Kawasaki has unveiled its first supercharged naked roadster, the Z H2, at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The Z H2 joins the list of supercharged product in the Japanese brand’s current portfolio, which includes the H2/H2R and the H2 SX.
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In terms of styling, the first thing that comes to attention is the H2 series inspired, mirror finish body paint and the green shade for the frame on the naked roadster. The graphics on the fuel tank and the shrouds carry the lines of the frame. The front fascia comprises a full LED headlight that packs some resemblance to the Z900. A sleeker design would have looked more appealing.
The headlight mask gets a dual-tone finish, along with the Kawasaki River Mark emblem that is reserved or the supercharged range of products from the Japanese brand. A fly screen sits above the setup. The air-intake, with a colour matched grille, sits on the left side of the headlight setup, while a plastic panel maintains the symmetry on the right side. The relatively wider front should offer some solace against the windblasts.
The cockpit comprises a colour TFT-display that benefits from Bluetooth connectivity, which works with the Kawasaki Rideology App. In comparison, the H2 features a semi-digital unit with an analogue tachometer. The telltale indicators sit on either side of the main display, while all the ride-related information is available on the digital screen. Steering duties are performed by a single-piece handlebar that will deliver relatively upright, city-friendly ergonomics to the Z H2.
A muscular fuel tank follows the cockpit. The shape of the tank resembles the Z900. Following the fuel tank is a split style saddle. The rear section features Z-family inspired LED taillight.
The Z H2 is built around a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as the stressed member. Unlike the H2, the roadster features a twin-sided swingarm. Shock absorption department comprises Showa SSF BP upside-down forks at the front and Showa shock and Uni Trak suspension at the back. The kerb weight of the motorcycle stands at 239 kg.
Mechanical specifications on the Z H2 include a 998cc inline-four, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, supercharged engine that makes 200 PS of peak power (without Ram Air) at 11,000 rpm and 137 Nm of maximum torque at 8,500 rpm. The assist-and-slipper clutch-equipped six-speed gearbox also features a bi-directional quick-shifter. Braking setup includes 290 mm dual discs with Brembo M4.32 monobloc callipers at the front and a 226 mm single disc with a two-piston calliper at the back.
The comprehensive electronics package works with Bosch IMU and features 4 riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Rider), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Launch Control (KLCM) and Kawasaki traction Control (KTRC). Electronic cruise control adds convenience to the package.
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The Indian launch of the Kawasaki Z H2 could take place in 2020.
