Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike Review Specs Price

The Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike is an engineering marvel made possible by the technological expertise of multiple departments of Kawasaki. It results from the unprecedented collaboration of carefully crafted premium components and next-level electronics that works to deliver an unbelievably powerful machine.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is designed to ensure ultimate performance street-legal bike and state-of-the-art technologies. It results from the highest level of cooperative development across Kawasaki’s tall performing bike, aerospace and gas turbine divisions. The bike is designed to be highway legal and it comes with complete lighting and mirrors, street-legal mufflers, DOT-approved tires and Ninja H2-specific front and side cowlings. The Ninja H2 provides its owners with the ride of a lifetime.

The Ninja H2R comes with a supercharged engine that delivers unprecedented power for ultimate acceleration. The heavy growl of the engine is a sound that the streets and people won’t soon forget. The fact is that it has been designed to provide excellent riding pleasure at a level never before experienced by anyone. The bike is the perfect combination of joy that is derived from sport riding and technological advancement.

Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike – Owners Guide

Such a Beast

The Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike is a closed-course riding use only, and it is not manufactured for use on public roads, highways, or streets. It is requested that all the machine usage should be limited to riding on a closed-course only.

Parts of the Beast

Parts of the bike have been designed especially for closed-course riding use, and it cannot be purchased without proof of H2R ownership.

Exhaust Sound

The exhaust sound level of the Kawasaki 2018 Ninja H2R at the time of factory shipment was about 120 dB/A using Auto Cycle Union (ACU) guidelines. The owner’s responsibility is to confirm that noise regulation of the closed courses permits vehicles to reach this level of the exhaust sound. One should be very careful because any change in the exhaust system may affect its overall performance and sound level.

Maintenance, Usage, and Warranty

As a closed-course riding use only model, it is requested to follow the specific procedures when riding and maintaining the motorcycle.

Bike’s Tires

The standard tires have been specially designed for use on closed-course. These tires are not intended for oval or partial oval course use but they may not be suitable for other courses or conditions. The engineers and Kawasaki experts recommend that one should follow the tire manufacturer’s instructions and warning. One should ask the tire manufacturer to select the right tires for the course or riding conditions.

All the computer-controlled systems including KLCM, KCMF, KTRC, KIBS, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and KQS, are tuned with the standard tires. The use of tires other than the standard tires could affect the performance of these systems.

Standard Tires

Front: Bridgestone, Racing Battlax V01F Soft

Rear: Bridgestone, Racing Battlax V01R Medium

Tire Warmers

To prevent the loss of grip, it is recommended to use tire warmers to hard tires before riding the bike. Cold tires do not offer sufficient grip, and they may cause loss of control or a crash which may results in injury or death in extreme case.

Vehicle Storage

When storing the Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike, always use front and rear motorcycle stands that keep both tires off the ground. It will prevent tire deformation and any adverse impact on the performance.

Bike Maintenance

In addition to regular periodic maintenance, service inspections are required every fifteen hours of engine operation above 8,000 rpm. These service intervals are monitored with the help of the bike’s ECU with a service message displayed on the multifunction meter.

Bike’s Warranty

The Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Motorcycle is sold with no warranties, express or implied. The buyer accepts all responsibilities concerning the cost of services, maintenance and repairs.

Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike – Features and Price

Engine Features

The new Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike comes with a compact engine that offers high horsepower for intense acceleration. A supercharger was deemed necessary but it is not just a typical supercharger. The collaborative effort across Kawasaki’s engineering division resulted in the highly efficient supercharger that didn’t need an intercooler to minimize the temperature of the air being fed to the engine.

Engine designed to handle stresses of about two times greater than the naturally aspirated engine of the same category. The crankshaft inertial moment was made as low as possible and it is combined with the lightweight flywheel for a superior response. The relatively light rotational mass helps in quick handling characteristics. The new dual secondary balancers assure extremely low engine vibration while the connecting rods balance strength and weight. It has a large big-end and bold diameter for strength and durability in a high-output environment. The cast piston provides better power over the forged pistons for the high temperatures being generated by the engine. At the same time, the unique casting process makes hollow areas achieve idealized thickness with reduced weight.

