Kawasaki launched the Z H2, its first
supercharged naked roadster, in Japan on 4 April 2020. The flagship model of
the Z series will be priced at JPY 1,892,000 (including consumption taxes) that
converts into INR 13.17 lakh.
The Kawasaki Z H2 made its debut at the
2019 Tokyo Motor Show and joined the list of supercharged products in the
Japanese brand’s current portfolio. It features an odd yet attractive Sugomi
design. The green steel trellis frame that uses the engine as the stressed
member is clearly visible and adds to the contrast of the bike’s Metallic Spark
Black/Metallic Graphite Grey colour option.
The front half of the Z H2 is humongous as
it accommodates the gigantic 998 cc, in-line 4-cylinder supercharged engine. This
16-valve liquid-cooled powerplant produces a whopping 200 PS of maximum power
(without Ram Air) at 11,000 rpm and 137 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm. There’s
an assist-and-slipper clutch-equipped 6-speed gearbox that comes with a
bi-directional quick-shifter.
Since the Z H2 is Kawasaki’s flagship
naked roadster, it has been equipped with top-of-the-line equipment. The
suspension department includes Showa SSF BP upside-down forks at the front and
Showa shock and Uni Trak suspension at the back. The braking setup comprises
290 mm dual discs with Brembo M4.32 monobloc callipers at the front and a 226
mm single disc with a two-piston calliper at the rear.
Kawasaki has equipped the Z H2 with an
extensive electronics package that includes 4 riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain,
Rider), Kawasaki traction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake
System (KIBS) and Kawasaki Launch Control (KLCM). Electronic Cruise Control is
also a part of this comprehensive package. There’s also a colour TFT-display
with Bluetooth connectivity that works with the Kawasaki Rideology App.
In Japan, the Kawasaki Z H2 will be sold
via Kawasaki Plaza Network which offers its own privileges including unlimited
road service for the first year and a 3-year warranty. Also, the Z H2 is a
"Kawasaki Care Model" which means it gets 5 regular inspections and 3
engine oil changes for free. This is on top of the Kawasaki Plaza Network
privileges.