Winter wonderbike
KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX SE 13,560 MILES Neevesy discovers that the H2 SX SE really shines in the gloom
Riding through the winter isn’t always bad. As I write this on a crisp, sunny January Tuesday, after a blast on bone dry roads, my Kawasaki has made me smile. Sure, I’ve had to break out the heated kit, but the H2 SX seems to relish cold tarmac more than any other bike. The way it digs in and finds grip is impressive, and that’s down to its beautifully plush electronic Showa suspension, the creamy way the supercharged inline four delivers its power, its heft and ultra-stable chassis architecture. It might be the most expensive sportstourer money can buy, but few machines can match the Kawasaki’s sophistication and easy speed. It’s impressing me more now than it did in the summer.
It’s just as friendly when the winter is at its worst. I recently found myself in sub-zero temperatures on a B-road that I’d assumed had been salted. I only knew it hadn’t when the H2 SX started to gently yaw over patches of ice. On a shorter, lighter bike I’m sure it would’ve snapped sideways and into a hedge, but the good ship Kawasaki sorted itself out and ploughed on, leaving my heart beating through my throat.
Another time I endured a 170mile night ride from the Midlands to southeast Kent in such heavy rain it added nearly two hours to my journey. Smeary, salty water on my visor and mirrors reduced visibility to a hazy, kaleidoscopic mess. I could rarely see clearly enough behind to attempt a motorway overtake and wearing so many layers, full-on, over-theshoulder lifesavers were tricky. I had no choice but to sit in traffic. But the Kawasaki made the journey far easier with its radar cruise control, blind spot detectors, cornering lights, heated grips and the ability to electronically soften the suspension, power delivery and ramp up the traction control.
My Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE sports-touring tyres might have done more than 7500 miles now and are a little squared-off, but the tread is deep and they’re still grippy and confidence inspiring in filthy conditions like these.
Weather protection is excellent, but the H2 SX is crying out for an adjustable screen, a heated seat and its very many switchgear buttons could do with being backlit so you can see them at night. But none of this detracts from how enjoyable the Kawasaki remains when summer is just a distant memory. I clean it after every ride this time of the year, and its quality always gleams through with zero corrosion or furring of nuts and bolts. It might be a 200bhp supercharged monster, but it shines on my winter travels. ● Kawasaki are currently contributing £3000 towards the PCP deposit for 2023 models