Excellent review highlighting the differences. I've had a 2018 H2 SX SE from new and I'm just about to take delivery of a new 2024 H2 SX SE. 😁My 2018 has done 30k miles of mixed riding included a number of Euro tours. I too found the Mettzler 01SE tyres are the best and allow for some pretty serious lean angles on Alps and Dolomites passes. I get a little over 7000 miles out of a set. I've tried the Michelin Road 5 and Road 6, both of which are great but the 01SE is just a little better. I had a Scott Oiler from new and it meant I got 30k miles out of the original chain and sprockets. (And no, I don't ride like "Driving Miss Daisy") 😀 As for a top box!! 🤮🤮🤮🤮
22 version is just proof that Kawasaki cares and puts good effort into the making of the bike, I do have a sore spot for Honda's VFR800 Fi, but really loving these H2
Thank you for taking the time for this walkthrough - this informative and neutral perspective, but one actually containing relevant information for the reader instead of the manufacturer, is surprisingly hard to come by on this bike. As I can’t restored one near me, this has been very informative of my own decision to buy. Thanks so much.
Thanks for the thorough review between the two models, it helps a lot with the decision making, it certainly is one of the better long term reviews on this website.
18:30 Hear, Hear! I have a video on my H2, as I'm actively ROLLING OFF the throttle, it starts to lift. Haven't sensed that on the H2 SX SE though; as it's so utterly neutered.
I wonder if you can help me. I have been offered a low mileage (4k) 2019 SE+ but I am not sure how to confirm it is the +. It does have the Shoe Forks but no Brembo's. Onthe MOT search it comes up as "KAWASAKI ZX 1002 BJF SX SE"
Rear wheel bearing is a known issue, some owners are having them fail prematurely. They need preventative maintenance. I strip, inspect, and re grease mine every tyre change.
I think that’s a lot to do with how the owner looks after it! If they pressure wash around the rear hub, it’s going to shorten its life! I’ve had no issues with mine over the 18 months I’ve owned it, careful cleaning and proper maintenance is always key with anything mechanical👍🏽
Im not sure about that, my pistons were fine. Maintenance is as per normal until you hit the two year service and then it costs £650 ish, but my Ducati at 2 years 15k was £1,250 so it’s relatively cheap for an expensive bike. The insurance is astronomical.
Capacity of ur top box(in litres)? Capacity of ur locking tank bag? Does wind hit the panniers (rarely) or the front portion of bike prevents it completely? Does bike tech give u enough confidence to do knee cornering with pillion, 2 × 28L panniers, top box , all loaded? Practically 19L full tank gives a range of (total Distance)? Or simply mileage?
I don't use a top box on this one. I use a small 5ltre tank back from GIVI. Do not notice any wind issues with panniers. I don't ride with a pillion very often. I wouldn't want to get my knee down personally with a pillion. When I do have a pillion you can't tell they're on the back. Bike is 264KG. Tank when riding hard is 130 miles before I top up but hasn.t started flashing. As per video will do 170 touring.
Thanks very much for doing this comparison, exactly what I was looking for. I've got the SE, had it for a year, done 13k on it. Is there enough of a difference to be worth me changing?? Would like to hear your opinion.
Its a lot of money to change. But for me having the more comfortable suspension options on fast uneven roads makes it much more pleasurable and an all-rounder. So the smaller back roads that were jarring are not now. Thats the best part. But the money difference is massive part exchanging a 16.5k se for a demo SE+. So not worth it financially but worth it for comfort. Although i am sure the residuals will fare a little better.
I was toying with going to the +, but I’ve dialled the suspension in to my style of riding and don’t see the point in spending out more cash... It’s a brilliant bit of Japanese engineering and until there’s something out there that trumps it, It’s a keeper👍🏽
Thats the sensible financial option. But dialing in a one time set up, was not enough for me. As my rides were a mixture of hyper fast sports riding and touring crap roads. The individual settings make it easy having four modes.
