Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: Rubber_Snake on April 01, 2018, 10:07:46 AM

Title: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Rubber_Snake on April 01, 2018, 10:07:46 AM
Lemmy from Revzilla reviews Kawasaki’s SPORT/tourer.  Interesting stuff.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2018-kawasaki-h2-sx-se-first-ride-motorcycle-review?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3/31/2018_CT&utm_term=Common%20Tread%20%7C%20Combined (https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2018-kawasaki-h2-sx-se-first-ride-motorcycle-review?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3/31/2018_CT&utm_term=Common%20Tread%20%7C%20Combined)

-Ray
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: katata1100 on April 01, 2018, 10:37:47 AM
I can’t see myself doing heavy mileage on that . If I were to hit the lottery, that’d sit next to my C14, it’d be the around town ride and the bike I take on two or three day rides.The C14 gets the nod for long trips. Heck, I can’t see strapping much luggage to the H2, along with my tail bag and the rack on that, I can easily fit a huge duffel bag on the passenger part of my seat.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Rubber_Snake on April 01, 2018, 11:08:39 AM
The things I like are:

TFT Display with different display options
Adjustable power modes and T/C
Heated grips
Bags
Cruise Control
Quickshifter

The things I do not care for:

Chaindrive
Sportbike riding position
Seat height (high for me...)
The horsepower (GTR has plenty enough for me)
The price

I’m not sure what type of rider mama Kaw is after here, but I don’t think it is Concours owners.

I would really love to see a TFT, cruise and heated grips/seat built into the Connie.  I certainly hope this doesn’t mean its future demise.


Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: maxtog on April 01, 2018, 11:50:19 AM
Very neat, but hardly an ST in my book.  Review says as much too, but without too many details in that regard (and as if we didn't already know and hash it through on previous threads: small fairings for minimal weather control, chain drive, small windscreen also not powered, too leaned over, shorter wheel base, puny warranty, crappy range, etc.)  It is an amazing bike, but priced at $23K and with its other limitations, I still think the C14 still reigns king in its category.  The H2SXSE can be king in it's own "mostly sport somewhat touring" category :)

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22980 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22980)
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: katata1100 on April 01, 2018, 12:28:43 PM
Costs $23k, issupercharged, will do 1/4 mile in the mid 9’s...
As good as this bike looks on paper, in person and on the road ,
I think we all can agree that the annual insurance bill on it will be
very ugly.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Akumu on April 01, 2018, 02:57:12 PM
H2 SX - Hyper Sport Touring
C14 - Sport TOURING
N1K - SPORT Touring
Versys 650/1000 - Sport Touring

IMO, C14 and the Versys can do with an update. N1K sells like hotcakes in EU, according to the numbers. No surprise it sees an update every 3 years.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Rubber_Snake on April 01, 2018, 06:38:25 PM
(and as if we didn't already know and hash it through on previous threads: small fairings for minimal weather control, chain drive, small windscreen also not powered, too leaned over, shorter wheel base, puny warranty, crappy range, etc.)

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22980 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=22980)

I just thought it might make for an interesting read.  This is the first time I’ve ever heard of someone riding it and giving a good review of it.  I suppose I could’ve just added it to that thread, but I was too lazy to look it up...   ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: maxtog on April 01, 2018, 08:42:50 PM
I just thought it might make for an interesting read.  This is the first time I’ve ever heard of someone riding it and giving a good review of it.

It is a decent/interesting ride review.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: eng943 on April 07, 2018, 04:26:27 PM
When I initially heard this bike was coming out, I thought it would end up as a replacement for the C14. However, it's clear now that this really is not a bike I could do any distance on.   
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 10:04:31 AM
But guys, Cruise Control :thumbs:, the bike has Cruise Control! We can only HOPE that the C14 is next? If Kawi would just add that and ESA the C14 would be, hands down, the best ST! I'm currently on the Trophy and am holding out a year to see what the 2019/2020 Concours offers. I really hope they add those items. The rest of the stuff they put on these bikes, like the Trophy and RT, is just fluff and not needed...give us CC, EAS, and that C14 power and it's over!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: gPink on May 10, 2018, 10:21:00 AM
  Possibility exists there won't be a '19/20 model.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 10:22:14 AM
really? What have you heard? Are they discontinuing the C14?
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: gPink on May 10, 2018, 10:28:37 AM
speculation due to slow sales
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 10:41:30 AM
That's sad to hear. First, the Trophy is discontinued and now the C14 might be?
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 10:42:33 AM
I like the H2, looks good but the bags are small and the range is weak...2 strikes! With the loss of the Trophy and possibly losing the C14 I will have to resort to saying a bad word...BMW :-\
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: gPink on May 10, 2018, 10:44:29 AM
It's more of a Sport tourer than a sport Tourer. Not a suitable replacement for the 14
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Conniesaki on May 10, 2018, 12:51:26 PM
I like the H2, looks good but the bags are small and the range is weak...2 strikes! With the loss of the Trophy and possibly losing the C14 I will have to resort to saying a bad word...BMW :-\

