KAWASAKI H2 SX REVIEW

A touring or super touring motorcycle generally serves one primary purpose, that is for long distance riding and touring in and around a country or cross countries. Touring motorcycles are generally bulky and heavy, therefore if your touring plans involve off-road riding in places where gravel and laterite roads are the norm, then you are better off having a dual-purpose. Some hard-core bikers however are at ease with riding a touring or super touring motorcycle while venturing into countries on roads less travel and challenging.

Kawasaki is well known for having some of the fastest super touring motorcycles in the world, from the ZX-1400 to the GTR. Now adding to its stable of super touring models, born the Supercharge Kawasaki H2 SX. Aesthetically it looks like a cross breed between the GTR, ZX-10 and H2.

The H2 SX weight is very well balanced coupled with its low central gravity, the 260 Kg of its kerb weight is not felt at all. I was thinking it was probably around 220 – 240 Kg.

On the first day of test, I clocked almost 120 Kilometers. All done within city center and the highways around it (no thanks to the travel restriction due to CoVid-19) and in 34℃ heat with high humidity. This can only mean one thing. This motorcycle is comfortable enough to be ridden daily. I can hardly get enough of it. Engine heat dissipation is great, channeling hot air from the engine out towards my boots rather than my thighs like most motorcycles in the market. So a word of advice, do not ride with sandals or slipper. Riding at 50 km/h around town with mild traffic is thoroughly enjoyable. No discomfort on the wrist, or shoulders nor the anxiety of having to maneuver a heavy motorcycle at a slow speed. The engineers at Kawasaki Heavy Industries did a fantastic job on the ergonomic design of this H2 SX.

This In-Line-Four, DOHC, 16 valves, 998 cm³ engine is not as smooth as the Versys 1000 but that is total negligible as the 210 Pferdestärke or PS (equivalent of horsepower) and 137.3 Nm of torque are more than enough to get your adrenalin pumping but at the same time not give you a heart attack with surprises like taking off uncontrollably.

The power plant with its 6-speed transmission and wet, multi-disc clutch are held together by a Trellis, high tensile steel frame. Sturdy yet “flexible” to absorb cornering stress and roll. In some way this frame also prevents the bike from under or over steer. Ride comfort is largely contributed by the ᴓ43 inverted front fork with rebound and compression damping and spring preload adjustability. The rear is fitted with New Uni-Trak, gas-charged shocks with piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping adjustability, remote spring preload adjuster and top-out spring. Make sure you get an expert to adjust both the front and rear suspension settings to your weight and ride preference. It would be great if Kawasaki can have the suspension settings done electronically like on some premium touring motorcycles. However, the downside is with so much electronics, breakdown can be a nightmare especially when it happens at a deserted area.

To stop this Supercharged Motorcycle is no mean feat. The front has an opposed 4-piston, dual radial-mount calipers gripping on a set of ᴓ320 mm semi-floating disc. While the rear has a Single, opposed 2-piston caliper with a single ᴓ250 mm disc. Stopping the H2 SX is not unnerving. Predictable and reassuring.

Some of the beautiful features of this H2 SX are, the 5-spoke star sports rims, the front dual turning lights at the fairing and the eye-pleasing, colorful instrument panel (it even comes with a left and right lean angle, other than the power mode, traction control, Kawasaki quick shifter [up & down] etc.)

At RM136,900.00 this is one Touring Motorcycle that should be parked in your garage eagerly waiting for you to ride it to your next adventure. And what is more, the Kawasaki H2 SX is the only Supercharged Touring Motorcycle in the world.

Specifications:

Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Justin Hong