Kawasaki Ninja H2R - The most powerful production motorcycle in the world!

The release of the Kawasaki Ninja H2R did not surprise anyone, because several years earlier the Japanese company had already successfully tested its strength in the supersport class, offering motorcyclists the ZX-14R model. We were surprised by the characteristics of the ambitious newcomer - Kawasaki representatives, without false modesty, stated that they had developed the world’s most powerful serial hyperbike , moreover, equipped with a supercharging system that increases the already high engine power. And we must admit that this statement was not empty boasting. The new Ninja has set a new quality standard in its class.

Specifications

The most expensive and most powerful mass-produced hyperbike , what should it be? Powerful, fast, dynamic, with predictable handling and effective braking... This goes without saying, but you need to find the optimal balance between all these parameters. The designers succeeded, and they presented the public with the most advanced sports motorcycle in history. The Kawasaki Ninja H2R has technical characteristics that fully justify the high price.

Engine

The 4-cylinder, 4-valve liquid power unit with a volume of 998 cm² is the most powerful in its class. Additionally, it is supercharged with a 2-speed centrifugal supercharger , and in the Kawasaki Ninja H2R racing version it produces a record 310 hp! In the civilian version, the figures are somewhat more modest, from 200 hp. up to 231 hp (for H2 2019+ model years). The sports-touring modification of the H2 SX is distinguished by a retuned engine charged with “only” 150-170 hp. depending on the sales market. Peak torque is achieved between 8,000 (SX) and 12,500 rpm (H2R), and ranges from 128 to 165 Nm . All engine modifications are equipped with double injectors, and they prefer to be powered only by the highest quality gasoline.

Transmission

The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is equipped with a 6-speed transmission , which in 2022 migrated to the naked Z H2, which went on sale. The gearbox works very smoothly, and even allows some liberties - if desired, you can already reach a speed of more than 200 km/h in third gear.

Chassis and brakes

The steel trellis frame offers excellent flexural and torsional strength, and the bike behaves predictably even in long, high-speed corners when subjected to extreme stress. The front wheel has two 330 mm brake discs (320 mm in the SX version) with 4-piston calipers, and the rear wheel has one 250 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. about the fact that the braking system is combined and equipped with ABS . The suspensions are fully adjustable, both front and rear, although they are quite short-travel.

Electronics

Kawasaki's flagship hyperbike is stuffed with all kinds of electronics. Here you have a tilt angle control system , and “smart” ABS, and a quickshifter , and 9-level traction control with three operating modes, and the ability to connect a smartphone to the motorcycle via Bluetooth (you will need a proprietary Kawasaki application), and much more. The Ninja H2R has no less electronic filling than any modern car.

Weight and dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the Kawasaki Ninja H2R is closer to sports tourists than to radical sports bikes; its length exceeds 2 meters , and the wheelbase falls just short of 1.5 meters. It also weighs a lot, the curb weight ranges from 216 kg (for the racing version - Ninja n2r) to 260 kg for the sports-touring version SX SE. The center of gravity is located high enough, so that every kilogram is subjectively felt. Partly, such a high mass is due to the fact that Japanese engineers made the motorcycle trellis frame from a steel alloy, rather than aluminum, to increase rigidity.

Controllability

The bike handles exactly as you would expect from a sports motorcycle, at a price comparable to an apartment in a medium-sized city. The top-end Ninja perfectly obeys the steering wheel and does not lose the ability to confidently maneuver even at speeds of up to 300 km/h! This is largely due to thoughtful aerodynamics - before launching into series, the sportbike was tested for a long time, including in a wind tunnel.

Fuel consumption

According to the manufacturer, the average gasoline consumption of the Kawasaki Ninja H2R is slightly less than 5 liters . When driving at very high speeds, or when racing on a track, it increases rapidly and can exceed 10 liters per 100 km . It is advisable to fill only AI-98, and at proven gas stations - the high-tech Ninja N2 engine is very sensitive to fuel purity.

Brake system

The brake discs are large here.
Their width is 6 mm and diameter is 300 mm. They are made of stainless steel. Thus, the brake force will be very strong each time you apply them.