An all-new V-groove on the second piston ring land helps prevent top ring fluttering for reduced blow-by and oil consumption. Two oil jets per cylinder helps in cooling the pistons. One nozzle sprays the whole underside of the piston dome while the other concentrates sprays on the exhaust side of the dome bottom. The large deep-sump oil pan helps in cooling oil and the oil pan design guarantees the oil pump is always enclosed by oil to prevent cavitation. In addition, the unique angled shape and position of the oil filter helps prevent cavitation during solid acceleration and deceleration.

The new high-flow oil pump helps in cooling oil, and it has a high flow rate to offer optimum lubrication to the engine and transmission. The flat piston crown and combustion chamber design applied to Kawasaki’s Gas Turbine and Machinery Company to avoid knocking. One-piece cylinder/ upper crankcase uses dummy cylinder head during boning process to ensure precise cylinder dimension that allows the use of a low-tension piston rings to reduce mechanical loss. An all-new machined-formed combustion chamber helps in achieving high power and it helps in preventing engine knock due to accurately controlled chamber volume. The cylinder head contains a water jacket between the exhaust ports of each cylinder, significant cooling passages around the new spark plug holes, and valve seats—the large coolant outlet engine more excellent cooling performance.

There is a high-lift camshaft with comprehensive valve overlap timing that helps in increasing performance. The exhaust valves contain heads made of Inconel, an extremely heat-resistance alloy and a heat-resistant tapered stem. Stainless steel is used in its intake valves. Carefully polished intake ports with idealized shape combined with straight exhaust ports do not converge in the head helps in boosting power.

Supercharger

The engineers of Kawasaki designed and built a centrifugal-type supercharger with a pumping capacity of 200+ liters of air-per-second with intake air reaching speeds. The planetary gear gets driving force from the crankshaft and spins a 69mm impeller. It is specially designed using Kawasaki Gas Turbine and Aerospace technology that runs up to 130,000 rpm. As the design of a supercharger is very efficient, compressed intake air is minimally heated so no intercooler is necessary.

The new ram air intake duct feeds the fresh supercharger air in as straight a line as possible to help to deliver high output. An aluminum intake chamber between the supercharger and throttle bodies helps radiate heat to keep the intake air cool. The stainless steel nets are located over the intake funnels that promote misting from the secondary fuel injectors to further cools the intake charge and increase filling efficiency. The ECU-controlled blow-off valve regulates pressure gain in the intake chamber when the throttle is closed to prevent impeller surging and abnormal vibration. The stainless steel header pipes of 45mm taper from elliptical shape match dual exhaust ports to round, and it combines with the double-walled, under-engine pre-chamber to reduce exhaust noise with the small volume.

Digital Fuel Injection

The throttle valves of 50mm operate with high precision that helps in offering smooth engine response. The system enhances input to S-KTRC and accommodates the Kawasaki Launch Control, and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control features. The high-pressure fuel pump is used to strengthen the high output from the supercharger.

Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)

The latest downshift function within the Kawasaki Quick Shift (KQS) allows clutch-less downshifting when the throttle is fully closed. In addition, the new contact-less potentiometer-type quick shifter for quick upshift enables seamless acceleration.

Transmission

The hydraulic clutch actuation has been achieved through Brembo radial-pump master cylinder for smooth actuation and super linearity. An all-new cassette-style transmission helps in a quick gearing shifting experience. The new dog-ring transmission is inspired by MotoGP technology in which the gears are fixed to the input transmission shafts and the rings move to engage the gears on the output shaft. It results in lighter shifting and thus improves the feel and shifting experience. The transmission oil jets at every gear mesh shift the fork position offering direct cooling and exceptional lubrication for more excellent durability.

Assist and Slipper Clutch

With the help of rotational forces of the clutch hub and pressure plates, the clutch is forced together during acceleration so that fewer and lighter clutch springs can be used for a more lightweight feel. During the high back-torque, when too low of a gear is selected during downshifting, the Slipper function allows some clutch slippage that helps in preventing engine lock-up, stalling, and rear-wheel hop. The latest judder spring component helps in preventing judder when the clutch is disengaged.

