, probably too much :) .... I wish Kawasaki fitted this H2 with a shaft drive like the Concourse has, personally I wouldn't want to be dealing with a chain on long tours.
Love the mechanical genius of the bike but I might be stuck in an old school style vortex. Beam me up Scottie. Really like your reviews Sir.
Yes me too...and thanks!
I like the green, but wish there was more choices in colors. Maybe a red or burgundy, and blue is always nice. Silver maybe. Just some variety.
True. And personally i dont like the 2 tone.
Yes the looks are a bit funny on the front agree on those wheels though they are lovely. Its good that you report that such a beast of a machine is easy and comfortable. This style of the sports tourer has kind of been eclipsed by certain adventure bikes I guess, things like the Multistrada.
That’s like 90% of our days here in Australia. I’m still going to buy the vfr800f
Great review and a great bike, Love it. It takes a good few weeks to learn all the options on the thing, for example an option to feel how much engine break you want. Love the look but would change the can on it.
Yes I couldn’t really do the tech any justice on this first ride, amazing bit of kit though....
Nice video....seems like a great bike.
Hey, mate as always quality job (loved your Scotland tour vids!) now you have done a vid on my bike!... I have some different parts fitted that make it really really good (carbon rims Ti exhaust etc) am loving riding it and videoing as I go (although I ride it a bit differently lol)
The 2019 H2 sx se+ Brock did a video for about $1000. Slip on, custom air filter, ECU flash 248 rear wheel horsepower! Who needs the regular H2? Best of all it's much cheaper on insurance, thinking about getting one until June 17th 2019 4.99% for 84 months with nothing down comes to just at $408 per month or $102 a week.
We always know its a quick machine when the word “stonking” is mentioned more than once,who wouldn’t want a super charged bike,nice review hopefully you might get a chance for a long term review and we can find out what all them switches and modes do
Now wouldn’t that be nice!
I’d love a bike with more power than my car.
Another fantastic review
Thanks...
Looks like a comfortable ride. Would love to try one. Like you the only negatives for me are the looks. However I dare I say I could get past that while wringing nearly 200hp out of it! LIke the sound to the smoothness, but the windage would need some sorting if I was to tour on it. Also, think the g-meter, boost and throttle indicator are a bit gimcrack and could be a dangerous distraction while going into hyperdrive where you need your wits about you. Cheers for the review.
Love the analogue rpm with digital speedo
@TMF: Sir splendid review again, I test rode one a few days ago and plonked £18.9k to pick up H2 SX SE Performance edition (It has few extras like smoked windscreen, knee pads & Akrapovic exhausts), awaiting for delivery of it shortly. Cheers :)).
Exciting times - congrats!
TheMissendenFlyer : Yes sir, Thank you.
I think the 2019 "Plus" may be my next bike. Looks are a funny thing. I never thought about this bike at all until I "saddled" one last weekend. I'm not sure why I did, but I immediately fell in love with the "rider's triangle". Only then did I fall in love with the looks. I wonder how many great relationships begin that way?
Very many I imagine! 😉
Great look at this bike, an excellent taster! Looks are very subjective....but as a continental tourer, the wind protection, thirst and smallish tank really miss the mark in my view.....but a technical marvel though!
I had the ZX-14 and loved it..but, had to raise the bars, lower the pegs and consume dangerous amounts of ibuprofen on long trips to survive. I went to a K1600GT and loved it, but missed the aggressive ride of the Kawi. Next went to the S1000XR and love it - great for long trips and plenty of get up and go. Picked up the H2SXSE 4 weeks ago. It's like the ZX14 and K1600GT had a love child. Those that say it isn't as comfortable or fast as the ZX14 are confused or just can't let go of the past. This may be the most rewarding bike to ride I've ever owned. Great review. Change the settings to F ( full power) and take it on an open road, you'll be ruined for all other bikes.
How would compare the S1000XR to the H2SX SE? I'm currently torn between the two. I have ridden the BMW but it's been quite a chore trying to find a Kawasaki dealer that will allow demos.
