Kawasaki Zh2

Design: The Z H2 range follows Kawasaki’s Sugomi design language which may not appeal to everyone. It’s sharp yet bulky and a bit of an oddball in our opinion.

Features: There are a number of features worth mentioning which includes LED lights all around, a 4.3” full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and a prominent air intake. Electronic rider aids include ride modes (Sport,Road,Rain), power modes (Full/Middle/Low), traction control, cornering ABS, launch control and cruise control. All of this is monitored by a six-axis Bosch IMU.

Engine: The Z H2 uses a supercharged 998cc, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder motor that makes 200PS at 11000rpm and 137Nm at 8500rpm. It uses a 6-speed transmission and gets a bi-directional quickshifter. The Z H2 features a SFF-BP fork and a rear monoshock from Showa, both fully adjustable. Braking duties are handled by twin 320mm discs mated to Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers up front and a single 260mm disc at the rear. The Z H2 SE, on the other hand, features Showa’s electronically controlled Skyhook suspension and Brembo stylema front brake callipers. A trellis frame specially designed for high-speed stability holds everything together.

Rivals: The Kawasaki Z H2 is in a league of its own. The only comparable rivals in terms of performance are the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR and the Ducati Streetfighter V4.

Variants: There are two variants on offer: the Z H2 and Z H2 SE priced at Rs 23,48,000 and 27,76,000 (ex-showroom) respectively. The standard version comes in Metallic Carbon Grey/Ebony combo colour scheme whereas the SE version is draped in Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Grey/Ebony. Apart from the more premium colour scheme, the latter also comes with more sophisticated electronically-controlled suspension, and more powerful Brembo Stylema calipers up front.