Kawasaki NINJA H2 SX SE Performance 2019 — Specifications

Who would still dare bolt a supercharger onto a 998 cc inline four-cylinder to create a grand touring machine? Kawasaki, obviously. The 2019 Ninja H2 SX SE Performance belongs to a lineage of motorcycles built to devour horizons with unapologetic brutality. From the ZX Tomcat to the ZZR 1400, the Akashi firm has never shied away from offering machines capable of pinning your back against the seat at the first twist of the throttle. This time, the concept pushes the envelope even further by marrying the fierce temperament of the H2 with a committed sport-touring vocation.

The heart of the beast delivers 205 horsepower at 11,000 rpm with 142 Nm of torque available from 9,500 rpm. Figures that place this Kawasaki in a category where competition is scarce. The BMW S 1000 XR plays in a similar register with less raw power, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT banks on a more affordable price tag. Neither offers a supercharger. That is precisely what makes this H2 SX unique: a throttle response with zero flat spots, a linear and constant surge that never lets up. The Performance suffix earns its meaning thanks to the factory-fitted Akrapovic titanium and carbon exhaust system. The gain amounts to roughly 5 additional horsepower in the midrange, with reinforced torque through the mid-revs. The sound gains character, the weight drops by two kilos. The package also includes a smoked windscreen and tank protectors — details that confirm Kawasaki has polished the finish on this top-tier version.

On the road, the 258 kg wet weight makes itself felt at low speed, particularly during maneuvers. The seat height of 835 mm does no favors for shorter riders. But once up to speed, the machine transforms. The tubular steel trellis frame offers a solid compromise between rigidity and comfort, the 43 mm inverted fork and rear mono-shock absorb road imperfections adequately. Braking duties fall to twin 320 mm front discs with four-piston radial calipers, proving powerful and consistent — a critical point when you have a 300 km/h top speed on tap. The 19-liter fuel tank allows for reasonable stints between fill-ups, though fuel consumption climbs quickly when the supercharger is called upon.

This Ninja H2 SX SE Performance targets a very specific rider profile: the sport-touring enthusiast who refuses to choose between pure performance and long-distance capability. The kind who wants to set off early in the morning, reel off 600 kilometers of winding back roads, and arrive with a grin. The price tag of 23,099 euros places this Kawasaki in the premium segment, up against established GTs like the BMW R 1250 RT or the Yamaha FJR 1300. But none of these rivals deliver that catapult sensation unique to the centrifugal supercharger.

One clear-eyed observation remains: in a world that views speed with growing suspicion, Kawasaki persists in building motorcycles capable of stratospheric performance. The Ninja H2 SX SE Performance is a form of mechanical resistance, an anachronistic and fascinating object. It will not suit everyone — its weight and power demand experience. But for those seeking the ultimate thrill over long distances, few machines can rival this supercharged Japanese powerhouse.