2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE | First Look Review

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE review — 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE in Firecracker Red

In mid-October Kawasaki unveiled the KLX230S, a more accessible version of its popular KLX230 dual-sport with reduced suspension travel and a lower seat height (32.7 inches, down from 35). Team Green has announced the return of the standard KLX230 for 2022 as well as the new 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE, a special-edition model with cool add-ons, colors, and graphics.

The platform shared by the KLX230, KLX230S, and KLX230 SE is an air-cooled, four-stroke, 233cc Single with a two-valve SOHC cylinder head and electronic fuel injection with a 32mm throttle body. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a close-ratio 6-speed transmission, a cable-actuated wet clutch, and chain final drive.

Kawasaki says exhaust pipe length contributes to the engine’s low- to midrange performance. To match the off-road image of the KX-inspired motocross-style bodywork, the exhaust features a tapered silencer with an oval cross-section.

A high-tensile steel perimeter frame is durable and allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis to help keep the center of gravity low. Spoked aluminum wheels – a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear – maximize the KLX230’s off-road potential. Up front, a 2-piston caliper squeezes a 240mm petal disc brake, and out back a 1-piston caliper pinches a 220mm disc.

Suspension is handled by a 37mm telescopic fork with 8.7 inches of travel and a Uni-Trak linkage rear shock with adjustable preload and 8.8 inches of travel.

The 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE kicks it up a notch with several Kawasaki Genuine Accessories as well as black rims and special colors and graphics. The upgrades include a tapered handlebar, handguards, a skid plate, and frame covers.

The tapered handlebar helps improve ride comfort with its 1-1/8-inch steel-clamping diameter that tapers to a narrower grip area. Kawasaki says the design allows controlled flex that acts as a kind of shock absorber for the hands and arms to reduce fatigue and add comfort. The handlebar has also been fitted with handguards to protect the rider’s hands from debris and weather.

Durable frame covers are constructed from plastic and help provide scuff protection for the chassis side rails. A skid plate has been mounted to provide full coverage protection of the chassis bottom rails and includes an oil drain hole to allow oil changes without removal.

Other features of the 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE include a 2-gallon fuel capacity, a 34.8-inch seat height, and a 291-pound curb weight (claimed; 293 pounds in California). Passenger footpegs allow two-up riding, and in the left side cover is a lockable toolbox compartment. The toolbox uses the Kawasaki One-Key System, so it locks and unlocks with the ignition key. The LCD digital display includes a speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lamps.

The 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE is available in Oriental Blue or Firecracker Red with an MSRP of $4,999. The 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 is available in Lime Green with an MSRP of $4,799.

For more information or to find a Kawasaki dealer near you, visit kawasaki.com.

The post 2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE | First Look Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Review: CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

Australian importer Mojo Motorcycles has released the second model in the CFMOTO 700CL-X family with the addition of the Sport which is much more than just a name change and an extra $1000.

The Heritage was the first model in the new family to be released a few months ago at an incredible $A9490. The Sport costs $A10,490 ride away and will be followed by an adventure model early next year with pricing not yet confirmed.

CFMOTO Australia includes a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty plus an extra year if servicing is done by an authorised dealer.

I reviewed the Heritage in September and loved the bike’s value, styling and spirited engine.

The Chinese manufacturer has produced a good basis for a family of bikes with the Sport slotting into the cafe racer sector with its clip-on bars and bar-end mirrors.

The Heritage and Sport come standard with two engine modes, cruise control, USB charging port under the seat and full LED lighting including a headlight that adapts illumination to ambient conditions.

Aesthetically, the Sport gets a black catalytic convertor which is a lot less ugly than the bare metal of the Heritage, striking paintwork, a headlight mini-cowl, black levers, black forks, carbon-fibre-style trim and five-spoke wheels.

It also features a solo seat and tail cowl, yet pillion pegs are fitted, so you can presumably buy a rear seat. In some states, rego costs less for a solo seat.

Like many CFMOTO bikes, this is styled by Kiska Design House in Austria and the subtle paintwork and trim creates a fresh and sporty look.

It is powered by the same inline twin-cylinder water-cooled engine as in their 650cc range.

However, it has been stroked 4mm to 693cc, so it is no longer learner legal in Australia.

