2020 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon

Advanced Electronics

• STATE-OF-THE-ART: Key enhancements bring Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) WorldSBK championship-proven electronics management technology to the Ninja H2™ motorcycle. This results in precise chassis orientation awareness that assists the rider’s ability to adapt to a wide range of typical street riding conditions and scenarios.
• PREDICTIVE & ADAPTIVE: The Bosch® Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) enables inertia along 6 Degrees of Freedom to be monitored. This next-level system enables predictive and adaptive electronics for precise chassis orientation awareness.
• ADJUSTABLE & EFFICIENT: This system allows riders to set engine braking according to preference. When the system is activated, the engine braking effect is reduced, providing less interference when riding on the circuit.
• KAWASAKI QUICK SHIFTER: Complementing the engine’s strong power and the dog-ring transmission, a contactless-type quick shifter enables quick upshifts for seamless acceleration. The KQS enables clutchless downshifts for quick and smooth deceleration.
• ADVANCED & USEFUL: Use the RIDEOLOGY THE APP smartphone application to view important vehicle information such as fuel level, odometer, trip meter, maintenance schedule, battery condition, etc. while also keeping record of riding route, speed, rpm, gear and fuel mileage. Telephone notices on the vehicle’s instrument display when a call, text or mail is received by the smartphone.
• OPTIMAL LAUNCH: Three-mode KLCM provides unmatchable acceleration from a stop by electronically controlling engine output to minimize rear wheel-slip and front end lift. Launch Control Mode allows the rider to launch from a stop with the throttle held wide open.

Chassis Management Technology

• ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM): Kawasaki ABS systems use front and rear wheel sensors to constantly monitor wheel speed. Should information from either of the sensors indicate that wheel lock has occurred, the ABS ECU directs the pump in the ABS unit to modulate brake fluid pressure (releasing and reapplying pressure so that traction can be regained) until normal operation resumes. ABS offers rider reassurance that contributes to greater riding enjoyment.
• ERGO-FIT®: Proper fit is key for rider comfort and control. However, the ideal fit varies from rider to rider, depending on their physical dimensions and riding style. ERGO-FIT® is an interface system designed to allow riders to find their ideal riding position. Various points of the chassis interface (the handlebar, footpegs and seat, etc.) can be adjusted through a combination of interchangeable parts and parts with adjustable positions. This enables a wide range of riders to find a riding position that offers both comfort and control. Feeling at one with their machine, they will be able to experience how Kawasaki machines are fun and rewarding to ride. *Adjustable parts and their range of adjustability vary by model.
• KECS (KAWASAKI ELECTRONIC CONTROL SUSPENSION): Kawasaki developed KIBS to take into account the particular handling characteristics of supersport motorcycles, ensuring highly efficient braking with minimal intrusion during sport riding. It is the first mass-production brake system to link the ABS ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and engine ECU. In addition to front and rear wheel speed, KIBS monitors front brake caliper hydraulic pressure, throttle position, engine speed, clutch actuation and gear position. This diverse information is analyzed to determine the ideal front brake hydraulic pressure. Through precise control, hydraulic pressure is modulated in much smaller increments than with standard ABS systems. The system limits rear wheel lift under heavy braking and takes downshifting into account while braking, allowing the rider to manage the rear brake. And because of the finer control, kickback to the brake lever is minimal, resulting in a very natural feeling.
• SILVER-MIRROR PAINT: Kawasaki’s high-quality original paint has a highly reflective, glasslike metal appearance. Its debut on the 2015 Ninja H2™ and Ninja H2™R marked its first use on a mass-production vehicle in either the automotive or motorcycle industry. In the shade the paint has the appearance of its base coat color, but once in the sunlight its highly reflective surface takes on the appearance of the surrounding scenery. The stark difference in the way the paint appears in the light and the shade emphasizes the sculpted shape of the bodywork on which it is applied. The highly reflective surface is created by inducing a silver mirror reaction (a chemical reaction between a solution of silver ions and a reducing agent) that forms a layer of pure silver (Ag). This Ag layer is what creates the paint’s glasslike metal appearance. Compared to candy paints, which use aluminum flakes to generate a sparkling effect, the Ag layer appears as a uniform metallic surface. In the shade the Ag layer is translucent, allowing the base coat color to show through. This gives the paint a deep, three-dimensional quality. While the multiple layers of paint on typical mass-production models are done by robot painters, for this silver-mirror paint each layer – from primer to clear coat – is carefully finished by the hands of Kawasaki craftsmen to ensure a flawless, lustrous surface.

