Kawasaki Z H2 | The Z line has a new head honcho for 2020

Kawasaki Z H LHS
2020 Kawasaki Z H2

Kawasaki had hinted that more supercharged machines would be on the way and most pundits had predicted that forced induction would soon be appearing on lower capacity machines, and perhaps not remain the domain of the more premium H2 and H2R machines.

Kawasaki Z H Stripped
The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 features an eye-catching high tensile steel trellis frame

Today Kawasaki released the new Z H2, not a lower capacity model, but perhaps the Z H2 will lower the entry price for those yearning for some supercharged goodness.

Kawasaki Z H Top
Kawasaki also make note of the asymmetric intake design on the Z H2

Pricing is yet to be announced and the lower entry point is only our speculation but it seems likely. The Z H2 is set to arrive in Australia sometime early in 2020.

Kawasaki Z H RHR
2020 Kawasaki Z H2

The new bike boasts just under 200 horsepower from its supercharged 998cc in-line four-cylinder engine but of course boost is all about torque and here the numbers are more impressive, 137 Nm at 8500 rpm to be precise.

Kawasaki Z H Engine
Kawasaki are claiming 147.1kW of peak power on the Z H2

Kawasaki could obviously pushed those numbers lower down in the rev range but seemingly tuned the bike for ease of use.

Kawasaki Z H Engine
Torque is also an impressive 137 Nm on the 2020 Kawasaki Z H2

As you would expect it comes with a full suite of electronic safety and assist systems with IMU driven multi-level traction control and ABS along with riding modes, quick shifter, launch and cruise control. 

Kawasaki Z H Bars
An extensive electronics system is found on the Z H2 including KTRC, KLM, Ride and Power modes, RBW, a Bosch IMU and more

Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth is also integrated into a colour TFT display and all lighting is LED.

Kawasaki Z H Dash
The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 is also adorned by a full colour TFT LCD display

The new high-tensile steel trellis frame uses Showa components front and rear to suspend the 239 kg (wet) Z H2. Preload and damping adjustable SFF-BP forks look after the front. 

Kawasaki Z H Front
Lighting on the 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 will be full LED except in the USA

Brembo supplies monobloc radial M4.32 calipers while the master-cylinder is sourced from Nissin.

Kawasaki Z H Brakes
Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers are also featured on the Z H2

The riding position has been designed to off a more upright and relaxed rider triangle in comparison to its H2 siblings, keeping with the thinking behind the entire Z line up of Kawasaki machines.

Kawasaki Z H Cockpit
2020 Kawasaki Z H2

Forced induction requires lower tension piston rings thus the casting processes are more exact than generally used and the bores are honed with a dummy head in place, normally only seen in blueprinted engines.

Kawasaki Z H Swingarm
New Uni Trak rear suspension is also found on the 2020 Kawasaki Z H2

As per all of Kawasaki’s supercharged machines, no intercooler is fitted and the supercharger does not have its own oil circuit, instead it combines with the overall lubrication system of the engine. No doubt due to packaging concerns, it’s not a car after all…. A liquid-cooled oil cooler is present though to help keep temperatures under control along with radiator shrouds carefully designed to manage air-flow. The trellis frame also plays its part in helping the engine shed heat.

Kawasaki Z H Tank
2020 Kawasaki Z H2

With Euro 5 emissions restrictions in mind a new exhaust system has been designed with a large catalytic converter but by doing away with the normal pre-muffler Kawasaki look to have done a great job of packaging that under the machine.

Kawasaki Z H Stripped
The exhaust on the 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 has been optimised at the collector but still features a large muffler

The trade off is quite a large muffler, but I favour that over some of the monstrosities now seen hanging under many modern machines that look crap in the showroom even before they get dirty, which is when they really start to look like shit. That Kawasaki manage to package a supercharger in the Z H2, AND manage to route the exhaust system smartly is some feat, kudos to them on that score.

Kawasaki Z H Muffler
The Z H2 muffler won’t win any accolades but Euro 5 dictated the design

The trademark modern Z bike proboscis around the headlight area aside, its also a pretty good looking machine. 

Kawasaki Z H RHF
2020 Kawasaki Z H2

What will be the next supercharged package to come from Kawasaki…?

2020 Kawasaki Z H2 Specifications

Engine type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement 998cc
Bore and Stroke 76.0 × 55.0mm
Compression Ratio 11.2:1
Valve system DOHC, 16 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection
Intake system Kawasaki Supercharger
Maximum power 147.1 kW {200 PS} / 11,000 min-1
Maximum Torque 137.0 N.m {14.0 kgf.m} / 8,500 min-1
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication  Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
Transmission 6-speed, return, dog-ring
Final drive Chain
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual, slip & assist
CHASSIS
Frame type Trellis, high-tensile steel
Wheel travel front 120mm
 Wheel travel rear 134mm
Tyre front 120/70ZR17 M/C 58W
 Tyre rear 190/55ZR17 M/C 75W
Rim size front 17M/C × MT3.50
Rim size rear 17M/C × MT6.00
Caster (rake) 24.9
Trail 104mm
Steering angle (L/R) 29/29
Suspension front Showa SFF-BP telescopic forks
Suspension rear New Uni Trak rear suspension, Showa shock
Brakes front Dual 290mm discs, Brembo M4.32 front brake calipers
 Brakes rear Single 226mm disc
DIMENSIONS
Overall length 2085mm
Overall width 810mm
Overall height 1130mm
Wheelbase 1455mm
Ground clearance 140mm
Seat height 830mm
Curb mass 239kg
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Display TFT LCD
Lighting LED (excluding USA)
Technology Power Modes, KCMF, KIBS. KTRC, KQS, KLCM, Cruise Control, Bosch IMU

Source: MCNews.com.au

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