Okay...just put in 110 miles.

I was getting cold so I decided to turn around and come back.

I almost don't know where to start.My main concern with the H2 was the ergos,and the seat comfort.

Both these concerns were totally unnecessary.I only have my 14R to compare this H2 with,so that's how I'll do this review.

Bear with me,I'm still in shock;)Words can't actually do justice to this new bike.It's hard to describe how something 'feels'.I'll try.

Vibration.Equal or LESS than my 14R.I didn't expect this.
Engine feel.Smoother than any 14 I've ridden.
Shifting.Was a bit notchy at first.After getting in some miles,it felt like it was possibly 'breaking in'.Meaning...as I rode,the upshifts and downshifts began to become very smooth and almost imperceptible when shifting.This is no exaggeration.I started out clutching it.As the ride progressed,I found that not using the clutch produced the smoothest and quickest shifts.Naturally,I used the clutch for going into 1st,but after that,it didn't need clutching(IMO).One other thing.Shifting down or up from anything above 6k or so was a dream(clutchless).I'll only be clutching for low rpm downshifts or upshifts.

At first,it was a bit tricky finding N at a stop.It doesn't have a positive N finder.HOWEVER,as it seemed to wear in some,finding N became VERY EASY.Especially when moving at about 2mph or less.It has a particular ability to move from 1st to 2nd and back again without hitting the N position.At first.This stopped happening as I tried different things to see what it would do.It now will click nicely into N from 2nd gear(stopped)I think it may just be having to use a very light tap on the shifter down from 2nd.

The 14 clunk is non-existent with this bike.Going into 1st at a stop,you feel it,but it's in no way jarring.Or slamming.

It seems to really like shifting at higher rpms(when moving accordingly).Even lower rpms/speed..it wants to go in very quickly and lightly.No clunking at all.The trans feels really really well made.

Engine noise.Only a smooth running sound.NO mechanical sounds at all.I should say though...the whine and chirp of the SC was noticeable....I've never heard anything quite this unique and exciting.

Handling.Okay...this I had NO idea of what to expect.Once I started to get the feel of the bike,it started making me feel more and more confident in it's ability.It wasn't very long until I had her leaned over and at the very edge of the tread.At 130 leaned in,she felt the most stable and safe of any bike I've ever had.And the good part...I can tell she will handle even better as I get used to her.What I used to do on my 14 cornering and such,this bike by far begs to be opened up.The tracking on this setup is IMO remarkable.Not once at the highest speed I dared go leaned in with road surfaces not fantastic did she veer or twitch or anything.It was as simple as applying however much countersteer and body positioning to change a line for a deeper dig.No matter what speed I was going.This bird just wants to be steered,and pour on the throttle.My 14,I do have to concentrate and really keep a sharp eye on making inputs and such when getting anywhere near 110,120 leaned in.This bike,110,120 is seemingly just the beginning of a totally cool handling ability.This bike really is a point and shoot.It stays right where ya aim it.Steering comes right back to N when exiting a fast curve,or any other.It just feels so good.Maybe the weight has something to do with it,IDK.Whatever it is,it's fantastic.

Fuel economy.I was pulling down approx 33 mpg during most of the ride.

Break-in.First off,I attempted to take it easy.Around 4k as the manual says.It became apparent very soon that 4K was NOT gonna work;)I did NOT ride her like I stole her,BUT...I did run her up several times to 10K,and back down.Riding around 6K most of the time in 6th and 5K while cruising.You know...varying it.Several run ups to 8K...short ones...just to let her stretch a bit.This motor is like nothing I've ever felt.It seemed(and seems)to want to be pushed.You can feel the engine gaining strength and there's NO feeling of.."be careful now,it's a new engine".It feels so damn solid and strong.IDK,maybe I'm somewhat 'off' abit.But It felt like it was talking to me...kinda guiding me to open it up,then let it relax a bit,then feed it some more.It's a remarkable feeling this engine.

Rideability.I have to say here...I am completely satisfied with the way this motorcycle feels when riding.It's not harsh at all.The seat though somewhat thinner,and certainly narrower,works excellently.I was worried as I said about this.It's as comfortable as my 14,that's no shit right there.I didn't even think it would be.But it really is.The bars are a shade lower feeling,but the overall design gives a very comfortable rider position and arm relaxing reach.The seat is somewhat angled downward at the very front(but NOT to the point of feeling like you're being forced into the tank),yet sliding back an inch or so it's flat.So riding in an upright position is very easy to do.And leaning in,the tank and all is just in the right spot to support my torso,and allow a lighter grip for steering.The windscreen works very well.I didn't get any buffeting at all...seriously..whether I was upright at 120 or whatever.Maybe it's the shape of the nose?They did a very good job designing the aeros on this machine.

Brakes.Well.I didn't force anything.I just applied the brakes normally.They feel unthinkingly good.

Clutch.Some have said that the clutch on this bike feels somewhat harder to work.I didn't feel that.Yes,it IS a shade 'firmer' than my 14,but certainly not stiff.The clutch feel to me is exactly how it should be considering the demands from the motor.It feels just right.It shifts fine...very nicely.I've no complaints at all.

I guess for now,I can't say much else really.It was mentioned by some of the 'pro' reviewers that they had to get used to it.

I feel the same.It's a total DREAM to ride and play with.I fell right into the groove of this bike within a few miles.It really feels natural.I can say right here..I LOVE this bike.I'm very glad I got it.

