Kawasaki Z H2 Makes Its Debut At Tokyo Motor Show 2019

The  Z H2 gets a supercharged 998cc, in-line 4-cylinder engine with 200 ponies to play with

• The Kawasaki Z H2 retains the Z series' “Sugomi” DNA but adopts an asymmetrical design.
• It also gets a Bluetooth-enabled full-digital instrument console with a host of electronic rider aids.
• Expect this Z H2 supercharged street naked to make its way to India soon.

Kawasaki has finally taken the wraps off the much-awaited litre-class supercharged street naked, the Z H2, at the Tokyo Motor Show. It takes its position as the new flagship model in the brand’s streetfighter range. While it retains the  Z series' “Sugomi” design language, it looks more aggressive and beefier than its siblings. The highlight though is the supercharged engine and the new frame that holds it all together. 

Let's get the spec sheet out of the way first, shall we? To begin with, the Kawasaki Z H2 packs a supercharged 998cc, liquid-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder engine which belts out 200PS slightly lower down the rev range at 11,000rpm and 137Nm of peak torque at 8500rpm. To give you a frame of reference, the faired Ninja H2 makes 231PS at 11,500rpm and 141.7Nm at 11,000rpm. 

Putting a leash on all this power are integrated riding modes and KRTC traction control system among other electronic gizmos that'll keep you safe. All of this can be regulated via a fully-digital colour TFT LCD instrument cluster that can be paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Interestingly, the Z H2 weighs in at 239kg, making it 1kg heavier than the Ninja H2 despite the lack of a full fairing. It’s also 40mm wider and 5mm taller than its faired counterpart.

The Z H2 adopts an asymmetrical design where the air intake duct for the supercharger sits on the left side of the motorcycle. Then you have those flat handlebars, a frame mounted LED headlight, a muscular fuel tank and the signature Z series tail lamp at the end. Notably, the frame-mounted headlight setup is only available on the Z H2 and isn’t seen on any other streetfighters in the Z range.

It uses a new steel trellis frame for rigidity, separate function big piston forks (SFF-BP) and a rear monoshock, both of which are likely to be fully adjustable just like the Ninja H2. Putting a leash on the bike are twin disc brakes up front mated to Brembo calipers and a single rear disc. 

The Japanese manufacturer already offers the entire H2 range in India, so we believe that the manic Z H2 will also make its way here by mid-2020. It's expected to be priced around Rs 30 lakh to Rs 32 lakh (ex-showroom India) and go up against the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro.