11-22-2021, 12:27 AM
I have been interested in this bike since it first came out as a 2020 model, I bought the 2022 Z H2 with the standard suspension. The SE model has the electronic suspension and the green accent color, I wanted the e suspension but I didn't like the green treatment.
For a long time I thought I wanted to own a Yamaha V Max, I was interested in that monster engine, but that bike had way too many limitations that kept me from pulling the trigger. When Kawasaki came out with this Z H2, it replaced the V Max in my wish list because it had a great, powerful engine but also modern electronics and normal riding ergonomics (not sport, not cruiser like the Duc Diavel)
As many of you know I also have an S1000 XR and this Z H2 is most comparable to that. It is not comparable to the RS.
Engine: 1000cc with a supercharger. Very powerful, lots of torque, lots of HP, very quick rev'ing, very smooth. Really, really, very smooth. I like it better than the S1000 engine in every way except gas mileage.
Comfort and ergonomics: Very, very good. The riding position is great, the seat is good for 3+ hours so far (might work for even longer rides), wind protection is weak but ok for a naked bike. Kawasaki makes a great accessory heated grips that is not available (so I guess they don't really "make one"). So no heated grips for now.
Electronics: Excellent, comparable to BMW. No TPMS, like my XR. 6 axis IMU with a full array of functions. The quick shifter is not as good as the XR but better than the RS, the up shifts are great but the downshift require some technique I have not mastered yet.
Suspension: very stiff and harsh. I have not had a chance to make any adjustments yet, but I doubt it will ever be as good as my XR or RS.
Appearance: a matter of personal preference. I don't particularly like the origami lines of the bike. For looks, I would much rather prefer the retro Z1 they make, the Z900RS.
Bottom line. I am thrilled to have this bike. The engine, ergonomics, and electronics makes it a great bike for me.
Bruce and Dawn, if you are watching, I imagine this supercharged engine is what your Tesla is like - lots of instant torque and power, and very smooth. I love it. Unlike your Tesla, it gulps gas like crazy. Darrell, go make some more ethanol!
For a long time I thought I wanted to own a Yamaha V Max, I was interested in that monster engine, but that bike had way too many limitations that kept me from pulling the trigger. When Kawasaki came out with this Z H2, it replaced the V Max in my wish list because it had a great, powerful engine but also modern electronics and normal riding ergonomics (not sport, not cruiser like the Duc Diavel)
As many of you know I also have an S1000 XR and this Z H2 is most comparable to that. It is not comparable to the RS.
Engine: 1000cc with a supercharger. Very powerful, lots of torque, lots of HP, very quick rev'ing, very smooth. Really, really, very smooth. I like it better than the S1000 engine in every way except gas mileage.
Comfort and ergonomics: Very, very good. The riding position is great, the seat is good for 3+ hours so far (might work for even longer rides), wind protection is weak but ok for a naked bike. Kawasaki makes a great accessory heated grips that is not available (so I guess they don't really "make one"). So no heated grips for now.
Electronics: Excellent, comparable to BMW. No TPMS, like my XR. 6 axis IMU with a full array of functions. The quick shifter is not as good as the XR but better than the RS, the up shifts are great but the downshift require some technique I have not mastered yet.
Suspension: very stiff and harsh. I have not had a chance to make any adjustments yet, but I doubt it will ever be as good as my XR or RS.
Appearance: a matter of personal preference. I don't particularly like the origami lines of the bike. For looks, I would much rather prefer the retro Z1 they make, the Z900RS.
Bottom line. I am thrilled to have this bike. The engine, ergonomics, and electronics makes it a great bike for me.
Bruce and Dawn, if you are watching, I imagine this supercharged engine is what your Tesla is like - lots of instant torque and power, and very smooth. I love it. Unlike your Tesla, it gulps gas like crazy. Darrell, go make some more ethanol!
2020 R1250 RS
2022 K1600 GT
2022 Kawasaki H2SXSE
Niwot CO USA
2022 K1600 GT
2022 Kawasaki H2SXSE
Niwot CO USA