Tag Archives: Kawasaki Z H2

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2022 Kawasaki Z H2: The Bare Facts

Kawasaki Z H2

Kicking sand in the face of all other naked machines, the Kawasaki Z H2 and its equally sinewy sibling, the Z H2 SE, are products of a manufacturer at the forefront of the trend for stripped back, naked machines.

But Kawasaki has a trump card in the litre class segment of this popular style of machine, a 100% in-house designed and manufactured integrated supercharger. Calling on the skills of its aerospace and gas turbine divisions, Kawasaki has created a unique range of forced induction machines with Supersport, Sport Touring and, in the case of the Z models, Supernaked focus.

Key to the essential lure of the Z H2 concept is the use of a balanced supercharger application. Prioritising low and especially mid-range pulling power (without completely sacrificing that essential Kawasaki “top end rush”) the two 998cc Supernaked models in the 2022 range are impressively specified.

Sugomi styling dominates making an unapologetic statement where engineering qualities are matched like-for-like by styling features. Allied to this the rider environment is equally impressive featuring fat type tubular handlebars, a large colour TFT meter panel with a variety of settings plus the ability to pair with the rider’s Smartphone and interact with the latest, updated version of Kawasaki’s Rideology App.

Kawasaki Z H2

The trellis type chassis will be familiar to Ninja H2 fans but subtleties such as the twin spar swinging arm illustrate just how the creation of these dominant Supernakeds was fine tuned to suit the style of riding and performance envelope they would be operated within.

Rider aids abound with up/down quick shifters, integrated braking, switchable launch control, three mode traction control, power modes and even electronic cruise control showing that the seductive raw looks belie a refined rider-friendly personality. LED headlamps and ancillary lighting throughout illuminate what lays ahead while Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers ensure controlled and predictable stopping while the assist and slipper clutch facilitates slick down-changes.

Kawasaki Z H2 SE

For those seeking the ultimate in naked satisfaction, the SE model offers a degree of temptation that, for many, will be hard to resist. Kawasaki’s KECS electronically damped suspension is the stand-out feature of the SE model offering Showa Skyhook Technology whereby the attitude of the machine remains stable as the road undulates and the suspension reacts updating itself thousands of times per second. Additionally, the Z H2 SE’s higher-spec Brembo front brake package includes Stylema monobloc calipers and a Brembo radial pump front master cylinder, offering stronger braking performance and enhanced control.

The final touch is a special graphics package that sets the SE model apart from not just the standard Z H2 but all other Supernaked machines in the category. There is choice in the upper echelons of naked class, and an array machines on offer so it’s reassuring that once the bare facts are considered the Kawasaki Z H2.

Available from March 2022, colours and prices will be:

Z H2
– Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Diablo Black (Standard £15,999, Performance £17,099)
– Metallic Diablo Black/Golden Blazed Green (Standard £15,999, Performance £17,099)

Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Z H2 SE

– Metallic Diablo Black/Golden Blazed Green (Standard £18,449, Performance £19,549)

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Kawasaki Z H2
Industry News, Kawasaki, Latest News, Manufacturers

Kawasaki’s Supercharged Z H2 SE blasts into 2021

A supercharged sensation at its launch on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway earlier in 2020, Kawasaki’s incredible Z H2 blasts into 2021 with an SE model in showrooms making it a two-bike range for the new year.

In its own unique paint and graphic look, the SE model does what seemed impossible at the time, adding yet more bling to the Z H2 concept. Already a no-nonsense, impossible to ignore base machine, the SE version adds some key features to justify its claim to be King of the Supernakeds.

The trellis chassis remains and so too the unique balanced supercharged engine that has won so many plaudits already. And although appearing to be naked and stripped to bare essentials, the Z H2 SE also boasts an awesome array of electronic rider aids including, electronic cruise control, integrated riding modes (linking KTRCS sport traction control), power modes, traction & launch control, selectable power modes an up/down quick shifter plus Cornering Management Function, launch control and Intelligent anti-lock Brake System which counts on Brembo Stylema calipers for incredible stopping power.