Other engine updates include Bosch fuel-injection, split connecting rods, a slipper clutch, forged pistons and improved intake, pushing power from 41.5kW to 55kw and torque from 62Nm to 67Nm.

The unit is free revving with a beefy midrange and buzzing top end.

I was not happy with the short gearing on the Heritage which spins at 4500 revs in sixth gear at 100km/h.

However, the same gear ratios on the Sport make a lot more sense in a canyon-blasting cafe racer.

You won’t be touring highways for long spells on this bike, so you won’t suffer those tingling fingers and toes as on the Heritage.

But don’t think this is a radical riding position either.

The clip-on bars are perched atop a high yoke, so the bars aren’t too much lower than on the Heritage.

You also sit 5mm lower in the seat, so the riding position requires only a slightly more forward lean to the bars.

The bars are nice and narrow for lane-filtering and the bar-end mirrors don’t poke out too far.

They are also perched on stubby shafts that prevent any blur from engine vibration and will easily flip down to avoid hitting car wing mirrors and quickly flip back into place again.

Despite being a bargain, the Chinese company hasn’t cut corners when it comes to the tyres and brakes.

While the Heritage gets exotic Pirelli MT60RS “scrambler” tyres found on Triumph and Ducati scramblers, this is shod with sticky Maxxis MA-ST2 sports tyres.

But what really sets this apart from the Heritage is the brakes, featuring 320mm twin petal discs with Brembo twin-piston callipers and Continental ABS.

Sport weighs in at 9kg more than the 196kg Heritage, but with those brakes, its stopping power is awesome.

Together with the short-gearing, it is a hard-charging and hard-stopping bike built for carving for favourite mountain pass.

However, the other shortcomings of the Heritage remain.

My main gripe is the KYB rear shock. Its compression stroke is too harsh and non-adjustable.

You can adjust the rebound and the preload, but getting a C spanner in there is difficult.

The fully adjustable KYB forks are ok although it does dive hard under braking which makes the back wheel light. This causes a fair amount of slither into a corner, despite the slipper clutch preventing rear-wheel lock up under down shifts.

My other gripe is the instruments.

While they show a lot of information, they lack fuel range, a second trip meter and ambient temperature, while having some other information that isn’t even explained in the manual.

The digital fuel gauge also drops quickly and starts flashing way too soon with five litres in the 13-litre tank remaining which should get you another 100+km of range.

These are minor gripes for what is a handsome, well-appointed motorcycle that will put a smile on your face without causing you a pain in your hip pocket.

CFMOTO 7000CL-X tech specs

Price: $A10,490 ($NZ10,990) ride away
Engine: 693cc parallel twin, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, DOHC
Bore and stroke: 83mm x 64mm
Compression: 11.6:1
Power: 73hp (55kW) at 8500rpm
Torque: 68Nm at 6500rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed with slipper clutch
Suspension: 41mm KYB upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 150mm travel; KYB shock with preload and rebound adjustment, 150mm travel
Brakes: 320mm petal discs with radial-mount Brembo Stylema M4.30 four-piston calipers; 260mm disc with Brembo twin-piston caliper, Continental ABS
Tyres: 120/70-17 Maxxis MA-ST2; 180/55-17 Maxxis MA-ST2
Rake: 24.3 degrees
Trail: 102.5mm
Length x width x height: 2090mm x 795mm x 1080mm
Wheelbase: 1436mm
Seat: 795mm
Fuel: 13 litres
Wet weight: 205kg

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Royal Enfield SG650 Concept | First Look Review

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

In recent years, Royal Enfield has deftly toed the line between modern and retro. The all-new Meteor 350 calls back to brand’s mid-century cruisers while the Google-powered Tripper navigation pod adds contemporary convenience. Presented at EICMA 2021, the Royal Enfield SG650 Concept takes the brand’s unique balance of vintage style and modern function to new heights.

“We are a company in transition,” stated Royal Enfield Chief of Design Mark Wells. “So long a representation of the analog age and now developing new products that keep that same pure soul, yet are fully integrated into the digital present. To celebrate this, we wanted to develop a project that really gave our design team an opportunity to stretch themselves creatively.”