It often happens that even experienced riders find it difficult to discern which gear is currently in use while riding.

To prevent such situations, the digital display here is installed in a large size .

It is able to instantly display all the most important information for the rider - speed and gear number.

The ZX-6R model has cylindrical airbox guides. They help ensure accurate spraying from the fuel injectors.

As a result, better fuel atomization improves combustion efficiency. Accordingly, the engine output will be greater.

Repair and tuning

The flagship model is extremely reliable, and, judging by the reviews of its owners, it does not have any common problems. This is undoubtedly pleasing, since any intervention in the design of this ultra-expensive motorcycle costs a pretty penny.

Repair

It is almost impossible to repair the H2R Kawasaki yourself. This model uses all the technological achievements of the Japanese company, and it is not easy to understand the structure of the sports bike. Any operation more complex than an oil change requires a visit to an authorized dealer.

Spare parts

There are practically no non-original spare parts, and the quality of those that are available is questionable. At speeds under 300 km/h, the slightest defect in any part can lead to fatal consequences, so you shouldn’t skimp on spare parts. Dealers usually have everything they need in stock; in extreme cases, any part can be brought to order. The cost is quite high.

Tuning

On the Kawasaki Ninja H2R, tuning is practically absent due to its unnecessaryness. Already from the factory, this bike is equipped with the latest technology, and there is simply nothing to improve in it. Some owners modify some small things like steering wheel grips or footrests, but usually that’s all.

About reliability

As befits a real ninja, reliability here is at a high level .

This is what contributed to the growing popularity of this bike among stunt riders.

A powerful subframe and increased engine resources allow it to withstand serious mechanical loads while performing various stunts.

Early models of these motorcycles had some engine problems . Considering that the engine had high speeds, it was quite powerful, but could not provide the required resource life.

Therefore, those choosing a Kawasaki ZX6R from the range of models from the 90s or early 2000s need to take these features very seriously.

Caring for this motorcycle does not require compliance with any special rules.

However, you will have to comply with the basic requirements, which determine timely refueling, checking tires, good engine care, timely oil changes, as well as proper preparation for the winter period.

Motorcycle modifications

• H2 . Basic civilian version, produced since 2014.
• H2R . The racing modification differs from the usual one with increased power (310 hp), retuned gearbox, supercharging and exhaust. This is a purely sports equipment and is not intended for public roads.
• H2 Carbon . Lightweight civilian version due to the use of carbon fiber body kit elements.
• H2 SX . A sport tourer with a slightly simplified design, with slightly less effective brakes and a smaller rear wheel. The SX Tourer is additionally equipped with plastic side cases.
• H2 SX SE . A sports touring bike based on the SX model, but with additional equipment: heated grips, a higher windshield, a retuned engine and gearbox, a 2-liter larger gas tank, different seats, a cornering light system and electronic suspension adjustment.

Winner: Triumph Trident 660 2022

Triumph Trident 660

Triumph Trident 660 2022 is the undisputed leader in comfort and ergonomics: controls, dashboard, excellent quality of finish. The excellent three-cylinder 660 cc engine is liked by literally everyone, even if it is somewhat inferior to the Yamaha. On the dyno chart, the Yamaha engine is the undisputed leader, but on the road its advantage is not so obvious. In addition, the Trident outperformed the Aprilia in terms of brakes and suspension, and thus rightfully took first place.

So, the motor. It’s average in terms of power, it works very smoothly and softly, it spins up easily to the main torque level and pulls very well at high speeds.

The ergonomics of the Triumph Trident 660 may not be perfect, but the riding position is neutral and comfortable for everyday city driving. When driving dynamically along serpentine roads, you feel the urge to sit closer to the steering wheel in order to more confidently load the front tire. The suspension is relatively stiff, but does not smooth out as well as that of the Tuono 660 and CBR650R.

Like the Aprilia, the Triumph Trident 660 exudes quality. Excellent finishing, lovely modern dashboard, and even the color options are very nice. If you try to describe the entire motorcycle in one word, then that word would be “smooth.” The engine is excellent both at low speeds around the city and in dynamic driving along serpentine roads, it runs smoothly, throttle response, and almost does not vibrate at any speed.

