Kawasaki Ninja H2 [2018-2019]

India Kawasaki Motors has finally launched their most awaited motorcycle, the Ninja H2. After dropping a bomb with the Ninja H2R at the 2014 Intermot show, Kawasaki unveiled the road-legal version, the Ninja H2 at the 2014 EICMA show. Marketed as the world’s only supercharged hypersport motorcycle, the Ninja H2 has been co-developed by the Kawasaki motorcycle division, the turbine and the Aerospace division.

The Ninja H2 is powered by a 998cc supercharged engine that churns out 207bhp at 11,000rpm and a maximum torque of 140.4Nm at 10,500rpm. This engine transfers the power to the rear wheel via a six-speed dog-ring transmission, which is found in MotoGP bikes. The bike gets a Brembo hydraulic clutch and an adjustable back-torque limiter that prevents wheel locking up during quick downshifts.

The Ninja H2 has been coated in a chemical solution of silver-ions and a reducing agent to form a layer of pure silver. This allows the bike to look black in the shade but have a mirror finish effect in the light. The H2 shares the H2R's steel trellis frame (first Ninja to get it) which Kawasaki says allows a short wheelbase for sharp handling while providing excellent high-speed stability. The mirrors are designed to aerodynamically assist high-speed stability while a chin spoiler on the fairing delivers downforce to the front wheel. Cosmetically, the Ninja H2 looks way different from the rest of the Ninja family.

The LCD instrument console displays a wide range of data like the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, average and current fuel-efficiency, clock, temperature, gear position indicator and the economical riding indicator. The Ninja H2 is loaded with the latest gizmos like the patented Kawasaki Traction Control System (KSTRC), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter and an Ohlins Electronic Steering Damper.

The Kawasaki NInja H2 is being sold in India as a completely-built-up (CBU) unit from Japan. As per the top honcho of the company, it was difficult for the Indian arm to get this bike to India, due to its hypersport pedigree, which basically means that not many  Ninja H2 bikes will be sold in India. The bike will be available only at Kawasaki exclusive dealerships. Considering its price tag, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 competes with the BMW S1000RR and the soon-to-be launched Yamaha YZF-R1.