Okay, so let’s talk about that 2018 Ninja H2 I had for a while. It wasn’t something I just woke up and decided to buy, you know. It kinda crept up on me.
I remember seeing pictures and videos when it first came out, the earlier models. That supercharger whine, the crazy look of it. Honestly, I thought it was a bit much at first, maybe just for show-offs. But the idea stuck in my head. Then, around late 2017, early 2018, I started seriously thinking. I’d been riding for years, had some powerful bikes, but nothing quite like that. The 2018 model had some refinements, people were saying good things. I felt like I needed to experience it myself.
Getting My Hands On It
Finding one wasn’t super easy back then, at least not exactly how I wanted it. I spent a good few weeks searching online listings, calling dealerships. Most were asking top dollar, naturally. I finally found one, slightly used, maybe a few hundred miles on it, looked practically new. The owner was moving, needed to sell. We talked on the phone a bunch, seemed like a straight shooter. I drove a couple of hours to check it out.
Seeing it in person… wow. That mirror-finish paint is something else. Pictures don’t do it justice. It just looked mean, sitting there. I walked around it, checked everything I could think of. Started it up – that initial bark, then the unique idle sound. Sold. We haggled a bit, settled on a price I felt okay with, and did the paperwork right there. Getting it loaded onto my trailer was a bit nerve-wracking, didn’t want to scratch that paint!
First Rides and Impressions
Got it home, unloaded it carefully into the garage. Just stared at it for a bit. The next decent weather day, I suited up. Felt different just sitting on it compared to my other bikes. Fired it up again. That sound… it’s addictive.
Pulling out of the driveway, I was super gentle on the throttle. Even rolling slow, it felt intense, purposeful. My first real ride was just some local backroads I know well. The first time I really opened it up, even just a little bit, on a clear straight? Man. That acceleration is just violent. It pushes you back hard. And the sound of that supercharger spinning up – it’s like nothing else on two wheels. It chirps and whistles, totally unique.
- The power is overwhelming at first. You really gotta respect it.
- Handling felt surprisingly decent, quite stable, but it’s a heavy bike. Not flickable like a supersport 600.
- Brakes are strong, thankfully. You need ’em.
- That paint needs constant wiping. Shows every fingerprint, every speck of dust.
Living With the Beast
I rode it fairly often for about two seasons. Not really for commuting, more for fun rides, weekend blasts. It always drew attention, people asking questions at gas stations. Maintenance was pretty standard stuff, oil changes, chain cleaning. I kept it stock mostly, didn’t feel it needed anything performance-wise, that’s for sure. Maybe added some frame sliders for peace of mind.
It wasn’t the most comfortable bike for long trips, riding position is aggressive. And it runs hot, especially in traffic. But you don’t buy an H2 for comfort or practicality, do you? You buy it for that insane engine and the feeling it gives you.
One thing I clearly remember: a highway roll-on next to a buddy on his literbike. I just twisted the throttle in sixth gear, and the H2 just walked away from him effortlessly. The sheer torque, even without downshifting, was incredible. That supercharger makes a huge difference.
Moving On
Eventually, I did sell it. My riding style started changing a bit, wanted something maybe a little more usable for different kinds of roads, maybe something lighter. Plus, honestly, the temptation to use all that power is always there, and it takes serious restraint. It was an amazing machine, an incredible experience. Definitely ticked a box on my motorcycle bucket list. Owning and riding the 2018 Ninja H2 was wild, unforgettable. Glad I did it.
