Kawasaki Z H2

Kawasaki have done the expected to the H2 and released a semi-faired or bikini version of the H2 sports bike. It also been given the Z badge! 

The Z H2 is Kawasaki’s top ranger hyper sports bike but with the plastic bits removed. There are of course other changes that make it less about outright speed or handling but about high power and torque at lower revs. The Z series is about being able to access power at lower revs. You know –  being able to do a wheelie at 2000 RPM as opposed to 6000 RPM and its also about looking ‘mean’ aka aggressive in stance. 

In terms of looks the Z H2 is a bit off, unlike it predecessor the Z1000 which I think is one of definite Z series designs. I’m don’t really understand why Kawasaki settled on this softer design for the H2 version. 

In terms of engines and tech the Kawasaki Z H2 has all the tech from the regular H2. However the power and torque are notably reduced. The Z H2 engine produces 31 Kw less peak power but only 4 less Nm torque from the donor H2 which is not unexpected. That said this is a fast bike so if power is all you want than this is one of the best motorcycles you can buy at the moment. 

Is the Kawaski Z H2 that was released a few years ago (2019) still worth buying? Due to its unaffordable price there are so many other alternative models that come to mind although few have the same power or torque. However like the big bore naked motorcycles of the past years, few will buy due to its looks. The class is also all about the visuals like those made by MV Augusta and the Ducati Streetfighter for example which both got my immediate attention in comparison to the Kawasaki  Z H2 which did not.