WATCH: Kawasaki Z H2 Review – The Verdict

The Kawasaki Z H2 is one of the most eagerly anticipated motorcycles of the year... but is the 'hypernaked' worth the hype?

Kawasaki Z H2 Review thumbnail

Imagine, you take delivery of an all-new Kawasaki Z H2 and then a nationwide lockdown is initiated forcing you to gaze longingly at it on the driveway as you adhere to the ‘Stay at Home’ message. Such is life.

If you’re a regular to Visordown, you’ll know we’ve been in possession of a Z H2 since the coronavirus pandemic began to bite hard, which means – save for the odd essential journey as permitted – we’ve had it parked up waiting for the moment we can properly unleash this supercharged beast.

That day has now come so we’ve wasted no time in getting back out on one of the year’s most anticipated motorcycles to really stretch the 200hp hypernaked’s “legs”. Has it been worth the longer than anticipated wait?

Kawasaki Z H2 (2020) - REVIEW

Keep it locked to Visordown for when we bring you the full written review of the Kawasaki Z H2 very soon…

Kawasaki Z H2 Specifications

Engine

Type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four, 16-valve DOHC

Power

197bhp (claimed) @ 11,000rpm

Torque

137Nm (claimed) @ 8,500rpm

Displacement

998cc

Bore and Stroke

76.0 × 55.0 mm

Compression ratio

11.2:1

Intake system

Kawasaki Supercharger

Ignition

Digital

Starting

Electric

Lubrication

Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler

Drivetrain

Transmission

6-speed, return, dog-ring

Final drive

Chain

Primary reduction ratio

1.480 (74/50)

Gear ratios

1st

3.077

2nd

2.471

3rd

2.045

4th

1.727

5th

1.524

6th

1.348

Final drive ratio

46/18

Chassis

Type

High-tensile steel trellis

Front travel

120mm

Rear travel

134mm

Tyre front

120/70ZR17 M/C 58W

Tyre rear

190/55ZR17 M/C 75W

Rake

24.9°

Trail

104mm

Suspension - F

Showa SPF BP forks

Suspension - R

Showa shock - Uni Trak

Brakes - F

Brembo M4 290mm discs

Brakes - R

Twin piston caliper 226mm disc

Dimensions

Length

2,085mm

Width

810mm

Height

1,130mm

Wheelbase

1,455mm

Ground clearance

140mm

Seat height

830mm

Weight (ready to ride)

239kg

Fuel capacity

19l