It's out!
2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE First Ride Review.
Plus lots of pictures...

H2 SX SE Review Link

* Last updated by: yannih on 3/21/2018 @ 1:20 PM *

Heavier frame and lower boost. I'd take the original H2 as I suspected all along. I can't see dumbing down the sport riding element to make it more touring friendly. The displays are nice, the quickshifter sounds like he's saying it isn't perfect. Get a good aftermarket quickshifter on the old H2 and a few aftermarket digital gauges and you have a better bike.

Well...the released HP is supposed to be 197.Close to that.Apparently woolrich has had this ECU already and flashed it with some basic stuff.He got 50 more ponies outta it.That's without piping.Thinkin this motor has a lot of reserve packed in there.They're gettin between 265 and 271(or more)from the H2 motor nowadays(without mechanical mods).So who knows?It's a very nice bike.Not for me,but for those who want a killer sport-tourer.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/21/2018 @ 11:22 PM *

Being a small guy, everything about this bike appeals to me. well except teh 20 grand or so price :) but it truly looks like a bike that I could just make some adjustments ( not replacements) and head for the east coast , enjoying the ride all the way ..Ok I did think of one..Heated gear access? anyone see an accessory outlet?

This bike is pretty cool. Might have to take closer look at one.

Bike also went pig rich in the top end, talking 10:1 AFR. Anyways, just for s***s and giggles to see what could be had out of it during a quick tuning session and some quick timing/ETV changes, we were pretty amazed.

Bike put down a peak power gain of +50 WHP with the largest increase coming in the top end where an additional +100 WHP was picked upNot too bad for not really "tuning" it. Should definitely be more had when putting in the time on the tune itself as well as getting rid of that pipe and putting a Vandemon on it :)

It does have an outlet..yes.

Just read the first H2 SX review in my local motorbike mag.
Obviously you have to read between the lines as I have never read a poor motorcycle review to this date.
By that rational, the review did not inspire masses of confidence in me.
In my opinion, it was slightly above average at best.
I was considering one of these new H2 tourers but now a lot more research will be necessary...

Other than the nifty speedo and display I dont see the point? It is still a whale of 570 lbs so other than the electronics and display and $2500 bags I dont see the allure.

It's an in between model.It's got plenty of power...more than most people would need.It doesn't have the arm ripping pull of an H2...yet it will outmanuever a 14 easily.It's for sure not a full sportmachine,performancewise.But it's heavy enough to have a killer powerplant that is much smoother than a 14...so I've read.Flash it and get a free flowing exhaust on it,more flowing air filter...I can see it rockin any roads a sportbike can do.One reviewer said it could easily keep up with any sportbike in the canyons and such.He rode the H2...so he knows what he's talking about.Plus the gearing can be changed...that's very cool.Quickshifter up and down.EMU.Lean angle readout.6 axis traction control.Corner braking function.Nah...it's a winner.And once unleashed,probably very close to 50 mpg,if not more.I kept mine cause I wanted a full on beast.But that SE is very nice from what I've read.The only 'cons' are coming out of Briton.So far as I've seen.
Once 'they' get some time with it...it won't be like a 14.It'll be better.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/31/2018 @ 10:18 PM *

I hafta agree. I never did see the allure to this bike. I'm glad Greenie kept his H2. That's a lot better bike IMHO.

.Quickshifter up and down

The allure of this bike to me is the potential hp hop up along with being able to live with it on a day to day basis. I'm 57, riding for me might be a 5 mile ride or a 500 mile trip so I like the versatility. That's why I have a '13 zx14r and a '10 Concours 14. Both are capable of sport touring, both have hard luggage, of course one is better at sport and the other better at touring, but both have done trips.

I think if you rode this bike,your 14 would (maybe) get retired....the SE is better in every way IMO.From the reviews,it sounds like it...though it's being compared to the 14 size wise.

"I'm glad Greenie kept his H2".Me too Daron,me too.

GO GREENIE!!

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/3/2018 @ 1:59 PM *

I like it...had a chance to sit on one recently, handlebars a bit higher, footpegs a little higher too compared to my 14 (I did the Buell peg mod)...I imagine it would be very comfortable....and that luggage is nicely done...AND an actual REAL cruise control. However, only got 20k on this here 2013 ZX14R and I have it completely dialed in, so no rush on replacing it. Just planning a 3 day trip in CA for the end of April, 12 days in Colorado in early June, and 5 days to Laguna Seca for the World Superbike Races...should be closer to 25k miles by July!

* Last updated by: timomasalin on 4/11/2018 @ 4:50 PM *

Hey Timo, what kind of price tag did they have on the one you sat on??

I can vouch for the seat!

Ive read the reviews and it sounds amazing, but, $15000 more amazing (in Australia) than a ZX14???? Probs not.

I think one needs to ride it to actually know the difference.It's definitely unique again.The vids I've watched look very good and the reviews of it.The big question as mentioned seems to be...is it better than the zzr.Virtually all the testers say yes.I think so also.More solid and refined is probably a more useful word.The 14 is a great bike.Iconic.But I can see how the H2SE would pull ahead in the build/design department.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 4/25/2018 @ 2:25 PM *

I think he likes it!lol.

Hey Crude, sorry, haven't logged on in a while. Price tag at dealer over the weekend here in SD was $22k...not sure how much they would try to tack on for dealer fees etc...and that $22k does not include the bags. Neat bike though, and somewhere on the horizon for me I bet. Would love to ride one, especially with a minor exhaust upgrade and maybe ecu flash.

Thanks Timo!

The local shop in my area has a H2SXSE for 21500, gorgeous bike but out of my price range. If the H2SXSE was in the 18K range I'd probably own one but at 22K I think it's over priced. I found the bike very comfortable to sit on and the riding ergonomics only seem slightly better than my 2017 ZX14R. With a set of 1" risers from black path or helibar I could probably get just about the same riding position. I like the upgraded electronics, shift assist, factory bags and styling of the new H2SX but I'll wait until the end of the riding season and see what discounts Kawasaki offers to move leftover 2018 bikes of the showroom floors to make room for 2019 bikes. It'll be interesting to see what deal dealers are willing to offer to move bikes once the riding season comes to end. I got a fantastic deal, 11200, on my 2017 ZX14R ABS SE that I purchased in December so hopefully I can get something similar on a H2SXSE.

I don't think I'll never be in a hurry to buy a bike ever again. It's gonna be low price or I walk. Used bikes are not a bad alternative.