The SG650 Concept blurs the lines between eras with its cruiser-meets-cafe-racer silhouette, cyberpunk paint scheme, and air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin. The CNC-machined aluminum gas tank and wheels capture the classic forms of the past with modern manufacturing methods. At the fore, the aluminum headlight nacelle, inverted fork, low-rise handlebars, and aluminum switches favor present-day design. Conversely, the rear end’s dual shocks, a floating single saddle, and loop frame clearly nod to the past.

Read our 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan First Ride Review

“The design team have done an amazing job in retaining the analog soul, those classic Royal Enfield lines and design nuances – subtle nods to the past – while creatively pushing the boundary of what the Royal Enfields of tomorrow could conceptually represent in form and function,” added Wells.

Though Royal Enfield outfits the SG650 with bespoke components and a flashy paint job, the new concept looks vaguely familiar. The firm leverages the same air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, parallel-Twin found in the Continental GT 650 and INT 650. Royal Enfield then shoehorns that 648cc powerplant into a chassis resembling the Meteor 350’s twin-downtube spine frame.

With the SG650 using current Royal Enfield equipment and tech, we wouldn’t be surprised if the concept finds its way into Royal Enfield’s production lineup in the near future. However, we expect the middleweight cruiser to arrive in a less avant-garde and more production-friendly guise if it reaches the market.

For more information or to find a Royal Enfield dealer near you, visit royalenfield.com.

The post Royal Enfield SG650 Concept | First Look Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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2022 MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project | First Look Review

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

The MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5 (above) is one of two adventure bike models, along with the Lucky Explorer Project 5.5, that MV Agusta unveiled at EICMA 2021.

The Cagiva Elefant put Italy’s Edi Orioli on the top step of the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1990 and 1994. To capitalize on that success, the Italian marque adopted the Lucky Explorer moniker for the rally replica production model. More than three decades after Cagiva’s first Dakar win, the MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project revives the iconic name with two adventure bike variants, the 5.5 and 9.5.

Though they fly under the same banner, the Lucky Explorer variants are very different machines. For the 5.5 trim, MV Agusta partnered with China’s QJ Motors to develop the mid-size adventure bike with performance and safety in mind. The 554cc parallel-Twin engine pumps out a claimed 46.9 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 37.6 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm, but the liquid-cooled, DOHC unit suits a broad range of riders with smooth power delivery and an accessible torque band.

The Lucky Explorer 5.5 also caters to newer riders with a 484-pound dry weight. The adjustable 43mm KYB inverted fork and fully adjustable KYB rear shock provide 5.3 inches of travel, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and a 33.8-inch seat height. The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels allow novice off-roaders to venture onto the trail while the Brembo braking system optimizes safety in all conditions. Despite the 5.5’s mid-size designation, MV equips the new ADV with a 5-inch TFT display and a 5.3-gallon tank.

The Schirrana, Italy, brand takes a different tack with the full-size Lucky Explorer 9.5. Instead of collaborating with QJ Motors, MV Agusta goes it alone, developing a new 931cc inline-Triple for power and performance. The new cylinder heads, intake/exhaust valves, forged aluminum alloy pistons, and 12.5:1 compression ratio result in 123 peak horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 75.2 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm (claimed). A 120-degree counter-rotating crankshaft reduces inertial energy and MV Agusta offers a Rekluse automatic clutch and electro-actuated gearbox as options.

The firm crams all that performance and tech into a closed double-cradle steel frame that balances all-day on-road comfort with the optimal stiffness for spirited off-road riding. The Sachs electronic suspension system consists of a 50mm inverted fork and progressive rear shock. The setup yields 8.7 inches of travel at the front, 8.3 inches of travel at the rear, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. The adjustable seat measures 33.5 and 34.3 inches from level ground.

The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels suit the Lucky Explorer 9.5 for extended trips on the toughest terrain. Twin Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers and 320mm discs deliver superbike-worthy stopping power while the 2-piston Brembo binder and 265mm rotor prioritizes finesse.

Of course, the 9.5 features a full electronics suite with a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled 7-inch TFT display. Traction control, cruise control, and launch control come standard while cornering ABS and rear wheel lift mitigation come by way of Continental’s MK100 ABS system.

Aside from the different equipment and capabilities, both the Lucky Explorer 5.5 and 9.5 hark back to the Dakar-winning Cagiva Elefant with rally-inspired liveries. The 5.5 retains the white/red/gold color combo but adopts digital graphics for a modern touch. On the other hand, the 9.5 blazes a new trail with a silver/red/gold paint scheme and refined brushstroke accents.

