Kawasaki H2 Ninja SX / SE

From a press release issued by Kawasaki:

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)
-Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
-Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
-Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
NEW Wider seats for increased comfort
NEW 6.5” TFT Color Instrumentation with a Smartphone-based Infotainment app (SPIN)
NEW Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
NEW Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA)
NEW Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Showa Skyhook EERA technology
NEW Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS) remote key fob
NEW USB-style power outlet
NEW Grip heaters

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.

The home screen display is divided into three areas, upper, middle, and lower. Display functions in the upper area include integrated riding mode, gear position indicator, distance setting indicator, ACC indicator, tachometer, Kawasaki Quick Shift (KQS) indicator, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC) indicator, and a multifunction gauge that visually shows the boost pressure plus the rider’s choice of throttle application, front brake pressure or G-force. The middle area display functions include a large digital speedometer, cornering light indicator, service indicator, VHA indicator, and economical riding indicator. In the lower area, a multifunction display allows riders to scroll through functions such as odometer, dual trip meters, bank angle display and bank angle recording function, tire pressure, boost pressure, boost temperature, current and average fuel consumption, remaining range, average speed, total time, and battery voltage. Additional display functions that can also be accessed include fuel gauge, KECS preload mode, outside temperature, ice warning, connected device indicator, and clock and coolant temperature.

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. With the compact key fob in a pocket, the KIPASS sends out a signal that is picked up and recognized by the ECU. For added security, an immobilizer function is incorporated into the ignition system. As a flagship model, the key fob of the Ninja H2 SX SE is adorned with the Kawasaki River Mark.

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
The Ninja H2 SX SE features KECS with Skyhook technology which helps support the motorcycle’s sprung weight and modulates the suspension damping force to allow the wheels to track road dips and bumps while maintaining the motorcycle’s vertical position with minimal disturbance. Combining high-level mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology, KECS offers both the suppleness to offer riding comfort in a wide range of riding situations, as well as the firm damping to facilitate sport riding.

Handling the suspension duties is a sporty 43 mm inverted Showa cartridge fork and a high-spec Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC) lite rear shock – similar to the rear suspension used on the Ninja ZX-10R sportbike, except it also features electronically adjustable preload.

In the BFRC lite shock, damping force is generated in an external Damping Force Chamber, and compression and rebound damping are generated independently, allowing the whole surface of the main piston to act as a pump, pushing oil towards the valves. This configuration also helps to suppress pressure balance fluctuations as a result of shock compression and extension.

Compression and rebound damping for both the forks and shock are generated (and adjusted) electronically via the KECS system that is controlled by a solenoid valve with direct actuation and allows for extremely quick reaction time. Riders can choose from four modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and Manual. KECS then adjusts to the road surface environment in real time to provide the ideal damping, considering vehicle speed, stroke speed and deceleration. Riders can electronically control the rear shock preload settings as well. KECS offers three different preload settings: rider only, rider with luggage, and rider with passenger and luggage. Riders can fine-tune these settings with 10 levels of adjustment for each.

The updated software incorporates Showa’s Skyhook EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) technology to deliver an even more composed ride. Showa’s Skyhook software, carefully fine-tuned by Kawasaki engineers to ensure the sporty riding character of the Ninja H2 SX SE was preserved, delivers a smoother ride as it continually adapts to the road surface in real time.

The forks and shock have built-in stroke sensors that provide real-time stroke speed and compression information. The sensor coils provide input to the KECS ECU every millisecond. This is complemented by information provided by the IMU (acceleration/deceleration) every 10 milliseconds and the FI ECU (vehicle speed) every 10 milliseconds. The KECS ECU then directs current to the solenoids to adjust damping as required by the situation.

STYLING

NEW Upper and side cowls
NEW LED headlight
NEW Aerodynamic mirrors
NEW Supercharged emblems

Sleek new lines give the Ninja H2 SX SE a sharper, more compact look, while maintaining its aggressive and seductive Ninja image. The new front face design points to its supercharged roots and instantly communicates that it’s more than the ordinary sport touring machine. The new upper cowl features angular lines and a slim, compact impression even with the addition of the radar sensor, which is positioned below the headlight. The radar sensor sits behind a cover, specially designed to not interfere with the radar function. The Kawasaki River Mark emblem is proudly displayed on the upper cowl – a true reflection of the high-level performance, comfort, and quality that the Ninja H2 SX SE offers. Full fairing bodywork adds to the bike’s sporty image and helps to reduce heat that can be felt by the rider.

