Group Test
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KAWASAKI H2 SX SE TOURER
The supercharged one that’s perfect for covering big miles fast
WORDS: Ross Mowbray
In recent years, Kawasaki’s carved out a niche for itself: building bonkers supercharged bikes that go like the clappers. But I’ve never actually ridden one before. I’ve heard very good things, with friends, colleagues and owners raving about how fast, smooth and stable they are, so I couldn’t wait to try out its touring-ready model on a big trip to the Cairngorms.
First introduced into Kawasaki’s growing supercharged range back in 2018, the H2 SX SE Tourer is a seriously well-equipped motorcycle. In addition to its 197bhp motor, it gets electronic suspension, superbike-specification Brembo brakes, heated grips, a TFT screen, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and a collision warning system. That’s not a bad start, is it?
It looks good, too, with the smart lines of its aerodynamic fins and its futuristic round headlight helping it stand out from the crowd, while Kawasaki’s exceptional build quality shines through. In the flesh, it’s immediately clear that it’s a big old lump of a motorcycle. It weighs in at 267kg and has a wheelbase of 1480mm, but with a relatively low seat height of 835mm and a well-balanced centre of gravity, it’s easy enough to paddle around and back out of spaces.
It’s much more comfortable than I expected, too, with its clip-on bars rising back from the top yoke, meaning you’re not laying down on the tank with all the weight on your wrists (which would no doubt take its toll on longer journeys).
Bonkers power
The most exciting bit about the H2 SX SE Tourer is its engine. Kicking out a mighty 197.3bhp at 11,000rpm and 101.3lb-ft at 8500rpm, it’ll come as no surprise that the big ‘Kwaker’ can hustle. But most of the time you’ll not get close to making the most out of the engine, so it’s just as important to appraise how well it potters and cruises as it is to wax lyrical about how much fun it is when you wind open the throttle. In truth, it’s surprisingly docile when you want it