Likewise, but I’ve just got into the habit of adjusting where necessary. I think it also depends on mechanical knowledge, I’m an ex tech’ so it’s not an issue for me. Many riders out there just steer clear of adjusting the wild array of suspension settings and make do with what they have!...
Excellent and thorough review! I too am 50 years old now and have two Kawasakis: zx-14 (zzr1400) and zx-10r. I have thought about possibly trading in or selling the other two and getting the the same bike you currently have since I would tour more than track ride these days. My zx-14 is my current sport tourer. Do you find the acceleration much more impressive on your current bike?
Its lovely two up, having the givi back rest on the top box was very good for the passenger to relax. But as I think I spoke about, I would not recommend a top box. It looks crap and also the GIVI arms sheared off from fatigue. I never carried much more than a chain lock in it.
Thats a personal question. In as much it varies from person to person . But it is prob about 1.5 x as expensive as a MTS 1260. But they are 24k ish new!
Excellent review highlighting the differences. I've had a 2018 H2 SX SE from new and I'm just about to take delivery of a new 2024 H2 SX SE. 😁My 2018 has done 30k miles of mixed riding included a number of Euro tours. I too found the Mettzler 01SE tyres are the best and allow for some pretty serious lean angles on Alps and Dolomites passes. I get a little over 7000 miles out of a set. I've tried the Michelin Road 5 and Road 6, both of which are great but the 01SE is just a little better. I had a Scott Oiler from new and it meant I got 30k miles out of the original chain and sprockets. (And no, I don't ride like "Driving Miss Daisy") 😀 As for a top box!! 🤮🤮🤮🤮
22 version is just proof that Kawasaki cares and puts good effort into the making of the bike, I do have a sore spot for Honda's VFR800 Fi, but really loving these H2
Thank you for taking the time for this walkthrough - this informative and neutral perspective, but one actually containing relevant information for the reader instead of the manufacturer, is surprisingly hard to come by on this bike. As I can’t restored one near me, this has been very informative of my own decision to buy. Thanks so much.
Agree %10000 about knowing how to use the throttle!!! Well said
Absolutely amazing, thanks. Info I could not get anywhere else.
Great review.....inbetween the ninja 100sx,zzr1400 or the H2 sx se ....haven’t tried them yet but this plus model sounds absolutely awesome👌🏻
Thanks for the thorough review between the two models, it helps a lot with the decision making, it certainly is one of the better long term reviews on this website.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Thanks fer the tire pointer - Metzlah' - just got the SXSE'
18:30 Hear, Hear! I have a video on my H2, as I'm actively ROLLING OFF the throttle, it starts to lift. Haven't sensed that on the H2 SX SE though; as it's so utterly neutered.
Great real world review. I've just bought a used + model with 2000 miles. Tyres are a bit shagged - I'll try the Metzlers. Thank you :)
They are brilliant, keep the pressures spot on though. 2 psi out and you know about it.
I wonder if you can help me. I have been offered a low mileage (4k) 2019 SE+ but I am not sure how to confirm it is the +. It does have the Shoe Forks but no Brembo's. Onthe MOT search it comes up as "KAWASAKI ZX 1002 BJF SX SE"
BJF is the plus model I am sure.
15:40 you're going to HATE the throttle percentage map on these things whence you see it.
Rear wheel bearing is a known issue, some owners are having them fail prematurely. They need preventative maintenance. I strip, inspect, and re grease mine every tyre change.
I think that’s a lot to do with how the owner looks after it! If they pressure wash around the rear hub, it’s going to shorten its life! I’ve had no issues with mine over the 18 months I’ve owned it, careful cleaning and proper maintenance is always key with anything mechanical👍🏽
Yes its bad, i will get them to do it on each change too.
Thanks for your review , mine on order for next spring . What's the model and brand of the aftermarket screen ? Do you like it on the highway ?
Its a PowerBronze and the screen looks great but not any better for wind protection.
Landscape mode! Portrait is OK on a phone but horrible on a TV. Interesting info though.
Which screen is on this bike?