I'm with you  :thumbs:

(http://www.visordown.com/sites/default/files/field/image/64235.jpg)
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 01:05:25 PM
wow, beautiful bike! Now I have to see what happens and possibly begin thinking RT? I could have, NEVER would have, thought RT until owning the Trophy. I do miss the C14 but if I had to, I could do an RT. I love ST bikes and plan on staying in that class for a long time! I would NEVER pay $24K+ for the H2 when I could spend the same on a decked-out RT!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Poseidon on May 10, 2018, 03:02:32 PM
wow, beautiful bike! Now I have to see what happens and possibly begin thinking RT? I could have, NEVER would have, thought RT until owning the Trophy. I do miss the C14 but if I had to, I could do an RT. I love ST bikes and plan on staying in that class for a long time! I would NEVER pay $24K+ for the H2 when I could spend the same on a decked-out RT!

...or just buy two C14’s! Heck, just buy one C14 and pay someone to install cruise control and upgrade the suspension, flash the ECU, along with any other mods your heart desires and still have plenty of money left for some long trips!!!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 03:16:59 PM
That is on my mind too! I haven't ruled the Concours out, and when next year rolls around who knows where Kawi will be with the C14! But, NO WAY am I having someone else install cc on my new Concours, I'll do it myself...did it on my 2012 and can/will do it again ;) I thought I saw one that is pretty much plug-and-play for the Concours and costs around $1000? If that's true, I'd probably go that route this time. I would definitely have someone upgrade the suspension for me, would hopefully be fine on the new seat they have, would throw the large 56 liter GIVI Monokey trunk on it when the wife rides with me, order the taller windscreen, add my LED fogs on either side of the wheel, my flashing brake lights, my power block under the seat, my harness for heated gear, the extra power port, and whatever else I can think of! The beauty of owning the C14 is how much you can do to it to make it "yours"! I could do ALL of that and STILL be under the cost of a new RT so the C14 is still favorable! I will admit that the ownership cost of the RT does scare me and the thought of being on the Concours and having service available pretty much anywhere I go is a comforting thought...all of this is being weighed in my mind and will be until I make the switch! I have one regret, I regret selling my 2012! I did it thinking I could walk away and never look back, but that didn't happen :'(
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 03:18:04 PM
Oh, almost forgot the most important upgrade...STEVE'S FLASH...100%!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Poseidon on May 10, 2018, 03:54:08 PM
I wasn’t saying you couldn’t install the CC. I was just saying for the amount you would save, you could easily afford to have all the work done as if it had come that way from the factory, and still save a boatload of money vs the beemer.

I have no idea if the BMW motorcycles are like their cars or not, but the cars had idiot lights for everything and the dealer was the only one that could rest them for $150 each time. It was ridiculous! Oil change light, air filter light, brake service light, you name it there was a light for it! None were able to be reset by the end user or even a shop other than the dealership. Just before I sold it, I took it in one time and had all the lights reset. Dash looked like a Christmas tree the whole time I owned that car! I vowed never to buy another BMW... EVER!!! It was a nice car, but I refuse to be held hostage to a dealership like that!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 04:03:49 PM
Sorry, Poseidon, I wasn't implying you were saying anything against my awesome and sick ability to install my own cc ::)! I was just saying I would do it because I could and I enjoyed it...as twisted as that sounds :o! And, your story, along with those from others, make BMW a scary choice! But, my only 2 choices will be the C14 or RT, not sure I am ready for the Adventure bike, and nothing else out there appeals to me, and the Concours still has my heart! Here's my ONLY hesitation on a new C14, THE SEAT! I had the 2012 and went through 4 different seats and nothing could keep me on that bike all day and be comfortable...I was sore! With the Triumph Trophy, and the optional Triumph comfort seat, ALL DAY COMFORT and then some! The seat on my Trophy is sooooo good it's ridiculous! I feel the BMW RT would offer similar comfort as does the Trophy and that is why I even lean in the direction of the RT...comfort! Just like the RT's maintenance and ownership costs scare me, the comfort, or lack of, on the Concours scares me! I did a 10 day, 5k mile road trip on my C14 and was SORE. I could do that same trip on my Trophy and never want to get off the bike...could literally ride it all day, every day, with ease! So you can see my dilemma!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: olie on May 10, 2018, 04:43:01 PM
mike, I should try the Kawasaki Touring seat.... it's that good...even my pillion agrees. ;)
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 10, 2018, 04:43:57 PM
mike, I should try the Kawasaki Touring seat.... it's that good...even my pillion agrees. ;)

