2022 Kawasaki H2 SX SE First Look

Admin · November 23, 2021

Kawasaki’s supercharged sport-tourer, the H2 SX SE, gets significant updates for 2022. (Kawasaki/)

Perhaps because it would be difficult to elevate the already stratospheric sporting aspects of its H2-line sport-tourer, Kawasaki has instead focused on improving the touring abilities of the 2022 H2 SX SE. The addition of adaptive cruise control, collision detection, and blind-spot monitoring packaged together in a new Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) helps smooth out traffic. Skyhook technology is incorporated into the KECS electronic suspension to further smooth out the road. And a medium-sized bucketload of other safety, comfort, and convenience features have been added to help keep our former pick for Best Open-Class Streetbike state-of-the-art for artful open-class trips from state to state.

The ARAS electronics package is the big news here, and Kawasaki has gone all-in, giving the H2 a version of the same Bosch radar system used by Ducati, BMW, and KTM. The distance-keeping function is simply called Adaptive Cruise Control, and maintains distance to the vehicle ahead according to rider preference through three settings, Near, Medium, and Far; the system can also be turned off. If the following distance closes suddenly and precipitously, the Forward Collision Warning is triggered and a visual warning is delivered; this system can also be set for early/medium/late activation or disengaged entirely. Rounding off the package is Blind Spot Detection, which uses a rear-facing sensor to detect hard-to-see traffic behind and beside the motorcycle; LEDs in the mirrors will flash when a vehicle comes close, or if turn signals are activated when traffic is close by on the corresponding side.

Kawasaki’s Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) gives the H2 SX SE adaptive cruise control, collision detection, and blind-spot monitoring. (Kawasaki/)

All this, plus the usual array of data, can be monitored on a new 6.5-inch full-color TFT screen, which also works in concert with Spin, Kawasaki’s new smartphone information app to provide your ride with as rich an informational background as you could want, all the way down to keeping a riding log or monitoring front brake pressure. On the active electronic side, the KECS electronic suspension is now updated with Showa’s Skyhook system, an active real-time rebound damping adjustment system that, long story short, smooths out the ride when things are straight ahead and straight up. For when the rider’s leaning and the road’s twisting, a new Bosch six-axis FI-ECU uses an inertial measurement unit to monitor chassis orientation in order to modulate both power delivery and ABS system response, allowing riders to make better and safer use of the H2′s supercharged monster powerband.

Showa’s Skyhook suspension system has been fitted to the KECS electronic suspension, adding active real-time rebound damping. (Kawasaki/)

Rounding off the new electronic and electronic-adjacent features are Vehicle Hold Assist and the Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System master key. Come to a stop while firmly on the brakes and VHA takes over by spying the rear brake for you, allowing you to relax your hand and stretch your leg. The KIPASS proximity fob can be used to activate the main switch and release the fork lock, and also incorporates an immobilizer.

Other refinements are less dramatic but still significant; the H2 gets slightly wider seating for improved rider and passenger comfort, a USB charging port, and heated handgrips. Styling also changes slightly as the front fairing is reshaped to accommodate the ARAS array and TFT screen.

A slightly wider rider and passenger seat increases comfort on the H2 SX SE. (Kawasaki/)

The supercharged 998cc four is unchanged, as is, evidently, its power output; small driveline changes include a slightly shorter second gear, improved clutch cooling, and a simpler exhaust system without a pre-silencer. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires are now standard fitment. Weight is up slightly, about 13 pounds, to a claimed 591 pounds.

One new element that causes us slight superficial concern is the addition of a resin intake silencer designed to reduce supercharger intake noise; while understandable, we hope it doesn’t damp the H2′s audible qualities, as few bikes are as much fun to imitate.

With the added tech comes an increase in price, the 2022 H2 SX SE is $2,000 more than the 2021 model. (Kawasaki/)