After the H2, H2R, H2 SX and the H2 SX SE, Kawasaki will unveil a supercharged naked roadster. The 11-second video starts with an H2-style supercharger impeller while a Z-series logo starts to flash halfway. The details are currently limited to the fact that the upcoming supercharged naked roadster will retain the Z-family logo.
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The teaser does not reveal any details about the styling cues, although we may see the H2 derived looks integrated into a naked roadster-derived design. The naked roadster may share its trellis frame with the H2 series and retain the muscular design along with the mirror paint finish. Kawasaki’s new Highly Durable paint on the H2 series features a special coat that allows scratches to repair themselves.
The front fascia will most definitely feature LED headlight along with an air-intake to feed the supercharger. The naked styling will obviously be less aerodynamic than the fully-faired model's, and thus top speed would be relatively lower.
The cockpit may also pack revisions to match the hardware of modern-day naked roadster, and we could see a Bluetooth-enabled TFT-display on the upcoming Kawasaki supercharged motorcycle. Being a naked roadster, the upcoming model will come with upright ergonomics. Kawasaki will use a flat, single-piece handlebar to perform the steering tasks and deliver comfortable rider’s triangle. The naked roadster will most likely retain the Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper.
The 998 cc inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve, supercharged engine on the current H2 and the H2 Carbon delivers 231 PS (243 PS with RAM air) of peak power at 11,500 rpm and 141.7 Nm of maximum torque comes at 11,000 rpm. The motor is linked to a 6-speed gearbox with hydraulic assist and slipper clutch and the Kawasaki Quick Shifter. We may see relatively lower numbers on the naked roadster.
A comprehensive electronics package will ensure safer rides. The riding aids will include KTRC (traction, wheelie and sliding control), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, Kawasaki Launch Control Mode, KIBS (pitching and corner braking control) and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control. The electronics package will work with Bosch IMU.
Expect the anchoring department to be the same as on the H2: dual semi-floating 330 mm Brembo discs with Dual radial-mount, Brembo Stylema monobloc, opposed 4-piston callipers at the front and a 250 mm disc with Brembo, opposed 2-piston callipers at the rear. Suspension setup will also likely be the same: 43 mm inverted fork at the front Öhlins TTX36 gas-charged shock at the back – both fully adjustable. A single-sided swingarm will give the motorcycle a proper exotic look.
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The Kawasaki supercharged naked roadster is expected to debut at the 2019 EICMA show in Milan, Italy (scheduled to take place from 5-10 November).