Electronic Controls

The Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike comes with the next level of Kawasaki’s cutting-edge electronics that have always excelled on the track due to the highly sophisticated programming. It gives the ECU an accurate, real-time picture of what the chassis is doing using minimal software. Thanks to the Bosch IMU and the new evolution of Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modeling software, electronic management technology is next. It has the greater capacity to assist riders in experiencing the motorcycle’s full potential on the track.

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

The IMU measures inertia along five axes, i.e., acceleration along transverse, longitudinal and vertical axes, pitch rate and roll rate. The yaw rate comes by the ECU using Kawasaki’s software to give six-axis chassis attitude input of lean angle and acceleration or deceleration force for accurate management of the electronic riding aids. The IMU helps KTRC incorporate more feedback to assist in maximization acceleration when exiting corners on the track. Unlike many competitors’ systems that includes pre-set limit, this software allows the bike to have a dynamic system that has the highest level of chassis awareness plus it adapts to changing track conditions.

Kawasaki Cornering Management Function

The Kawasaki’s Corner Management Function uses both KIBS and KTRC that helps riders to trace their proposed line through a corner on the track. I trace the intended line by suppressing the tendency for a motorcycle to stand up while braking in turn. The IMU supports the system maintain optimum hydraulic pressure based on the motorcycle’s lean and pitch angles.

Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM)

It is designed to help the rider by optimizing acceleration from the stop; this mode automatically controls the engine’s output to assist in preventing wheels and thus minimizing the front end lift during acceleration from zero. The worthy rider can select from three different modes and each of them are offering a progressively more significant level of intrusion. Each mode helps the rider in launching from a strop with an entire throttle operation.

Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)

There are multi-level modes that offer riders a various options to select. Each mode provides a different level of intrusion to suit riding conditions and rider preference, and all of them are designed to manage output when sudden slip occurs. The system offers enhanced sport riding performance and peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. There are nine different modes are available for the rider and each one is offering a progressively greater level of intrusion and best for a circuit. The rider may also elect to turn the system off if he wants.

Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC)

This controlling system helps the rider to choose the amount of engine braking that they prefer. When it is activated, the effect of engine braking is reduced.

Chassis Features

The chassis design of the Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike comes with the strength to harness great engine power while capable enough to handle the external disturbance at track speeds. In addition, a relatively short wheelbase is used that helps in maintaining quick handling and performance. Lastly, the chassis helps in the dissipation of engine heat efficiently.

It is a state-of-the-art trellis frame that is made up of high-tensile steel with pipe diameter. The thickness and bend of each piece are carefully selected to obtain the necessary strength of the part. The rigidity is ideally balanced that helps get a high-speed track riding experience while offering the ability to absorb external disturbance to facilitate stability. The slim frame design and horizontal fixing of the die-cast aluminum rear sub-frame help keep the seat narrow. The open design of the trellis frame helps air to pass through it, which helps in the dissipation of engine heat. The swingarm mounting plate is fixed at the back of the engine to make every part of the frame. It eliminates frame cross members to help keeping the frame light and allows the chain tension produced by the high-output engine to be efficiently transferred to the rigid engine block.

Suspension

The new Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike features Uni-Trak linkage rear suspension system that offers progressive action to the new rear shock so that the small bumps are damped lightly and large bumps receive heavy damping for smooth riding experience. The Kawasaki Ninja H2R uses single-sided swingarm that is composed up of forged and pressed aluminum parts. It is very rigid but lightweight and gives more space on the right side of the bike for optimized exhaust shape.

Ohlins Shock

The Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike is equipped with Ohlins TTX36 shock that features the machined cylinder body. The TTX GP-style damping adjusters and remote preload adjuster. The shock promotes cornering performance and is suitable for riding comfort and sporty handling. Thus it helps in the planted front end feel and offers superb feedback from the road. The shock features a unique concentric twin tube design and a solid main piston that moves the oil in the shock cylinder. The damping generating components are positioned at the top of the shock cylinder between the cylinder head and reservoir. It is a simple construction that allows shock components to be vital and light.

As the shock, construction makes it extremely difficult for cavitation to occur, and gas pressure is about half of the one used in standard shock. So, lower tension seals can be used for reduced friction and smoother shock action. The separate channels connect the comparison and rebound valves to their corresponding side of the main piston thus helping the completely separated adjusters for compression and rebound damping. The compression and rebound damping of 22-way adjustable using the high-quality machined finish TTX GP-adjuster knobs. The remote hand-turn preload adjuster makes it extremely easy to adjust settings without using tools.

