Page 38 - 2022-08-01 RiDE

NEW BIKES KAWASAKI NINJA H2 SX SE

Q What are but £25k is a staggering
It’s a wonderful bike
its rivals? amount of money

BMW R1250RS
From £13,005
134bhp 106lb·ft 243kg (claimed)
The RS is overlooked and makes for a very
solid sports tourer that, while not sexy, is very
practical and comfortable. Radar-assisted
cruise control isn’t an option and you are
looking at £16,699.99 to bring it in the same
ballpark — tech-wise — as the Kawasaki.

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
£17,949
173bhp 104lb·ft 225kg (claimed) A ‘It’s a celebration of
One of the best models in KTM’s range, the
Duke GT is powered by the firm’s thumping
V-twin and comes loaded with tech but lacks sports-touring excess’
radar-assisted cruise control. Fast, fun and
brimming with attitude, it isn’t for everyone
but it is a hoot and remarkably practical.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE is radar-assisted functions bring higher
undeniably a very special motorcycle; levels of safety as well as helping the
not only in terms of the technology it dull motorway miles pass with minimal
boasts but also the fact it runs a effort. It is also great to see Kawasaki
supercharger and its overall level of has finally added a proper viewable
build quality. However, if you consider navigation function to its sports tourer’s
the basics — allowing you to cover miles dash, as that was the only piece of tech
in comfort and then enjoy the bends noticeable by its absence before.
when you get to your chosen location — Does it all add up to a £25k machine?
it doesn’t do anything that much better That depends on the depth of your
than a Ninja 1000SX can. Both machines wallet. If you can afford one, the Ninja
Honda NT1100 £12,399 are blindingly fast, sporty yet still able H2 SX SE is certainly at the top of the

101bhp 77lb·ft 238kg (claimed) to tour and have loads of technology to sports-touring tree and while it may not
Certainly the budget touring option, the NT is help keep you safe. However, there is no do anything substantially better than a
impressively well specified considering its low denying the H2 SX SE does add a higher Ninja 1000SX, it certainly does it with far
price tag and if you want to up its ease, adding degree of plushness and refinement to more aplomb...
the DCT gearbox is just £1000 more. You get the whole touring experience.
panniers as standard although, in terms of its The supercharged engine delivers NEXT MONTH...
electronic assists, the NT is left a bit short and mountains of smooth torque; the
lacks an IMU and therefore, angle-sensitivity. semi-active suspension filters out We answer the big questions about
unwanted jolts in the road; and the Ducati’s DesertX all-rounder

38 SEPTEMBER 2022