After extensive testing and development, Kawasaki is becoming one of the first motorcycle manufacturers to employ Bosch-developed Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ARAS) in its flagship sport touring model, the Ninja H2 SX SE, unveiled at EICMA. 2021. The new generation has two radars installed directly on the bike, (one front and one rear) a bit like it already happens on many cars in production.
With three possible distance settings selectable by the rider, il Forward Collision Warning provides a visual warning via a strip of lights above the gauge panel when the motorcycle reaches a predetermined distance from the vehicle in front. The pilot is in control at all times of the response and can brake or take other actions to avoid a possible collision.
Adaptive Cruise Control also has three possible distance settings where the motorcycle automatically brakes if necessary to aid in deceleration and the engine speed is low enough to maintain the preselected distance. As the distance increases, the motorcycle gradually and automatically returns to the cruising speed initially set by the rider. While both of these functions are focused on the front radar sensor, the rear sensor is dedicated to blind spot detection. In this case, the radar sends a signal to the rear-view mirrors, which in turn light up to signal the presence of a vehicle in the non-visible “shadow zone” to the driver and act accordingly.
Kawsaki Ninja H2 SX SE never leaves the rider alone
Coupled with these are other rider assistance features such as selectable drive and power modes, keyless ignition, LED cornering lights and on-board tire pressure monitoring. Furthermore, even the Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA) is part of the standard specification. When the rider stops, the VHA starts as soon as a certain amount of pressure is applied (on the front and / or rear brake). The system disengages automatically when the rider moves away or when the side stand is lowered. This is a huge advantage when starting uphill or with a passenger and luggage on board.
The pilot’s cockpit features a color TFT measurement panel capable of transmitting a multitude of machine status updates from its 6.5-inch screen. For 2022, the Ninja H2 SX and SE models are equipped with Kawasaki SPIN, a screen in the infotainment system that allows the rider to connect to their smartphone and access approximately 20 apps covering functions such as navigation, weather, music, contact logs and so on.
Nothing changes with regards to cyclists and motor which still sees the presence of the “Balanced Supercharged” of the Japanese house. This engine has been developed to allow high performance combined with low fuel consumption. As known, it delivers a maximum power of 200 CV at 11,000 rpm and has a peak torque of 137,3 Nm a 8,500 in/min.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE in the 2022 version will be available in three colors, ovvero “Emerald Blazed Green, Metallic Diablo Black, e Metallic Graphite Gray.