Kayaba AOS-II Forks

The new Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki comes with a fully adjustable compression and rebounds damping and preload adjuster located on the fork caps for easy setting changes. The Kayaba AOS-II (Air-Oil Separate) 43mm fork contains a twin chamber that separates the damping oil from the air for a more stable damping performance. The division offers smooth initial action and bottoming solid resistance at the end of the stroke. The Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the inner tubes minimizes stiction for improved fork response and helps in preventing wear.

Electronic Steering Damper (ESD)

Steering damping characteristics are changed electronically. At lower speeds, the settings were chosen so that the damping does not interfere with the motorcycle’s intrinsic lightweight handling while on higher speeds, damping increase to offer enhanced stability. It uses input from the new rear wheel speed sensor to determine the vehicle’s speed as well as the degree the bike is decelerating or accelerating. When it enters into low-speed corners, steering becomes light and neutral. The enhanced feeling provided by the electronic steering damper helps in reducing rider fatigue on the long rides.

When strong acceleration and deceleration, damping is increased to offer enhanced performance. It features Ohlins special twin-tube design that features stable damping performance even under racing conditions and offers superb kickback absorption. The damper’s high precision construction and the use of an integrated clamp helps in minimizing friction as the damper piston travels so that initial motion is smooth.

Brembo Brakes

An all-new radial-mounted 4-piston front brake calipers come standard in Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike. The front brakes contain Brembo cast monoblock calipers with four opposed 30mm pistons that clamp huge 330mm Brembo disc for better-stopping force. The outer edges of the discs include grooves down the center of the outer edges that help in efficient dissipation of heat. The Brembo radial-pump master cylinder and new reservoir are calibrated so that a minimum lever movement achieves strong front brake force. The rear brake features Brembo calipers including two pistons of 32mm that clamp a 250mm disc.

The KIBS high-precision anti-lock braking system offers smooth feedback and minimal lever movement for more braking confidence. An all-new engine ECU communicates with the compact ABS ECU to give highly precision braking pressure control. It ensure that the braking performance is not affected by the excessive pressure drops and there is more consistent lever feel. The new cast aluminum wheels are specifically designed to enhance handling experience and they are shod with high-performance street tires.

Aerodynamic Bodywork

The new Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike comes with a fully functional bodywork design that enhances stability and maximizes engine cooling performance. The upper cowl successfully incorporates a chin spoiler that helps in creating downforce for maximum strength. The air scooped by the chin spoiler is deflected to the sides with the help of a unique air passage to decrease drag. The airflow creates the downforce over the mirror that stays with Guerney Flaps on the trailing edges.

An all-new compact side cowl leaves the engine almost entirely exposed and when they are combined with the trellis frame, they make it easy for hot air to escape for better heat dissipation. The front fender design is kept steeped, which helps in achieving direct airflow to the radiator for better cooling. The river mark emblem on the front of the cowling shows the Kawasaki performance heritage and the collaboration of the Kawasaki Akashi Group on this bike.

ERGO-Fit Handlebars as an Accessory

The new Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike comes with a slightly raised ERGO-Fit handlebar kit as an accessory, and it helps reduce the downward angle. In addition, it helps in positioning the handle grips a bit higher, i.e., 20mm than the standard clip-on. For shorter riders, this kit provides increased comfort.

Cockpit

The riding position of Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Motorcycle is optimized for high-speed circuit riding. As compare to 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, there is less forward lean and slightly wider handlebars with 10mm forward positioning of footpegs. An all-new solo seat is tapered at the front that helps in touching the ground and wider at the rear for rider help and comfort. The compact rear cowl has adjustable side hip that supports in helping brace the rider during intense acceleration. An all-new and fully advanced digital meter design with analog tachometer with rpm numbers light up to chase the tachometer needle. The all meter functions are controlled from the compact handlebar switches.

Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike – Price

The new Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike is available at $55,000 only.

Ninja H2R 2018 Kawasaki Sports Bike – Technical Specifications

Power

Performance

Details