The Triumph Trident 660 is narrow in the saddle area, making it easy to reach the ground with your feet, making it ideal for beginners in this area. True, complete beginners should not start with any of these motorcycles; this is still a serious piece of equipment.

Triumph has been making triples for many years and the 660 is a great example of the importance of continuous improvement and what it can achieve. It is perfect - practically does not vibrate, even at high speeds, sounds great, produces excellent linear power. There are barely noticeable delays at small throttle openings, but it is very torquey at medium speeds and has absolutely no dips. At the top it runs out of steam before the Tuono, but still spins quite high and doesn't deflate too much.

It has excellent powerful brakes. At first I thought of writing that it was surprising to see reinforced lines, but to be honest, the rubber hoses on the other five models are more surprising. True, the information content is not ideal, but this is in contrast to the Brembo on the Aprilia. But if there is no contrast, it’s very good.

Two riding modes, Road and Rain, affect traction characteristics and traction control settings. Traction control, by the way, can be completely turned off, unlike ABS.

The chassis, equipped with an inverted fork, is composed and neutral. But the Trident isn't a Street Triple or a Daytona, it's a budget model that isn't very good on rough roads. However, of the six bikes, the Trident is the most composed, and in normal conditions it is absolutely stable, controllable and comfortable. For dynamic driving, as I said, I would like to slightly load the front wheel.

The design of the Triumph Trident 660 did not impress at first glance - it seems like a classic silhouette of a tank and headlights against the background of the features of a modern naked bike. It even seemed like some other headlight was suggesting itself, and then it dawned on me: this will turn out to be a Street Triple. Of the six, the Triumph LED light is the brightest and highest quality, even during the day. Its low beam is visible from more than a kilometer away.

So, first place goes to the Triumph Trident 660 2022. This is a comfortable, stylish and well-equipped motorcycle with an excellent three-cylinder engine. What also inspires respect is how well-developed Triumph motorcycles come out - the company never rushes to release new models, tests them thoroughly, and after release carefully monitors them for various glitches (which appear extremely rarely). Everything about the new Trident works as it should - as does most modern Triumph motorcycles.

It's not perfect, but it's more than worth the money, and it's also inexpensive to maintain. At this price, you can also afford heated grips, a quickshifter and a windshield. I would like to loosen up the fast compression smoothing a little, but otherwise the suspension is very good. At 6000rpm and 130km/h there is a subtle itch on the grips and it would be nice to have cruise control to give your wrists a break from that slight vibration. And this is probably where Trident’s shortcomings end.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any highly specialized technology has strengths and weaknesses. Thus, the technical characteristics of the Kawasaki Ninja H2R make this model simply dangerous for use on public roads, which is why only civilian modifications are allowed on roads.

Advantages

• Incredible power and crazy dynamics . Even the civilian modification of the Kawasaki Ninja H2 is capable of reaching a speed of almost 340 km/h, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes no more than 2.6 seconds.
• Capacious gas tank . This is especially true for the SX and SX SE versions, designed for long trips.
• Fully adjustable suspension , efficient and energy-saving.
• Excellent combined braking system with ABS .
• Ergonomics thought out to the smallest detail . The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is equally comfortable for both tall and short bikers.
• Modest fuel consumption , especially for a model with such impressive power.

Flaws

• High cost of maintenance. But, if you buy a motorcycle for 2-5 million rubles, you are unlikely to care much about money, right?
• Extremely complicated design . For repairs and maintenance you will have to go to official Kawasaki dealers.
• Considerable mass . In terms of dynamics, this is compensated by the enormous power, but purely physically the motorcycle seems heavy.
• Low ground clearance , only 130 mm. On bad roads this disadvantage can become critical.

Exterior design of the sportbike

The Kawasaki Ninja 600 has an impressive appearance with a sporty style.
The first thing that catches your eye in the foreground is the high-brightness dual headlights .

The style is also complemented by the Ram Air air intake system, which is placed in the center of the bike.

Turn signals are built into the front fairing.

The wing at the front has acquired an aerodynamic shape.

At the rear, the turn signals are quite small and cone-shaped. The rear light is equipped with bright LEDs.

