The street-legal Kawasaki Ninja H2 has arrived.
When Kawasaki introduced the 300-horsepower Kawasaki H2R, you knew that a street version had to be just around the corner. Well, you’re right. Here it is: The Kawasaki Ninja H2. And don’t’ worry, it’s not a toned down, choked up and mellowed out version of the H2R, it still rips—according to Kawasaki.
“Aside from minor differences in the engine, as well as an intake and exhaust system tailored for street use to meet noise and emissions standards, the supercharged engine is essentially the same as the closed-course Ninja H2R.”
Like the H2R, the H2 is yours for the taking but offered in limited numbers. If you want one, orders with deposits must be made with an authorized Kawasaki dealer by December 19, 2014. And for how much? MSRP is $25,000.
Kawasaki says that only a few changes have been made to the H2’s motor compared to the track-only H2R’s motor.
In a nutshell, the H2—like the H2R—features a 998cc inline four-cylinder motor; its displacement comes from a 76mm bore and 55mm stroke. And, just like the H2R, it’s supercharged, of course.
To better deal with the high temperatures of a supercharged engine, the pistons are cast instead of forged, and cooling is handled by both water and oil.
Camshaft profiles are slightly different than the H2R’s camshafts, and to comply with both sound and emissions regulations, the exhaust system is significantly different that the H2R: Its right-side muffler is noticeably larger.
Transmission is a six speed and the clutch is hydraulically actuated and features a slipper design to limit back torque and downshifting instability. The H2 is Kawasaki’s first street bike that comes standard with a quickshifter.
The H2 has a high-tensile steel tubing frame (which is painted green) of the trellis configuration and is said to be exceptionally strong and light.
The H2 doesn’t get track pipes but larger and quieter street pipes.
Suspension is handled by KYB components. It has a 43mm fork with an Air-Oil Separate cartridge design, similar to that found in the earlier Kawasaki KX motocross bikes. It has a single gas-charged shock in the back that features high/low-speed compression, rebound damping and preload adjustability.
For obvious reasons, Kawasaki did not skimp on the H2’s braking system. It uses Brembo monobloc calipers and dual 330mm semi-floating discs up front (with Brembo master cylinder) and a single 250mm disc with two-piston calipers in the back.
You might recall that the H2R comes fitted with slick tires, the H2 has street tires that mount up to five-spoke cast aluminum wheels.
Borrowed from Kawasaki’s Ninja lineup, the H2 features KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), which has three standard modes. Press Mode 1 for the track, Mode 2 for the street and Mode 3 for use in wet conditions. Each mode can be further fine tuned.
Like the H2R, the H2 has very aerodynamic bodywork and LED lighting.
The H2 also features KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Brake System), which is similar to that found on the ZX-10R ABS.
Kawasaki says that the H2’s riding position is similar to the ZX-10R’s but not as aggressive.
Like the H2R, the H2’s bodywork is designed to slice through the air as effortlessly and efficiently as possible while still producing enough downforce to increase high-speed stability, which is further aided by an Ohlins steering damper, which automatically adjusts itself according to speed, via an electronic sensor on the rear wheel.
The H2 has a modern console and display, and LED headlamps, turn signals and taillights.
The H2’s Mirror Coated Black color is unique in that it was designed to appear black in the shade but silver reflectively in the light, and much of the bike is hand painted.
SPECIFICATIONS
2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2
Engine: Liquid-cooled, inline four cylinder
Displacement: 998cc
Bore x Stroke: 76 x 55mm
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Fuel System: Fuel injection: 50mm x 4 with dual injection
Intake System: Kawasaki supercharger
Cooling System: Water-cooled
Lubrication: Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Transmission: 6-speed w/quickshifter
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Trellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Rake/Trail: 24.4° / 4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
Front Suspension: 43mm inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs and 4.7 inches of travel
Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out spring with 5.3 inches of travel
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear Tire: 200/55 ZR17 M/C (78W)
Front Brakes: Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating 330mm discs
Rear Brakes: Opposed 2-piston calipers, single 250mm disc
Ground Clearance: 5.1 inches
Seat Height: 32.5 inches
Curb Weight: 524.7 pounds
Wheelbase: 57.3 inches
Color Choices: Mirror Coated Black
MSRP: $25,000
