Kawasaki Ninja H2 - Wikipedia

Kawasaki selected the literbike platform for its top-of-the-line Ninja H2 model, rather than continuing with the higher-displacement Ninja ZX-14 hyperbike. Cycle World's Kevin Cameron explained that the literbike class is "the center of the high-performance market", attracting the best development in racing, with the best chassis and suspension design, so it made sense for Kawasaki to create a machine that could leverage this.[20]

The H2 is the first production motorcycle with a supercharger,[22] although turbochargers were available on some models in the early 1980s.

Specifications in the infobox are from Kawasaki unless noted.[23]

Production

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The street-legal Ninja H2 has mirrors in place of the track-only H2R's winglets,[21] and plastic body panels in place of the H2R's carbon-fiber panels but there is the H2 carbon version that has them in carbon. The street-legal H2 is said to make 200 horsepower (150 kW), probably with reduced supercharger boost compared to the H2R.[21] The H2 and H2R share the supercharger (with a lower boost level on the H2) and many other components, with the exception of the head gasket, cam profile and timing with ECU mapping, exhaust system, and clutch (the H2R's clutch has two additional plates).[1]

For 2017, Kawasaki made a limited-edition model with 120 units produced globally: the individually numbered Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon with special paint and carbon-fiber upper cowl. For 2017, the standard Ninja H2 was also updated.[24]

For 2018, Kawasaki made a new sport touring version of the H2, the Kawasaki H2 SX, with a claimed wet weight of 256.1 kg (564.5 lb). Features that are options on the base model H2 SX come standard on the Kawasaki H2 SX SE, which has a claimed wet weight of 260.0 kg (573.3 lb).[25] It has revised throttle bodies, camshafts, crankshaft, pistons, cylinder and cylinder head as well as a new exhaust system aimed at increasing mid range torque. The intake system and supercharger impeller were also redesigned. A new larger fuel tank, rear trellis subframe and panniers increase the bike's weight by 19 pounds (8.6 kg).[26]

For 2019, the H2 received an update with 15% more power from updates to the intake, spark plugs, ECU, and air filter, among other components. Also added was a new LED lighting scheme and a special top coat of paint that is claimed to be self-healing and able to smooth over small scratches in warmer conditions. Also new were lighter and smaller Brembo Stylema calipers, a new TFT dash, and smartphone connectivity that provides information about the GPS route, speed, RPM, current gear, fuel mileage, fuel level, and odometer.[27][28] In addition, the 2019 Ninja H2 SX SE+ features electronically controlled suspension.[29]

The H2 SX was named one of the best sport-touring motorcycles by Cycle World in 2025.[30]

Engine and supercharger

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The H2's engine is a 998 cc (60.9 cu in) 4-valve, dual overhead cam inline-4 with a two-speed centrifugal supercharger.[31][32][33][34]

The supercharger is driven by a series of gears and shafts connecting the flywheel to a planetary drive, finally spinning a dog-shifted two-speed shaft attached to the impeller.[34] Throttle control is electronic.[35] A centrifugal supercharger has the advantage of generating less heat than other designs, especially scroll-type or screw-type superchargers.[34][22] Without an intercooler (which the H2 lacks), excess heat in the intake charge can cause pre-ignition that can damage or destroy the engine.

Electronic aids

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Electronic rider aids include an anti-lock braking system (ABS), Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC), a Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), an electronic steering damper (ESD), and Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM).[34][36][37][38]

Aerodynamics

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This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: The description of the H2R's aero is hypothetical. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2022)

The front fairing of the Ninja H2R incorporates winglets[39] made of carbon fiber, just like the rest of the H2R-exclusive bodywork. They may be aerodynamic devices designed to create a low-pressure zone to help move cooling air through the engine bay,[40] to produce downforce at high speed,[33][32] or to provide straight-line stability in a short-wheelbase sportsbike chassis.[22][41]

Chassis

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The H2 and H2R have a tubular, thin-wall steel trellis frame and a single-sided swingarm,[22] with a traditional sportsbike wheelbase of 1,450 mm (57 in).[42]

Explaining the advantages of Kawasaki's approach to exploiting aerodynamics instead of lengthening the wheelbase, Independent Online's Dave Abrahams said, "It's easy to build stability into a hard-accelerating drag machine with a long wheelbase... but Kawasaki wanted a track-day machine, one that would also go round corners."[42] High speed motorcycles often have long wheelbases. Extra length is added by the extended swingarm on a typical drag motorcycle, and a typical land speed record streamliner has a meters-long wheelbase (3.7 meters for the current record holder, Ack Attack).