Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

[Squibb]

I thought any Kawasaki fans out there might be interested in this vid posted yesterday by motorcycle.com: -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=iLajTDUEjEA

Looked impressive when I sat on one at the UK Bike Show a couple of weeks back. Availability, probably March 2018, but be warned, K have form when it comes to the late arrival of luggage/accessories.

 

[DamMechanic]

I have never been a Kaw fan do to there less refined fit and finish along with the billboard Ninja plastered on the side, but that bike is looking pretty bad ass for a weekend cruiser.

 

[markjenn]

Looks like a pretty cool bike, but $22K? Is this the new normal for a state-of-the-art sport tourer? I must be getting old, but I can buy a very nice brand new GTI for this money! My next bike is going to be a under-$6K machine - I just don't see 4x the value in something like this vs. a $5500 Ninja 400.

- Mark

 

[Sierra1]

The theory of a supercharged bike is cool. Mo' pow'r!! But....as markjenn says, 22k?! I can't believe I'm saying it, but, how much power does a bike need? Too many deer, dogs, and inattentive drivers. I went through tires fast enough on the FJR; it has to be worse with a blower added to the mix. It IS a cool bike , just not for me.

 

[OldRider]

This is the new one that has my mouth watering.

 

[markjenn]

That Z900RS looks nice, although it is disappointing that Kawasaki is asking a $2200 premium for the better-looking retro-styled version vs. the basic Z900 ABS. In this genre, I wish Honda would import this higher-spec CB1100 to the USA.

- Mark

 

[Sierra1]

What's old is new again....The Honda looks very similar to the '00ish XJR. (even has the sculpted tank)

 

[Sierra1]

....In this genre, I wish Honda would import this higher-spec CB1100 to the USA.

Just saw a review on the Honda. STARTS at $12,199. (spoke wheels & non-reservoir shocks) Which does not include: cruise, adjustable seat, shaft drive, fairing, hard bag capability, modern forks, etc. The above image is likely at least $500.00 more than base. For only $3-4k difference, a person can get a Tenere. ???

 

[markjenn]

Just saw a review on the Honda. STARTS at $12,199. (spoke wheels & non-reservoir shocks) Which does not include: cruise, adjustable seat, shaft drive, fairing, hard bag capability, modern forks, etc. The above image is likely at least $500.00 more than base. For only $3-4k difference, a person can get a Tenere. ???

Folks interested in a retro naked bike like the CB1100 or Z900RS want an elemental machine with a great sense of style and aren't usually interested in fairings, hard bags, shaft, cruise, etc. - in fact, they probably dislike this stuff. Different bikes for a different market.

- Mark

 

[Sierra1]

....Different bikes for a different market.

I agree whole heartedly. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this bike or the genre in general. I just believe a simpler, less equipped bike should be cheaper. Give me a retro price for a retro bike.

 

[Dogdaze]

I agree whole heartedly. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this bike or the genre in general. I just believe a simpler, less equipped bike should be cheaper. Give me a retro price for a retro bike.

In my experience the opposite is true. We (the wife and I) both like the new modern glass, steel and concrete houses, guess what? at least 30% more than conventional homes.

 

[markjenn]

I agree whole heartedly. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this bike or the genre in general. I just believe a simpler, less equipped bike should be cheaper. Give me a retro price for a retro bike.

I agree, the retro stuff is often overpriced. I guess the mfgs feel they need to cover their expenses of a new bike that sells to a smaller market, but it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Yamaha is one of the worst in this regard with the SR400.... $6K for 24-hp air-cooled single with a rear drum brake and no electric start? Cool bike, but a Kawi Versys-X 300 for $5400 is so much more bike. Or spend $100 more for a Honda CB500F and get a bike that is in a whole different performance category.

Back to the Honda CB1100, I think the higher price is at least slightly more justified as it is a completely different model built group-up as a air-cooled UJM retro bike, not a restyling of an existing model.

- Mark