It precisely projects the shape of the rear fairing and is located high above the road level, which ensures maximum visibility of the motorbike on the road.

The instrument panel is made in a racing style and consists of:

• Gear adjustment indicator.
• Digital speedometer.
• Diagram tachometer.
• Digital thermometer.
• Stopwatch.
• Watch.
• Indicator lamps.
• Odometer.

In addition, it can be noted that the exhaust system is made of stainless steel . The sporty style is reflected in the passenger footrests.

The mounting panel was made in the form of a triangle with special cutouts. The bike frame has a black finish.

Owner reviews

Switched to Ninja from Hayabusa, just heaven and earth. The comparison is probably incorrect, I had an old Businka, 2003, and this is a completely different generation, but I have never driven a more recent one. In 2015 I changed the motor and bought it new from the dealer. There is a warranty, service only at the dealer, it costs, in my opinion, unreasonably expensive, but there are no options. The motorcycle is exactly what it seems, that is, really crazy. Personally, after my first trip along the highway, a new awareness of the meaning of the word “adrenaline” took shape in my head)) Oleg, Moscow.

I only rode the H2R Kawasaki on a track in Spain, rented it there, along with service and other things. ShKMG has a lot of experience behind it, but the bike still impressed me, it’s something that words can’t describe. I haven’t driven the civilian version, it’s one and a half times weaker in terms of performance characteristics, but I don’t have experience with it to compare. I myself ride a Yamaha R1, the motorcycle is completely different, in some ways more interesting even, albeit cheaper, although in general, of course, it is inferior to Kave Ash two Er. Dmitry, Krasnodar.

I skated the 2019 season on a Ninja SX, switching from a Kava GTR1400. The ninja is angrier, the character is not as smooth and calm as that of the GTR, but it is quite suitable for a sports tourist. Overtaking at any speed takes a couple of seconds, you don’t even have to shift down a gear. Overall impressions are mixed; I sometimes miss the GTR, although objectively the Ninja SX is head and shoulders above in most respects. If it had a cardan instead of a chain, it wouldn’t have any value. Victor, Smolensk.

Video

As we have already said, thanks to the new engine, this bike reaches maximum speed, and due to its lightness, it is agile in the most difficult turns.

We offer you an exciting ride at incredible speed, which you can take part in by watching our video.

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Comments (2)

1. IVAN:
   03/02/2015 at 13:40

   Nowadays Kawasaki motorcycles are very advanced and they are not afraid of any obstacles. I own a Kawasaki Ninja 600 myself and am absolutely delighted with its power.

   Answer

2. Malik24:

   03/03/2015 at 09:27

   I have always dreamed of riding an iron horse; I relatively recently received a license to drive a motorcycle. I rushed between models for a long time and finally bought a Kawasaki, shelled out enough money and don’t regret it one bit. The motorcycle fully met my expectations, and even exceeded it in some ways.

   Answer

FAQ

• Which is correct, H2R or just H2? According to the official name, the first designation corresponds to the racing version, and the second to the civilian version. Accordingly, these are two different modifications.
• Is it expensive to maintain? Not cheap, but no more expensive than any other modern motorcycle comparable in price and technical characteristics.
• I've had two seasons of experience, rode them on a 600 sportbike, isn't it dangerous to ride a top-end Ninja? A controversial issue, but in any case it is better to err on the side of caution. This is not a bike for beginners, but for truly experienced motorcyclists.

Photo gallery

This sportbike captivates us with its devilishly strong engine and soft, obedient handling and even more menacing appearance. In this photo gallery we have collected for you the best photos of this motorcycle.

Conclusion

At one time, the Cold War between the USSR and the USA led to rapid breakthroughs in the field of space exploration, and in the same way, fierce competition between Japan's largest motorcycle manufacturers spurred the development of technologies used in the production of motorcycles. The fruit of this rivalry was the Kawasaki Ninja H2R, which immediately after its release won the laurels of the most powerful production motorcycle in the world. The civilian version is slightly inferior to the racing version, but still few can compare with it. This is the pinnacle of motorcycle evolution within the sports and sports-touring classes.

Specifications