Ups

• Street-legal supercharged beast
• Nearly 190 RWHP stock, with monster torque curve
• Top-shelf chassis, suspension, brakes

Downs

• $30,500 price tag
• On the porky side (525 pounds wet)
• Poor fuel mileage

Verdict

Yes, there are sportbikes that can go through a set of corners or down the dragstrip quicker, but nothing (other than its racetrack-only brother H2R) can match the Kawasaki Ninja H2′s brutal yet precise inhaling of space and time when you twist the throttle. Don’t assume the H2 is a letdown by comparing its power numbers to its racetrack-only H2R brother; despite passing EPA exhaust and noise regulations, the H2 will peel your eyelids back with its mind-bending acceleration.

Overview

Kawasaki set the motorcycling world on its collective ear in 2015 when it released the Ninja H2R and its street-legal brother, the H2. Utilizing parent company Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ extensive expertise in turbine technology (KHI’s Aerospace division has decades of experience designing and manufacturing the turbine assemblies found in various Rolls-Royce jet engines used in commercial aircraft) allowed Kawasaki to fit a centrifugal supercharger in the tight confines of a sportbike and boost power to outrageous levels. A stock H2 cranked out almost 190 hp on the CW dyno, with a horsepower and torque curve that no normally aspirated production engine can match. And an H2 with only bolt-on modifications with Kent Kunitsugu riding managed to run 226.9 mph at a top speed meet in Mojave, California.

But just like the H2R, it’s not just all about power with the H2. A steel-tube trellis chassis and single-sided swingarm are tuned for cornering ability as well as straight-line stability, including top-tier KYB fully adjustable AOS II fork and Öhlins TTX shock with remote preload adjuster. Brembo’s latest Stylema four-piston calipers with 330mm discs provide excellent stopping power, and a full electronic rider aids suite employing a five-axis IMU helps the rider harness that performance.

All of the Ninja H2R/H2/H2 Carbon motorcycles are built to order, requiring deposits within a limited ordering period. Each bike is hand assembled by specialized personnel at the factory.

Updates for 2022

There are no updates for 2022 on both the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 Carbon. Available colorways are Mirror Coated Spark Black for the Ninja H2, and Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black/Candy Flat Blazed Green for the Ninja H2 Carbon.

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Ninja H2 retails for $30,500. The Ninja H2 Carbon features a carbon fiber upper cowl fairing with clear coat paint to show off the carbon weave; this model sells for $34,000.

Competition

Being the only forced induction production motorcycle in the market means the Ninja H2 doesn’t have any direct competition. But if you look at it from the “halo bike” aspect (an extravagant model that represents a brand’s design and manufacturing prowess), then competitors could include the Ducati Panigale V4 R, BMW M 1000 RR, or even the MV Agusta Rush.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ninja H2′s 998cc DOHC inline-four engine cranked out an impressive 189.8 hp at 11,090 rpm and 91.2 pound-feet of torque at 10,790 rpm on the CW dyno back in 2015 (the last time that we’ve had access to a Kawasaki H2), and recorded a swift 9.62 seconds at 152 mph in the quarter-mile, but none of those figures tell the full story of just how mind-bending the H2′s acceleration really is. “ZX-14R? Hayabusa? Meh. Gruntier, yes, but also somehow more flaccid feeling and also less agile,” said CW Editor-in-Chief Mark Hoyer in his Road Test Review of the Ninja H2. “The H2 is just so sharp…waltz up to 8,000 rpm in third, two bars of boost showing on the dash (you think so, anyway), and roll it wide open for ohmygodisthat132mphbeforemynextbreath?!” A MotoGP-inspired dog-ring transmission (where only the gear engagement dog-rings slide on the gearshafts for quicker gearshifts) and KQS auto-blip shifter for clutchless up- and downshifts ensure that power is as uninterrupted as possible.

Handling

With its purpose-built steel-tube trellis frame and top-shelf suspension, the Ninja H2 is much more agile than its 525-pound wet weight and 57.3-inch wheelbase would lead you to believe. “The bike worked the 3.375-mile, 16-turn Losail circuit with remarkable competence,” said CW’s Don Canet in his First Ride Review of the Ninja H2, “displaying handling that will run circles around the ZX-14R and Suzuki ‘Busa.” Cornering clearance is abundant, and despite its bulky appearance, the exhaust muffler never drags at max lean.

Brakes

Huge 330mm discs clamped by Brembo’s top-spec Stylema four-piston Monoblock calipers and a two-piston caliper/250mm disc combo out back utilizing KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System) ABS do an excellent job of slowing the Ninja H2. Canet revealed during his time on the Losail circuit with the H2 that he “felt no ill effect on the rare occasion I invoked ABS aboard the H2 (feeling a subtle pulse in the lever without any freewheeling).”

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Ninja H2 averaged 28 mpg during Hoyer’s Road Test Review.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Although the Ninja H2 is basically a serious sport machine, its ergos are not quite as aggressive as the latest supersport bikes. “The riding position feels slightly more relaxed than that of a ZX-10R,” said Canet in his First Ride Review of the H2. Taller riders might feel a little pretzeled, however. “If you are 6-foot-2 like me, your hands are lower than your knees, like a sprinter ready to fire out of the blocks,” noted Hoyer in his H2 Road Test Review.

