INTERMOT countdown 2016: 5th
Kawasaki Ninja H2
Who sows boost pressure, will reap a performance channel. According to this motto, Kawasaki built a supercharged 1000 Ninja H2, the most powerful production motorcycle ever measured by MOTORRAD. But that’s not the only reason why the Kawasaki H2 offers very special experiences.
Every now and then you just have to do it – build something crazy, a motorcycle that doesn’t make a profit, that nobody needs, that is unusual in many ways. Unusually strong, expensive, well made, unusual in driving dynamics, sound and appearance. While three of the four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have fearfully avoided such projects in recent years, Kawasaki has recently rekindled it grandly. And the choice of NOTinja H2, the most popular model in the range, shows that the message has reached the fans of the brand: real technology and motorcycle freaks are at work here.
INTERMOT countdown 2016: 5th
Kawasaki Ninja H2
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Twittering of the wastegate
Because the compressor is connected to the crankshaft by a chain and planetary gear, it produces higher and higher boost pressure as the speed increases. Even when it is not needed at all, for example when the driver turns off the gas at high engine speeds. The pressure relief valve or "wastegate" is therefore a central component of every compressor motor. His work can be heard while driving as a distinctive chirping, as is otherwise mainly known from the cars of the World Rally Championship. This chirping influences the driving experience on the H2 even more than the other engine sounds. It’s her very special way of expressing herself.
When it comes to chassis technology, the H2 is a minimalist. It got a pretty airy frame because you wanted to avoid heat build-up behind large aluminum profiles as much as possible. Because of the high pressures created by the supercharging, the four-cylinder had to be built to be very stable. This makes it an extremely torsion-resistant part of the chassis assembly, so that the cleanly welded tubular space structure takes a back seat when it comes to chassis rigidity. It serves more as a connecting element between the steering head, mounting of the single-sided swing arm and motor. 1455 millimeters of wheelbase and 103 millimeters of caster at a steering head angle of 65.5 degrees are clearly on the stable side of the scale. In addition, the high front wheel load of 51.9 percent of the total of 239 kilograms and the parts of the front fairing that are trimmed for downforce ensure that the front section is not light and sensitive to pendulum movement when driving fast.
Differences to the ZZR 1400
The driver has to pay the price for the stable design on roads with rather slow curves. The H2 does not turn in as easily and precisely as, for example, its sister brand ZX-10R, which is not one of the handiest motorcycles in the field of super sports cars. When changing lean angles, the driver would do well to bring the H2 a little more slowly onto the new course. The front panel protruding far forward may also play a role here. In any case, it lets the machine react noticeably to cross winds, especially at country road speeds. In contrast to the ZZR 1400 – the H2 can also be viewed from this side – it behaves much more agile in tight alternating curves.
For 26,000 euros, H2 fans actually get the special motorcycle advertised at the beginning. Strong, fast, carefully processed and with a noble finish. Just don’t think that after paying the bill you are entering the budget of normal strong motorcycles. The 218 PS not only live from (compressed) air and the love of the driver, they also want to be fed with plenty of gasoline. 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers corresponds to the minimum consumption, without wild full throttle orgies you can burn more than ten liters over the same distance. And the H2 is pretty nasty with its rear tire: It was only thanks to the greatest restraint that a series tire lasted a little longer than 1500 kilometers.
INTERMOT 2016 – Come, join in, experience
Anyone who wants to get to know the "fascination of motorcycles" can not only see the whole world of motorized two-wheelers at INTERMOT, but experience it for themselves. The interactive program at INTERMOT Cologne invites everyone to drive. With or without a driver’s license, young or old, experienced drivers, newcomers or the curious – everyone can gain new experience here, because special courses are available for all segments. The entire outdoor area of the Koelnmesse with 75,000 m² is an adventure paradise – from the large test drive course to enduro, trial and quads, e-bikes and e-scooters, to "driving without a license". And there are also suitable routes and vehicles for little two-wheel fans. Come, join in, experience … INTERMOT from October 5th to 9th, 2016 in Cologne.
Further information on INTERMOT 2016 at: www.intermot.de
MOTORCYCLE dream bikes
We show what you want: You have chosen the dream bikes of the ten most important brands, MOTORRAD will be exhibiting them at INTERMOT in Cologne from October 5th to 9th. As mentioned, the decision between the H2 and the Zephyr 1100 is very close. The fans of Kawasaki seem to be divided into a technician and a classic faction.
Kawasaki Ninja H2 18.5
Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 18.4
Kawasaki W 800 13.9
Kawasaki Z 1000 13.1
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 11.7
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R 5.9
Kawasaki ER-6n 5.4
Kawasaki ZZ-R 1200 4.4
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R 4.3
Kawasaki VN 900 3.0
Others 1.4
Technical data Kawasaki Ninja H2
10 Pictures
Pictures: INTERMOT countdown 2016: 5
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