Tear Through The Speed Of Light With Kawasaki's 2021 Z H2

Kawasaki is starting 2021 with a banger by introducing the 2021 supercharged Z H2 in India. It's available in two variants, H2 and Z H2 SE, priced at whopping Rs 21,90,000 and 25,90,000 (ex-showroom) respectively. Both models are available in a single Metallic Diablo Black / Golden Blazed Green livery, with cosmetic changes and hardware differentiating the two. The H2 range will be available only on made-to-order basis and customers are required to make full payment while booking the bike.

The Z H2’s centerpiece is the supercharged 998cc, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder motor that belts out 200PS at 11000rpm and 137Nm at 8500rpm. The only comparable rivals in terms of performance are the MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro and the the Ducati Streetfighter V4.

Also Read: The Ducati Streetfighter V4 Is Now India-Ready

Helping you tame this hooligan of a motorcycle are a truckload of electronic rider aids. This includes three ride modes (Sport,Road,Rain), power modes (Full/Middle/Low), traction control, cornering ABS, launch control and cruise control. A 6-speed transmission paired with a bi-directional quickshifter helps you put the power down without losing your grip on the throttle. All of this is monitored by a Bosch IMU that provides feedback and tweaks inputs given by the electronic suspension and traction control system.

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The Z H2 features a SFF-BP fork and a rear monoshock, both from Showa and fully adjustable. Anchoring the bike are twin 320mm discs mated to Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers up front and a single 260mm disc at the rear. As for the top-of-the-line Z H2 SE, it gets Showa’s electronically controlled Skyhook suspension and Brembo stylema front brake calipers. Tying everything together is a trellis frame specially designed for high-speed stability.

The Z H2 range follows Kawasaki’s Sugomi design language which may not suit everyone’s taste buds. Having said that, there are certain details worth appreciating, like the prominent air intake leading into the supercharger, LED lights all around, a 4.3” full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and control cubes on the switchgear. 

All things considered, we believe the price is still too steep. In fact the upcoming Ducati Streetfighter V4 might just undercut the Z H2 putting it in a better fighting position.  Nonetheless, this is just the start as the Japanese manufacturer has several other bikes lined up for launch in the Indian market for MY2021. You can read all about them here.