In its standard trim, the supercharged 998cc in-line four cylinder Kawasaki Ninja H2 produces a blistering 197bhp at 11,000rpm, which is already impressive enough to turn plenty of heads. But it’s the R version’s staggering 306bhp that is capturing all the attention.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 R has recently been creating more hype than a Kim Kardashian publicity stunt. And just like the headline-grabbing curvy starlet, it’s the Ninja’s figure that has captured everyone’s attention. Only in this case, it’s numerical.
At almost twice the price of the standard Ninja H2, the super-charged and track-only H2 R offers the full monty. We’re talking of 50 per cent more power and a carbon fibre adorned, hand-painted bike unlike any other. Japanese motorcycles are sometimes scorned for having uniform styling, but the H2’s designers have thrown the rulebook out of the window to create one of Kawasaki’s most unique-looking bikes to date.
The functional design focuses on the bike’s aerodynamics and cooling qualities as well as its ride-ability. The bodywork looks like it has been folded sharply into shape rather than moulded, and flat fins protrude from both sides like little wings. This is truly as cutting edge as it gets.
It has slightly unconventional ergonomics, too. Compared to the marque’s current ZX-10R superbike, the H2 R has a more upright riding position. As for the pillion seat, there isn’t one. Probably because if you’ve seen this bike’s performance figures and still want to ride pillion, you clearly need psychiatric help!
Kawasaki produced the H2 R to push the boundaries of the possible when the restrictions surrounding road legal motorcycles are taken off the table
Any modern superbike is more than capable of drying your eyeballs into raisins. The Ninja H2 R takes it one step further. Although the throttle response on the standard version is slightly snatchy, it’s less apparent on the R version and with 109 extra stallions in the stable, the onslaught of power past 6,000rpm is absolutely insane. And so is the noise.
Kawasaki produced the H2 R to push the boundaries of the possible when the restrictions surrounding road legal motorcycles are taken off the table. As a result, anyone within a five-mile radius will know exactly what gear you’re in and how hard you’re nailing it.
With the Ninja H2 R’s compact 1,450mm wheelbase (1,455mm for the H2), it would be impossible to unleash the entire 306-strong herd at once, especially in the lower gears, without a little help. Thankfully, the sophisticated and very subtle electronics prevent you from turning yourself upside down.
As with most bikes these days, the H2 R is loaded with gadgets. It has three riding modes, nine-step switchable traction control, two-level adjustable engine braking and launch control.
It also boasts Kawasaki’s first single-sided swingarm, a quick-shifter, an Öhlins steering damper, and KYB’s latest 43mm upside-down front forks and rear mono-shock which are both, of course, fully adjustable.
By comparison to a number of its rivals, the standard Kawasaki Ninja H2 not only feels surprisingly heavy on the front end, but it’s also not quite the ground-breaking revolutionary motorcycle that its impressive styling and performance figures suggest.
The H2 R however is lighter and more agile. And it is ridiculously fast; so fast that one could easily compare it to a fully-fledged MotoGP bike. It never feels like you’re a wrist-twist away from seeing its darker side.
The Ninja H2 is still stunning, but it’s a watered-down version of the more exotic model. It’s like a Mojito without the rum.
The H2 R, on the other hand, with the looks and character of a superstar, completely steals the show… dream on!
At a glance
Engine
998cc in-line four producing 306bhp @ 14,000rpm and 121.6lb/ft
Transmission
Six-speed sequential manual, chain drive
Weight (kerb)
216kg
Seat height
830mm
Fuel capacity
17 litres