Discussion
Working at Kawasaki/Ducati has it's perks. However, no demo bike available, I hope I don't regret getting this H2 SX SE supercharged thing. Purchased on a bit of a boredom whim. Have put my stupidly low mileage 2018 GSA1200 Triple black in the showroom for sale. 0 miles on the Kawasaki and it's sitting at home in the garage awaiting 15 degree plus weather to kick in - I'm a bit of a wuss, completely finished with cold weather riding.
I've had ZZR1400'S and gen 2 Busa in the past but was sooooo comfy on the GSA.....
I'll need a good 2-300 mile ride on it to see if it's comfy - or a wrist/back aching regretful mistake. To be continued....
Cheers!
I've had ZZR1400'S and gen 2 Busa in the past but was sooooo comfy on the GSA.....
I'll need a good 2-300 mile ride on it to see if it's comfy - or a wrist/back aching regretful mistake. To be continued....
Cheers!
Edited by Brewsters on Thursday 8th January 14:04
It only had a friendly warm up on the forecourt before we loaded it in the work van to deliver it my house - I imagine it goes white hot under a serious load!
The tech in the workshop has 'wound up' something to with the supercharger, so It's probably going to be a handful - as least I may be able to beat Birky41 on the bypass!!
The tech in the workshop has 'wound up' something to with the supercharger, so It's probably going to be a handful - as least I may be able to beat Birky41 on the bypass!!
I don't know if you've seen that video? It continues to amuse me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkPMj9iSB2Q
I've ridden a Z750 Turbo. I don't think I can man maths that as a justification for getting a supercharged Kawasaki.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkPMj9iSB2Q
I've ridden a Z750 Turbo. I don't think I can man maths that as a justification for getting a supercharged Kawasaki.
Good video that - thanks for the post. I believe black K1 also has one and he's done plenty of tours on his - probably a fair bit of commuting too. He's older than me I think (I'm 54) so hopefully I'll be good to go comfort wise.
I haven't done much research - the price I paid was ridiculously cheap for an unregistered bike, so I snapped it up.
I haven't done much research - the price I paid was ridiculously cheap for an unregistered bike, so I snapped it up.
Brewsters said:
The tech in the workshop has 'wound up' something to with the supercharger, so It's probably going to be a handful - as least I may be able to beat Birky41 on the bypass!!
It would be interesting to ask what he thinks he has done with it... There is a lot of "mystique" around these bikes because of the 'charger.. when in reality they are quite a simple centrifugal type one that is chain driven directly from the crack.. there is very little maintenance to them or scope for changing them..Does he mean he's f***d around with the ECU perhaps?
They are quite restricted from the factory, a good rolling road/flash will release a lot of potential....
Brewsters said:
Good video that - thanks for the post. I believe black K1 also has one and he's done plenty of tours on his - probably a fair bit of commuting too. He's older than me I think (I'm 54) so hopefully I'll be good to go comfort wise.
I haven't done much research - the price I paid was ridiculously cheap for an unregistered bike, so I snapped it up.
I'm on my second, having done 35,000 miles on the first. Those miles were commuting, touring and fun rides. My 2024 bike has now done 8,000 miles, mostly touring and fun rides but with a couple of commutes. Both bikes have been faultless with nothing more than service costs and consumables.I haven't done much research - the price I paid was ridiculously cheap for an unregistered bike, so I snapped it up.
The only frustrations I have had have been seat comfort on both bikes and (lack of) headlight power on my '24 bike.
The original Kawasaki seat on my first bike was only comfortable for about 90 mins. I had a gel pad fitted and that added about another 20ish mins. I then changed to a Sargent seat and that made it just over 2 hour comfortable. None of that was good on a bike with a 180 - 200 mile range between fill ups when touring. I eventually dug my AirHawk seat cushion out of the cupboard (Yes, I know! Why didn't I start with that??? ) and that work. I now have the AirHawk on my '24 bike and it means that I have managed 9 hour, 500+ mile days without discomfort, getting up the next morning ready for another full days riding.
For the poor headlight on the '24, I've added some Oxford auxiliary lights mounted on the crash bungs that stick out of the fairing. These work a treat and make night time riding safe again.
Finally, I've added a satnav and phone mount, both with power, using the Kawasaki specific mounting plate as a base and RAM extensions. This fits between the tank and the bars, over the headstock. I tapped into the feed to the power socket in the left hand fairing as it's rated at 15amps and is switched with the ignition.
ETA to add the obligatory picture ...
Edited by black-k1 on Friday 9th January 10:38
carinaman said:
I don't know if you've seen that video? It continues to amuse me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkPMj9iSB2Q
I've ridden a Z750 Turbo. I don't think I can man maths that as a justification for getting a supercharged Kawasaki.
The "man maths" justification is easy. How many forced induction bikes will you own in your biking life, thus can you really afford to miss the opportunity now? It's the real life maths that will be harder. That said, I've never regretted getting mine, and then replacing it with another one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkPMj9iSB2Q
I've ridden a Z750 Turbo. I don't think I can man maths that as a justification for getting a supercharged Kawasaki.
I loved my K1300Ss (and still think they are one of the best "do it all" bikes) but the H2 SX is that on steroids, and then some. All day comfort (with a seat cushion), performance (and that's not just straight line), luggage capacity, average 50mpg, 200mile tank range and more gadgets than you can count.
Try one for a decent test ride then come back and say you can't justify it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR2Yr-HNLKw
Thanks for all the kind comments. Regarding the workshop tinkering with it, it's had an ECU flash as they have all the Kawasaki data/wizardry.
I was 15 stone 2 months ago but have dropped to bang on 13 stone - so lost 28lbs. My arse is now less padded, so I may have to have a look at seat options when I start using it. I do ride fair old distances and a few Euro tours - I'll only use for a 44 mile round trip commute in the summer, so that won't be an issue.
I's periodically on the trickle charger at home awaiting better weather. Regarding the headlight, I've only ridden in the dark once in the last 7 years or so, so I won't be adding any auxiliary lights, but good to know there are options available if required. I think they're a bit of a marmite bike similar to the Hayabusa, but as mentioned, I pretty much stole it price wise. I didn't go for panniers as I prefer a dry roll bag on the back. It definitely won't be getting a top box!
Edit to add - I have the stem mount and extended arm with the quadlock system including vibration damper. I'm using the cigarette port with a dual USB to charge the phone and use as nav, so that was easy enough as it's only live with the ignition on. Been using Calimoto for the last couple of years - about £50 for the year but it's given me some great routes.
Only another 4 months before I fire it up......
I was 15 stone 2 months ago but have dropped to bang on 13 stone - so lost 28lbs. My arse is now less padded, so I may have to have a look at seat options when I start using it. I do ride fair old distances and a few Euro tours - I'll only use for a 44 mile round trip commute in the summer, so that won't be an issue.
I's periodically on the trickle charger at home awaiting better weather. Regarding the headlight, I've only ridden in the dark once in the last 7 years or so, so I won't be adding any auxiliary lights, but good to know there are options available if required. I think they're a bit of a marmite bike similar to the Hayabusa, but as mentioned, I pretty much stole it price wise. I didn't go for panniers as I prefer a dry roll bag on the back. It definitely won't be getting a top box!
Edit to add - I have the stem mount and extended arm with the quadlock system including vibration damper. I'm using the cigarette port with a dual USB to charge the phone and use as nav, so that was easy enough as it's only live with the ignition on. Been using Calimoto for the last couple of years - about £50 for the year but it's given me some great routes.
Only another 4 months before I fire it up......
Edited by Brewsters on Friday 9th January 09:21
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff