Kawasaki has unveiled the road-going supercharged Ninja H2. In collaboration with the vast expertise of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) Group, the japanese manufacturer has produced the most powerful supercharged production motorcycle of all time.

While the max power of the H2 is a nowadays average 200hp (147kW), the Ninja’s engine boasts comparable torque figures of much bigger engines with 134Nm of torque and weighs in at a porky 238kg. Kawasaki goes in to beautiful detail about the H2, and it’s exotic race-only H2R version released earlier in 2014, at www.ninja-h2.com.

The Quest for power:
Using a supercharged engine enabled engine design requirements for big power in a lightweight, compact package to be met. Aside from minor differences in the engine unit, and intake and exhaust systems tailored for street use to ensure noise and emissions standards are met, the 200 PS supercharged engine of the Ninja H2 is essentially the same as the over 300 PS engine of the closed-course Ninja H2R, delivering an intense acceleration unlike anything you can experience on a naturally aspirated bike. Designed in-house, the immense potential of the highly compact, highly efficient, supercharged 998 cm3 In-Line Four engine is a testament to the technology possessed by the KHI Group.

In-house designed supercharger:
The supercharger used in the Ninja H2 was designed by Kawasaki motorcycle engine designers with assistance from other companies within the KHI Group, namely the Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company, and Corporate Technology Division. Designing the supercharger in-house allowed it to be developed to perfectly match the engine characteristics of the Ninja H2. The highly efficient, motorcycle-specific supercharger was the key to achieving the maximum power and the intense acceleration that engineers wanted to offer.

Planetary gear:
The supercharger is driven by a planetary gear train, which runs off the crankshaft. Designing the gear train using technology from Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company resulted in a very compact unit, with minimal power loss. The gear train increases the impeller speed to 9.2x the crank speed (via a 1.15x step gear and 8x planetary gear). This means that at maximum engine speed (approximately 14,000 min-1), the impeller shaft is spinning at almost 130,000 min-1. Mounted in a thrust bearing structure, the impeller shaft floats on a film of oil.

Power unit designed to withstand 300 PS output:
The Ninja H2 power unit is loaded with technology developed specifically for this supercharged engine. In order 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, the whole engine was designed to be able to handle stresses 1.5x to 2x greater than on a naturally aspirated litre-class engine. In fact, aside from its camshafts, head gaskets and clutch, the engine unit is exactly the same as the unit on the Ninja H2R.

Combustion chamber design:
Combustion chamber design eliminates the squish area. Small engines use the squish to generate turbulence that helps promote more thorough fuel-air mixing. However, for a large high-output engine, preventing engine knock was a more important factor: best performance was obtained with a controlled combustion. The combustion chamber is formed by machining; precise control of the chamber volume also helps prevent engine knock. Compared to a naturally aspirated litre-bike, the compression ratio is relatively low at 8.5:1—but ideal when combined with the high-pressure air used in the supercharged engine.

Pistons:
The combustion chamber design is complemented by a flat piston crown design. Its shape, inspired by the pistons used in the 18-cylinder Green Gas Engine developed by Kawasaki’s Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, also contributes to the engine’s anti-knock performance.

Dog-ring transmission:
To facilitate smooth, quick shifting, a dog-ring type transmission was selected. This is the kind of transmission commonly found in MotoGP or Formula 1, and was developed with feedback from the Kawasaki Racing Team. Unlike a standard motorcycle transmission in which shift forks slide the gears into position, with a dog-ring transmission the gears all stay in place. Only the dog rings move, sliding into position to engage the desired gear. A contactless-type quick shifter (a first for a Kawasaki motorcycle) is also fit standard.

Ram air intake:
Air supplied to the supercharger enters via a single Ram Air intake in the left side of the upper cowl. The total frontal area is approximately 6,500 mm2, about 3x the area of the supercharger entrance. The Ram Air duct was designed to route fresh air to the supercharger in as straight a line as possible. Its shape was derived to match the impeller characteristics, further contributing to the engine’s high output. For optimum efficiency for the 200 PS engine, the air cleaner is positioned directly before the supercharger.

Aluminium intake chamber:
The large six-litre intake chamber is ideally shaped for high efficiency and high engine output. Being constructed of highly rigid aluminium offers two advantages: 1) aluminium offers excellent surface heat dissipation, helping to keep the intake air cool; 2) the rigid structure helps to ensure airtight performance with the supercharged air pressure (approximately 2 atm). Inside the intake chamber, the top injectors spray fuel onto stainless steel nets positioned over the intake funnels (patent pending). This promotes a more uniform fuel-air mixture, and fuel misting, which helps cool the mixture.

Intake and exhaust ports:
The intake ports are polished to ensure smooth flow and minimise resistance. Straight exhaust ports—one for each exhaust valve—do not converge in the cylinder head. The straight-line design enables the most efficient egress of air from the combustion chamber, while contributing to efficient chamber filling. Cam profiles were optimised for the 200 PS engine and are tuned to offer strong low-speed torque. Compared to naturally aspirated litre-class supersport models, lift is lower (reduced valve spring load allowed mechanical loss to be significantly reduced) and the overlap is narrower.

Exhaust system:
Entrance to the header pipes is ovular to match the dual exhaust ports per cylinder. Partly formed by hydroforming, each header pipe tapers from an ovular to a φ45 mm round cross-section. The collector pipes are also hydroformed. For the ideal exhaust pressure, all four header pipes are connected. The exhaust system also includes a compact under-engine pre-chamber, with a double-wall construction for high rigidity. This construction helps reduce radiating noise and exhaust noise. The right-side single silencer ensures that noise and exhaust gas emissions meet market regulations.

Oil jets:
To keep the engine compact and simple, a single lubrication system provides cooling oil for the engine components, supercharger and transmission. Oil jets lubricate the supercharger chain at the contact points where the chain meets the upper and lower gears. In addition, the supercharger drive train’s lower gear has an oil passage. Inside the engine, there are two oil jets per cylinder to ensure the hot pistons are effectively cooled. Transmission oil jets (first use in a Kawasaki motorcycle) enable a compact transmission with high durability.

Bodywork:
Compact side cowls and under cowls were designed to assist with heat dissipation. The engine is almost exposed, making it easy for air to escape (so that fresh, cool air can enter). An overall chassis CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing further aided in creating a design that directs air into the radiator and then helps draw heat out of the engine space. The radiator offers superior cooling performance because it flows approximately 1.5x more air than other bikes.

High-speed stability and light handling:
Designed for the performance parameters of the closed-course Ninja H2R and shared with the street-going Ninja H2, the objectives for the chassis were to ensure unflappable composure at ultra-high speeds, offer cornering performance to be able to enjoy riding on a circuit, and finally to have a highly accommodating character. Ordinarily, high-speed stability can easily be achieved with a long wheelbase, but a shorter wheelbase was selected to achieve the compact overall package and sharp handling that were also desired. An innovative new trellis frame provided both the strength to harness the incredible power of the supercharged engine, and the balanced flex to achieve the stability and pliability for high-speed riding.

Trellis frame:
Using a trellis frame construction offered an elegant, lightweight solution to meeting the chassis’ performance requirements. Able to harness the massive power of the engine, it has a balance of stiffness and flexibility that enables a very high level of stability while being able to handle external disturbances at high speeds. Its open design also helps effectively dissipate heat generated by the supercharged engine. Pipe diameter, thickness and bend of each piece of the trellis frame were carefully selected to obtain the necessary stiffness for that part of the frame.

Single-sided swingarm:
The Ninja H2 features Kawasaki’s first single-sided swingarm. Having a single-sided swingarm allows the exhaust silencer to be mounted closer to the bike centreline, ensuring a high bank angle for sporty cornering. The Swingarm Mounting Plate, an innovative new chassis mechanism, bolts to the back of the engine. The swingarm pivot shaft goes through this plate, essentially allowing the swingarm to be mounted directly to the engine. Thanks to the Swingarm Mounting Plate, the frame does not need to use cross members for stability, contributing to the frame’s light weight.

