Roadster – Z H2 Test: Kawasaki’s super inflated maxiroadster – Z H2 Test page 3: Not that monstrous?

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Z H2 test: Kawasaki’s super-inflated maxiroadster

Roadster - Z H2 test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 test page 3: Not that monstrous?

New boss among Kawasaki roadsters in 2020, the Z H2 intends above all to dominate the competition‘s maxiroadsters … Site was able to test its supercharged engine, its cycle part and its electronics in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) on circuit, on oval (!) then on road. Test.

Z H2 test page 3: Not that monstrous ?

The next morning, the atmosphere is much more relaxed: Kawasaki takes us to the Valley of Fire, a natural park in Nevada which owes its name to the flaming rocks that constitute it. This ride will therefore be done quietly, scrupulously respecting the speed limits…

Unlike the track (s) of the day before, MNC can take advantage of the perfectly upright driving position, more relaxing than those of the Ninja H2 "short" or SX. Compact and massive, the Z H2 spreads its legs quite a bit but does not bend them excessively.

Roadster - Z H2 Test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 Test page 3: Not that monstrous?

With its saddle located at 830 mm, the maxiroadster is not the most accessible: pilots of 1.70 m do not touch the ground simultaneously on both sides. Now it is better to have long and powerful legs to move the beast, engine off. Especially on dirt parking lots !

On the other hand, the steering is surprisingly light, which makes it easier to maneuver in parking lots or on cafe terraces. At low speeds, the motorcycle even engages just enough to help the rider. U-turns are effortless … on wide American roads !

Roadster - Z H2 Test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 Test page 3: Not that monstrous?

Delirious in the revs, the engine is amazing at very low revs: it accepts idling in sixth gear. Its electronic accelerator gently opens the throttle on the first degrees of rotation, the clutch is progressive: starting is a game of new A2 license.

Playing with the gearbox is not more complicated: the quick-shifter works from 2,500 rpm and slowly increases gears as long as you don’t overload the right grip. If the selection is a harsh suspicion on the descent, the small automatic gas shots avoids any hiccups in the transmission … by chain, to be maintained without a center stand, great !

Roadster - Z H2 test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 test page 3: Not that monstrous?

In town therefore, the 4-cylinder is therefore a monster of softness. Too bad that due to lack of time, Kawasaki has bypassed the Euro 5 homologation: certified Euro4 therefore, the Z H2 of 2020 may be more quickly banned from circulation in the big cities than a 2021 model which will not change not mechanically but will be stamped "Euro5".

At 80 km / h, decompressed in the Valley of Fire

Accessible to all kinds of vehicles but only during the day, the Valley of Fire allows us to discover that the compromise of the suspensions is relevant for those who want to use their Z H2 in built-up areas or during trips to the countryside, without hurrying.

The fork and the shock absorb well the speed bumps, large joints or small imperfections encountered during our ride. They provide the comfort that the saddle lacks: long enough, wide and flat to change position, it seems a little too hard to us..

Roadster - Z H2 Test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 Test page 3: Not that monstrous?

High and narrow, the passenger saddle is of the same ilk: the reckless "co-pilot" will not last very long on the Z H2. It will also have to cling firmly to the driver to withstand the enormous acceleration and heavy braking of which this maxiroadster is capable … without handles, too bad. !

To facilitate the passenger’s task and maintain a level attitude when braking, the pilot can rely on the rear brake. The pedal offers good control of the rear caliper and allows you to properly dose your interventions, whether to brake gently in town or to retouch a trajectory on the road.

Roadster - Z H2 test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 test page 3: Not that monstrous?

Also useful, the cruise control allows you to set the speed of the motorcycle to the nearest km / h! The majority of our ride was done at 50 mph, or 80 km / h. The mill then turns at around 3300 rpm in the sixth and last gear and does not vibrate the motorcycle..

At higher speed, Site notes that crackling takes hold of the small plate that overhangs the footrests: we therefore lift the heels a little so as not to be disturbed. Likewise, long journeys will not be spoiled by the long and large exhaust with the discreet sound in these circumstances..

Roadster - Z H2 test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 test page 3: Not that monstrous?

According to the on-board computer, the average consumption drops to 6.6 l / 100km. The autonomy of the Kawasaki then approaches 290 km: satisfactory in absolute terms, we could hope to do better with a 19-liter tank. To be checked during a next duel or comparo ?

Verdict: why not ?

At the end of this very comprehensive first test, Site can say that the Z H2 and its supercharged engine will appeal to lovers of very strong sensations. Those impressed by its size and weight will be surprised to find it so easy to drive..

Kawasaki fans who drive a Z900 – because he finds it pretty – and dreamed of one day enjoying the acceleration and the small noise of the compressor will perhaps be able to grant their wish: this new Z is the cheapest of the "H2" !

Roadster - Z H2 test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 test page 3: Not that monstrous?

However, a problem arises: where to use this machine? "On a highway entrance or after a toll, suggests Koji Ito, the father of the Z H2. Or on a deserted road previously spotted to avoid traps and radars, why not ?

The more reasonable will go to a circuit to safely enjoy their big toy. They will then have to agree to be dropped off by the owners of maxisportive maxiroadsters, real naked sports cars … when braking and in curves, but not in a straight line. ?!

Roadster - Z H2 test: Kawasaki's super inflated maxiroadster - Z H2 test page 3: Not that monstrous?

To further atomize the competition, Kawasaki – which is however not the timid type! – could have "boosted" this Z a little more, right? Why "restrict" its engine to 200 hp, when the Ninja H2 has increased its maximum power in 2019 to 231 hp ?

Questioned by Site, the head of the Ito San project estimated that "the power of 200 horsepower is sufficient on a roadster, and this allows to have as soon as possible a significant engine torque". This year, however, Italy is releasing two roadsters of over 200 hp … Will Japan stop there? Case to follow, on MNC.

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