I've had a MY2018 H2 SX SE new since 2019 and have now done over 30,000 miles and I agree with most of what you've said. Mine has been remapped so slow speed fuelling is improved and it's removed the Kawasaki neutering. The Kawasaki hard luggage is, I think, worth the money, and make touring really easy. It's the best "do everything on tarmac" bike you can buy.
I must concur with your review! I've had my 2019 sx se+ and you're very much spot on. I'm 6'00" and wish it had about another one to two inches of windshield, but otherwise ❤️
Have an SE+ myself and every time I sit on it is a wonderful occasion. Agree about the heated grips control button - you have to look down and count how many times it flashes to establish the setting... perhaps not the most prudent thing given how this thing covers ground. Sure, you can adjust when stationary, but not ideal. Even a different colour on the button for each setting would be a lot better or, as alluded to in the review, a dash read-out. Headlight is awful... looks great, but like being in the dark compared to my old FJR. Riding-wise, it is rock solid... luggage and all. And f***ing quick and f***king fun. Absolutely love it, grumbles aside.
Deuce Deucsay thanks for kind words. Hoping to get some more done. Just changed the exhaust so will be loading up vid on that soon. Definitely recommend buying one
As soon as you said Head shake...That's a no for me....For a$20,000+ bike here in the States... There shouldn't be any head shake. Great video, thanks for the info.
Good review. I get the wow factor everytime I ride my SXSE+. In regards to the centre stand, I use the pillion foot peg and find it's the easiest bike to get on the centre stand that I have ever owned.
You would welcome the change , difference, I had an 08 w full Ohlins, cartridge in front and rear done, pc3, air filter and Yosh R77's . Sargent seat and risers, it was a very good bike handled well for size but totally disgusting with the amount of heat it output and I had done the 2nd fan mod. The heat was reason I sold it. I now have a 2020 SX SE, it is better for me, similar power but for whatever reason it feels lighter. It is a insanely well balanced bike. Just getting through break in and today off road for winter. Only thing done is Yosh Alpha slip on to come and .5 risers. The electronics pacakge is great, I did not see need to go for the PLus model and the Kawi Canada deal was very good, I feel I paid a good price and I am happy with it
Good review. I like the comparison with the blackbird. I have ridden that insanely fast bike. Also, definitely taking my GSA cross country over the H2. My H2 is good for the day with breaks every hour or 2 or maybe an overnighter. I think I would flash my H2 and add an akrapovic so that the SC would come in sooner. The flash would help with low power fuel mileage if it is not already good. I think it would be more streetable if that makes sense. I have recorded 50+ mpg (~5 L/100km). Turn the throttle a little and fuel consumption drops significantly(~3 L/100km). Also, my 2003 H2 SX SE is not that jerky in lower RPMs like most bikes I have owned. It must be an improvement. I think it would be more streetable if that makes sense. this is a keeper!
Great commentary / review. It's most unfortunate about the rear brake and the mention of head shake is something of a concern to me on an expensive hyper bike.
thanks for the review Im coming from a ZX12R which Ive had for 13 years and that has a massive "Grin" factor maybe a too big of one. test riding the H2 sx se I didnt find it didnt have anywhere near the toque of the zx12r but went fast just the same only a short 30 min test. But the ZX12R is getting old and with the petrol E5 / E10 crap it may be time to change. for a more subdued ride
@@reddevil0074 may be its jut the way the zx12r feels it could even be that I de-cat and got a Quill exhaust slip on so it also sounds a lot louder ( for safety you understand ) it could also be a 30 min test ride dont give you time to find the right spot we will see when I get one😁
Great review. Thanks for posting. I’ve got a 2018 GoldWing DCT, non sport, a 2010 VFR 1200F DCT, and Yamaha FJR 1300 AE, but that Kawi H2 Sx SE plus has me really interested. I thing it’s a gorgeous bike. I’m only 5’6” with 29” inseam. Do you think I’ll have problems with it? Thanks and ride safe!