Front suspension:
Based on the Air-Oil Separate cartridge fork developed for motocross racing, KYB’s AOS-II racing suspension makes its asphalt debut. Designed for low friction, the φ43 mm front fork offers smooth initial action followed by strong damping at the end of the stroke. As the suspension works, a large φ32 mm free-floating piston at the bottom of the oil-damping cartridge pumps oil up to a sealed area between the inner and outer tubes. This provides a friction-reducing film on which the tubes can slide against each other, resulting in extremely smooth action.

Rear suspension:
The KYB fully adjustable mono-shock rear suspension offers superb stability. The top of the rear shock mounts to the Swingarm Mounting Plate. The bottom of the rear shock is mounted via revised Uni-Trak linkage that offers excellent feedback regarding the rear tyre’s grip condition to the rider. The new linkage, situated below the swingarm, also mounts to the Swingarm Mounting Plate.

Brakes:
A pair of massive φ330 mm Brembo semi-floating discs with a thickness of t5.5 mm deliver superb braking force. Grooves running down the centre of the outer edge of the discs increase their surface area for greater heat dissipation. Dual radial-mount Brembo cast aluminium monobloc calipers grip the front discs. The highly rigid opposed 4-piston calipers contribute to the superb braking force. Brembo radial-pump master cylinder and reservoir receive extra attention before being shipped to Kawasaki. Each part is examined and adjusted to eliminate any ineffective (idle) stroke.

Original-design wheels:
The star-pattern five-spoke wheel design was selected based on analysis and testing to determine the optimum rigidity balance for high speed performance. The analysis technology used in their development comes from World Superbike. Knurling on the inside of the rear wheel rim helps prevent the tyre from slipping on the wheel due to the massive torque generated by the engine.
The Ninja H2 is equipped with high-performance tyres, including a massive 200 mm rear tyre, to ensure sufficient tyre durability when riding at high speed.

Shaped for speed:
As speed increases, wind resistance increases exponentially. To be able to operate in the ultra-high speed range, a combination of high power and slippery aerodynamics was needed. With power requirements taken care of by the supercharged engine, the next step was to design bodywork that both minimised drag and added control when riding at ultra-high speed. It is no accident that the Ninja H2 does not seem to have the aggressive forward-canted stance of most modern supersport models. At the speeds for which the closed-course Ninja H2R was designed, such a posture would create drag that would hinder top speed aspirations. Instead, the stance is very neutral, almost flat—think Formula 1 car—to make the body as aerodynamically sleek as possible.

Aerodynamically-designed bodywork:
Assistance from Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company was enlisted in creating the aerodynamically sculpted bodywork to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The upper cowl uses lips and lines to help direct airflow over its surface, and positions the Ram Air intake in the most efficient position. It also incorporates a chin spoiler designed to generate downforce that contributes to high-speed stability. The upper cowl’s shorter windscreen balances wind protection and appearance. The windscreen is about 35 mm shorter than the one used on the closed-course Ninja H2R.

Aerodynamic mirror stays:
In order to maintain both straight-line stability and the control to change direction while running at high speed, a number of aerodynamic devices ensure the front wheel has strong contact with the ground. Contributing to high-speed stability, the Ninja H2 features mirror stays with airfoil cross-sections. Like the wings on the closed-course model, they were also designed by Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company. Their trailing edges are equipped with Gurney flaps that increase the effectiveness of the simple airfoil shape, allowing greater downforce to be generated with a smaller surface.

Man machine interface:
Although the Ninja H2’s high performance cannot be denied, since it was not intended to be a race bike designed to turn quick lap times as efficiently as possible, it did not need the spartan accommodation found on most purpose-built supersport models. The man-machine interface enables riders to enjoy the bike’s performance with a modicum of comfort. While the riding position, ergonomics and cockpit layout were all designed first and foremost to put the rider in the best position to control this amazing machine, the impression from the rider’s perspective is one not of austerity, but rather plush quality, high-tech control, and an impeccable fit and finish.

Riding position and ergonomics:
The kind of riding for which the Ninja H2 was designed, and a desire for a compact overall package resulted in a riding position similar to that of a supersport without being quite as aggressive. The rider triangle is similar to that of the Ninja ZX-10R, but more relaxed. As enjoyment of the intense acceleration and high speed capabilities was the first priority, a solo seat for the rider is the only seating provided.

