BALLISTIC TOURING IS WHAT the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX is all about, but the new 2022 model has been given the electronics treatment which now makes the H2 SX a cyborg on wheels.
How about front and rear radars as a start, the H2 SX is fitted with Bosch’s Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS). ARAS uses millimetre-wave radar sensors to sense other vehicles in proximity and provides three new features – Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Sport Detection (BSD) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
Silky smooth and mind-blowing fast acceleration is what spins up with the supercharged 998cc in-line four-cylinder engine. For this latest model Euro 5 emissions have been met, but there’s also more mid-range torque which is an area of the previous H2 SX I felt was lacking – it’s now an arm tearing blast off into oblivion. To meet Euro 5 most of the changes are to the exhaust and an additional O2 sensor has been added to monitor the exhaust gas and enable more precise fuel injection management, which in turn benefits emissions. To achieve the extra mid-range cam timing has been changed, along with the exhaust piping being ‘straighter’.
Panniers don’t come standard; however, the mountings are there ready to go as part of the grab rail and travelling is what the SX is simply great at. I took the SX for a good day touring over theseat is now a touch wider, and the front of the seat is higher to stop any unwanted sliding forward under hard braking. Heated grips are now also there for the cold days and fairing protection around your legs is great too. Two front seats were designed for the SX: a Comfort Seat offering taller riders a relaxed knee bend and thicker urethane cushioning now featuring a wider shape and revised foam density; and a Low Seat (15mm lower) that prioritises an easy reach to the ground (unchanged from before). Seat height is 835 mm for the Comfort Seat; 820 mm for the Low Seat. Which seat is fit standard varies by market, of which we get the Low Seat: 820mm; the alternate Comfort Seat is available as an accessory. I would have appreciated the 835mm seat for my extra-long pins, however even at 820mm I had no real complaints with seat to peg comfort riding all day.