MV Agusta not yet announced an MSRP or when the Lucky Explorer Project models will hit showrooms.

For more information or to find an MV Agusta dealer near you, visit mvagusta.com.

The post 2022 MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project | First Look Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

A Legend’s advice: Pedrosa helps Gardner, Fernandez in Jerez

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

“So, we are finally done. We can all go home with the feeling that this is mission accomplished. Now it’s up to the brains inside the KTM Factory Racing department to sharpen our 2022 weapons, but I’ve got all trust in them,” continued Poncharal, as the paddock heads into the winter break before testing resumes in Sepang on the 31^st of January.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

News

MV Agusta Unveils Two New Adventure-Touring Motorcycles

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

The MV Agusta 5.5 packs a 550cc parallel twin developed in partnership with QJMotors.

The MV Agusta 5.5 packs a 550cc parallel twin developed in partnership with QJMotors. (MV Agusta/)

Rumors of MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov’s plans to revive the Cagiva Elefant have proven mostly true with the news of MV’s forthcoming 5.5 and 9.5 adventure bikes. The two new machines don’t explicitly carry the Elefant or Cagiva name, but the design, CRC (Cagiva Research Center) badging, and the Lucky Explorer Project that surrounds them is a clear nod to the famous enduro platform of the early Paris-Dakar days.

Complete with plenty of off-road protective gear.

Complete with plenty of off-road protective gear. (MV Agusta/)

We’ll start with a look at the streetbikes, then dive into some of the details of the broader Lucky Explorer Project.

MV promises the 5.5 will pack a number of desirable electronic systems, but has yet to outline what those will be.

MV promises the 5.5 will pack a number of desirable electronic systems, but has yet to outline what those will be. (MV Agusta/)

5.5

The insights into MV’s plans revealed back in June pan out in the 5.5, a midsize adventure platform developed in close collaboration with MV’s partner, QJMotor. This machine will utilize a 550cc parallel-twin engine, be dressed in a Lucky Explorer-inspired livery, and come packing a range of electronic aids. However, the details of those systems aren’t spelled out in current press materials. Specifics on other aspects of the bike are absent too, at the moment.

A departure from MV’s recent work.

A departure from MV’s recent work. (MV Augusta/)

The MV Agusta 9.5 features a newly developed 930cc triple engine.

The MV Agusta 9.5 features a newly developed 930cc triple engine. (MV Agusta/)

9.5

MV outlines the specifics of the 9.5 in greater detail, utilizing a new 930cc liquid-cooled triple developed off the brand’s existing 800cc triple. The new engine comes with a revised cylinder head, new intake and exhaust valves, a new cylinder head gasket, updated counter-rotating steel crankshaft, forged aluminum alloy pistons, and new con-rod bearings. MV promises 123 hp at 10,000 rpm and 75 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. The Italian marque also touts the fact that the engine’s overall dimensions are unchanged from those of the 800.

The gearbox is all new, featuring revised oil pathways, and the clutch, generator, and gearbox covers are all revised.

Paying homage to the Elefant with a modern adventure-touring machine.

Paying homage to the Elefant with a modern adventure-touring machine. (MV Agusta/)

The clutch is one area where riders will get to customize, as there will be two versions to choose from. One is an automatic Rekluse setup and the other is a standard hydraulic setup.

The bike utilizes a steel double-cradle frame and aluminum alloy swingarm, both designed to optimize stiffness for off-road performance. It, as well as the 5.5, is also covered in protective off-road items including brake and fork covers, a skid plate, and a radiator cover.

The new 9.5 is part of MV’s new Lucky Explorer Project which will seek to engage off-road and adventure riders around the globe.

The new 9.5 is part of MV’s new Lucky Explorer Project which will seek to engage off-road and adventure riders around the globe. (MV Agusta/)

The 9.5 will pack a 7-inch TFT instrument panel, be Bluetooth compatible, and offer a range of ride systems, however as with the 5.5, the specifics of these systems remains to be described.

A few additional items to note on the 9.5 include a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel configuration along with a 62.2-inch wheelbase.

No word on price or availability for the 9.5.