Seat:
At 825 mm, the seat height is slightly taller than the Ninja ZX-10R’s 813 mm. The seat is tapered at the front—making it easier, along with the slim rear frame, for riders to reach the ground—and wide enough at the rear to ensure comfort. To help support the rider during intense acceleration, hip-supporting pads flank the rear of the seat. The hip support is adjustable 15 mm backward to suit rider size.

Footpegs:
Machined footpegs feature a new design that includes ridges at the tip for extra grip. These help keep the rider’s feet securely in place, while adding to the bike’s high-quality image.
Relative to the Ninja ZX-10R, the footpegs are positioned 10 mm forward, resulting in a more relaxed knee bend, which makes the bike feel much roomier.

Instrumentation and controls:
The advanced, high-tech design of the instrumentation conveys the image of piloting a jet fighter aircraft. Compact handle control switches put all mode selection and display options at the rider’s fingertips. The design combines a full digital LCD screen with an analogue-style tachometer. The LCD screen features white characters on a black background, contributing to the high-quality image. The tachometer’s black dial “face” looks blank until the engine speed increases. Backlit rpm numbers light up to chase the tachometer needle as it moves around the dial.

Electronic rider support:
Complementing the Ninja H2’s incredible engine and chassis performance, advanced electronics work behind the scenes to provide rider support. Depending on rider preference, many of the systems may be turned off. And while the high-performance engine was designed to be accommodating even without the benefit of electronic assistance, when electing to fully experience the Ninja H2’s intense acceleration or high-speed potential, these systems are available to provide an extra degree of rider reassurance.

KTRC:
The new KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) system used on the Ninja H2 combines the best elements of Kawasaki’s earlier traction control systems. Multi-level modes, plus an independently activated Rain Mode, offer riders a greater number of settings to choose from, with each mode providing a different level of intrusion to suit riding conditions and rider preference, and all modes designed to manage output when a sudden slip occurs. The new system offers both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence.

KLCM:
Designed to assist the rider by optimising acceleration from a stop, KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode) electronically controls engine output to prevent wheelspin and minimise wheelies when launching. Riders can choose from three modes, each offering a progressively greater level of intrusion. Each mode allows the rider to launch from a stop with the throttle held wide open.

KIBS:
Kawasaki’s supersport-style ABS is standard equipment on the Ninja H2. KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System) uses high-precision brake pressure control, which enables the system to avoid reduced brake performance due to excessive pressure drops, allows lever feel to be maintained when KIBS is active, and ensures ABS pulses feel smooth (not heavy). High-precision brake pressure control also offers a number of sport riding benefits:
1. Rear lift suppression
2. Minimal kickback during operation
3. Accounting for back-torque

Electronic steering damper:
Kawasaki’s electronic steering damper was jointly developed with Öhlins, one of the most popular and respected manufacturers of steering dampers. Unlike a mechanical steering damper—in which the settings, once fixed, must cover all riding conditions and speeds—the damping characteristics are changed electronically according to vehicle speed, and the degree of acceleration or deceleration. At low Damperspeeds, the settings were chosen such that damping does not interfere with the bike’s intrinsic lightweight handling. At high speeds, damping increases to provide enhanced stability.

Behind the name:
Designed to be the ultimate motorcycle, the street-going Ninja H2 is based closely on the closed-course Ninja H2R. Powered by a 200 PS supercharged engine, it offers intense acceleration, superb high-speed riding potential, supersport-level handling performance, and a sensory experience surpassing anything that riders can find today. The ‘Ninja’ name is synonymous with Kawasaki performance, and has been shared by many legendary models over the years. Representing Kawasaki’s leading edge, Ninja models have always been the performance leaders of their time, and have shown their prowess time and time again on the racetrack. The 1971 H2 (750SS Mach IV) took the world by storm when it arrived. Powered by a two-stroke 748 cm3 Triple, it was the fastest motorcycle of its time. But it was its intense acceleration that made it a worldwide sensation. Designed to offer riding excitement at a level never before experienced, the Ninja H2 combines the joy derived from sport riding, from being able to skilfully control a high-performance machine—one of the greatest attractions of a Ninja motorcycle—and the same kind of intense acceleration for which the original H2 was famous. It is from this combination that the Ninja H2 name was derived.