@Shifty Blake is it true the bike burns its pistons at 15,000mi? How is the maintenance? What do you hate about it?
Im not sure about that, my pistons were fine. Maintenance is as per normal until you hit the two year service and then it costs £650 ish, but my Ducati at 2 years 15k was £1,250 so it’s relatively cheap for an expensive bike. The insurance is astronomical.
Very informative video.
Glad you liked it, thank you.
Capacity of ur top box(in litres)?
Capacity of ur locking tank bag?
Does wind hit the panniers (rarely) or the front portion of bike prevents it completely?
Does bike tech give u enough confidence to do knee cornering with pillion, 2 × 28L panniers, top box , all loaded?
Practically 19L full tank gives a range of (total Distance)? Or simply mileage?
I don't use a top box on this one. I use a small 5ltre tank back from GIVI. Do not notice any wind issues with panniers. I don't ride with a pillion very often. I wouldn't want to get my knee down personally with a pillion. When I do have a pillion you can't tell they're on the back. Bike is 264KG. Tank when riding hard is 130 miles before I top up but hasn.t started flashing. As per video will do 170 touring.
@@shiftyblake3038 Thanks for replying, also pls do motovlog with action cam positioned on helmet chin nxt time, Waiting for ur next vlogs💥
@@vijayjayakumar6664 I will do a ride Vlog on this soon.
What’s the purpose of the tank ring for?
It's for a Tank bag, quick latch.
Thanks very much for doing this comparison, exactly what I was looking for. I've got the SE, had it for a year, done 13k on it. Is there enough of a difference to be worth me changing?? Would like to hear your opinion.
Its a lot of money to change. But for me having the more comfortable suspension options on fast uneven roads makes it much more pleasurable and an all-rounder. So the smaller back roads that were jarring are not now. Thats the best part. But the money difference is massive part exchanging a 16.5k se for a demo SE+. So not worth it financially but worth it for comfort. Although i am sure the residuals will fare a little better.
I was toying with going to the +, but I’ve dialled the suspension in to my style of riding and don’t see the point in spending out more cash... It’s a brilliant bit of Japanese engineering and until there’s something out there that trumps it, It’s a keeper👍🏽
Thats the sensible financial option. But dialing in a one time set up, was not enough for me. As my rides were a mixture of hyper fast sports riding and touring crap roads. The individual settings make it easy having four modes.
Likewise, but I’ve just got into the habit of adjusting where necessary. I think it also depends on mechanical knowledge, I’m an ex tech’ so it’s not an issue for me. Many riders out there just steer clear of adjusting the wild array of suspension settings and make do with what they have!...
@@skts2610 Plus if your'e an ex-tech its probably quiet good fun adjusting the set up and fine tuning the rides.
I also had to replace my H2 rear bearing at 20,000km (2015 h2) just saying
Excellent and thorough review! I too am 50 years old now and have two Kawasakis: zx-14 (zzr1400) and zx-10r. I have thought about possibly trading in or selling the other two and getting the the same bike you currently have since I would tour more than track ride these days. My zx-14 is my current sport tourer. Do you find the acceleration much more impressive on your current bike?
Its very different than the 14. The 14 has instant grunt in any gear, the ZX H2 SX needs winding up through the rev range.
21:40 well fuck! I was shopping for a top bag! shit....
How is the 2 up long term riding on this amazing bike
Two up riding is superb, I’ve been all over northern Spain two up with mine. No vibes and really comfortable, superb motorcycle👌🏽
Its lovely two up, having the givi back rest on the top box was very good for the passenger to relax. But as I think I spoke about, I would not recommend a top box. It looks crap and also the GIVI arms sheared off from fatigue. I never carried much more than a chain lock in it.
Can i ask a questions. How much do they charge you for the insurance?
Thats a personal question. In as much it varies from person to person . But it is prob about 1.5 x as expensive as a MTS 1260. But they are 24k ish new!
In the States it’s about 400$ per month no matter your age or credit
Well it go fast
it's not the bike for you and you know it very well, space for young people