No word on price or availability for the 9.5. (MV Agusta/)

Lucky Explorer Project

Looking at the current line of machines in MV’s stable, the 9.5 and 5.5 clearly represent a broadening of ambition. But MV aims to anchor this move with its Lucky Explorer Project initiative.

This multiplatform approach will highlight the roots of the machines in the Elefant and iconic Lucky Explorer badging, revisit the glory of the brand’s participation in early Paris-Dakar rallies, and engage current rally and off-road riders with in-person and online events. MV hopes to build “an adventure, off-road enthusiast community” as part of this project, and is even soliciting riders to become Lucky Explorer ambassadors.

Pricing and availability information for the 9.5 and 5.5 aren’t currently available, so stay tuned for updates on both machines in the coming months.

Rolling on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels.

Rolling on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. (MV Agusta/)

The 9.5 will also come with a retractable pannier fastening system.

The 9.5 will also come with a retractable pannier fastening system. (MV Agusta/)

MV honors its heritage with a new rally bike.

MV honors its heritage with a new rally bike. (MV Agusta/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Motorcycle News, News

EICMA 2021: Suzuki Katana Gets More Power and Updated Electronics for 2022

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

The big news from Suzuki at EICMA 2021 was that the Katana would be receiving some minor updates for next year.

For starters, there’s an increase in peak power from 147hp to 150hp. This has come about thanks to a new intake and exhaust camshaft, valve springs, and a revised airbox and exhaust. Suzuki has also added a new slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle, and a bidirectional quick-shifter.

Updates have also been made to the three modes on offer with the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector system. There is no difference in output power across all three modes; however, the way power is delivered changes, and the manufacturer has refined this system for 2022. The five-level traction control system has also been tweaked.

The other updates are minor in comparison; Autocar India reports that the handlebar now sits on rubber mounts — which should reduce vibrations — and an updated LCD instrumentation cluster has been added.

The rest of the bike remains unchanged. It continues to use the same twin-spar aluminum frame, fully adjustable KYB front forks, and a rear shock with preload and rebound adjustability. The Brembo calipers and discs have been carried over as well.

Overall, the 2022 Suzuki Katana is not drastically different from its predecessor, but the changes make it a better motorcycle. Pricing information is still unavailable, but the manufacturer has mentioned that the bike will go on sale in Europe in Spring 2022.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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EICMA 2021: Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype Unveiled

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

The middle-weight adventure bike segment is arguably one of the most populated and thus exciting ones at the moment. The Yamaha Tenere 700 has grown to be one of the best options in the segment, showing the world what a hardcore twin-cylinder adventure bike is truly capable of. Now, Yamaha has gone and made it even sweeter by announcing the arrival of a higher-spec, more capable iteration — the 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype.

One of the few complaints with the standard Ténéré 700 was that its suspension was a little too soft for more demanding off-road use. Yamaha has been listening to its customers and has addressed this with the new model. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid digs deep into the GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing) parts bin and features a host of components from Yamaha’s rally bikes.

ADV Pulse reports that the Raid uses “larger 48mm forks with 10.6 inches of suspension travel and mounts them with CNC Machined aluminum triple clamps for extra rigidity. The rear shock has also been upgraded with 10.2 inches of suspension travel and also gets a revised suspension linkage.”

It’s also worth mentioning that the bike has been developed with input from off-road riders Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarrés. If these names don’t sound familiar, you should definitely check out the ‘Seeker’ series on YouTube; what Pol Tarrés can do with the Ténéré is phenomenal.

There are also some performance updates on the Raid. A new airbox and filter, along with the addition of an oil cooler for the radiator, should improve performance. Then there’s a custom ECU and full titanium Akrapovic exhaust that provide a bump in power. Other changes include better protection for aggressive off-road riding and better braking hardware.

Considering that the Dakar rally is still restricted to the 450cc class, we won’t be seeing the Rallye spec iteration participating in the world’s most challenging race anytime soon. However, there are still numerous other competitors that the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid can join in, and it looks like an excellent motorcycle for us common folk as well.

There’s no word on when the Ténéré 700 Raid will go into production or if the GYTR catalog will be available to existing owners of the standard bike. We’ll post an update when Yamaha releases more information.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

EICMA 2021: Bimota KB4, KB4 RC Revealed

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

We’ve known that the Bimota KB4 has been in development for a while now. The Italian firm first showcased the motorcycle at EICMA 2019, and two years later, the production-ready iteration has made its debut at EICMA 2021.

