When it comes to high-performance motorcycles like the Kawasaki H2 SX and H2 SX SE, ensuring the safety and longevity of your bike is paramount. One of the most effective ways to protect your investment is by installing frame sliders. These essential accessories are designed to minimize damage to the motorcycle’s frame and engine in the event of a fall or collision.
In the European market, options for frame sliders are somewhat limited. Aside from the TBR frame sliders I discussed in my previous blog post and the mushroom-shaped sliders, the only other viable choice is the Kawasaki OEM sliders. Let’s take a closer look at these.
These sliders are mounted inside the frame pipe over the engine fastening bolt. Make sure to torque the frame slider bolt to 30 Nm for optimal security.
Some H2 SX owners have raised concerns about the robustness of these OEM sliders, claiming they can break even in minor drops. This debate about the sturdiness of frame sliders is quite nuanced. On one hand, more robust sliders might offer better protection for the fairing but could risk bending the frame or damaging the engine mount thread. On the other hand, less robust sliders might provide less protection for the fairing but ensure that the frame and engine remain undamaged. Ultimately, each owner must make their own decision. Additionally, proper installation and fastening are crucial factors. Since I am not a fan of mushroom-shaped sliders and the TBR sliders didn’t fit the 2023 model, I opted for the OEM sliders.
Designed by Kawasaki engineers, who arguably understand these machines better than we do, these frame sliders are impressively lightweight at just 497g. Plus, they don’t look half bad; in fact, they are quite aesthetically pleasing.