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Motorcycles: Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE vs. Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

Quick Verdict

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE is a high-performance sport-tourer with a supercharged engine and advanced technology, making it suitable for long-distance riding and offering a balance of power and comfort. The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is a sporty naked bike focused on agility and performance, offering a thrilling riding experience with its powerful engine and advanced electronics. The choice depends on the rider's preference for touring capabilities versus sporty handling.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeKawasaki Ninja H2 SX SETriumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
Engine TypeLiquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four with SuperchargerLiquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder
HorsepowerAround 200 PS (147.1 kW) at 11,000 rpm (197.2 bhp). With Ram Air: 210 PS (154.1 kW) at 11,000 rpm. Some sources state 207 hp @ 10,000 rpm maximum engine power.180.5 bhp (134.6 kW) at 10,750 rpm (183 PS)
Torque137.3 Nm (101.3 lb-ft) at 8,500-9,500 rpm94.4 lb-ft (128 Nm) at 8,750 rpm
Weight (Dry)Not consistently listed. Curb weight (wet weight) is generally around 267-268 kg (589-591 lbs). One source mentions a dry weight of 260kg for the base H2 SX.438.7 lbs (199 kg wet)
Seat Height820 mm - 835 mm (approximately 32.3 - 32.9 inches)32.7 in (830 mm)
Fuel Capacity19 liters (approximately 5.0 US gallons)4.1 US gal (15.5 liters)
Suspension (Front)43mm inverted fork, adjustable for rebound and compression damping and spring preload, 120mm wheel travel" Öhlins 43 mm NIX30 upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping, 120 mm travel, SmartEC3 OBTi system, Electronic compression / rebound damping
Suspension (Rear)New Uni Trak Swingarm, gas-charged monoshock, adjustable for compression (high/low speed) and rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability, 139mm wheel travel. Some models have Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Showa Skyhook Technology." Öhlins TTX36 twin tube monoshock with preload, rebound and compression damping, 120 mm rear wheel travel, SmartEC3 OBTi system, Electronic compression / rebound damping, Aluminium, single-sided swingarm, Öhlins monoshock RSU with linkage
Braking SystemFront: Dual semi-floating 320 mm discs, Brembo radial-mount, Stylema monobloc, opposed 4-piston calipers. Rear: Single 250 mm disc, 2-piston caliper. ABS: Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS).Front: Twin 320mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, OC-ABS, Brembo MCS radial master cylinder; Rear: Single 220mm disc, Brembo twin piston caliper, OC-ABS
Electronic Rider AidsAdvanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS): Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind-Spot Detection (BSD). Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF). Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC). Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM). Engine Brake Control. Power Modes. Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA). Electronic Cruise Control. Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) on some models.Cornering ABS, cornering traction control, engine brake control, slide control, front wheel lift control, five riding modes, Triumph Shift Assist (up and down quickshifter), Brake Slide Assist (in Track mode)
Instrumentation6.5-inch full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity and Kawasaki SPIN infotainment systemFull-color 5" TFT instruments with My Triumph Connectivity System (turn-by-turn navigation, phone and music control)
ErgonomicsSporty but relaxed riding position suitable for both solo and 2-up riding. Taller handlebar and more forward-set footpegs compared to the Ninja H2.Wider, higher handlebars, sporty, upright stance, narrow seat profile
PriceAround $28,100 - $29,100 (USD) retail price for 2025 models. Around $42,090 (AUD) ride away in Australia for 2025 models. Around £25,329 - £25,815 (GBP) in the UK.From £17,495.00

Overall Comparison

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE: ~200 hp, 137.3 Nm torque, 19L fuel capacity. Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS: 180.5 hp, 128 Nm torque, 15.5L fuel capacity.

Pros and Cons

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

Pros:
  • Balanced Supercharged Engine tuned for everyday street-riding situations
  • Superior fuel economy
  • Comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids
  • Excellent braking performance
  • Easy to read and navigate instrumentation
  • High build quality and fit-and-finish
  • Designed for long-distance comfort
  • Smooth acceleration in various riding conditions
  • Enhanced low-end and mid-range torque
Cons:
  • Heavier than some competitors
  • Very expensive to maintain

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS

Pros:
  • No notable advantages reported.
Cons:
  • No major disadvantages reported.

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