And while the huge torque of the 998cc inline four brings the horizon rushing into focus, the journey there will now be even smoother as the new edition of electronically damped ø43 mm Showa SFF-CA (cartridge) fork and a high-spec BFRC lite rear shock can now count on Showa’s Skyhook technology. With a 1 millisecond reaction time, Skyhook adjusts the damping electronically to suit vehicle speed and suspension stroke speed with the intention of keeping the body of the vehicle in a constant attitude while the wheels and suspension follow the dips and deviations in the road surface.  Deceleration is also considered, allowing the pitching that occurs under braking to be managed.

Ensuring that Kawasaki’s Sugomi styled predator does not have to move among the shadows at night, an all LED lighting package illuminates the Z H2 SE while the rider can focus on the clarity of a TFT meter panel which is also Bluetooth equipped allowing connection with a Smartphone for a variety of functions courtesy of Kawasaki’s free to download Rideology app. With so many stand out features – and such characteristic Kawasaki state-of-the-art engineering – it’s no wonder the Z H2 SE is adorned with the exclusive “River Mark”.

It’s a lot to take in and certainly a genuine assault on the senses so it’s comforting to know only one word needs to be recalled to create an image of the 2021 Z H2 SE – Supercharge!

Arriving March 2021, the Kawasaki Z H2 will cost £15,899, with the Performance edition priced at £16,999. The Z H2 SE is available in Gloden Blazed Green and Diablo Black and will cost  £18,349, with the Performance Edition priced at £19,449.

For more information on Kawasaki Motorcycles UK visit kawasaki.co.uk/en/products

 

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Pirelli DIABLO ROSSO™ III chosen as original equipment for the new hypernaked Kawasaki Z H2

Protagonist at the EICMA show last November and recently presented to the international press in Las Vegas, the Kawasaki Z H2 represents the most radical and powerful motorcycle ever produced of the historic Z series. Now the flagship model of this family, the supercharged naked from Akashi is able to satisfy the most demanding motorcyclists thanks to a long list of cutting-edge technical and electronic features. The most defining feature is certainly the 988cc four-cylinder in-line supercharged engine that is able to deliver up to 200 PS at 11,000 rpm.

To transmit the high power generated by the engine to the ground, Kawasaki has selected Pirelli DIABLO ROSSO™ III in the 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL (K) size for the front and 190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL (D) for the rear of the Z H2. The version of the front tyre (K) was designed by Pirelli engineers specifically in order to meet the Japanese company’s goals in terms of agility and handling. The rear version (D) manages the incredible power and immense torque of the supercharged engine ensuring high stability and traction management.

The DIABLO™ brand has always represented Pirelli excellence in the world of sport tyres for motorcycles. The DIABLO™ brand can boast almost 18 years of experience, technology and wins in the comparative tyre tests from the most authoritative specialist magazines and in international races at all levels. Within the DIABLO™ range, the DIABLO ROSSO™ brand identifies products dedicated to high performance use on roads and the DIABLO ROSSO™ III continues this pedigree and story of this successful brand.

Since 2004,Pirelli has made the FIM Superbike World Championship for production-based motorcycles the benchmark to develop not only the products used in competition, but also tyres used daily by motorcyclists all over the world. Inspired by the philosophy, which has now become a motto of the Italian tyre company, “We sell what we race, we race what we sell”, Pirelli has managed to bring to fruition all the experience acquired in this championship, applying normal production products for road use to some of the patents and materials developed for racing activity. The entire DIABLO ROSSO™ III project is the result of Pirelli’s long experience in the FIM Superbike World Championship: the design technology, the materials of the structure, and compound mixing process are the same as used for Superbikes.

The main technical characteristics of the DIABLO ROSSO™ III are:

1)     The bi compound rear tyre with high percentages of silica that improves grip in all conditions with the added benefit of giving extra mileage

2)     The profile derived from race tyres

3)     The tread which uses a pattern that is an evolution of the DIABLO™ Supercorsa DOT race tyre but features more tread grooves for better wet handling

DIABLO ROSSO III

All of this leads to the following advantages to motorcyclists by the new DIABLO ROSSO™ III:

1)     The excellent handling comes from the race tyre DNA andtransmits to the motorcyclist a strong feeling of grip and superb feedback on the bike. This is made possible by the combined characteristics of profile and structure that are derived directly from Superbike competition.