Just seen this video 👍 I've only just purchased my 2018 H2 sx se, on my test ride I had the same thing going into neutral but that didn't put me off. I'm also a short arse lol, keep up the post .
Thanks Anthony. I have a 2022 model now so need to get out and do a review and little comparison verses the previous version. Only slight changes but noticeable. Enjoy the bike
Stewart C thanks. Seat height is not a problem. Both feet flat for me with 30in inside leg. Believe they do a lower seat. Also Daytona make some boots with an inside raised heel. When I wear these my feet are flat with a slight bend at the knee
Awesome relevant detail you have given us thank you. Could you please tell us about the servicing costs and frequencies as i have heard that these are excessively high but i dont listen to BS rumours i ask real owners. Thanks
Hi. So servicing is annual or 7500 miles. My 1st H2 had its first annual service (had done circa 4000 miles) and cost was £150. Now have a 2022 H2 SX. Run in service was about £120. Depends on whether you went for fully or semi synthetic oil. If you are doing lots of riding at high RPM then fully but as mine is just normal riding, dealer said semi was ok. Annual service later this year expecting to be around £150. The big one was at 18,000 miles but on newer bikes they have moved that one back to 36,000, so I’m never likely to get to that one. Would say general servicing no different to most bikes. I’m UK based for reference
Hi Reddevil, interesting thoughts about the Sx Se. out of curiosity, how do you find ground clearance on straights both alone and with a pillion? Where I'm from there's not one I've seen yet but on reviews I feel it is something to keep in mind. Kindly share your thoughts. Thanks and subbed. 👍
James Ngugi hi James. I don’t take a pillion so cant comment on that I’m afraid. As a single rider I don’t have any issues with ground clearance or straights or corners. Imagine if you had large feet then toes could drag when cornering, so have to ride with balls of feet on pegs. I have relatively small feet so no issues. Thanks for your comments and sub
I've bit the bullet , getting the SE+ in March. I may go down the ECU flash next year. Just wondered where you'd go to get the flash in the UK. I've ordered the Givi topbox and rack for the bike and a tank bag. Not long to wait, I better stat clearing out the garage to make some room.
@@reddevil0074 Phoned Carole Nash today to see what the insurance is going to be.They said they will ring me back tomorrow, sounds worrying and expensive. Who are you insured with., I may need to shop around.
Vcyclenut in the united states. Very inexpensive tune. And he owns an h2sx and is a pro dyno tunner. Unlike every other tunner that just tunes full throttle maps v cycle has gone threw multiple maps to have the best riding characteristics.
Paint and build quality is excellent. This bike was sold a little while back but I know have a 2022 version. Servicing costs are reasonable. It’s only the big service which on the newer ones is now at 36k from memory. Annual service cost was around £200
Just also to add, because of the supercharger, you can make really quick progress without having to rev the nuts off it, so engine is not often under stress
Thanks for the thoughts! I’m trading I’m my BMW S1000RR on one of these. What is the difference between the SX SE vs the SX SE+? What does that + get you? Thanks!
