Kawasaki supercharged roadster named Z H2, teased in a new video
Kawasaki’s latest teaser video of the upcoming supercharged roadster has confirmed its name - Z H2. The supercharged roadster will debut on 23 October.
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The teaser video also reveals various styling elements of the Kawasaki Z H2. The silhouette of the upcoming supercharged roadster looks quite similar to the Z1000. Thus, you can see a muscular fuel tank along with an upward sweeping design for the rear panel. Unlike the Ninja H2, the Z H2 will be available with a pillion seat. The split-style, step-up design is noticeably different from the Z1000.
The tail section isn’t visible in the video, although we could see a “Z” shaped design for the stoplight on the upcoming Z H2. The new video also gives a glimpse at the headlight from the sides and reveals a fly-screen setup at the front.
The previous teaser video gave a glimpse at the Kawasaki River Mark emblem along with the twin-pod, LED headlight. The video also showed the fully digital instrument console for the Z H2. Although unconfirmed yet, we expect to see Bluetooth functions on the supercharged roadster.
We also know that the air intake will be asymmetrically mounted – a feature that we have already seen on the Ninja H2. The naked roadster will share its steel trellis frame with the Ninja H2. However, the sub-frame of the Z H2 could be a slightly tweaked one. The previous teaser confirmed that the chassis will feature the same green paint like on the Ninja H2. The supercharged roadster will also share the mirror finish paint job with the “self-healing feature” with the litre-class supersport model.
The engine specifications will most definitely be shared with the Ninja H2 - a 998 cc, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC engine with a supercharger. The supercharged mill on the Ninja H2 produces 231 PS (243 PS with RAM Air) at 11,500 rpm and a peak torque of 141.7 Nm at 11,000 rpm. Kawasaki will most likely re-tune the motor for the roadster.
The engine will be linked to a six-speed gearbox that will feature hydraulic assist/slipper clutch and the Kawasaki Quick Shifter. Regular readers would know that the H2 features a Dog ring style transmission that Kawasaki developed with the feedback from its racing team. Expect the same feature to be available on the Z H2.
Kawasaki will most definitely equip the Z H2 with their best hardware setup. Thus, we expect the roadster to share its braking and suspension setup with the Ninja H2. So, expect 43 mm inverted front fork and a Uni-Trak, Öhlins TTX36 gas-charged rear shock – both fully adjustable – to be part of the package. We also expect to see Öhlins electronic steering damper on the roadster.
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Brembo-sourced callipers should pack sufficient power to stop the motorcycle on a dime. A comprehensive electronics package shall ensure safer rides and convenience. The latest teaser confirms that the Z H2 will pack relatively more upright ergonomics than the Ninja H2.