2022 Kawasaki H2 SX SE First Look
Tue, 23 Nov 2021
Who could forget MO‘s exclusive first test of the Kawasaki H2 SX SE way back yonder in 2018? Some of us would like to forget the first couple minutes of the video, but we maybe got carried away, and were forced to wax poetic by what a fantastic sport-touring conveyance that bike was. Is. The supercharger (just as we re-learned with the Z H2 in last week’s big nakeds comparison) imbued that bike with midrange torque far beyond what you’d expect from its 999 cc displacement – 89 lb-ft at the wheel – as well as truly nostril-flaring horsepower – 172 at just 10,300 rpm. Superb suspenders, electronic aids, long-days comfort, and outstanding Rivermark fit/finish put us over the top. It all made very short work of picking MO‘s Best Sport-Tourer of 2018.
But that was then, now is nearly 2022, and Kawasaki has given its flagship a host of modern refinements that render that original SX SE positively Flintstonian. You didn’t need more torque but you’ve got it. Along with updated styling, Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS) with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
It was comfortable but now it’s comfortabler, says Kawasaki, with wider rider and passenger seats and Kawasaki Electronically Controlled Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook technology. While you’re there, a bigger, 6.5-inch TFT screen lets you access and adjust Kawasaki’s new Smartphone-based Infotainment app (SPIN), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA), and Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System(KIPASS) remote key fob.
But why should I go on, when Kawasaki’s copywriter has already gone far, far beyond the basics?
Begin press release:
2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Motorcycle
ENGINEERED TO BE FREE
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 models are a testament to Kawasaki’s pursuit of innovation, performance, and passion for creating the world’s most advanced line of supercharged motorcycles. For 2022, the Ninja H2 SX SE motorcycle returns to Kawasaki’s hypersport lineup, new and improved by blending performance and ultimate real-world handling with Kawasaki’s most advanced suite of rider assist technologies to date.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE brings the latest in electronically controlled suspension, braking, and rider aid technologies to the supercharged hyperbike platform, making it the ultimate sport touring package. The Ninja H2 SX SE is powered by an exhilarating unique balanced supercharged 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, which utilizes Kawasaki’s knowledge of precision engine tuning to distribute power to where it is most useful, in the low to mid-range for both long distance touring and daily riding. With this powerful engine at its core, Kawasaki has created one of the most advanced and well-balanced motorcycles in performance, comfort, and efficiency, to expand your supercharged journey.
Developed with the ability to go above and beyond the daily applications of today’s sportbike rider, the Ninja H2 SX SE is Kawasaki’s most advanced sport tourer ever and utilizes a balanced supercharged engine that offers optimal output performance in the low to mid RPM range, all while achieving excellent fuel efficiency. This highly refined package offers an unrivaled level of performance and comfort, with agile handling akin to its superbike counterparts.
New for 2022, the Ninja H2 SX SE features updated styling through a new headlight and upper cowl, Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS) with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD), wider rider and passenger seats for comfort, 6.5” TFT Color Instrumentation with Kawasaki’s new Smartphone-based Infotainment app (SPIN), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA), Kawasaki Electronically Controlled Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook technology, and Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System(KIPASS) remote key fob.
2022 KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX SE HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW Headlight and upper cowl styling
- NEW Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS)
ENGINE & CLUTCH
- NEW Revised cam timing
- NEW Exhaust silencer
- NEW Elimination of exhaust pre-silencer
- NEW Revised second gear
- NEW Optimized hydraulic clutch fluid volume
A supercharged 998cc inline four-cylinder engine is designed to deliver both power and fuel efficiency on the 2022 Ninja H2 SX SE, focusing on low-mid range power delivery with exhilarating acceleration that prioritizes everyday usability in street-riding conditions. New for 2022 is a resin silencer that has been added to the secondary air inlet to reduce mechanical (intake) noise. Revised cam timing contributes to increased overall engine performance. The elimination of the exhaust’s pre-silencer chamber allows greater freedom with the new exhaust layout that features a longer collector pipe, increased catalyser volume, and a larger silencer. The new straight-pipe style layout delivers improved torque to benefit everyday ride ability.
A dog-ring transmission facilitates smooth, quick shifting and the number of gear teeth for second gear have been revised in order to minimize resonance when the gears mesh. Adding ribs to the inside of the clutch cover increases its stiffness, further helping to reduce mechanical noise. A hydraulic assist and slipper clutch offers light lever operation. The volume of the hydraulic fluid routed to the clutch plates has been revised and offers improved clutch release. As a result, the shift load due to the plates dragging can be minimized, an improvement that is noticeable when stopped, and it’s easier to shift into neutral.
NEW TFT COLOR INSTRUMENTATION WITH SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION (SPIN)
- NEW 6.5” TFT Color Instrumentation with a Smartphone-based Infotainment app (SPIN)
A large, easy-to-read 6.5” full-color TFT instrumentation screen adds a high-tech appearance to the cockpit. The new TFT instrumentation is complemented by multiple display modes (black, white or automatic) and smartphone connectivity as well as compatibility with Kawasaki SPIN to offer riders a wide range of information.