As much as I like the kawasaki (fun factor) I'm wondering if for long distance (600+ miles per day)/wind protection/ luggage if the bmw 1250 rt is not better (way less power of course)
For out and out touring then yes the RT will be better. However never done or wanted to do that many miles in a day. Like to make the trip enjoyable with time to stop if wanted. The Kwak is comfortable and wind protection pretty good. Plenty of room for luggage for 1 up trips (can’t comment on 2 up as never carry a pillion). Get to the Autobahn and the Kwak will sit at silly speeds as though doing 70. I think if I was wanting ultimate touring comfort then Goldwing would be hard to beat. Whatever you ride enjoy and stay shiny side up
@@reddevil0074 I live in Las Vegas and commute to work everyday on the bike and qhen possible go ride in Arizona or Utah. Here distance are great but still enjoy the scenery on long distance ride. Right now I have a 650 versys and often go with my 11 years old son to Oatman Arizona for lunch. With my son 400 miles in a day is enough for him, we leave for the whole day, so plenty of time off the bike. I had a zzr 1200 for 8 years (really loved that bike) and very often on Mondays I would do a 650 miles loop (vegas, toward Phoenix then Yarnell, congress, Sedona, Prescott, Jerome, flagstaff, Kingman and back to Vegas) beautiful scenery, some nice sweepers and lots of mountains twisties) But I do miss the power of the zzr1200 but at 53 comfort (including wind protection) is becoming a priority. I use a sheep skin on top of my seat and that help a lot for my bum..lol
@@reddevil0074 I just like to ride..lol here some camping trip when I had my drz400s. Really underpowered and uncomfortable...lol but still fun czcams.com/users/shortsJJidKj3DJDA?feature=share
@@Loiczzr if I did 600 miles I would run out of land and end up in sea. South coast is 150 miles for me, east cost 100 miles and west coast just over 200. North to John o’Groats is 621 miles and that’s as far north as can go before feet get wet. 😄
@@SP-xd8gs I can imagine the Duke is more fun. Trouble with the Kwak, unless you go for top of range with the Bremen Stylema callipers, I found it hard work hauling her up when in anything slightly twisty. Now had a KTM Super Duke R Evo (which is brilliant) and a BMW R Nine T Urban GS for more relaxed cruising
@@reddevil0074 we have same taste I have an r9t racer and r9t 100th which I love, I was looking at the super duke evo recently as welll , have not had a go on her but i heard they have loads of grunt, which I love
@@SP-xd8gs I was surprised at how easy and smoothly it delivers the grunt. During running in they recommend keeping under 6500rpm. Mate on his Street Triple 765R was struggling to keep up despite me not going above the 6500. Also if you use the torque rather than rev the nuts off it, you can have a good fun day riding and it will return over 50 MPG, which is mad for a 1301cc twin. Would recommend trying one, some good deals to be had whilst they clear stock ahead of 2024. The boxer engine is so characterful, rocking from side to side, yet pulls like a train.
I've had a MY2018 H2 SX SE new since 2019 and have now done over 30,000 miles and I agree with most of what you've said. Mine has been remapped so slow speed fuelling is improved and it's removed the Kawasaki neutering. The Kawasaki hard luggage is, I think, worth the money, and make touring really easy. It's the best "do everything on tarmac" bike you can buy.
I must concur with your review! I've had my 2019 sx se+ and you're very much spot on. I'm 6'00" and wish it had about another one to two inches of windshield, but otherwise ❤️
I have a 2019th H2sxse+ and I gotta say your words are totally on point. Well said, great video. 👍
does your bike have the bluetooth? is that an option?
@@bigred913 yes, it is.
Have an SE+ myself and every time I sit on it is a wonderful occasion. Agree about the heated grips control button - you have to look down and count how many times it flashes to establish the setting... perhaps not the most prudent thing given how this thing covers ground. Sure, you can adjust when stationary, but not ideal. Even a different colour on the button for each setting would be a lot better or, as alluded to in the review, a dash read-out. Headlight is awful... looks great, but like being in the dark compared to my old FJR. Riding-wise, it is rock solid... luggage and all. And f***ing quick and f***king fun. Absolutely love it, grumbles aside.
Thank you mate for the video keep the videos uploading like more input thinking about purchasing one 2020 and November
Deuce Deucsay thanks for kind words. Hoping to get some more done. Just changed the exhaust so will be loading up vid on that soon. Definitely recommend buying one
As soon as you said Head shake...That's a no for me....For a$20,000+ bike here in the States... There shouldn't be any head shake. Great video, thanks for the info.
Good review. I get the wow factor everytime I ride my SXSE+.
