Longtermers: Saying goodbye to the Z H2 and Tiger 900 Rally Pro
…and I don’t just mean the Kawasaki Z H2, where did 2020 go?
Well, I feel I have blinked and missed 2020, which actually may be a good thing in some ways. I do though feel I have been robbed of some of the fun times I could have had out on the truly bonkers Kawasaki Z H2, instead I was only able to look longingly out of the window at this glorious machine. That said, the 2847 miles that I did manage to get out and about on the Z H2 were pretty spectacular.
0-1002 miles
I finally got my chance to have a ride after lockdown one, and can honestly say the Kawasaki beat my expectations; the brute of a bike I was expecting turns out to exude both power and finesse. You can tootle around in sixth at two thousand revs, then in the same gear wind it on without a single grumble with the pace quickening rapidly until it reaches fever pitch when the supercharger kicks in and the whole mood of the ride changes. 197bhp is awesome!
1456 miles
I had some extras fitted during the first service to make the bike more usable day-to-day: a four litre tankbag for odds and sods, a bigger screen just to take the pressure off my neck, heated grips, a 12v power outlet, a rear seat hump to replace the pillion seat and, last but not least, the Akrapovic Titanium sports exhaust. Out of these the heated grips were a godsend and the screen made a real difference, but none of the tweaks were able to stop me getting my first puncture.
1756 miles
The past year’s motorcycling calendar has been a disaster, with one event cancelled after the other. My annual moped run was one of the first Covid victims. Re-booked for September, my little 1975 Honda SL125 was prepped and tested, ready for a 350-mile trip around Derbyshire but I never even made the start due to the electrics packing up. There was nothing for it, I’d have to go on the Z H2. Not exactly meeting the rules, it was a mere 875cc over the limit. Riding at the back of a group of 50s and 125s was slow to say the least, but I found the Z H2 surprisingly happy tootling along at 40mph.
2237 miles
Not another puncture! I can’t remember ever getting as many flat tyres in such a short time. Thanks to the punctures I am on my third Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 rear, but the original front has shown very little sign of wear. I am still very impressed with the sheer amount of grip the Rosso 3s manage to find.
2443 miles
In between the first and second lockdowns I took a trip from Lincolnshire down to East Sussex, a 300-mile round trip. I had no idea this would be the last full day I’d have ridding the Z H2. With highs of only 7 degrees, the tyres got barely warm, and to top it all off, the heavens opened, but with the heated grips on full and the electronics looking after the safety, I was able to enjoy the ride
2847 miles
The time may have flown, but it has been a lot of fun with such immense power, OK, so it is not a light as a Fireblade, the extra weight the Z H2 carries helps with by eradicating the twitchiness felt on a lighter but equally powerful bike. The electronics work well allowing me to enjoy the power and acceleration, without the feeling of constant interruptions butting in. This is a very well-mannered hooligan and I’m sad to see it go.
LIKES
● The bike as whole package
DISLIKES
● Saying goodbye!