Electronics

The Ninja H2/H2 Carbon/H2R were all upgraded in 2017 with a Bosch five-axis IMU that significantly updated the rider-aid electronics suite. The KTRC traction control system now has nine different levels along with a Cornering ABS function in the KIBS. The KEBC (Kawasaki Engine Brake Control) has two settings, “Off” for normal function, and “Light” for less engine-braking. Launch control is handled by the KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode) with three modes. The KQS now has both clutchless downshift and upshift capability. Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth allows access to the Rideology app that logs various riding data.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2 and H2 Carbon come with Kawasaki’s standard 12-month limited warranty. Extended coverage is available in 12, 24, 36, or 48 months via Kawasaki Protection Plus option.

Quality

The Ninja H2 bristles with extreme quality parts and finish. Yes, the price tag is very hefty, but you’re definitely getting what you pay for. Case in point: The flawless, hand-applied paint has a very deep, mirrorlike yet translucent finish that is created by using a solution of silver ions in a reducing agent that forms a microscopic layer of pure silver.

2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2/H2 Carbon Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Ups

• Solid bang-for-the-buck choice
• Still available with or without ABS
• Updates in 2020 make it even better

Downs

• Engine power and exhaust note a bit flat
• A little short on legroom for taller riders

Verdict

One of the original entry-level sportbikes when it debuted in 2006, Kawasaki’s Ninja 650 continues its long run as a solid choice for new riders who need a larger-size motorcycle. The engine really hasn’t changed much since that time, though, and it’s due for an upgrade.

Overview

When Kawasaki decided to make a larger and improved version of its long-running EX500, the result was another sales hit for the company, and 16 years later, the Ninja 650 has demonstrated the same long shelf life as its predecessor (in addition to spawning several other models using the same engine such as the Versys 650 and Z650). With sprightly performance aided by around 65 rear wheel horsepower pushing a sporty chassis with low seat height and a list price in the $7K range, it’s not difficult to see why it appeals to both new entry-level and experienced riders alike.

Updates for 2022

There are no changes to the 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650, other than new colorways. The available color motifs are Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Carbon Gray and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray, as well as a special KRT Edition model in Lime Green/Ebony/Pearl Blizzard White Kawasaki Racing Team graphics.

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650 has a list price of $7,899 for the non-ABS version and $8,299 for the ABS edition in the Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray colorway; the Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Carbon Gray motif has an MSRP of $8,099 for the non-ABS model, and $8,499 for the ABS version. The KRT Edition model lists for $8,099 for the non-ABS version, and $8,499 for the ABS model.

Competition

Competition in this category has definitely heated up lately, and entries like the stalwart Suzuki SV650 as well as the Honda CB650R have now been joined by newcomers such as the Yamaha YZF-R7, Aprilia RS 660, Ducati Panigale V2,  and Triumph Tiger Sport 660.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ninja 650′s 649cc DOHC vertical-twin engine is claimed by Kawasaki to put out 67 hp at 8,000 rpm and 47 pound-feet of torque at 6,700 rpm. The engine received some internal updates in 2017 aimed at increasing midrange and low-end power, providing “spunky performance” according to Kent Kunitsugu in his First Ride Review. The Ninja is definitely down on power compared to its competition, however. The six-speed transmission is equipped with a slipper/assist clutch.

Handling

A major weight reduction program in 2017 sliced more than 40 pounds off the Ninja 650, which helps its overall handling manners over the previous version immensely. Overall steering manners are light and neutral, and the nonadjustable (except for spring preload in the rear) suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort soft and sport firm as long as you don’t try to get too aggressive in the turns, as Morgan Gales noted in his 2020 Ninja 650 First Ride Review. For the majority of riders in the market for this bike, though, the stock suspension will do just fine.

Brakes

The combination of 300mm petal-type rotors and twin-piston slide-pin Nissin calipers up front provide strong stopping power with good feel in the middle of the pull, without being aggressive enough to overstep the limits too easily.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

There are no CW test miles-per-gallon figures or claimed mpg figures from Kawasaki for the 2022 Ninja 650.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Being the sporty brother to the Z650, the Ninja 650′s ergos are expectedly a little more aggressive. The same comfy seat (and somewhat sparse legroom for taller riders) as the Z650 is on the Ninja 650, but the reach to the slightly more aggressively angled bars is a bit longer, canting your torso forward a little more. Passenger accommodations are as you’d expect for a sportbike: fairly spartan.

Electronics

Other than ABS with the ABS-specific models, there are no electronic rider aids on the Ninja 650. The upgrade in 2020 to a full-color 4.3-inch TFT dash display brings Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, tracking various riding facts such as time riding, distance ridden, fuel mileage, etc. Headlights were also updated to LED units in 2020.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Ninja 650 comes with Kawasaki’s 12-month limited warranty, with optional extended warranty up to 48 months via Kawasaki’s Protection Plus program.

Quality

Despite its somewhat budget/entry-level intentions, the Ninja 650 is equipped with much of the latest tech and higher-quality components that you’d normally find on pricier motorcycles. Fit and finish is excellent.

2022 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com