Also new for 2022 is the addition of Kawasaki’s new smartphone-based infotainment app (SPIN) that enables various third party applications to be downloaded and mirrored on the cockpits TFT display. Basic functions available in the app include telephone, map display, music, calendar, and contacts. Additionally, riders can opt to download third party apps to add to their Kawasaki SPIN library to be able to interact with them on the TFT display. Available apps include Sygic (navigation), SENA (headset communication), and more.
Using Kawasaki SPIN provides riders access to several great functions, including:
- Vehicle Info: information such as fuel gauge, odometer, maintenance schedule, which can all be viewed via the smartphone
- Riding Log: GPS route information as well as vehicle running information can be logged and viewed via the smartphone
- Telephone Notices: when a call or mail is received by the smartphone, this is indicated on the instrument display
NEW ADVANCED RIDER ASSIST SYSTEM (ARAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
The Ninja H2 SX SE motorcycle has always boasted the latest cutting-edge technology, and for 2022 it’s no different with the addition of Bosch’s Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS) that features surround-sensing functions based on radar sensors that generates a more relaxed riding experience.
Oftentimes, riding in heavy traffic and maintaining the correct distance to the vehicle in front takes a great deal of concentration and can become strenuous over longer periods. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) maintains the speed set by the rider but adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a suitable following distance from the vehicle in front. When the system is operating, a signal is shown on the instrument panel, including the symbol showing green when following a vehicle ahead and grey when there is no vehicle ahead. Once operational speed gets to a certain point, which varies in each gear, the system will disengage, and the rider will need to operate the brakes manually. Pressing the cruise control button on the left side of the handlebar turns the system off. Operating the brakes or engaging the clutch for several seconds causes ACC to be temporarily disengaged and closing the throttle completely will also disengage the system. Accelerating (throttle override) or shifting gears (as long as the new gear’s minimum operation speed is met) does not disengage the system unless the maximum speed allowed is reached.
Bosch’s development of Forward Collision Warning (FCW) was designed to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision or to mitigate its consequences through front-facing radar sensor monitors. The system is active as soon as the vehicle starts, and it supports the rider in all relevant speed ranges. If the system detects that another vehicle is in too close of range, and the rider does not react to the situation, it warns the rider with a bright flashing red LED light above the instrument panel and a warning is also shown on the TFT display. Riders can set the alert timing according to preference with options including early, medium or late. FCW can also be turned off, which will be indicated on the TFT display.
The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) function helps keep a lookout in all directions to assist motorcyclists with lane changes. A rear-facing radar sensor serves as the blind spot detection’s eye, registering objects in hard-to-see areas on both the left- and right-hand sides. When an approaching vehicle is detected, an LED built into the rearview mirror will illuminate, a first on a Kawasaki motorcycle. If a rider indicates the intent to change lanes by switching on the turn signal while a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the mirror LED will flash. BSD can be turned off and will be indicated on the TFT display when doing so.
NEW TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
The addition of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) allows tire air pressure to continuously be monitored while riding, adding reassurance for the rider on long rides. Tire pressure sensors are used to alert the rider when tire pressure falls below 31.9 PSI through a low-pressure warning that is displayed on the TFT meter.
NEW VEHICLE HOLD ASSIST (VHA)
Activated when the rider has stopped and firmly applies the brake(s), Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA) engages the rear brake to allow the rider to relax the hand brake. The ABS pump exerts pressure to engage the rear brake, and a light/signal is indicated on the TFT meter to let the rider know the brake hand can be relaxed and the bike will remain in place. The system disengages automatically when the rider turns the throttle to accelerate, when the side stand goes down, or 10-minutes after activation. The rider can also disengage the system by quickly squeezing and releasing the brake lever (within 1 second).
NEW KAWASAKI INTELLIGENT PROXIMITY ACTIVATION START SYSTEM (KIPASS)
The Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS) master key system allows remote activation of the main switch and steering lock of the Ninja H2®SX SE motorcycle. The system offers increased convenience while acting as a deterrent to theft and vandalism.
NEW BOSCH 10.3ME ABS IMU
The Ninja H2 SX SE becomes Kawasaki’s first model to integrate an FI-ECU with torque-demand capabilities and the new IMU measures in six degrees of freedom (DOF) with a compact, boost circuit-equipped ABS with high computational power. IMU enables inertia along 6 DOF to be monitored. With the new unit, acceleration along longitudinal transverse and vertical axes, plus roll rate, pitch rate and yaw rate are all measured. Feedback from the IMU is used to give clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation. With more sophisticated torque-demand capabilities, the new FI-ECU is able to adjust torque in response to external direction, which enables it to work in concert with the ABS. This coordinated control of both the engine and brakes is essential for delivering smooth operation in systems like the new ACC. A boost circuit capable of increasing fluid pressure at the brake calipers enables the brakes to be activated independent of direct rider input, which is required for the new ACC and VHA systems.
SUSPENSION
- NEW Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Showa Skyhook EERA technology
By John Burns
See also: 2022 Kawasaki Versys 650 and Versys 650 LT First Look, The Real "screamer": Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R, Combat mask: Kawasaki has upgraded the Ninja 650.