2024 NINJA H2R

The unprecedented power output of the supercharged Ninja H2R closed-course motorcycle is made possible only through a system of finely-tuned and carefully crafted high-quality components.

Chosen for its high-rpm performance, the centrifugal-type supercharger is incredibly efficient at compressing air (at up to 2.4x atmospheric pressure) while minimising heat. As a result of the supercharger's efficiency, no large, heavy intercooler is required to cool the compressed air. The supercharger was designed to match the engine, allowing high-efficiency operation over a wider range of conditions than could be provided by a typical supercharger.

The complex shape of the impeller is 3D machined from forged aluminium for high precision and durability. The impeller spins at 9.2x the speed of the crankshaft, reaching speeds of nearly 130,000 rpm, pumping over 200 litres of air per second into the engine.

Designed using technology from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) Aerospace Company, the compact planetary gear train transfers power from the crankshaft to drive the impeller to incredibly high rpm with minimal power loss.

Loaded with technology developed specifically for a supercharged engine, the whole engine was designed to accommodate the higher air pressure from the supercharger as well as ensure a high reliability with the over 300 PS output of the closed-course Ninja H2R. In fact, aside from its camshafts, head gaskets and clutch, the engine unit is exactly the same as the unit designed for the Ninja H2R. Designed for high-performance racing engines, the premium dog-ring transmission enables smooth, precise, quick shifting. Rather than shifting gears into place, the gears in this configuration stay in place, with the lightweight dog rings moving to engage the gears. A high-quality hydraulic Assist & Slipper Clutch offers a light lever touch while helping to minimise wheel hop that may occur with rapid downshifting.

The massive power of the supercharged engine necessitates a multitude of high-performance components to ensure an unforgettably effortless, yet forceful experience.

The Öhlins TTX36 rear shock with remote preload adjuster is fully adjustable and offers precise damping for enhanced traction, comfort and feedback to the rider. The KYB AOS-II (Air-Oil-Separate) low friction cartridge fork offers superb action; initial stroke is smooth and compliant followed by progressive damping through the end of the stroke. The front fork is fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, as well as preload.

The Ninja H2 utilises Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) technology and comes equipped with dual radial-mount opposed four-piston Brembo Stylema front calipers and semi-floating ø330 mm discs for aggressive braking. The Brembo clutch and front brake levers were designed to prevent wind force from engaging the levers while at higher speed.

The lightweight cast aluminium wheels were designed specifically for the Ninja H2 and were created using analysis from Kawasaki's World Superbike team. Star-pattern 5-spoke wheels offer optimum rigidity for high-power performance. Bridgestone Battlax RS11 sport tyres contribute to sharp handling.

The trellis frame provides the strength to harness the incredible power of the supercharged engine and the balanced flex to achieve optimal rigidity and pliability for aggressive sport riding.

Key enhancements bring Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) WorldSBK championship-proven electronics management technology to the Ninja H2. This results in precise chassis orientation awareness that assists the rider's ability to adapt to a wide range of typical street riding conditions and scenarios.

Whereas many competitive traction control systems react to wheel-slip, KTRC, enhanced with feedback from the IMU, predicts conditions and acts before slippage exceeds the range for optimal traction. Nine modes allow riders to choose the degree in which KTRC intervenes during riding. KTRC can also be switched off completely.

Three-mode KLCM provides unmatchable acceleration from a stop by electronically controlling engine output to minimise rear wheel-slip and front-end lift. Kawasaki Launch Control Mode allows the rider to launch from a stop with the throttle held wide open.

Also enhanced by feedback from the IMU, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) is a supersport-grade, high-precision, multi-sensing ABS brake assistance system that uses high-precision control to modulate brake pressure during sport riding.

This system allows riders to set engine braking according to preference. When the system is activated, the engine braking effect is reduced, providing less interference when riding on the circuit.

Complementing the engine's strong power and the dog-ring transmission, a contactless-type quick shifter enables quick upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and quick and smooth deceleration.

The Ninja H2R's design projects intense force, becoming a product of functional beauty. Each and every angle, from the carbon-fibre wings to the front fender, is designed to contribute unprecedented performance and style.

The Ninja H2R's aerodynamic design helps reduce drag, create downforce and ensure optimal airflow to the supercharger. Carbon-fibre vortex down-control wings, designed by KHI's Aerospace Company, feature angled winglets to help smooth airflow around the wingtips, so that the wings can more effectively create downforce. Highly rigid carbon-fibre upper cowl and aerodynamically shaped rear cowl help efficiently direct airflow to reduce resistance, while a chin spoiler further contributes to downforce generation and higher stability.

Kawasaki's original silver-mirror paint was developed specifically for motorcycles. Its highly reflective, sparkling glasslike metal appearance adds to the bike's stunning design. In the shade the paint appears black, but once in the sunlight its highly reflective surface takes on the appearance of the surrounding scenery. A special top coat on all non-carbon bodywork parts allows certain types of scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its high-quality finish through normal wear and tear*. Self-healing is achieved through microscopic soft and hard segments within the top coat that work like a chemical spring, creating a trampoline effect that absorbs impacts.