2)     The exceptional grip, able to transfer the power of motorcycles such as the Kawasaki Z H2, powered by a 988cc four-cylinder in-line supercharged engine. Grip and safety feeling not only on dry tarmac but also on wet, thanks to the new materials and experience gained by the brand in other segments.

3)     Providing consistent performance over the tyre’s life, ensuring confidence-inspiring grip and riding until the last mile.

The DIABLO ROSSO™ III can satisfy even the most demanding riders who want a sport bike tyre capable of guaranteeing great handling, excellent levels of grip, and high performance to the end of tyre life. More specifically, DIABLO ROSSO™ III is dedicated in particular to motorcyclists who love to ride their motorcycle quickly and aggressively.

Kawasaki

New Kawasaki Z H2 marks a new era in the Hypernaked class

Stretching back in an unbroken series of models over nearly fifty years to the iconic and ground-breaking Super Four model Z1 of 1972, Kawasaki has an enviable Z heritage in the naked class.

Kawasaki is not looking back with its latest top level Z though. Instead, it encourages riders and fans to look to the future and anticipate meeting the most radical, most technically advanced and most powerful Z ever; the Z H2. Harnessing Kawasaki’s considerable in-house experience with the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R, the Z H2 forces the world of motorcycling in a new direction with the ultimate Hypernaked machine.

Being at the pinnacle of the 2020 Z family is a huge responsibility which calls for a machine with a feature list satisfying the wants and needs of even the most demanding rider, delivering a specification that exceeds those demands thus creating “The Ultimate Z”. Echoing the core spirit of Kawasaki’s unique “Sugomi” design philosophy – where each styling innovation is matched equally by an engineering feature – the Z H2 literally bristles with interesting rider focused facets.

Of course, most attention will initially be focused on the majestic 998cc four-cylinder engine equipped with Kawasaki’s in-house developed and manufactured integrated balanced supercharger. With a targeted heady peak of 200PS, the virtues of the design are a controllable yet invigorating flow of power building to a satisfying Ram Air assisted crescendo matched to more down to earth subtleties such as a rider friendly character that results in an eminently manageable ride. So whilst the Z H2 will be attractive to highly experienced riders, its all-round manageability makes it accessible to the wide potential audience.

Exterior clues to the special nature of this “ultimate Z” abound with a new take on Sugomi styling and visual updates such as all LED lighting including indicators and licence plate illumination. The easy to read TFT meter panel is instantly recognisable and – upon closer inspection – the up/down quick shifter is apparent plus, on the left bar cluster, adjustment for the standard fit cruise control and a host of other rider-centric features. Kawasaki’s much praised trellis type chassis as used on previous supercharged models is updated for the new Z while Brembo M4 calipers appear attached to the Showa BPF front forks attesting to the high quality specification of this class leading naked machine.

Deeper inside, Kawasaki engineers have worked hard to ensure a dynamic balance between performance and durability making a supercharged streetbike a practical yet exotic reality. With its assist and slipper clutch plus dog ring gearbox technology, clever use of oil as a coolant to eliminate the need for a bulky intercooler and manifest oil jets playing on key components, KHI engineers have married reliability to rideability in a way only they know how.

A large number of electronic rider aids via the Bosch IMU such as traction control, intelligent anti-lock braking, cornering management function, selectable rider and power modes, anti-wheelie control are matched in the tech league table by Bluetooth connectivity which – via the Kawasaki Rideology Smartphone app – allows riders to interface with their machine and discover more about their ride and machine status, all via the screen of their mobile phone. Allied to practical information such as fuel economy and journey facts, there are also features such as a lean angle meter recorder that are sure to be a popular function.

From its asymmetric supercharger air intake to one side of the menacing twin LED headlamps, via the reverse embossed “Supercharged” icon on the impeller unit to the aggressive Sugomi stance and dramatic colour coded trellis chassis with its imposing bodywork, the Z H2 is a symphony of sensation. Much anticipated, much talked about and perhaps most eagerly awaited of all 2020 Hypernaked machines, the Z H2 is here and ready to take its place at the head of the Z family and to take charge of the popular naked class.