Kawasaki has unveiled the 2019 Ninja H2 at the ongoing 2018 Bonneville Speed Week in Utah, USA. As if the previous generation motorcycle wasn’t powerful enough, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has bumped up the power figure by 32PS, to 231PS at 11,500rpm. Surprisingly, Kawasaki managed to do this without compromising on the fuel efficiency figures of the outgoing model! To achieve such fine a balance, it implemented a few parts, including the air-filter, intake chamber, spark plugs and ECU, from the Ninja H2 SX to this motorcycle.
The motorcycle also features a new ‘Supercharged’ emblem, a TFT console with Bluetooth connectivity and a self-healing paint. Yes, you read that right! Developed in-house by Kawasaki, the “healing” time is much faster than other self-healing paints that takes weeks to heal completely. However, Kawasaki has not revealed the intricate details of how quick it really heals. The paint starts healing minor scratches at suitably warm ambient temperatures. Truly built beyond belief! Going back to the console, the design is similar to the one in the Ninja H2 SX SE and is compatible with Kawasaki’s new “Rideology” app. Once paired, the rider can use a smartphone to display plenty of information, including vehicle information such as fuel level and battery condition as well as a riding log and service interval updates.
The 2019 Ninja H2’s heart is an in-line, 4-cylinder, supercharged engine with liquid-cooling and fuel-injection. Paired with a quick-shifting (up & down) 6-speed transmission with hydraulic assist and slipper clutch, the motor produces a peak torque of 141.7Nm at 11,000rpm. A 6-axis Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) oversees the operation of KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode) and KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Braking System).
The high-tensile steel trellis frame rides on 43mm upside down front forks with Ohlins steering damper and Ohlins TTX36 Uni-Trak gas-charged monoshock, both of which are fully adjustable. For 2019, Kawasaki has equipped the motorcycle with Brembo Stylema monobloc callipers up front holding the 330mm discs and a 250mm disc with a Brembo calliper at the rear. Kawasaki says the Stylema callipers has increased pad cooling ability, more instant and predictable initial actuation and better temperature characteristics for the brake fluid itself. There’s a set of new Bridgestone RS11 tyres for optimal handling as well.
Kenji Nagahara, managing director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, said, “The visual impact and engineering prowess of the Ninja H2 will surely increase thanks to this major update. This Supercharged machine is the physical embodiment of our corporate strength. The addition of more power, smartphone “Rideology” technology and other specification upgrades for 2019 shows that, as a company, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and delivering cutting edge motorcycles to the market.”
Since it’s the only supercharged hyperbike in the market, there really aren’t any rivals for the H2. Expect Kawasaki to launch the motorcycle either at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show or at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy.
Source: zigwheels.com