In regards to the centre stand, I use the pillion foot peg and find it's the easiest bike to get on the centre stand that I have ever owned.
Also re, rear brake. I adjusted the lever so I can give it more pressure and it's better now.
Afternoon RedDevil, new subscriber here just checking in for your review. I currently have a 2013 ZX14R and contemplating a H2 SX SE.
You would welcome the change , difference, I had an 08 w full Ohlins, cartridge in front and rear done, pc3, air filter and Yosh R77's . Sargent seat and risers, it was a very good bike handled well for size but totally disgusting with the amount of heat it output and I had done the 2nd fan mod. The heat was reason I sold it. I now have a 2020 SX SE, it is better for me, similar power but for whatever reason it feels lighter. It is a insanely well balanced bike. Just getting through break in and today off road for winter. Only thing done is Yosh Alpha slip on to come and .5 risers. The electronics pacakge is great, I did not see need to go for the PLus model and the Kawi Canada deal was very good, I feel I paid a good price and I am happy with it
@@kiddcisco 🤗👍🤗👍🤗👍
Good review. I like the comparison with the blackbird. I have ridden that insanely fast bike. Also, definitely taking my GSA cross country over the H2. My H2 is good for the day with breaks every hour or 2 or maybe an overnighter. I think I would flash my H2 and add an akrapovic so that the SC would come in sooner. The flash would help with low power fuel mileage if it is not already good. I think it would be more streetable if that makes sense. I have recorded 50+ mpg (~5 L/100km). Turn the throttle a little and fuel consumption drops significantly(~3 L/100km). Also, my 2003 H2 SX SE is not that jerky in lower RPMs like most bikes I have owned. It must be an improvement. I think it would be more streetable if that makes sense. this is a keeper!
Great commentary / review. It's most unfortunate about the rear brake and the mention of head shake is something of a concern to me on an expensive hyper bike.
I have the same bike , but I cant say that I have any problems with either the rear brake or head shake.
I hear very good things about the "Sargent Seat" being extremely comfortable. Maybe give one of those a try?
I’ve heard that, but they are expensive. I’ve sold the bike now so no longer a requirement or issue. Thanks for watching and the comments
thanks for the review Im coming from a ZX12R which Ive had for 13 years and that has a massive "Grin" factor maybe a too big of one. test riding the H2 sx se I didnt find it didnt have anywhere near the toque of the zx12r but went fast just the same only a short 30 min test. But the ZX12R is getting old and with the petrol E5 / E10 crap it may be time to change.
for a more subdued ride
It is a surprise that the engine isn’t as torquey as you would think
@@reddevil0074 may be its jut the way the zx12r feels it could even be that I de-cat and got a Quill exhaust slip on so it also sounds a lot louder ( for safety you understand ) it could also be a 30 min test ride dont give you time to find the right spot
we will see when I get one😁
Great review. Thanks for posting. I’ve got a 2018 GoldWing DCT, non sport, a 2010 VFR 1200F DCT, and Yamaha FJR 1300 AE, but that Kawi H2 Sx SE plus has me really interested. I thing it’s a gorgeous bike. I’m only 5’6” with 29” inseam. Do you think I’ll have problems with it? Thanks and ride safe!
Thanks for comments. You should be ok but I believe their is a low seat option available if needed
Just seen this video 👍 I've only just purchased my 2018 H2 sx se, on my test ride I had the same thing going into neutral but that didn't put me off. I'm also a short arse lol, keep up the post .
Thanks Anthony. I have a 2022 model now so need to get out and do a review and little comparison verses the previous version. Only slight changes but noticeable. Enjoy the bike
Nice review, Just wondering how you find the seat height? I'm about 5'7 as well and worried it might be a bit tall. Cheers
Stewart C thanks. Seat height is not a problem. Both feet flat for me with 30in inside leg. Believe they do a lower seat. Also Daytona make some boots with an inside raised heel. When I wear these my feet are flat with a slight bend at the knee
I love my H2 SX SE. Been all over Europe on it. Great bike. Do I detect a Northampton accent? My home town.
