Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to 3,000+ Reviews, Guides, & More

2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE [Specs, Features, Photos]

2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Combines Touring And Massive Performance Capabilities

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE is a sport touring motorcycle designed for riders who demand both performance and comfort and is a top contender in the Japanese sport touring category. This bike is powered by a supercharged 998cc, 197 horsepower engine that delivers impressive acceleration and top-end speed, while also being equipped with advanced rider aids and touring amenities. The Ninja H2 SX is a highly versatile machine that can easily transition between sport riding and touring. While not a dedicated touring bike like other options in this year’s Kawasaki lineup, the bike’s comfortable riding position, adjustable windscreen, and spacious saddlebags make it an ideal choice for long-distance rides, while its supercharged engine and sport-tuned suspension ensure that it’s equally at home on twisty backroads.

In terms of technology, the Ninja H2 SX is loaded with advanced features that enhance both performance and comfort. These include a full-color 6.5” TFT display, integrated riding modes, traction control, and Kawasaki’s Cornering Management Function, which helps the rider maintain control while navigating turns. The bike also features a range of touring amenities, including heated grips, cruise control, and a large fuel tank that provides ample range for extended rides. The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE is an exceptional motorcycle that offers the perfect balance of performance and comfort for riders seeking the ultimate sport touring experience.

The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE starts at $28,000 USD / $37,500 CAD

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE in one place.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE


Model Overview

General Info

  • Price: $28,000 USD / $37,500 CAD
  • Key Features:
    • Hard saddlebags available
    • 998cc supercharged engine
    • six-axis IMU
    • 6.5 inch TFT dash

Main Specs

  • Engine: 998cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 16-valve in-line four
  • Power: 197 horsepower
  • Torque: 101lb-ft
  • Weight: 590 lbs (267 kgs)
  • Seat Height: 32.9 inches (835 mm)

2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE


2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE

Engine 998 cc Liquid -cooled, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve
Power 197 HP
Bore x Stroke 76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio
11.2:1
Fuel System DFI® with 40mm throttle bodies; Kawasaki Supercharger
Starter Electric
Maximum Torque 101.0 lb-ft.

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch
Transmission 6-speed, Manual, Return Shift, Dog Ring
Final Drive Sealed chain

CHASSIS

Suspension Front 43mm inverted fork with KECS-controlled rebound and compression damping, manual spring preload adjustability and top-out springs/4.7 in
Suspension Rear Uni-Trak®, BFRC gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping electronically-adjustable spring preload/5.5 in
Brakes Front Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston Brembo Stylema® monobloc calipers, dual semi-floating 320mm discs, KIBS ABS
Brakes Rear
Opposed 2-piston calipers, single 250mm disc, KIBS ABS
Tires Front 120/70 ZR17 (58W)
Tires Rear 190/55 ZR17 (75W)
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.0 gal
Color
Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Graphite Gray

ELECTRICAL

Ignition TCBI w/Digital Advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight LED
Tail Light LED

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 85.6 in
Overall Width 31.1 in
Overall Height 49.6 in
Wheelbase 58.3 in
Ground Clearance 5.1 in
Seat Height 32.9 in
Curb Weight 590.9 lb

WARRANTY

Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus 12, 24, 36 or 48 months

2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE


2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Features

Assist & Slipper Clutch

Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart.
Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch.
When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.

Economical Riding Indicator

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.

While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Electronic Cruise Control

Electronic Cruise Control allows a desired speed (engine rpm) to be maintained with the simple press of a button. Once activated, the rider does not have to constantly apply the throttle. This reduces stress on the right hand when traveling long distances, enabling relaxed cruising and contributing to a high level of riding comfort.

Electronic Throttle Valves

Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions.
Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.

Kawasaki Engine Brake Control

The Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system allows riders to select the amount of engine braking they prefer. When the system is activated, the engine braking effect is reduced, providing less interference when riding on the track.

KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode)

Designed to assist riders by optimizing acceleration from a stop, KLCM electronically manages engine output to minimize wheel spin when moving off. With the clutch lever pulled in and the system activated, engine speed is limited to a determined speed while the rider holds the throttle open. Once the rider releases the clutch lever to engage the clutch, engine speed is allowed to increase, but power is regulated to minimize wheel spin and help keep the front wheel on the ground. The system disengages automatically once a predetermined speed has been reached, or when the rider shifts into third gear. Depending on the model, riders can choose from multiple modes, each offering a progressively greater level of intrusion.

KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function)

Using the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s advanced modeling software and feedback from a compact IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that gives an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner. The systems that KCMF oversees vary by model, but may include:

KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.

In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.

KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter)

Designed to help riders maximize their acceleration on the track by enabling clutchless upshifts with the throttle fully open, KQS detects that the shift lever has been actuated and sends a signal to the ECU to cut ignition so that the next gear can be engaged without having to use the clutch. On models that offer clutchless downshifts, during deceleration the system automatically controls engine speed so that the next lower gear can be selected without operating the clutch.

Power Modes

Models equipped with multiple Power Modes offer riders an easily selectable choice of engine power delivery to suit riding conditions or preference. In addition to Full Power mode, one (Low) or two (Middle, Low) alternate mode(s) in which maximum power is limited and throttle response is milder are provided.

Smartphone Connectivity

Clever technology enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using the smartphone application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP,” a number of instrument functions can be accessed, contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Vehicle information (such as the odometer, fuel gauge, maintenance schedule, etc) can be viewed on the smartphone. Riding logs (varies by model, but may include GPS route, gear position, rpm, and other information) can be viewed on the smartphone. When connected, telephone (call, mail) notices are displayed on the instrument panel. Riders can also make changes to their motorcycle’s instrument display settings (preferred units, clock and date setting, etc) via the smartphone. And on certain models, it is even possible to check and adjust vehicle settings (such as Rider Mode, electronic rider support features, and payload settings) using the smartphone.

Supercharged Engine

Drawing on the know-how and technology possessed by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI), Kawasaki’s supercharged engine delivers high engine output while maintaining a compact design. The key to achieving this incredible performance lies in the engine’s supercharger – a motorcycle-specific unit designed completely in-house with technology from the Kawasaki Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company and Corporate Technology Division.
One of the greatest benefits of designing the supercharger in-house and tailoring its design to match the engine’s characteristics was that engineers were able to achieve high-efficiency operation over a wide range of conditions – something that would not have been possible by simply dropping in or trying to adapt an aftermarket automotive supercharger.
The importance of high efficiency in a supercharger is that, as the air is compressed, power-robbing heat gain is minimal. And while many superchargers are able to offer high-efficiency operation in a very limited range of conditions, the Kawasaki supercharger offers high efficiency over a wide range of pressure ratios and flow rates – meaning over a wide range of engine speeds and vehicle speeds. This wide range of efficient operation (similar to having a wide power band) easily translates to strong acceleration. The supercharger’s high efficiency and minimal heat gain also meant that an intercooler was unnecessary, greatly saving weight and space, and enabling the engine’s compact design.

2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Photos


2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Videos

2023 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE review by FortNine:

2023 Kawasaki Ninja SX SE Review by FullThrottle:


Kawasaki Official Websites

Social Media Links