Kawasaki ups the ante with the 2019 model year Ninja H2, with 231 HP and self-healing paint setting the bar even higher in the hypersport niche
When Kawasaki rolled out the all-new Ninja H2 and its track-only sibling Ninja H2R, the world watched in awe. When Kenan Sofuoglu rode one at 400 km/h (248.5 mph), everybody was struck. Now, House Akashi plays an even stronger hand with the 2019 model year H2, a 231 HP beast.
Yes, you read that right, Kawasaki implemented all their newest engineering advances in this fresh iteration of the H2, and its engine now makes a staggering 231 HP. And in case you are wondering how is stacks up against emissions compliance and all the green things, the new machine is Euro 4 compliant, and its fuel economy has not changed.
The improvements arrived in the shape of a new air filter, a redesigned intake chamber, better spark plugs and new ECU mapping. These new parts and technologies have been developed for the touring version of the H2, the H2 SX. However, H2 SX’ balanced supercharger didn’t make it to the new H2. Peak power is attained at 11,500 revs per minute, with a top torque of 141.7 Nm at 11,000 rpm.
Kawasaki also replaced the Brembo M50 monoblock calipers with the all-new Stylema ones that provide now better cooling under strenuous riding conditions. They use dual 330mm Brembo rotors in the front, complemented by a single 250mm disc in the rear. The curb mass of the 2019 Ninja H2 is 216 kg (476.8 lb) which accounts for a whopping HP/kg ratio. The Carbon version of the H2 weighs 238 kg (525.4 lb) and comes with a beefier exhaust and golden green accents.
The bike received an updated full-color TFT dashboard panel, with no less than four display modes that allow riders to prioritize the info they want to access. Thanks to a new Bosch IMU, Ninja H2’s display can now show banking angles and boost.
Finally, Kawasaki also upgraded their spectacular Highly Durable paint, and it now can heal itself from minor scratches, maintaining a luxurious finish for a longer time. “Soft and hard segments in the coat work together like a chemical spring, creating a trampoline effect that absorbs impacts. The paint will not recover in the case of scratches caused by a coin or key, or zip fasteners,” Akashi adds. In some cases, the self-repairing process can take as much as a week.
A new app will also be available. Rideology includes various vehicle info as well as logs and service-related data. We’re delving for the price, so stay tuned.
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