2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX

Okay, a name like Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE+ doesn’t roll smoothly off the tongue, but this supercharged sport-tourer based on the uber-powerful H2 makes amends for any linguistic shortcomings with performance that will rock your world. In fact, the H2 SX SE+ delivers phenomenal acceleration. At our desert test site, a 2018 model leapt from 060 mph in just 2.98 seconds and reached 100 mph 2.39 seconds later, ultimately covering the quarter-mile in 10.04 seconds at 144 mph. Expect more of the same from the latest example, which is upgraded this year with Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS), Brembo Stylema front brake calipers, more durable self-repairing paint (Kawasaki claims “microscopic soft and hard segments within the top coat work like a chemical spring that creates a trampoline effect to absorb impacts”), new integrated riding modes, and smartphone connectivity.

Other standard features carried over from the previous edition include a full-color TFT dash, heated handgrips, launch control, a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, LED cornering lights—one illuminates at 10 degrees, a second at 20 degrees, and all three at 30 degrees or greater—and leather seating surfaces.