Watch the bike show vid on here,it's nowhere near as fast as the zzr sorry 😉and yes I've ridden both and it's not
I suddenly need a new bike 😂
Another good vid TMF. Thanks for my 10% discount on my screen protector, how about some 10% discounts on Bikes :-) Joking! That Steverton road you use is known for its bad surface. An alternative could be taking the road into Wantage and going north which will bring you passed the end of that road, not all 50mph, but mind the speed camera you can see to the left of the road you turn out of.
Good review, beast of a bike, I've got to agree with you on the looks , it could be a lot better.
Looks amazing bike but not sure I’d want that much power or should I say, I’d never use the power. Looks great though.
Great review, now's a good time for a ZZR1400 review. Cheers..
Now i want an h2 sx
Beautiful.
Did it not have self cancelling indicators thrown in ;) only kidding! Great review as always!!
As a "sport tourer" I can't help wondering if they should have given it shaft or belt drive.
Because it's a sport bike you can tour on, not a touring bike you can sport on (like an FJR1300 or ST1300).
They need to update the Concours with the supercharged engine
@@yvonjasser This is it.
If they had given it a shaft drive, I'd be all over it after my VFR1200F. Make it low maintenance.
Yes. My H2 eats tires and stretches out chains like no other, limiting the distance you can travel without wrencing to around 3.000 miles. It's a very short distance orientated touring bike.
Would be good to see a first ride / review of the Kawasaki H2 if possible.
Great video as always are you planning to test the new versyes 1000 ?? 👍👍keep up the great work
...I thought I had done? Is there a newer one out I've overlooked??
Yes the new for 2019 one 👍👍
Would love to see you review the updated 23' She's a perfect swap from my 19' GL1800 DCT
Great review of a great bike. I just love Kwaks!
I've got a ZZR and would be interested in your views on a similar review of that to give a comparison. Shame the ZZR is coming to the end of it's life....
Give me a ZZR1100 any day of the week, no bullshit, 4 carbs, handles ok and goes like stink, this is just to much IMO, great review as always 👍🏻
Strangely, that fairing style reminds me of those 50's 60' American cars, all fins and wings. It's one of those marmite things, you'll either love it or hate it. That is one expensive motorcycle but as a flagship model, I don't suppose it is expected to sell in quantity, just draw attention to the brand. You really hit the nail on the head with that 50 miles an hour limit, thrashing comment. It's so hard to find roads where Mr Plod isn't going to take an interest in how fast you're going in the UK. When out for a longer ride, may I suggest one of my favourites the A342? Turn off the A338 near Tidworth and head up towards Devizes, glorious views on a quiet road with a good mixture of bends and straights, great for biking.
Nice one Geoff!
Love that road!
I went past that spot you stop at in Steventon yesterday on my way to take the grass cuttings to the local rubbish tip just out of the village there. I'll give you a beep if i see you sometime reviewing a bike.
Please do!
Amazing bike. When I saw one I was surprised at how compact it was, Especially when compared to the Kawasaki Concourse (ZG1400?)
I always wonder how people keep their licenses on bikes like these.
Still, it's obviously one of the bikes on my list. Thanks for the video Mr. Flyer!
it would help if you are best friends with the local fuzz and buy them off with alot of booze
That is always an issue for sure! I'm not sure I would....
This is why I sold my GSXR 750. Had it for 2 years, fantastic bike. Thankfully never got caught riding like an idiot. But the bike was like a drug urging me on to go faster and faster. Sold before I ended up on the news or dead. So looking for something more sensible like one of these new retro's.
Honest review as ever :-) :-) :-) :-)
Just bought a new one, pick it up next Friday 🤓👍🏻
Congratulations!
TheMissendenFlyer cheers, the insurance was a little excessive as I’ve not had my license quite two years yet 😬👍🏻
You did the Z1000 SX and now the H2 SX, this screams for a ZZR review! :). No, seriously, I am thinking of adding a ZZR to the stable even though it has way too much HP in my opinion. But after having ridden the Z1000 SX and ZZR I think it’s the most comfortable and best handling sports tourer around. Would love to hear your opinion when you rode all three Kawas.
It’s getting hold of a ZZR that’s the issue alas....