Yes you do detect a Northampton accent 😀
Do you have any experience with a pillion and what it was like for the rider and the second passenger? Thanks, great video...
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed. Unfortunately I don’t ride with a pillion so can’t comment on that
Awesome relevant detail you have given us thank you. Could you please tell us about the servicing costs and frequencies as i have heard that these are excessively high but i dont listen to BS rumours i ask real owners. Thanks
Hi. So servicing is annual or 7500 miles. My 1st H2 had its first annual service (had done circa 4000 miles) and cost was £150. Now have a 2022 H2 SX. Run in service was about £120. Depends on whether you went for fully or semi synthetic oil. If you are doing lots of riding at high RPM then fully but as mine is just normal riding, dealer said semi was ok. Annual service later this year expecting to be around £150. The big one was at 18,000 miles but on newer bikes they have moved that one back to 36,000, so I’m never likely to get to that one. Would say general servicing no different to most bikes. I’m UK based for reference
Hi Reddevil, interesting thoughts about the Sx Se. out of curiosity, how do you find ground clearance on straights both alone and with a pillion? Where I'm from there's not one I've seen yet but on reviews I feel it is something to keep in mind. Kindly share your thoughts. Thanks and subbed. 👍
James Ngugi hi James. I don’t take a pillion so cant comment on that I’m afraid. As a single rider I don’t have any issues with ground clearance or straights or corners. Imagine if you had large feet then toes could drag when cornering, so have to ride with balls of feet on pegs. I have relatively small feet so no issues. Thanks for your comments and sub
@@reddevil0074 Thanks for your reply and you're welcome. Looking forward to the next one 👍
I've bit the bullet , getting the SE+ in March. I may go down the ECU flash next year. Just wondered where you'd go to get the flash in the UK.
I've ordered the Givi topbox and rack for the bike and a tank bag. Not long to wait, I better stat clearing out the garage to make some room.
Be good to hear what the SE plus is like. BSD near Peterborough have great experience flashing the H2 & H2 SX
@@reddevil0074 Phoned Carole Nash today to see what the insurance is going to be.They said they will ring me back tomorrow, sounds worrying and expensive.
Who are you insured with., I may need to shop around.
Contact BeMoto. Brilliant people they underwrite risks rather than just what the computer says. Telephone number is 01733 907000
Vcyclenut in the united states. Very inexpensive tune. And he owns an h2sx and is a pro dyno tunner. Unlike every other tunner that just tunes full throttle maps v cycle has gone threw multiple maps to have the best riding characteristics.
78cobra we have BSD in UK. They have done numerous H2’s and works closely with local Kwak dealer and helps with their race bikes
Sitting in traffic does it bake your legs (like the Blackbird does). What are the normal engine temps?
Nothing particularly high. Around mid 60’s is general operating temp. Have sold this bike now and recently bought a new 2022 model
I like the looks ,kawasaki bikes are very good quality,
Service costs would frighten me ,have you had it serviced/ cost ??
Paint and build quality is excellent. This bike was sold a little while back but I know have a 2022 version. Servicing costs are reasonable. It’s only the big service which on the newer ones is now at 36k from memory. Annual service cost was around £200
Just also to add, because of the supercharger, you can make really quick progress without having to rev the nuts off it, so engine is not often under stress
Thanks for the thoughts! I’m trading I’m my BMW S1000RR on one of these. What is the difference between the SX SE vs the SX SE+? What does that + get you? Thanks!
