2019 Kawasaki H2 SX SE+ First Look

We already decided the suspension on our Best Sport-Tourer of 2018 was the best ever on a Kawasaki (and almost best-ever, period), but that didn’t stop Kawasaki from adding electronic suspenders (KECS) to its new H2 SX SE+, along with a few other epicurean upgrades to make its highly advanced class-of-one supercharged sport-tourer stand even further apart from, and ahead of, the crowd. Holy Kaw.

Begin Press Release:

Built Beyond Belief

The Ninja H2™ family is a testament to Kawasaki’s relentless pursuit of innovation, performance, and passion for creating the world’s most advanced line of supercharged motorcycles. For 2019, the new Ninja H2™ SX SE+ motorcycle completes Kawasaki’s hypersport lineup, blending performance and ultimate real-world handling.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE+ brings the latest in electronically controlled suspension, braking, and rider aid technologies to the supercharged hyperbike platform. The Ninja H2 SX SE+ motorcycle is powered by a supercharged 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, which utilizes Kawasaki’s knowledge of precision engine tuning to distribute power to where it is most useful, in the low to mid range. With that, Kawasaki has created one of the most advanced and well-balanced motorcycles in performance, comfort, and efficiency. It is truly Built Beyond Belief.

Developed to have the ability to go above and beyond the daily applications of today’s sportbike rider, the Ninja H2 SX SE+ utilizes a balanced supercharged engine that offers optimal output performance in the low to mid RPM range, all while achieving excellent fuel efficiency. This highly refined package offers an unrivaled level of performance and comfort, with agile handling akin to its superbike counterparts.

New for 2019, the Ninja H2 SX SE+ features electronically controlled suspension, Brembo calipers, integrated riding modes, and smartphone connectivity using Bluetooth technology and the new RIDEOLOGY THE APP.

Highlights of the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE+ Sportbike:

The 43 mm Showa inverted cartridge fork is adjustable on the right-side fork top for both rebound damping and preload. The rear shock absorber is a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion lite (BFRC) unit that features electronically adjustable preload, which was derived from World Superbike competition. The result is increased traction and superior shock absorption.

In the BFRC lite shock, damping force is generated in an external Damping Force Chamber, and compression and rebound damping are generated independently, allowing the whole surface of the main piston to act as a pump, pushing oil towards the valves. This configuration also helps to suppress pressure balance fluctuations as a result of shock compression and extension.

Compression and rebound damping for both the forks and shock are generated (and adjusted) electronically via the all-new KECS system that is controlled by a solenoid valve with direct actuation and allows for extremely quick reaction time. Riders can choose from three modes: sport road, rain, and manual. KECS then adjusts to the road surface environment in real time to provide the ideal damping, taking into account vehicle speed, stroke speed and deceleration. Riders can now electronically control the rear shock preload settings as well. KECS offers three different preload settings: rider only, rider with luggage, and rider with passenger and luggage. Riders can fine-tune these settings with 10 levels of adjustment for each.

The forks and shock have built-in stroke sensors that provide real-time stroke speed and compression information. The sensor coils provide input to the KECS ECU every millisecond. This is complemented by information provided by the IMU (acceleration/deceleration) every 10 milliseconds and the FI ECU (vehicle speed) every 10 milliseconds. The KECS ECU then directs current to the solenoids to adjust damping as required by the situation.

Kawasaki’s KECS, coupled with Showa’s 43 mm inverted cartridge fork and BFRC lite suspension components, delivers added confidence when cornering and assures the tires feel planted.

NEW Brembo Stylema Calipers

New for 2019, the Ninja H2 SX SE+ comes equipped with high-grade Brembo Stylema front calipers. The new Stylema calipers are some of the lightest and smallest calipers available. A redesign of key sections allows stiffness to be maintained while enabling a more direct connection to the piston area.

The Stylema calipers cool quickly thanks to increased airflow around the brake pads, increased space around the pistons, and an opening that allows air to exit from the central bridge. The dual radial mount, opposed 4-piston Stylema front calipers grip a pair of semi-floating 320 mm discs, which complement the technical innovation and premium quality of the Ninja H2 SX SE+.

NEW Integrated Riding Modes

All-inclusive modes that link KTRC, Power Mode and KECS allow riders to efficiently set traction control, power delivery, and suspension characteristics to suit a given riding situation. Riders can choose from four settings: Sport, Road, Rain or a Manual setting.

In the manual rider mode, each of the systems can be set independently. The Sport setting enables riders to enjoy sporty handling riding on winding roads. The Road setting provides comfortable riding characteristics over a wide range of situations, from city riding to highway cruising and rural roads. The Rain setting offers rider reassurance when riding on low traction surface.

NEW Smartphone Connectivity

Another Kawasaki first for the adventure and touring Versys line of motorcycles is the addition Smartphone Connectivity to the Versys 1000 SE LT+. A chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using RIDEOLOGY THE APP, a number of instrument functions can be accessed, logged, and reviewed contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. The following information can be viewed:

The app can also be used when away from the motorcycle. When riding (with the app ON), the bike and smartphone are always connected and riding log data is being recorded by the app. After your ride, the latest riding information is stored by the app and may be viewed on the smartphone. Any changes made via the app while the engine is off, or while out of range, will be implemented as soon as the ignition is turned on and the smartphone is in range with the app ON.

NEW Highly Durable Paint

Also new is Kawasaki’s Highly Durable Paint. The new paint features a special top coat that allows certain types of scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its high quality finish through normal wear and tear†. The self-healing is achieved through microscopic soft and hard segments within the top coat working like a chemical spring, creating a trampoline effect that absorbs many impacts.

† Notes:
1. Recovery can take a week or longer.
2. The paint will not recover in the case of scratches caused by a coin or key, or zip fasteners.

Colors

The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE+ is available in Metallic Graphite Gray / Metallic Diablo Black / Emerald Blazed Green.

MSRP

Ninja H2 SX SE+ $25,000