According to Kawasaki, they have just unveiled a motorcycle that is so fast even daredevils are wondering if it is too powerful.
With a design inspired by Formula One motor racing cars and a supercharged engine that uses aerospace technology, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 covers from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds.
It can accelerate as quick as an F1 racing machine – if riders can hang on to it – because the supercharged engine has almost as much power as a Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch, but the Kawasaki Ninja H2 weighs barely one-fifth as much as the car.
Kawasaki Ninja H2
The supercharger technology is so sophisticated it has been banned from international motorcycle racing since 1946, but has returned to a modern, road-going motorcycle in the search for more power from smaller engines.
The Ninja H2 is expected to comfortably overtake the previous titleholders of the world’s fastest bike including the Kawasaki Ninja ZX14-R from 2012, the Ducati Diavel from 2011, the Yamaha VMAX from 2010, and the Suzuki GSXR-1000 from 2006.
The official slogan “built beyond belief” may also go down in history as the most honest in advertising; even Kawasaki admits the Ninja H2 is “not for everyone, nor is it designed to be”.
When it comes to performance the Ninja H2 is so powerful Kawasaki has fitted a range of electronics that limit power to enable it to be ridden safely in wet weather or in slippery conditions, as well as a “launch control” mode to get the perfect start.
The brakes are bigger than those fitted to a mid-size V8 sedan.
Contrary to expectations, the motorcycle insurance industry in Australia is not up in arms over the supercharged superbike.
“There are already motorcycles on the road that can accelerate at racing car levels and many that can do more than 300 km/h,” said Swann Insurance research manager Robert McDonald.
“Generally most motorcycle owners only use these speed capabilities on organized track days. There are also many cars on the road currently that can do more than 300 km/h.”
The insurer said it was important to note the Kawasaki Ninja H2 had the latest available safety equipment, including intelligent anti-lock brakes, as standard.
“We don’t anticipate higher than normal claims rates with this motorcycle compared to other high-powered sports bikes on the road,” said Mr McDonald. (Mr McDonald has obviously not seen the way they ride motorcycles round here, but the purchase price will be beyond almost everyone here.)
Kawasaki Ninja H2
Engine: Supercharged 998 cc in-line four-cylinder
Power: 154.5 kW at 11,000 rpm (210 horsepower)
Torque: 140 Nm at 10,000 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 238 kg (ready to ride)
Brakes: 330 mm discs (front), 250 mm (rear)
0 to 100 km/h: Less than 2.5 seconds (estimated)
Top speed: 299 km/h (electronically limited, but racetrack H2R version can reach 340 km/h).