Powering the KB4 is the same 1,043cc inline-four engine as the one on the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX. Peak output figures are similar at 142hp and 81.9lb-ft of torque, but Bimota has equipped the bike with its exhaust system that features a single end can.

What makes this Bimota special is that its radiator has been placed under the seat, unlike on most other motorcycles that have it in front of the engine. The bike features substantial air intakes on either side that carry air via a carbon-fiber tunnel to the radiator.

Engine aside, the Bimota KB4 is entirely different from the Ninja 1000 SX. Autocar India reports that Its chassis has a unique tubular front frame and that at 187kg (dry), the bike is also significantly lighter than its Japanese counterpart. Suspension hardware is from Öhlins — FG R&T 43mm NIX30 forks at the front and a TTX36 rear shock. The KB4 uses OZ forged aluminum wheels that wear Pirelli rubber.

Bryan Staring with the Ducati Panigale V4R

Braking, meanwhile, is handled by Brembo Stylema calipers that bite down on dual 320mm discs at the front.

The manufacturer also revealed a KB4 RC, a naked iteration near-identical to the KB4, that will go on sale next year.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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EICMA 2021: Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE, Versys 650 Upgraded for 2022

November 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

Kawasaki showcased multiple models from its 2022 lineup at the recently concluded EICMA show in Milan. Of the lot, the Versys 650 and H2 SX SE have received the most notable updates, including styling tweaks and updated tech.

2022 Kawasaki Versys 650

The Versys 650 finally gets a much overdue update. Autocar India reports that the popular middle-weight sports tourer now features the 5-inch TFT display that made its way onto most of Kawasaki’s model range earlier this year. This introduces Bluetooth connectivity via the Kawasaki Rideology app.

The update also sees the addition of traction control — two levels that you can toggle via the new display. Mode 1 offers the least intervention, while Mode 2 is for early intervention in low-grip surfaces. You can also turn the system off.

A visual change comes in the form of a new front end that resembles the range-topping Versys 1000. This includes a redesigned front fairing with sharper lines, a new twin LED headlight, and an adjustable windscreen.

The rest of the Versys 650 remains unchanged, and the bike will continue to be powered by the same 649cc parallel-twin motor with no change in performance. While Kawasaki hasn’t revealed pricing for the updated model, we expect it to cost slightly more than its predecessor, considering the added tech on offer.

2022 Kawasaki H2 SX SE

The Kawasaki H2 SX SE has received more comprehensive changes for 2022. While the 999cc, supercharged, inline-four engine continues to produce an identical peak power of 200hp, Kawasaki has made some notable changes to the engine. It now gets revised cam timing, a new exhaust, and other refinements to the engine and gearbox.

The flagship tourer has also been updated with the Bosch radar system we’ve seen on the Ducati Multistrada V4. This enables adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. It also features the new Bosch 10.3ME IMU, allowing vehicle hold assist, keyless unlock, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Other tech additions come in the form of a ‘SPIN’ infotainment system that allows you to control your smartphone screen via the bike’s 6.5-inch TFT dash.

Some cosmetic updates for 2022 include a sharper, more aggressive face, redesigned side, and upper fairing cowls.

For 2022, the H2 SX SE features larger seats and an updated iteration of Showa’s electronically-controlled Skyhook suspension.

Like with the Versys 650, Kawasaki is yet to announce pricing details for the H2 SX SE, and we shall update this space when more information is available.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotorCycle News

Monthly Archives: November 2021

2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE | First Look Review

Review: CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport

CFMOTO 7000CL-X tech specs

Royal Enfield SG650 Concept | First Look Review

2022 MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project | First Look Review

A Legend’s advice: Pedrosa helps Gardner, Fernandez in Jerez

MV Agusta Unveils Two New Adventure-Touring Motorcycles

EICMA 2021: Suzuki Katana Gets More Power and Updated Electronics for 2022

EICMA 2021: Yamaha Ténéré 700 Raid Prototype Unveiled

EICMA 2021: Bimota KB4, KB4 RC Revealed

EICMA 2021: Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE, Versys 650 Upgraded for 2022

2022 Kawasaki Versys 650

2022 Kawasaki H2 SX SE

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