OK, final report of the year. After 15,000 miles of commuting and a visit to the Dolomites, the H2 SX SE is heading to “bed†for the winter.
I’m still awaiting the availability of the Sargent seat and the current seat remains a pain in the ar*e!
That said, commuting 150 miles a day is still within the limits of “pain threshold†and doesn’t require my AirHawk.
Fuel consumption improved very slightly when I increased the gearing and is pretty consistently returning VERY similar values to my previous K1300Ss. There really is nothing in it. The tank range now consistently reads well over 200 miles and, while I’ve still not actually tested it, I’ve no reason to doubt it.
The bike has used no oil between services and is showing no signs of wear/corrosion but we’ll see what 5 months in the shed does. So far, component quality appears as good as, or better than, BMWs.
It’s now due its 15k service but I’ll leave that until the spring. I’ve still not needed to adjust the chain (this has happened at services and tyre changes) so the ScottOiler appears to be proving its worth. I do clean the chain (with WD40) then re lube with a traditional chain spray on a regular(ish) basis in addition to the work the ScottOiler is doing.
Now we’re back to dark mornings and evenings, I do miss the HID lights on the Ks. The LED is better than the standard lights on the BMW but doesn’t match the HIDs for range, spread or brightness. The cornering lights are good at slow speed but the extra light they give does not project far enough forward to be of any real use at anything over about 25mph.
So, that’s all the factual, measurable bits dealt with. Now the emotion. I love this bike! No, I REALY love this bike!
The engine has always been absolutely stunning, with more grunt than the “Flying Scotsman†but in a controllable and easy to use package. The steering is light, quick and precise. It can be ridden with some significant enthusiasm while feeling completely safe and predictable. Keeping the revs below 5000rpm (85mph in top) gives quick and relaxed progress but giving it just a little more has the world going backwards. Take it over 9000rpm and you have to wave to Captain Kirk as you overtake the Starship Enterprise. (190bhp at the wheel is available over a 3000rpm range).
Even with my significantly increased gearing it’ll still pull top gear from below 30mph (Tesco 99RON fuel) without complaint, and will gain speed at a reasonable rate, but the ease and willingness of the engine to add revs means using the gears is way more fun. I’m also a total quick shifter up and down devotee. Running the engine between 4000 and 7000rpm, just using your left foot to flick between 3 or 4 gears really brings out the hooligan (in a good way) and puts a grin on my face a mile wide.
Knowing what I know now, and if I were in the position of having to buy a replacement for a K1300S, there really is no competition. For me, the H2 SX SE really is the best “do everything on tarmac†bike on the market, beating the previous champion (the K1300S) by some significant distance. I’m one happy punter!