Engine Management Technology

• ASSIST & SLIPPER CLUTCH: Based on feedback from racing activities, the Assist & Slipper Clutch uses two types of cams (an assist cam and a slipper cam) to either drive the clutch hub and operating plate together or apart. Under normal operation, the assist cam functions as a self-servo mechanism, pulling the clutch hub and operating plate together to compress the clutch plates. This allows the total clutch spring load to be reduced, resulting in a lighter clutch lever feel when operating the clutch. When excessive engine braking occurs – as a result of quick downshifts (or an accidental downshift) – the slipper cam comes into play, forcing the clutch hub and operating plate apart. This relieves pressure on the clutch plates to reduce back-torque and helps prevent the rear tire from hopping and skidding. This race-style function is particularly useful when sport or track riding.
• ECONOMICAL RIDING INDICATOR: Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider's control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an "ECO" mark appears on the instrument panel's LCD screen. By riding so that the "ECO" mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced. While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the "ECO" mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.
• ELECTRONIC THROTTLE VALVES: Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions. Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.
• KCMF (KAWASAKI CORNERING MANAGEMENT FUNCTION): Using the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s advanced modeling software and feedback from a compact IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that gives an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner. The systems that KCMF oversees vary by model, but may include: S-KTRC/KTRC (including traction management and wheel lift management), KLCM (including traction management and wheel lift management) - Designed to optimize acceleration from a stop, KIBS (including pitching management and corner braking management), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control.
• KTRC (KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL): KTRC, Kawasaki's advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference. Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly. In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence. Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.
• SUPERCHARGED ENGINE: Drawing on the know-how and technology possessed by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI), Kawasaki’s supercharged engine delivers high engine output while maintaining a compact design. The key to achieving this incredible performance lies in the engine’s supercharger – a motorcycle-specific unit designed completely in-house with technology from the Kawasaki Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company and Corporate Technology Division. One of the greatest benefits of designing the supercharger in-house and tailoring its design to match the engine’s characteristics was that engineers were able to achieve high-efficiency operation over a wide range of conditions – something that would not have been possible by simply dropping in or trying to adapt an aftermarket automotive supercharger. The importance of high efficiency in a supercharger is that, as the air is compressed, power-robbing heat gain is minimal. And while many superchargers are able to offer high-efficiency operation in a very limited range of conditions, the Kawasaki supercharger offers high efficiency over a wide range of pressure ratios and flow rates – meaning over a wide range of engine speeds and vehicle speeds. This wide range of efficient operation (similar to having a wide power band) easily translates to strong acceleration. The supercharger’s high efficiency and minimal heat gain also meant that an intercooler was unnecessary, greatly saving weight and space, and enabling the engine’s compact design.

Other Features

• Street legal hypersport performance and carbon fiber upper cowl.

