2023 Kawasaki H2 SX SE First Look

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Kawasaki’s H2 SX SE returns largely unchanged except for its new Auto-Hi-Beam feature. (Kawasaki/)

Sport-touring can mean many things to many people, and just like so many other motorcycle classes that have splintered into a ton of additional offshoots, this class has morphed and changed over the years. For many, bikes like Kawasaki’s own Concours 14, Yamaha’s FJR1300ES, or BMW’s R 1250 RT or K 1600 GT fit the profile perfectly. However, with its H2 platform at its disposal, Kawasaki wanted to put a big ol’ stamp of authority on the sporty side of sport-touring. Back in 2018, Kawi redefined the class when it released the supercharged Ninja H2 SX SE (with optional luggage), and basically created what can only be called hypersport-touring.

Powered by a supercharged 998cc inline-four engine, the last Ninja H2 SX SE we ran on the Cycle World Dyno pumped out 166.1 hp at 10,200 rpm and 89 pound-feet of torque at 8,500 rpm. Sure there are motorcycles that generate more power and others that produce more twist, but the curves on the H2′s dyno chart are things of beauty. In fact, when the H2 SX SE came out back in 2018, it instantly secured our Ten Best trophy for Best Open-class Streetbike.

The Ninja H2 SX SE with the optional 28 liter saddlebags. (Kawasaki/)

Although five years have passed, our sentiments have remained the same. In that Ten Best article, current Editor-in-Chief Justin Dawes said: “This Ninja sport-tourer has a rush of acceleration that is unmatched in the segment, and rarely matched by a motorcycle of any type. The H2 SX SE covered the quarter-mile in just 10.04 seconds, crossing the line at an absurd 144 mph. Zero-to-60 happens in 2.98 seconds and the H2 SX will reach 100 mph 2.39 seconds later. Then there is the whine, chuff, and whiffle that comes from the intake as the supercharger spins at 9.2 times the speed of the crankshaft to make, maintain, or dump excess boost. It’s a soundtrack you won’t get on any other hard-bag-equipped motorcycle.”

Flashing forward, it can be argued that not much needed to be changed to keep this one-of-a-kind sport-tourer at the top of the food chain. So refinements to the recipe are more the order of the day.

The new Auto-Hi-Beam feature does just that, senses oncoming traffic and enables or disables the high beam automatically. (Kawasaki/)

The big news for 2023 is the addition of Auto Hi–Beam (AHB). Like so many automobiles on the market, the H2 SX SE has a camera sensor at the bottom of the windscreen that determines the intensity of the lights of other vehicles ahead, streetlights, and roadway lighting and determines if it’s going to activate or deactivate the bike’s high beam. The rider has the option to enable or disable the system. This new feature joins and complements the SE’s Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS), that uses forward and rear-facing Bosch radar technology to manage the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Detection, and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) features.

But the electronic wizardry doesn’t stop there, as the SX SE is as packed with as many features as any ultra-premium offering on the market. The bike has an absolutely massive list of systems and even more acronyms to go with them.

A sensor at the base of the windscreen determines if the system should dip the high beam or enable it. (Kawasaki/)

Starting with rider aids that have become the norm on most bikes these days, we have Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Integrated Riding Modes with Sport, Road, Rain, Rider (manual), Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System). Many of these systems are aided by the six-axis IMU that provides these systems info based on the bike’s attitude.

Additionally, on the chassis side there is Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) system that uses Showa’s Skyhook Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) technology to automatically control the suspension damping, while preload can be electronically set by the rider. Another feature is the Corner Management Function that uses both KIBS and KTRC to aid a rider through a corner by intervening to prevent the bike from standing up while trail braking into the apex of a turn.

The H2 SX SE’s 6.5 inch TFT display. (Kawasaki/)

With all of these systems, many of which are customizable, there has to be a good interface. The SX SE has a larger 6.5-inch full color TFT display that can be customized for the conditions or the user’s preference. The rider can customize and scroll through a massive amount of information, while also connecting to Kawasaki’s Smartphone-based infotainment app.

2023 Ninja H2 SX SE in the wild. (Kawasaki/)

The 2023 Ninja H2 SX SE is available in dealerships now in Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Graphite Gray for $28,000.

2023 Kawasaki H2 SX SE Specs

MSRP:	$28,000
Engine:	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four, 4 valves / cyl, supercharged
Displacement:	998cc
Bore x Stroke:	76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio:	11.2:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	Six-speed / chain
Cycle World Measured Horsepower:	166.1 hp @ 10,200 rpm
Cycle World Measured Torque:	89 lb.-ft. @ 8,500
Fuel System:	DFI w/ 40mm throttle bodies; dual injectors
Clutch:	Assist / slipper
Engine Management/Ignition:	TCBI with digital advance
Frame:	Steel-trellis
Front Suspension:	43mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; KECS controlled electronic
Rear Suspension:	Uni-Trak, fully adjustable shock; KECS controlled electronic
Front Brake:	Radial-mount, four-piston calipers; 320mm discs; ABS
Rear Brake:	Two-piston caliper, 250mm dics; ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Aluminum alloy
Tires, Front/Rear:	120/70-17 / 190/55-17
Rake/Trail:	24.7° / 4.1 in.
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	N/A
Seat Height:	32.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:	5.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	591 lbs.
Company:	kawasaki.com

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