Thanks for comments. I don’t know the full differences but main ones are the Se+ gets electronic suspension and the self healing paint
Think it also has the brembo brakes also
What kind of MPG figures are you getting? 👍
Darrel Halfyard around mid 40’s and high 40’s if touring
As much as I like the kawasaki (fun factor) I'm wondering if for long distance (600+ miles per day)/wind protection/ luggage if the bmw 1250 rt is not better (way less power of course)
For out and out touring then yes the RT will be better. However never done or wanted to do that many miles in a day. Like to make the trip enjoyable with time to stop if wanted. The Kwak is comfortable and wind protection pretty good. Plenty of room for luggage for 1 up trips (can’t comment on 2 up as never carry a pillion). Get to the Autobahn and the Kwak will sit at silly speeds as though doing 70. I think if I was wanting ultimate touring comfort then Goldwing would be hard to beat. Whatever you ride enjoy and stay shiny side up
@@reddevil0074 I live in Las Vegas and commute to work everyday on the bike and qhen possible go ride in Arizona or Utah. Here distance are great but still enjoy the scenery on long distance ride. Right now I have a 650 versys and often go with my 11 years old son to Oatman Arizona for lunch. With my son 400 miles in a day is enough for him, we leave for the whole day, so plenty of time off the bike. I had a zzr 1200 for 8 years (really loved that bike) and very often on Mondays I would do a 650 miles loop (vegas, toward Phoenix then Yarnell, congress, Sedona, Prescott, Jerome, flagstaff, Kingman and back to Vegas) beautiful scenery, some nice sweepers and lots of mountains twisties)
But I do miss the power of the zzr1200 but at 53 comfort (including wind protection) is becoming a priority. I use a sheep skin on top of my seat and that help a lot for my bum..lol
@@reddevil0074 czcams.com/users/shortsJvyjIpmIK1k?feature=share
@@reddevil0074 I just like to ride..lol here some camping trip when I had my drz400s. Really underpowered and uncomfortable...lol but still fun
czcams.com/users/shortsJJidKj3DJDA?feature=share
@@Loiczzr if I did 600 miles I would run out of land and end up in sea. South coast is 150 miles for me, east cost 100 miles and west coast just over 200. North to John o’Groats is 621 miles and that’s as far north as can go before feet get wet. 😄
No offense, but too much of your face and not enough sexy motorcycle shots while you’re talking! 😆 Epic bike! Ride safe buddy.
Numb ass is with all bikes I think lol. Anyway this maybe my next bike, looks awesome!
Doesn’t this look like the old Z750 S ?
Don’t really remember the old Z750. I will have to google
Z750 “S”mind you. The one with the half fairing. Seen from the side it’s strikingly similar.
@@mcccld73 managed to find a pic of a fully faired 750 S and yes it does strike a resemblance, especially the headlight
you still have her?
No she went. I did get one of the updated models but it felt worse than my 2018. Still great bikes though
@reddevil0074 I have a 23 like it but prefer my pikes peak v4 so far so I'm selling my 23
@@SP-xd8gs I can imagine the Duke is more fun. Trouble with the Kwak, unless you go for top of range with the Bremen Stylema callipers, I found it hard work hauling her up when in anything slightly twisty. Now had a KTM Super Duke R Evo (which is brilliant) and a BMW R Nine T Urban GS for more relaxed cruising
@@reddevil0074 we have same taste I have an r9t racer and r9t 100th which I love, I was looking at the super duke evo recently as welll , have not had a go on her but i heard they have loads of grunt, which I love
@@SP-xd8gs I was surprised at how easy and smoothly it delivers the grunt. During running in they recommend keeping under 6500rpm. Mate on his Street Triple 765R was struggling to keep up despite me not going above the 6500. Also if you use the torque rather than rev the nuts off it, you can have a good fun day riding and it will return over 50 MPG, which is mad for a 1301cc twin. Would recommend trying one, some good deals to be had whilst they clear stock ahead of 2024.
The boxer engine is so characterful, rocking from side to side, yet pulls like a train.
h2 it's definitely a stunning bike, good review, hey can I have your email? I wanna have a talk with you :)
Thanks for comments. I am always cautious about giving out email address on public forum as I don’t have one just dedicated to the channel as yet