When I was at the dealer yesterday getting it,he made a comment..."you're not getting rid of your 14,right?" followed by.."this bike you'll probably ride a few times a year".IDK WTF he was thinkingLOL...of course I told him,F-n no way.If this bike feels right,I'll be ridin it everywhere.Well...it definitely 'feels right'.Honestly,my 14(as much as I LOVE that bike)will be resting up I think this season.This H2,I didn't really expect it to be as it is for me.I'm just VERY happy with it.

I really didn't mention how she felt on the road.

She of course was a teensy bit more 'sensitive' to certain road surface conditions,but in all honesty,she felt just as good or better than my 14's.There was no jarring.No chassis upsetting at all at any speed,leaned in or transitioning.

I would have been a bit cautious trying to roll my 14 as I did this bike.But she just handled SO well,throttling up into corners and out and all just felt so secure.I could have gone MUCH faster than I did today...no doubt in my mind.This bike really carves beautifully.I found myself hitting the apexes and lining up for the right spots so easily that the speed factor was kinda surprising me when I would glance at the speedo.My 14,I'd have felt 'apprehensive' doing this at the speeds I saw today.And I really wasn't even TRYING to do that.It just happened naturally.Kawasaki definitely did this bike right.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/29/2015 @ 3:34 PM *

Great report! Thanks

Yer welcome Rudy;)

I'll add here..probably MOST guys being used to the 14 may not like this slightly 'smaller' bike.It really doesn't feel 'smaller'.Not to me.But the weight I think is noticeable...in a good way that is.It has the same ride feel comfort wise as our 14's,but it totally handles well above my 14.You feel this difference when you're approaching a fast curve and lay into it.It's surprising actually.Coming from my 14 to this,I was very pumped after a few nice curves.You aim this bike,throttle up and lean...it holds perfectly.No wobble,no wiggle.Not what I'm used to at all.And again...I love my 14.

With my 14,I always have a slight bit of apprehension when hitting and taking curves at anything over 120.It felt like I was never really sure IF it was gonna stay planted.Probably cause of the weight.I had to steer it to keep it on line.This bike,not once did i feel like she was gonna get squirrely or lose traction.She just felt like she wanted me to go faster and harder.I didn't want to do something stupid ya know so I didn't exactly try to push too hard.But she'll definitely do a lot more.I was getting power wheelies in 1st through 4th...probably could have nailed a few in 5th as well.But the SC was firing up nicely in a loft,I mean...ready to flip.Had I stayed in it...I wouldn't be writing this now.KTRC off.And it happened FAST...from a 'controlled' lift to an almost 'Oh shit" moment.Gonna have to work on these;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/29/2015 @ 5:29 PM *

It sounds like you're in love, Grn. Good for you. Go out and have a blast. remeber to go easy. The roads are cold and dirty now.

Yup...all of the above!Except for the roads...they're excellent now;)

"remeber to go easy".I tried,I really did.You know,break-in and all.But 4K just wasn't lettin her breathe.The motor felt so tight,so together,I just had to open her up some.I think these first miles here were good.For the engine.I didn't redline her or anything,but I did run er up pretty frequently during the ride.

Ditched the chicken strips promptly,without even knowing or trying to;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/29/2015 @ 5:28 PM *

Roads are good by you? I can't believe it. Ours are bad. They won't be warm enough for me to push it in corners for another month.

As a general comment, ... just ... damn.

Lucky bastage.

I want one.

Sounds like you had a blast getting used to the new lady in your garage Grn. As I said before, I'm a little envious of you guys with your brand-spanking new H2!

Good stuff Grn.
I'm happy for you mate...

Awesome Grn! I'll likely never get to ride one, but I'm happy to live vicariously through you. I'm cool with that because I almost feel like I'm there when you describe the ride.

* Last updated by: Nastynotch on 3/30/2015 @ 6:29 AM *

Hell youse guys...they're supposed to reopen the ordering again...have no idea if the next ones will be the same exactly or maybe even better!(if that's possible).Probably be cheaper as well!Keep yer eyes open!;)

Great report Grn, I agree, just an awesome machine! That top end feels crazzeeee strong. Power doesn't taper off, just keeps on pulling harder.

View in 1080.Sound isn't too good.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/30/2015 @ 10:15 AM *

oh furk I can't SEE IT!!! Damn Adobe Reader!

Daron..why not download flashplayer or something?This bike is amazing...truly.

That's what I meant. Adobe Flashplayer. I already downloaded it. It won't work. been through this several times in the past. One of the future updates will work but I will have to wait.

Mac has blocked the latest version of Flashplayer because it is not considered secure on a Mac. i could revert to an older version but that would also be a security risk. So I wait.

* Last updated by: Rook on 3/30/2015 @ 2:44 PM *

Total drag Daron...

First 40 seconds: Introducing the Kawasaki KLH2 Dual Sport Motorcycle

Greenie, you're selling your 14R???????????????

??

Yep.

Jumping Jesus on a Pogo Stick 12:30 in vid

I like crickets;)Lofts today in 1st thru 4th.Fun chit right dareLOL...

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/30/2015 @ 6:58 PM *

I'm dying over here. I'm a dying cricket!

I have to go to the library to use a computer that works.

* Last updated by: Rook on 3/30/2015 @ 7:47 PM *