I know, I tested a second hand 2016 one as there was no demo around at any of the dealers here. I also find it the most beautiful looking bike of the three as a retro/naked/custom lover. Not that it's really retro but it still has the 90s look. :)
Ditto. There are simply NO demonstrators... been all over the West. S/H is the only option. I suspect they will run them out if the SX SE takes hold.
Yep, either run it out or give it a nice update like TFT and active suspension. Which makes the decision hard for me to either get a Performance Sport now or wait and see what happens by the end of the year and if they stop making it try to score a PE anyway. Wonderful bike although 150HP would have been more than enough. Reminds me of the CBR1000F and K1200RS I used to own. The Z1000SX and H2SX don't look half as good to me and the ZZR just handles so damn effortlessly for such a big bike.
I’ve got a 2017 Performance sport zzr. Yes it misses cruise control, quickshifter but as recent review in MCN it’s the h2 biggest problem. Cheaper and I think better. Wouldn’t part with it.
A bike for the 'Play Station Generation' i recon.. Great review buddy,, chat soon.. Del.
Sure thing Del! Cheers mate....
oh I dunno.. my old man is 75 and loves mine
you prolly dont care at all but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account??
I stupidly forgot the account password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me
@Matias Briar instablaster =)
Thanks TMF, another great review. I'm struggling with this bike, for looks and working out it's purpose when as a sports tourer there are other more obvious options even within the Kawi stable that provide way enough power and more economical. It doesn't help that I don't like the Kawi green either. Maybe that's just me.
...I’m not a huge fan of the green but the standard of finish is beautiful...
Hope the weather is as good for your current Scotland tour. Thought this might be a great replacement for my MT10, now I'm less keen. Just too expensive and Chatting to a dealer if you get that supercharger chirping much that 19L fuel tank is quickly empty. Also those gimmicky lean sensor and boost gauges are just a plain distraction from keeping your eyes on the road. Cheers for the review TMF.
Thanks for watching as ever banditman....and if only the weather was like that up here! (On the ferry to Skye as I type!!)
TheMissendenFlyer That's Scotland for you: Fabulous scenery and roads when it's dry. Not had a drop here in the Midlands for over two weeks.
Tried one of these yesterday. Quite an addictive sound when you shift gears, especially in high rpms. Overall very fun to ride. Not as much low end power as the Hayabusa I had, but more top end for sure.
Hi TMF, thanks for another great video. Just out of curiosity, are you planning on reviewing the 2018 Triumph Speed Triple RS?? I've had mine nearly 2 weeks now and I love it (I actually traded in my 2017 KTM 1290 Superduke R for it) and I would love to hear your views and opinions on it!! Thankyou!!
Yep - review is in the can, stay tuned!
I like spring with spring temperatures but we're having summer temperatures and tropical this weekend. Too hot to ride.
Only one kawasaki to have the Z900 RS unfortunately I have champagne tastes and lemonade pockets lol . Can’t see the point of all that power on a road bike.
Great review as always.
Not sure I can see the point of 197bhp for the road; just the first 3 gears would be enough.
The bike would be a bit intense for me, I would have more fun on the Z900; and take more pride in ownership.
Keep up the good work.
Regards Pete
I just bought a brand new Z900 and it's great but this H2 would be the best bike ever to own
You need a 2 speed
In my youth had the GPZ 750 turbo - very quick but unlike the H2 did not corner very well!
Entertaining review as ever, but 197 BHP for our roads................not for me anymore!
Cheers, Jon.
No not me I must admit - I value my licence (and life) too much!
Seems like a lot of hate in the comments section with regard to this bike. Lots of people complaining about the tech like lean angles being a waste of time.
U can reset all the data, and once u finish with your ride, u can call up info, like max lean angle on the trip. Might not be useful but a great talking point around the braai non the less.
Also lots of comments about how much better the zzr is compared to this. For me just having the latest tech and a bike the can corner and handle better will always be better than choosing a bike that's already 8yrs old.
But that's just me.
Bike looks great - don't think I'd fancy one mind. Very surprised it's almost 200bhp and no Brembo brakes too :o