2018 Kawasaki H2 SX Full Test

Kawasaki blew us all away with the H2, the supercharged monster that was a triumph of modern engineering and packaging. Now they've added a whole new dose of practicality to the concept and brought out the H2SX, the touring model. Has bringing in some sanity to the recipe diluted the experience or enhanced it? Donovan tries to find out.

[NigelGriff]

Just got myself a 2017 Ninja 1000 (Z1000SX) 5 days ago and absolutely in love with it. A major upgrade from my Honda CB500F.

[rzu]

If you haven't read Donovan's written review on the H2 SX, go read it! Donovan, your energy and enthusiasm shines through your review, and your use of hyperbole is brilliant. I really enjoy your writing.

[chriszxr]

I am fortunate to have both bikes. I have a 2016 ZX14R and love it. Had to get the H2SX also. I have had it for about a month. Love both bikes. The H2SX is a blast to ride. The sounds it makes is worth the price of admission. Could never give up my 14 though. I hope they decided to supercharge the 14. Remember when it comes to horsepower, too much is barely enough.

[mathias]

Yeah put an aftermarket exhaust and a ecuflash on the H2SX and the ZZR1400 will disappear in the rear view mirror. It also handles better in the twisties than the ZZR1400. The H2 SX is extremely restricted from factory. Brocks Performance got 240 hp out of it with a slip-on and a ecuflash :)

[fredsmith]

Great review guys. I like that you voiced some honest criticisms of it, instead of just being Kawi cheerleaders. It looks like an awesome bike.

[ackerkenton]

Great review. I'll hang on to my ZZR for a while longer. I test rode the H2 SX, its a beautiful Bike, comfy, lovely gearbox, easy to filter in traffic and incredibly good on fuel if you taker it easy (70mpg @ 55mph) but also fast when you want it to be. Agree also, I want one & also agree many one extras on the SX SE I don't really want. Quickshifters don't short shift very well and the gearbox is buttery smooth anyway.

[aeror]

Awesome machine!
Well done Kawasaki!
I love the supercharged Sound of the beast!
AeroR 🚀

[thedziukol]

One of the reasons I bought ZZR was your film from 2012, it convinced me to test this amazing Kawasaki at a local dealer in Poland. I had it for few years & can tell ZZR was the best bike I ever had. Thanks guys! Greetings from Europe (-:

[MicMurphy]

I love this review man dang!!! I sat on Sx about 2 months ago and I test rode a 2017 Suzuki hyabusa. Now I saw Brock's performance put his hands on one on YouTube and pumped that sx up to 245hp. If you go on YouTube you can find a video but at the same time I love this azuki Hayabusa I also sat on a ZX-14r and I love the riding positioning but that hyabusa is kind to me I have to get one thank you guys for this I depth review of the bike IAM about to purchase and I wanted to see what you guys thought.

[conceptsmart]

Hello guys, chirping sound is blow-off valve. Like on all turbo or super charged cars. Not blades crossing sound speed barrier. I have H2 and it is scary to ride, you are right. But love it more with the time ). All the best from Russia, like your channel a lot.

[stewartantony]

The added cost just can't be justified, the zx14 does me just fine.

[MikeTheBike]

Had a Gen1 ZZR1400 for a year and a half, then got a 2015 ZZR1400 Performance Sport, had that for 3 and a half years.

Now ride a 2018 H2 SX, Decat, Titanium Headers from a Gen5 ZX-10R, Titanium Racefit Growler exhaust, Remapped by Dave Wood Racing so now running 207whp

[ross]

I have 2008 ZX-14 turbocharged fully done carbon rims Ohlins etc. I couldn't resist the deal of 2018 model at $15K save $6200. Now going get Brock full exhaust, ECU flash, sprint air filter you got 240hp. Update in 2 months still in the garage snow still on the road. 🇨🇦

[Joric]

Doesn't seem like a good value proposition when it costs 50% more than the ZZR-1400 (ZX-14R). Added complexity usually means less reliability or higher maintenance requirements as well.

[MrTrek]

Great show guys, the zzr1400 would still nobble it in you test in standard trim due to the torque .A friends zzr1400 has akra system and pcv k&n which puts out 218 rwhp, it trumps most bikes until the roads get really twisty .I do feel if you used the launch control it would have been a lot closer .

[panzerfaustwot]

H2 SX (SE) is a nice replacement for the GTR-1400, but the ZZR-1400 is just something special and nice to ride either fast or normal

[dataman]

This show is brilliant...good job guys

[morsteadriders]

Had both. And still have the h2 sx same as the one in the review.
The zzr1400 is awesome definitely but the h2 sx feels completely different. Nimble, agile and more fun like comparing a 4 stroke to a 2 stroke almost. The h2 sx has the agility of a zx10r (which I've also had) but the comfy ride of a tourer.
Id have the h2 sx all day long especially as its capable of so much more with an ecu flash remap.

[Mrtweet]

So, where do you get a plasma tv in 2019?

[Szlejer]

Well done, you guys deserved far more subs.