WEIGHT , SUSPENSION , OVERALL Staying with the old 1400 comparison , both machines are quite heavy with the H2 coming out a few kilograms weightier at 267kg , despite carrying three litres less in its smaller 19-litre tank . The fact that the H2 has all modern electronics and ABS paraphernalia that my 1400 didn ’ t , and weighs a similar amount is somewhat of a success story . However , and in spite of having Brembo brakes there is no denying the laws of physics and the H2 feels like a lot of bike to stop when compared to a 200kg sportsbike . This is certainly not a criticism - the stopping force , feel and brakes are still superb – just a reality . The suspension is impressive . Maybe ultra fast race types will find limitations on a track , but for the great variety of roads I travelled , it was excellent . I ride a BMW R1250GS Rallye , a relatively long travel adventure bike and it is a comfortable riding machine . Well , the Kawasaki ’ s Showa Skyhook suspension was a match for it even on the particularly bumpy roads where I live . This is a staggeringly good result . Sports style machines ’ shortish travel suspension has never worked as well as adventure bikes ’ on rough roads – until now . Both ends are firm , yet very compliant and always controlled . A top result from Kawasaki ’ s electronic suspension at a time when few electronic systems measure up to the very best conventional units . Overall , the H2SX SE is a masterpiece . It ’ s superb . Combining staggering sophistication and accomplished with a civility that totally belie its potential pace , this new H2SX SE is a worthy successor to Kawasaki ’ s phenomenal legacy of big inline fours .
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