In order to match the new upper cowl, simple surfaces have been added to the side cowl and contribute to the new styling. The upper cowl is more compact to accommodate the front radar sensor, and a new LED headlight is positioned at the front of the upper cowl, contributing to the intense design. It features integrated position lamps that are crystal-like in appearance, adding a high-class touch. LED cornering lights are built into each side of the fairing in sets of three to help illuminate the road when cornering. New aerodynamically shaped mirrors offer a clear view of the rear, even when the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories 28 L hard saddlebag set is fitted, and feature single-bulb LED-type turn signals. Rear-facing radar is built into the rear fender, and like the front radar, is cleverly hidden by a specially designed cover. LED turn signals contribute to the bike’s high-quality image and a handcrafted two-color “Supercharged” emblem has been added to communicate the flagship status of the Ninja H2 SX SE.

ERGONOMICS

NEW Wider seats for increased comfort
NEW USB-style power outlet
NEW Grip heaters
NEW Brembo front brake system

A new ergonomically designed front seat provides comfort for spending long hours in the saddle as well as accommodates position changes for sportier riding. Both rider and passenger seats are wider than previous models, and revised shapes, thickness and density all add to rider and passenger comfort. The wider rear seat features a flat surface at the front to help keep the passenger from sliding forward under braking. Under the rear seat, a new USB-type power outlet offers a convenient source for powering accessories or personal items. The riding position of the Ninja H2 SX SE offers a relaxed bend that is comfortable for in-town riding and long touring and features grip heaters to add to the comfort on cold days. The grip heater wiring is routed inside of the handlebar for a clean design. Tomatch the handle-mounted Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and grip heaters, a newly designed Brembo direct actuation front master cylinder is fitted.

BRAKES & WHEELS

NEW Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires

The Ninja H2 SX SE comes equipped with high-grade Brembo Stylema front calipers. The design of key sections allows stiffness to be maintained while enabling a direct connection to the piston area. The Stylema calipers quickly cool thanks to increased airflow around the brake pads, space around the pistons, and an opening that allows air to exit from the central bridge. The dual radial mount opposed 4-piston Stylema front calipers grip a pair of semi-floating 320 mm discs, which complement the technical innovation and premium quality of the Ninja H2 SX SE. New Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires provide a good balance of sport and touring performance.

INTEGRATED RIDING MODES

All-inclusive modes that link KTRC, Power Mode and KECS allow riders to efficiently set traction control, power delivery, and suspension characteristics to suit a given riding situation. Riders can choose from four settings: Sport, Road, Rain or a Manual setting. In the manual rider mode, each of the systems can be set independently. The Sport setting enables riders to enjoy sporty handling riding. The Road setting provides comfortable riding characteristics over a wide range of situations, from city riding to highway cruising and rural roads. The Rain setting offers rider reassurance when riding on a low traction surface.

HIGHLY DURABLE PAINT

Kawasaki’s Highly Durable Paint features a special top coat that allows certain types of scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its high quality finish through normal wear and tear†. The self-healing is achieved through microscopic soft and hard segments within the top coat working like a chemical spring, creating a trampoline effect that absorbs many impacts.

Notes:
1. Recovery can take a week or longer.
2. The paint will not recover in the case of scratches caused by a coin or key, or zip fasteners.

KAWASAKI GENUINE ACCESSORIES

NEW Premium high front seat
NEW Low front seat
NEW Color matched seat cowl
NEW Oil cap
NEW Helmet lock
NEW Clear 55 mm lower windshield

For 2022, several new Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are available for the Ninja H2 SX SE, including a high front seat, low front seat, color matched seat cowl, oil cap, helmet lock, and clear windshield that is 55 mm lower. Also returning to Kawasaki’s accessory list will be frame sliders, a 28 liter hard saddlebag set, bag fitting kit, color panel kit, trim set, and one key system.

COLOR OPTIONS

The 2022 Ninja H2 SX SE is available in an Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Graphite Gray color scheme.