[Moto]2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon: What We Know So Far

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Kawasaki’s Ninja sportbike line has evolved to include the 2021 H2 Carbon, a supercharged “Hypersport” motorcycle with incredible agility. The 998cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke is capable of 104.9 lb-ft of torque, and its stability is augmented by the Ninja’s high tensile steel trellis frame. The Carbon Edition is aptly named for its carbon fiber body components. The H2 Carbon is outfitted with a multitude of performance features and improved chassis management technologies. It incorporates the supercharged 998cc powerplant used in the track exclusive Ninja H2R, currently the world's fastest production motorcycle. This performance machinery represents a milestone in the Ninja line and pushes the limits of production bike capabilities. Pre-orders for the limited edition 2021 H2 began on September 29th of this year and will end on November 20th. Here’s a detailed look at what we know so far about Kawasaki's hypersport creation. The Limited Edition Design Features Carbon Fiber Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon Sport Bike High Performance Track Motorcyclevia totalmotorcycle.com The special edition Kawasaki H2 Carbon features an upper cowl made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, identical to that of the track-only H2R. Mirror-like paint compliments the Ninja’s aggressive fairings and dashing aesthetic. Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black and Candy Flat Blazed Green make for a stunning combination on the sporty exterior of the H2 Carbon. Kawasaki managed to achieve a low curb weight of just 524.8lbs, a figure which includes a full tank of fuel and (optional) tool kit. Much like other modern Kawasaki sportbikes, the trellis frame is made from high-tensile steel. The bike is 82.1” long with a 5.1” ground clearance and seat height of 32.5”. This can likely be adjusted if necessary by purchasing an extended or reduced reach seat. Kawasaki also includes their Ergo-Fit customizable peg and handlebar positions. RELATED: Here’s Why The Ducati Monster 796 Is A Good Beginner Bike The Supercharged Engine Delivers Copious Amounts Of Power Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon Sport Bike High Performance Track Motorcyclevia kawasaki.com The H2 is equipped with a supercharged, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC engine. The 998cc engine facilitates its torque figure of 104.9 lb-ft at 11,000rpm and power that likely surpasses 225hp. It has a bore and stroke of 76mm x 55mm and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. This engine utilizes digital fuel injection via quadruple 50mm throttle bodies with dual injection. Unlike the H2R, the Carbon will have an electronically governed top speed. This is sensible for a road-legal bike, especially considering that the H2R’s similar powertrain can propel the rider from 0 to 249mph in just 26 seconds. A substantial assortment of engine management technologies come standard on the 6-speed H2. This includes the assist/slipper clutch, which integrates two cams to improve clutch operation. The assist cam compresses the clutch hub and operating plate together to produce a lighter clutch feel. The slipper cam forces these components apart during rapid downshifts or engine braking. According to Kawasaki, this alleviation of clutch pressure can help prevent rear tire hop. Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon Sport Bike High Performance Track Motorcyclevia kawasaki.com In contrast to independent ABS systems, the Kawasaki Intelligent ABS connects the ABS control unit with the main ECU. The system monitors an array of variables including throttle position, engine speed, clutch actuation, and gear position. This is another technology that can reduce wheel hop and enhance precision brake control. The front suspension on the H2 Carbon is an adjustable 43mm inverted fork with 4.7” of travel, while the rear uses an Öhlins Uni-Trak TTX36, a gas-charged shock with 5.3” of travel. The front brakes are radial-mounted, opposed 4-piston Brembo Stylemas with 330mm discs; In the rear, the H2 has opposed 2-piston calipers with a single 250mm disc. The hydraulic pressure of the front caliper can be monitored through the Intelligent ABS unit. To augment performance in diverse conditions, traction control and a Cornering Management Function come standard on the H2. An Öhlins electronic steering damper is added, a feature that has a similar implementation on the Yamaha YZF-R1M. The front and rear tires are 120/70 and 200/55 ZR17s, wrapped around spoked wheels that have a signature Kawasaki look. The two-tone black and chrome wheels effectively pull together various elements of the futuristic aesthetic. RELATED: Here’s What Makes The Kawasaki Vaquero A Remarkable Cruiser The Feature-Rich Ninja H2 Carbon Will Cost $33,000 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon Sport Bike High Performance Track Motorcyclevia kawasaki.com The H2 Carbon features connectivity via Kawasaki’s Rideology app, which allows the rider to monitor performance variables and modify certain parameters. Users can view statistics such as fuel and mileage and can record riding logs with GPS data. TFT instrumentation accentuates the bike’s elegant style while the economical riding indicator provides data on fuel consumption at any given speed. Reservations for the 2021 Ninja H2 Carbon began on the 29th of September and will continue until November 20th. The bike is priced at $33,000 with a standard destination charge of $410 (which varies by dealer). This price is approximately $20,000 less than its track-only counterpart and $3500 more than the standard Ninja H2. H2 Carbon will be offered with a 12-month limited warranty and optional Protection Plus plan ranging from 12 to 48 months. The bike will enter 2021 as both an ultra-quick production hyperbike and a harbinger of future performance innovations.