[CrAzY dRiVeR]

India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (IKM) has announced the launch of their flagship supernaked - MY21 Z H2 and Z H2 SE.



The Z H2 will be available in “Metallic Diablo Black/Golden Blazed Green” and price will be starting at INR 21,90,000/- (Ex-showroom).

The Z H2 SE will be available in “Metallic Diablo Black/Golden Blazed Green” and price will be starting at INR 25,90,000/- (ExShowroom).

Highlights of MY21 Z H2 and Z H2 SE

(As claimed)

Engine

• Balanced Supercharged Engine with a maximum output of 147.1 kW (200 PS)
• 998 cm3 liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve In-Line Four delivers consistent high performance
• Intake/exhaust characteristics and FI settings selected to deliver strong low-mid range torque
• Assist & Slipper Clutch enables light clutch lever operation and reduces back-torque when downshifting.
• Electronic Throttle Valves achieve smooth, natural throttle response and the engine’s power delivery characteristics

Chassis

• Newly designed trellis frame that ensures a balance of easy manoeuvrability at low and medium speeds, and stability at high speeds
• Optimised dimensions contribute to both light and stable handling
• SHOWA SFF-BP front fork with excellent shock absorption and damping characteristics making it easy to grasp road surface conditions
• SHOWA rear suspension with smooth action and excellent damping characteristics
• Brembo M4.32 front brake calipers for Z H2
• Brembo stylema front brake callipers for Z H2 SE
• KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension) with Showa’s Skyhook Technology *Only in Z H2 SE

Electronic Control Technology

• Integrated Riding Modes, which link KTRC and Power Mode to simplify setting adjustments
• Bosch IMU, which monitors chassis orientation and provides feedback to enable even more precise management by the KTRC and KIBS systems
• KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), which optimises traction in a wide variety of riding situations (Sport/Road/Rain)
• Power Mode Selection, which offers three output modes for riders to choose according to preference and conditions (Full/Middle/Low)
• KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) oversees traction and braking management
• KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System), uses high-precision control to regulate hydraulic brake pressure to minimise interference during sporty riding
• KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode), which helps to achieve efficient acceleration from a stop
• KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter), which enables clutchless gear shifts
• Electronic Cruise Control, which enables cruising at a set speed

Design & Equipment

• SUGOMI design suggests the fierce character of a Kawasaki Supernaked
• Minimalist design shows functional parts simply and without decorative flourishes
• Inherent form of a Supernaked is ideal for emphasising the supercharged engine
• Prominent air intake is another key reminder that this model is powered by a supercharged engine
• All-LED lighting
• Upright riding position contributes to both control and comfort
• 4.3” TFT colour instrumentation
• Handle switches consolidate controls for function displays and mode settings
• Smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP

[GTO]

What a beast! What impresses me most about fast motorcycles (and cars) is no longer top speed. But how they accelerate and the mid-range muscle.

Check the H2 out on the Autobahn. Normal machines start running out of breath @ 150 kmph, but the H2 is relentless!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRg9...O4LjdmnOWfj6AV

[bf1983]

I still can't figure out how people would be able to ride these naked bikes at speeds > 200 kph. The wind blast gets absolutely crazy at high speeds and you are grabbing on to the handlebars to ensure you don't fly off the bike ! You need a faired bikes for very high speed riding.

[DriverNo.420]

Kawasaki has priced this beast reasonably well for the Indian biking enthusiasts considering how expensive the original H2 was. It almost comes across as a value for money offering(if someone is spending that much, that is)
The less powerful N/A ZX-10RR isn't priced much lower. The Z1000 was also very overpriced considering we had Z900 for much lower. I remember the faired H2 with same power rating and same hardware costs a lot more than this. Even the richest will shudder at the thought of spending more than 40 lakhs on it.

[GoBlue]

Originally Posted by bf1983

I still can't figure out how people would be able to ride these naked bikes at speeds > 200 kph.

The larger question is where does one ride a 200+ bhp bike in the first place, especially in a state like MH that's devoid of tracks and has craters for roads.

In any case, this supernaked segment was never practical and was meant to be a pure halo bike class in which manufacturers could showcase their flagship/cutting edge technology.

Personally, I find the design of this bike to be extremely ugly, especially considering its price and exclusivity. No offense to anyone considering buying this bike or putting up a wallpaper of it on their wall.
One would think that Kawa would put in a little effort to give this bike a breathtaking design for what is a 30l OTR product (base variant), but they keep pushing "sugomi" everywhere.

Meanwhile, the sensational looking Ducati Streetfighter V4 is on its way to India. It has the looks to accompany the grunt too and weighs 40kg less in kerb weight! Sad to see that even in their flagship supernaked model, the Japs manage to fall behind in comparison to the Italians.

[neil.jericho]

Here is a good comparison video between the Kawasaki ZH2 and one of it's arch rivals, the KTM 1290 SuperDuke R. Two things really stand out with the Kawasaki - the roll on acceleration in the higher gears is insane, and the way the handlebar dances around on that imperfect runway at high speeds would made me nervous for the rider!

Knox Video

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by GoBlue

Personally, I find the design of this bike to be extremely ugly, especially considering its price and exclusivity. No offense to anyone considering buying this bike or putting up a wallpaper of it on their wall.
One would think that Kawa would put in a little effort to give this bike a breathtaking design for what is a 30l OTR product (base variant), but they keep pushing "sugomi" everywhere.

Agree with you there. If you disregard the headlight assembly the remainder of the bike looks visually similar to a Z900. This bike just doesn't look the part considering the hefty price.

The performance however is spot on though.

Schaff tested this bike and he came out most impressed even so far as to claiming it was the most impressive acceleration he even experienced on a bike so far which is high praise for a guy who rides a ton of bikes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IimH7rMC7FM&t=72s

[krishsreedharan]

I had my eyes on this one - would still get one if I had that kind of money sitting around and doing nothing but right now, I think its time for me to be practical. Already have the Z900 as my daily driver and I just cannot complain. My next two wheeled addition to the garage will definitely be a Versys 1000 given that the Mrs and I are planning to do a lot of bike touring in the foreseeable future