The emblem significance:
The River Mark is a long-time Kawasaki symbol that dates back to the 1870s. When founder Shozo Kawasaki was running his shipping business, he created a flag with a stylised version of the character river—the first character in the name Kawasaki—which he flew from the ships he owned. The emblem came to be called the “River Mark” and was adopted as the symbol of the KHI Group, expressing the company’s technology, originality and innovation. Much of the Ninja H2’s advanced technology was developed with cooperation from other companies in the KHI Group. Its supercharged engine was designed with know-how gained from the gas turbine used to power 30-megawatt cogeneration systems. Its piston crown shape was determined with experience gained from the 18-cylinder Green Gas Engine power plant, which boasts a generating capacity of 7.5 megawatts. And its aerodynamic mirror stays were designed by Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company using the latest CFD analysis technology. The River Mark is proudly displayed on the upper cowl of the Ninja H2. It is a testament to the advanced technological know-how shared from other companies within the KHI Group that can be found throughout its innovative engine and chassis designs. While its use on products is rare, and usually limited to models felt to have historic significance, permission to use the River Mark was granted for the Ninja H2.

Craftsmanship:
More than any motorcycle Kawasaki has built to date, the Ninja H2 is a showcase of craftsmanship, build quality and superb fit and finish. Its brilliant silver-mirror paint was specially developed for the Ninja H2. The welding on its new trellis frame is consistently elegant. And hand assembly in an area dedicated exclusively to this model ensures an immaculate fit and finish.

Kawasaki original silver-mirror paint:
The silver-mirror paint used on the Ninja H2 was developed by Kawasaki specifically for motorcycles. Its highly reflective, glass like metal appearance adds to the bike’s stunning design. While paint similar in appearance may be found in custom circles, this is its first use on a mass-production vehicle in either the automotive or motorcycle industries. Strict Kawasaki quality control measures ensure a long-lasting finish.

Special paint process:
The highly reflective surface is created by inducing a silver-mirror reaction (a chemical reaction between a solution of silver ions and a reducing agent) that forms a layer of pure silver. This Ag layer is what creates the paint’s glasslike metal appearance. Compared to candy paints, which use aluminium flakes to generate a sparkling effect, the Ag layer appears as a uniform metallic surface.

Meticulously painted by hand:
While the multiple layers of paint on typical mass-production models are done by robot painters, for the Ninja H2 each layer of the paint—from primer to clear coat—is carefully finished by the hands of Kawasaki craftsmen to ensure a flawless, lustrous surface. Twice the number of clear coats (two on standard pieces, four on pieces with decals) further adds to the high-quality finish.

By the hands of craftsmen:
Welding bead quality for the trellis frame is uniformly very high, contributing to the Ninja H2’s superb fit and finish. Complementing the efficient and precise welds done by Kawasaki robots, complex curves are welded by expert Kawasaki craftsmen.

Assembled with care:
Unlike a standard mass-production model, the high-precision production of the Ninja H2 requires greater hands-on participation by skilled Kawasaki craftsmen. Within Kawasaki’s Akashi Factory, production takes place in an area dedicated exclusively to this bike. Great care taken at each step of production and assembly results in a product of superior performance and quality.

By the hands of craftsmen:
Welding bead quality for the trellis frame is uniformly very high, contributing to the Ninja H2’s superb fit and finish. Complementing the efficient and precise welds done by Kawasaki robots, complex curves are welded by expert Kawasaki craftsmen.

Assembled with care:
Unlike a standard mass-production model, the high-precision production of the Ninja H2 requires greater hands-on participation by skilled Kawasaki craftsmen. Within Kawasaki’s Akashi Factory, production takes place in an area dedicated exclusively to this bike. Great care taken at each step of production and assembly results in a product of superior performance and quality.