The next chapter of motorcycle safety unfolds with a new breed of radar assisted tech that has only been seen more commonly in cars. With extensive testing and development, Kawasaki is taking charge, becoming one of the first to employ the Bosch-developed safety technology in their top-of-the-line sport touring model, the Ninja H2 SX SE.

With three possible rider selectable distance settings, Forward Collision Warning gives a visual warning via a strip of lights above the meter panel when the motorcycle reaches a set distance from the vehicle in front. The rider 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 wherein the motorcycle brakes automatically if necessary to aid deceleration and the engine speed slowed sufficiently to maintain the pre-selected distance. As the distance increases, the machine gradually and automatically returns to the set cruising speed the rider initially selected. While both of these functions are focused on the front radar sensor, the rear sensor is dedicated to Blind Spot Detection. As it suggests, as a vehicle moves into a rider’s blind spot a light (either left or right) illuminates clearly but unobtrusively in the relevant rear-view mirror.

 

Matched to these are other rider assistance features like selectable riding and power modes, keyless ignition, LED cornering lights plus on-board tyre pressure monitoring. Additionally, Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA) is also part of the standard specification. When the rider has stopped, VHA is initiated after the rider exerts a given amount of pressure (to either the front and/or rear brake). The system disengages automatically when the rider pulls away or when the side stand goes down. This is a huge advantage when pulling away uphill or with a passenger and luggage onboard.

The rider cockpit gets a colour TFT meter panel able to relay a multitude of machine status updates from its 6.5-inch screen. For 2022, the Ninja H2 SX and SE models come with Kawasaki SPIN - a screen in screen infotainment system that allows the rider to link to their smartphone and access approximately 20 Apps on the meter panel covering navigation, weather, music, contact logs and many other subjects such as rider to passenger communication.