Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SUPERCHARGING INTO MY HEART
KAWASAKI’S ZZR1400 has been one of my favourite bikes for some time. It’s a sports tourer which seems to combine the best of both worlds, providing awesome performance coupled with all-day comfort and stability. So the idea of getting all of that along with the 200bhp of a 1,000cc bike, plus improved fuel efficiency, seems almost too good to be true.
But that’s exactly what the firm is offering in the shape of the H2 SX. The exciting key to making this possible is its supercharger, which takes in air and compresses it. This extra-dense air is then forced into the engine, allowing it to process fuel at a faster rate, meaning it can rotate at higher speeds – which equals increased performance.
I was testing the higher spec SE version of the H2 SX, which includes a quickshifter, TFT dash, LED cornering lights, bigger windscreen, heated grips and comfier seat.
Like the ZZR, this is a greatlooking bike. Climb on board and the riding position immediately feels relaxed and comfortable – it’s actually slightly more upright than on the ZZR, but still with a hint of sportiness.
The excellent TFT screen can be selected for either Touring or Sport mode.
Class-leading electronic technology includes intelligent ABS, an
Inertial Measurement Unit, which monitors the stresses acting on the frame, and a cornering management unit which continually feeds information to the ECU.
There’s also three-mode traction control, three power settings and cruise control too.
Through the gears the power is smooth and linear, and changing is aided by an assist and slipper clutch.
This machine also has an excellent up/down quickshifter, which means there’s no need to use the clutch at all. And the power is amazing – so clean and effortless that it can be deceptive – so make sure you keep an eye on that speedo.
An all-new trellis frame, plus fully adjustable front and rear suspension, means handling is a breeze, feeling somewhere between touring and sporty. Braking is superb too, managing to be both powerful and superbly precise.
Overall, the H2 SX SE is a wonderful machine.
The use of the supercharger is a fantastic development and will, I suspect, be a game changer.
With apologies to the
ZZR, I think I have discovered a new favourite sports-tourer. Kawasaki H2 SX SE
Price: £18,099 (£15,099 standard)
Engine: 998cc in-line four
Power: 200bhp @ 11,200rpm
Torque: 101lb ft @ 9,500rpm
Colours: Green/black