Performance

• UNPARALLELED IN EVERY WAY: The massive power of the supercharged engine necessitates a multitude of high-performance components to ensure an unforgettably effortless, yet forceful experience.
• SMOOTH & PRECISE: The Öhlins® TTX36 rear shock offers precise damping for enhanced traction, comfort and feedback to the rider. The KYB® AOS-II (Air-Oil-Separate) low friction cartridge fork offers superb action; initial stroke is smooth and compliant followed by progressive damping through the end of the stroke. The front fork is fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, as well as preload.
• INNOVATIVE & INTELLIGENT: The Ninja H2™ motorcycle utilizes Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) technology and comes equipped with dual radial-mount opposed four-piston Brembo Stylema® front calipers and semi-floating 330mm discs for aggressive braking. The Brembo clutch and front brake levers were designed to prevent wind force from engaging the levers while at higher speed.
• PERFORMANCE-INSPIRED: The lightweight cast aluminum wheels were designed specifically for the Ninja H2™ and were created using analysis from Kawasaki’s World Superbike team. Star-pattern 5-spoke wheels offer optimum rigidity for high-power performance and feature pinstripes for a prestigious image. Bridgestone Battlax RS11 sport tires contribute to sharp handling.

Styling

• STUNNING & ICONIC: The Ninja H2™ motorcycle design projects intense force becoming a product of functional beauty. Each and every angle is designed to contribute unprecedented performance and style.
• STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY: The trellis frame provides the strength to harness the incredible power of the supercharged engine and the balanced flex to achieve optimal rigidity and pliability for aggressive sport riding.
• INFORMATIVE & MODERN: An analogue-style tachometer is complemented by a high-grade full-color TFT LCD screen, enabling information to be displayed graphically. The high-grade, full-color display ensures a high level of visibility. In addition to a digital speedometer and gear position indicator, display functions include odometer, dual trip meters, current mileage, average mileage, fuel consumption, bank angle display and max bank angle recording function, coolant temperature, boost indicator, boost (intake air chamber) temperature, clock, Economical Riding Indicator, and IMU indicator.
• LIGHT THE WAY: For a bright and more efficient look, all light equipment utilizes LED technology, including turn signals and license plate lamp.
• INTUITIVE & INNOVATIVE: Designed by KHI’s Aerospace Company, the mirror stays feature airfoil cross-sections with Gurney flaps that contribute to downforce generation. A chin spoiler on the upper cowl is also function disguised in form, further contributing to downforce production.

Supercharged Power

• 231 PS* OF UNPRECEDENTED POWER: The Ninja H2™ streetbike's 231 PS* supercharged engine creates unprecedented power for remarkable acceleration. The heavy growl of the boosted liter-class engine is a sound the streets won't soon forget. *This engine is rated in PS power units. Gross Power is different than net power. Net power is generally less than gross, but varies with engine specifications. Gross power is a general measure to compare one engine to another, as to its overall capacity. Your specific engine net power rating will be different and most likely less than the rated power.
• IN-HOUSE DESIGNED: Chosen for its high-rpm performance, the centrifugal-type supercharger is incredibly efficient at compressing air (at up to 2.4x atmospheric pressure) while minimizing heat. As a result of the supercharger’s efficiency, no large, heavy intercooler is required to cool the compressed air. The supercharger was designed to match the engine, allowing high-efficiency operation over a wider range of conditions that could not be provided by a typical supercharger.
• HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPONENT: The complex shape of the impeller is 3D machined from forged aluminum for high precision and durability. The impeller spins at 9.2x speed of the crankshaft, reaching speeds of nearly 130,000 rpm, pumping a capacity of over 200 liters of air per second into the engine.
• COMPACT & EFFICIENT: Designed using technology from Kawasaki Heavy Industries., Ltd. (KHI) Aerospace Company, the planetary gear transfers power from the crankshaft to drive the impeller to incredibly high rpm.
• UNMATCHED POWER: The balanced supercharged engine delivers both exhilarating acceleration and superb fuel efficiency. The key to achieving this balance was increasing the engine’s thermal efficiency by utilizing a high compression ratio. Designed for high-performance racing engines, the premium dog-ring transmission allows for smooth, precise, quick shifting. Rather than shifting gears into place, the gears in this configuration stay in place, with the lightweight dog rings moving to engage the gears. A high-quality hydraulic Assist and Slipper clutch minimizes wheel chatter caused by rapid downshifting and self-adjusts to ensure consistent performance and smooth actuation.