Pushing engineering and performance boundaries is one of the few motorcycles that truly deserve to be called Instant Icons. Created without compromise and benefiting from the collective strength of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the Ninja H2R demands respect and attracts the most skilled and committed riders. The H2R features: Ohlins rear suspension, up and down quick-shifter, aerodynamic devices, cornering management and a bank angle display. Ninja H2R, play your part in history. This Vehicle is not manufactured for public road use.
The addition of Öhlins’ highly acclaimed TTX shock offers numerous rider benefits:
- Increased rear stability
- excellent damping and increased riding comfort
- Increased rear stability
- Superb feedback from the road
- More stability at speed.
KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner—from entry, through the apex, to corner exit—modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner. On the Ninja H2, KCMF oversees the following systems: - KTRC (including traction, wheelie and sliding control)
- KLCM
- KIBS (including pitching and corner braking control)
- Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
Kawasaki’s electronic steering damper was jointly developed with Öhlins, one of the most popular and respected manufacturers of steering dampers.
To facilitate smooth, quick shifting, a dog-ring type transmission was selected. This is the kind of transmission commonly found in MotoGP or Formula 1, and was developed with feedback from the Kawasaki Racing Team.
Having a single-sided swingarm allows the exhaust silencer to be mounted closer to the bike centreline, ensuring a high bank angle for sporty cornering.
The riding position was designed for riding at ultra-high speed and circuit riding. To help support the rider during intense acceleration, hipsupporting pads flank the rear of the seat. The hip support is adjustable 15 mm backward to suit rider size.
The supercharger used in the Ninja H2R was designed by Kawasaki motorcycle engine designers with assistance from other companies within the KHI Group, namely the Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company, and Corporate Technology Division.
Air supplied to the supercharger enters via dual Ram Air intakes in the upper cowl. Their total frontal area is approximately 13,000 mm2—illustrating just how much air is needed to achieve the over 300 PS output.
A pair of massive ø330 mm Brembo semi-floating discs with a thickness of t5.5 mm deliver superb braking force.
In place of mirrors, the Ninja H2R features CFRP wings mounted on the upper cowl.
Special permission was obtained to use the River Mark on the Ninja H2R. Usually, its use on a product is reserved for models of historical significance.
New instrument features include bank angle display and max bank angle recording function (possible thanks to the addition of the Inertial Measurement Unit)
The silver-mirror paint used on the Ninja H2R was developed by Kawasaki specifically for motorcycles. Its highly reflective, glasslike metal appearance adds to the bike’s stunning design. While paint similar in appearance may be found in custom circles, this is its first use on a mass-production vehicle in either the automotive or motorcycle industries. Strict Kawasaki quality control measures ensure a long-lasting finish. The 2017 Ninja H2R is cloaked in a new variation of Kawasaki’s silver-mirror paint featuring a matte element.
Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions
The Ninja H2R was the first Kawasaki motorcycle to be fit standard with a quick shifter. For 2017, the quick shifter also enables clutchless downshifts.
A high-quality hydraulic clutch offers less maintenance, ensuring the initial touch condition can be maintained. And with Brembo components, superb linearity and smooth actuation are also benefits.
The use of Bosch’s compact IMU allows an additional layer of precision to be added to the already high-level KTRC, KLCM and KIBS.IMU enables inertia along 6 DOF (degrees of freedom) to be monitored. Acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes, plus roll rate and pitch rate are measured.
In the interest of keeping the engine compact and simple, a single lubrication system provides cooling oil for the engine components, supercharger and transmission.
All-titanium exhaust system has a very simple design consisting of the header and collector pipes, a joint pipe, and a straightpipe megaphone-style silencer.
A number of considerations were given to the cylinder head design to ensure the cooling performance needed for the supercharged engine. The large coolant passageways result in the ideal cooling for the combustion chamber.
Despite it’s familiar In-Line Four configuration, the Ninja H2R power unit is loaded with technology developed specifically for this supercharged engine: some new, others with know-how from the Kawasaki Group.
Using a trellis frame construction offered an elegant, lightweight solution to meeting the performance requirements for the chassis.
It is no accident that when viewed from the side, the Ninja H2R does not seem to have the aggressive forward-canted stance of most modern supersport models.
Kawasaki’s original silver-mirror paint uses a layer of silver to create a highly reflective, glasslike metal appearance.
ERGO-FIT is an interface system that allows a wide range of riders to feel at one with their machine. Genuine Kawasaki Accessories may need to be purchased for certain Ergo Fit adjustments.
KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System) is a high-precision brake system designed specifically for supersport models, offering highly efficient braking while maintaining natural feel.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ensures stable braking performance by preventing wheel lock during braking.
Electronic Throttle Valves allow the ECU to deliver the ideal amount of fuel and air to the engine.
Kawasaki Engine Brake Control allows riders to set engine braking according to preference.
KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner.
KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) enables clutchless up- and downshifts.
KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode) optimises acceleration from a stop by electronically managing engine output to prevent wheelspin.
Combined with Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modelling program, input from the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) enables even more precise chassis orientation awareness, the key to bringing Kawasaki’s electronics to the next level.
Designed completely in-house, the immense potential of the highly compact, highly efficient supercharged engine is a testament to the technology possessed by the KHI Group.
The Economical Riding Indicator is a mark appearing on the instrument panel to indicate favourable fuel consumption, encouraging fuel efficient riding.
9-Mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control), Kawasaki’s most advanced traction control system, offers both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence.
Engine| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four with Supercharger |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cm³ |
| Bore x stroke | 76 x 55 mm |
| Compression ratio | 8.3:1 |
| Valve system | DOHC, 16 valves |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection: Ø 50 mm x 4 with dual injection |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Starting System | Electric |
| Lubrication | Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler |
Brakes & Suspension| Brakes, front | Dual semi-floating 330 mm Brembo discs. Caliper: Dual radial-mount, Brembo Stylema monobloc, opposed 4-piston |
|---|---|
| Brakes, rear | Single 250 mm disc. Caliper: Brembo, opposed 2-piston |
| Suspension, front | 43 mm inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs |
| Suspension, rear | New Uni-Trak, Öhlins TTX36 gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression damping, rebound damping, preload adjustability and top-out spring |
Performance & Transmission| Maximum power | 228 kW {310 PS} / 14,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Maximum power with RAM air | 240 kW {326 PS} / 14,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 165 N•m {16.8 kgf•m} / 12,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, dog-ring |
| Final drive | Sealed chain |
| Primary Reduction Ratio | 1.551 (76/49) |
| Gear Ratios 1st | 3.188 (51/16) |
| Gear Ratios 2nd | 2.526 (48/19) |
| Gear Ratios 3rd | 2.045 (45/22) |
| Gear Ratios 4th | 1.727 (38/22) |
| Gear Ratios 5th | 1.524 (32/21) |
| Gear Ratios 6th | 1.348 (31/23) |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.333 (42/18) |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual |
Frame & Dimensions| Frame type | Trellis, high-tensile steel with Swingarm Mounting Plate |
|---|---|
| Trail | 108 mm |
| Wheel travel front | 120 mm |
| Wheel travel rear | 135 mm |
| Tyre, front | 120/600 R17 |
| Tyre, rear | 190/650 R17 |
| Steering angle, left / right | 27° / 27° |
| L x W x H | 2,070 x 850 x 1,160 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,450 mm |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 830 mm |
| Curb mass | 216 kg |