2015 EICMA: Kawasaki Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R
It has been a year now since Kawasaki strung us along with what seemed like endless teaser videos for its Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R superbikes. Let’s revisit what made them so popular. Boasting 998cc from its inline-Four, the H2 brethren represents Kawasaki’s flagship motorcycle. Let’s not forget the supercharger attached to both models, giving them a healthy amount of torque without the need for an intercooler. The trellis frame, Brembo M50 brakes, and traction control, among other things, helped the H2 line handle about as well as it accelerated.
For 2016, though, Kawasaki announced it would be adding an assist and slipper clutch to both H2 machines. Kawi says the assisted clutch will make lever pressure 40% lighter, which will help reduce rider fatigue on longer rides. The slipper function will help to avoid rear wheel hop during rapid downshifts.
Kawasaki also announced it would be offering another order period for customers not able to purchase an H2 or H2R during the first round of orders earlier this year.
Both motorcycles are now available in Mirror Coated Spark Black which is a revised silver-mirror paint that includes glass flakes in the first clear coat to catch the light.
Pricing for the 2016 H2 is $26,000, while the 2016 H2R is $53,000.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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