The optional Kawi touring seat with the gel inserts?
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: olie on May 10, 2018, 04:59:16 PM
no, it's a completely new one, released in 2015 I believe. I bought it 2y ago, sold my Sargent, never looked at anything else. I will get you a Kawasaki site link
 

https://www.kawasaki.com/accessories/item/2016-concours-14-abs/touring-seat/ZG1400EGFL/999940500 (https://www.kawasaki.com/accessories/item/2016-concours-14-abs/touring-seat/ZG1400EGFL/999940500)
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: gPink on May 10, 2018, 05:17:09 PM
One other thing to consider is warranty comparison between brands.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Rubber_Snake on May 10, 2018, 05:42:35 PM
One other thing to consider is warranty comparison between brands.
True.  When I retired, I was considering a new BMW.  The mechanics were insisting on buying the $1500, five year unlimited mileage warranty.  Then I came across my Sergeant’s C14...
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Poseidon on May 10, 2018, 10:17:15 PM
Sorry, Poseidon, I wasn't implying you were saying anything against my awesome and sick ability to install my own cc ::)! I was just saying I would do it because I could and I enjoyed it...as twisted as that sounds :o! And, your story, along with those from others, make BMW a scary choice! But, my only 2 choices will be the C14 or RT, not sure I am ready for the Adventure bike, and nothing else out there appeals to me, and the Concours still has my heart! Here's my ONLY hesitation on a new C14, THE SEAT! I had the 2012 and went through 4 different seats and nothing could keep me on that bike all day and be comfortable...I was sore! With the Triumph Trophy, and the optional Triumph comfort seat, ALL DAY COMFORT and then some! The seat on my Trophy is sooooo good it's ridiculous! I feel the BMW RT would offer similar comfort as does the Trophy and that is why I even lean in the direction of the RT...comfort! Just like the RT's maintenance and ownership costs scare me, the comfort, or lack of, on the Concours scares me! I did a 10 day, 5k mile road trip on my C14 and was SORE. I could do that same trip on my Trophy and never want to get off the bike...could literally ride it all day, every day, with ease! So you can see my dilemma!

I have nothing to compare to since my 2017 Concours is the only one I've been on, but my stock seat is all day comfortable. I have rode fuel stop to fuel stop and not wanted to get off for a break the way I normally would on other bikes. When I do stop for a break, it is normally to stretch my legs. Coming from the cruiser world, I'm still not 100% used to the foot position yet.

I've read that Kawasaki changed the seat in 2015 I believe. Must have been a big improvement because I have also read where lots of guys complain about the stock seat on the older bikes.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: gPink on May 11, 2018, 05:11:50 AM
Best way to describe the early seats is like sitting on a slanted, banana skin covered two by six that used the gas tank for a stop so you didn't slide off.
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 11, 2018, 11:11:38 AM
no, it's a completely new one, released in 2015 I believe. I bought it 2y ago, sold my Sargent, never looked at anything else. I will get you a Kawasaki site link
 

https://www.kawasaki.com/accessories/item/2016-concours-14-abs/touring-seat/ZG1400EGFL/999940500 (https://www.kawasaki.com/accessories/item/2016-concours-14-abs/touring-seat/ZG1400EGFL/999940500)

Thank you Olie, that is the seat I saw and would order when that time comes!


Best way to describe the early seats is like sitting on a slanted, banana skin covered two by six that used the gas tank for a stop so you didn't slide off.

That is so true, that seat was TERRIBLE!

I've read that Kawasaki changed the seat in 2015 I believe. Must have been a big improvement because I have also read where lots of guys complain about the stock seat on the older bikes.

From what I understand, the seat AND the riding position changed in 2015 due to all the complaints about comfort, or lack of.

I dropped my Trophy off yesterday to get it repaired under warranty and they had a brand new 2018, no miles, Connie on the floor for $11,8k...I was so tempted to sit down and deal right then and there but I want to wait a year and get the Trophy paid down...then it'll be time! Also, I spoke with the guys I know at the shop and they seem to think there is no plan to discontinue the Concours, so I really do hope they are correct!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Conniesaki on May 11, 2018, 01:15:08 PM
...

I dropped my Trophy off yesterday to get it repaired under warranty and they had a brand new 2018, no miles, Connie on the floor for $11,8k...

WOW  :o
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: mikeb2411 on May 11, 2018, 01:16:49 PM
kind of my reaction too!
Title: Re: 2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE first ride review
Post by: Poseidon on May 12, 2018, 05:13:20 AM
I dropped my Trophy off yesterday to get it repaired under warranty and they had a brand new 2018, no miles, Connie on the floor for $11,8k...I was so tempted to sit down and deal right then and there but I want to wait a year and get the Trophy paid down...then it'll be time! Also, I spoke with the guys I know at the shop and they seem to think there is no plan to discontinue the Concours, so I really do hope they are correct!

I hope they are correct, but I can say from experience that the dealerships had absolutely no warning before Polaris dropped the Victory line. Most manufacturers keep info like that to themselves until the time comes.