Kawasaki’s manic tourer

By Réhann Coetzee

 

I remember when the Kawasaki H2 was unveiled to the media in an aeroplane hangar at Rand Airport. It was an apt location, because the H2 was not exactly what we have become used to. It was an incredible feat of engineering.

And by that I don’t mean the fact that it had almost 200hp on tap. I think the feat of engineering was that Kawasaki managed to build a supercharged 1-litre bike and managed to limit the power output to 147kW (197hp). Most of the current crop of (normally aspirated) 1-litre superbikes deliver just under 200hp. Kawasaki showed remarkable restraint in this.

But at the time they also announced the H2R, which gave a completely new meaning to the term “manic”. In broad terms it had the same motor, but without the restraint gene. According to Kawasaki, it delivers 228kW – 305hp in the old language. Fortunately this bike is not road-legal…

Even the “tamer” H2 is quite a handful. Because of the supercharger, its power delivery is almost linear. It is turbine smooth and can be ridden at lower speeds. But when the engine hits 6 500rpm, I think it rings the devil’s doorbell, because when it passes 7 000rpm on a fairly full throttle, all hell breaks loose.

I have just had the opportunity to test its sport tourer sibling, the H2 SX. Mechanically mostly similar to the H2, it is a much more practical version of the bike.

Kawasaki says the Ninja H2 SX was designed from the beginning for real-world applications. The engine was developed for everyday street-riding situations, with more power than the H2 in the low-mid range – with better fuel efficiency: “Its versatile engine character enables relaxed long-distance riding, easy manageability at low speeds and, when called upon, the exhilarating acceleration that only a supercharged engine can deliver.”

And that was indeed my impression: most of the power of the H2, but you don’t have to wring its neck just to get it moving.

Kawasaki says the H2 SX weighs “only 18kg more than the H2” and therefore has a power-to-weight ratio between that of the H2 and ZX-14R. It might be “only 18kg”, but that makes it very heavy for a sports bike. And you feel the weight around town. Like the H2, it is also a large bike and the modern design of the nose enhances the idea of a long bike.

But in spite of the weight, the smooth engine – and obviously its reprofiled power curve – make it very ridable at lower speeds. The seating position is more comfortable for me than the H2’s. It also has a pillion seat and pegs – unlike the H2.

Like Kawasaki says, “the formidable acceleration potential that results is coupled with a high level of touring comfort thanks to a relaxed, sporty riding position, superb ride comfort, a blend of reassuring high-speed stability and agile handling, a host of touring features, electronic cruise control, three power modes and three-level traction control”.

I didn’t find the seating position quite as relaxed, but it is much more comfortable than the H2’s. But the stability at higher speeds – and around corners, I have to admit – certainly is worth mentioning.

The SE version of the H2 SX also has a quickshifter and panniers as standard as well as Kawasaki’s first TFT LCD instrument panel and LED cornering lights. The optional (for the H2 SX) colour-coded panniers have a 28-litre capacity and each hold a full-face helmet.

I am not a big fan of sports bikes. The seating position doesn’t suit my dimensions and I prefer a more relaxed ride at lower engine speeds. But I have to admit that the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX is the first sports bike – yes I know Kawasaki calls it a sport tourer – that I could see myself riding regularly.

The performance still scares me. But the way it delivers those almost-200 horses is addictive. And that scares me more…

Technically speaking: Kawasaki H2 SX

Engine: 998cc, 4-cylinder inline, double-overhead cam, four valves per cylinder, supercharger

Power: 147,1kW @ 11 000rpm / 137,3Nm @ 9 500rpm     

Gears: 6 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 19 litres

Seat height: 835mm

Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 190/55/17 rear

Brakes: 4-piston, 320mm double disks (front); 2-piston 250mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 256kg

Price: R259 995