Even a decade later, it is not to be found anywhere. Cult figure Kawasaki continues

While heading out from Kawasaki’s HQ on my H2, I’m thinking about stopping and pinching myself, whether or not I truly rode on the bike that Kawasaki has made their cult hero and whether or not there was a bird trapped beneath its fuel tank asking for salvation. There are so many questions, but there are just so many cars to dodge before answering them.

I still recall how Kawasaki started teasing bits and pieces of the bikes they developed way back in 2014, which seemed almost like something out of this world and a game changer to riders everywhere. It was destined to set a new standard in the industry.

More than a decade has passed since Kawasaki introduced the Ninja H2, yet it is still incomparable.

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The Ninja H2 wasn’t a stock bike modified to comply with any racing homologation rules, nor an exotic limited-edition series based on an ordinary model – this controversial beast was a collaborative effort of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, using all the experience and advanced technologies of its heavy machinery, aviation, gas turbines and shipping departments together with the motorcycle division in order to come up with such an impressive machine as the Ninja H2. The result is that it became the world’s first production supercharged motorcycle and that the H2R engine (see sidebar), albeit not street legal, turned out to be the most powerful production motorcycle engine.

The road version of the newest Ninja H2 gives its rider an incredible power of 170kW (228hp) @ 11,500rpm, which goes up to 178.5kW or 240hp in the old currency under Ram Air. This is more powerful than a 2026 Ducati V4R model.

The H2 998cc inline four-cylinder engine isn’t just the upgraded ZX-10R motor, but a brand new one. Cast pistons with flat tops for lower compression ratio, stainless steel intake valves, bonded alloy and steel exhaust valves. Additional oil jets for the supercharger drive, pistons, and transmission.

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Moreover, the bike features additional fuel injectors in addition to its intake system, helping to cool down the air as it enters the engine. It also features an enhanced gearbox and clutch, along with an extra-large centrifugal supercharger mounted atop the gearbox at the back of the cylinders. In many ways, despite the increased sophistication, it is simply a chain-driven turbo that runs at nine times the crankshaft speed, providing boost at any rpm, but doing so reliably and predictably.

There is no doubt that the sheer thrill of the power is unforgettable. When you push down the gas, the engine does not produce strange sounds, nor does it generate any peak torque that dies down; the engine just keeps accelerating without any signs of stopping while the four cylinders scream all the way up to the relatively moderate 14,000 rpm redline. When you pull the throttle, a BOV releases the unnecessary air pressure created by the supercharger straight into the air box, making it sound as if someone was blowing their nose right next to your ear.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type Supercharged inline four cylinder, 16 valve, DOHC,
Bore & stroke 76mm x 55mm
Capacity 998cc
Compression ratio 8.5:1
Cooling Liquid
Fuelling EFI 4x 50mm intakes with dual injectors, electronic throttle control
Transmission Six-speed, return, dog-ring
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, slip and assist
Final drive Chain

PERFORMANCE

Power 170kW (228hp) @ 11,500rpm (178.5kW with ram air)
Torque 141.7Nm @ 11,000rpm (claimed)
Top speed 299km/h (limited)
Fuel consumption 7.0L/100km (measured)

ELECTRONICS

Type Bosch ABS, ride-by-wire
Rider aids ABS, traction control, quickshifter, Wet mode, engine brake control, launch control

CHASSIS

Frame material High tensile steel
Frame type Trellis
Rake 24.5°
Trail 103mm
Wheelbase 1455mm

SUSPENSION

Type KYB and Öhlins
Front KYB 43mm telescopic fork, adjustable preload, rebound and compression, 120mm travel
Rear Uni trak with Öhlins TTX36 monoshock, adjustable preload, rebound and compression, 135mm travel

WHEELS & BRAKES

Wheels Cast alloy
Front: 17 x 6in Rear: 17 x 3.5in
Tyres Bridgestone Battlax RS11
Front: 120/70 ZR17 (M/C 58W)
Rear: 200/55 ZR17 (M/C 78W)
Brakes Brembo, ABS
Front: Twin 330mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers
Rear: Single 250mm disc, Brembo dual piston caliper

DIMENSIONS

Weight 238kg (wet, claimed)
Seat height 825mm
Width 770mm
Height 1125mm
Length 2085mm
Ground clearance 130mm
Fuel capacity 17L

SERVICING & WARRANTY

Servicing First: 1000km
Minor 12000km
Major 24000km
Warranty Two years, unlimited km

BUSINESS END

Price $49,939 ride away
Colour Mirror coated spark black
Contact  kawasaki.com.au