Kawasaki Unleashes 2019 Ninja H2, H2 Carbon, and H2R

Kawasaki slipped a press release under the office door today detailing the new line of Ninja H2s due out for 2019. At first we were like, "We'll get to that when we can." Then Managing Editor and low-key Kawasaki fanboy Jason opened had a quick look at it over lunch and was all:

So, what's all the hubbub? What impressed Jason so much? Well, let's let Kawasaki tell you all about it.

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Press Release Follows

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 line-up has already set the bar for hypersport motorcycles and the 2019 Ninja H2, Ninja H2 Carbon, and Ninja H2R raise it even higher as engine updates make these supercharged hypersport machines the most powerful H2 engines to date.

Since the Ninja H2 sportbike was introduced, Kawasaki engineers were able to pursue unadulterated performance while remaining street legal and street capable.

A second model, the Ninja H2 Carbon, was developed as a special, limited edition model that features beautiful, strong and lightweight carbon fiber front bodywork and special insignia. The Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 Carbon are following in the footsteps of the unrestricted, track only Ninja H2™R motorcycle, which was truly Built Beyond Belief.

In addition to the increased performance for the Ninja H2, Kawasaki has added Brembo's latest high-spec calipers. In the cockpit, a new TFT (thin-film transistor) color instrumentation display with four selectable display modes, as well as Smartphone Connectivity which enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Bringing all this power and technology to the pavement are new Bridgestone RS11 tires.

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These incredible machines share technologically advanced components, including the 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, proprietary supercharger, lightweight trellis frame, compact superbike dimensions, aerodynamic bodywork, and a strong single-sided swingarm. The 2019 Ninja H2 is available in Mirror Coated Spark Black, while the 2019 Ninja H2 Carbon is offered in Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black / Golden Blazed Green with its clear coated raw carbon fiber fairing on display.

Highlights of the 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon and Ninja H2 hypersports:

• NEW Most powerful H2 engine to date while maintaining the same fuel efficiency
• NEW Brembo Stylema monobloc brake calipers
• NEW Bridgestone Battlax RS11 sport tires
• NEW TFT full color instrument display with four selectable modes
• NEW Smartphone connectivity
• NEW All LED lighting
• NEW Highly Durable Paint with "self repairing" top coat on high touch areas

More Powerful Engine

With the significant improvements, the supercharged acceleration of the Ninja H2 is more exhilarating than ever. The new engine performance does not affect fuel efficiency as consumption and range stay on par with previous models thanks to feedback from the Ninja H2 SX motorcycle's "balanced supercharged" engine. Key components to the increase in power include a new air filter, intake chamber and spark plugs.

Brembo Stylema Calipers

New for 2019 the Ninja H2, Ninja H2 Carbon and Ninja H2R hypersport motorcycles are equipped with high-grade Brembo Stylema front calipers. The dual radial mount, opposed 4-piston Stylema calipers gripping semi-floating 330mm discs are equipped with KIBS ABS to complement the technical innovation and premium quality of the Ninja H2, Ninja H2 Carbon and Ninja H2R.

Bridgestone Battlax RS11 Sport Tires

Technical innovations continue on the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 Carbon as they come equipped with all-new Bridgestone Battlax RS11 sport tires (12/70-17 front, 200/55-17 rear) that contribute to improved handling.

TFT Color Instrumentation

Contributing to the Ninja H2 flagship-level of quality is the advanced, high-tech design of the instrumentation featuring an analogue-style tachometer complemented by a high-grade full-color TFT LCD screen that enables information to be displayed graphically. Four selectable display modes allow riders to prioritize the information they want to see depending on the kind of riding they are doing at the time.

The high-grade full-color display features TFT technology to ensure a level of visibility. The screen's background color (black or white) is selectable at the touch of a button, and screen brightness adjusts automatically to suit available light. In addition to scrollable multi-function windows, four display modes offer riders a choice of how they want their information presented. Simple handle control switches put all mode selection and display options at the rider's fingertips.

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In addition to a digital speedometer and gear position indicator, display functions include: odometer, dual trip meters, current mileage, average mileage, fuel consumption, bank angle display and max bank angle recording function, coolant temperature, boost indicator, boost (intake air chamber) temperature, clock, and Economical Riding Indicator.

Smartphone Connectivity

As Kawasaki continues along a path of innovation, the 2019 Ninja H2 model comes another first: Smartphone Connectivity to the motorcycle. A chip built into the instrument panel enables riders to connect to their motorcycle wirelessly. Using a smartphone application, a number of instrument functions can be accessed, logged, and reviewed contributing to an enhanced motorcycling experience. The information below can be viewed on the connected smartphone through the proprietary app:

• Vehicle information including fuel level, odometer, trip meter, maintenance schedule, battery condition, etc.
• Riding record including GPS route information, speed, rpm, gear position, fuel mileage, and more.
• Vehicle settings: general instrument display settings (such as power or riding modes and ride support aids, such as Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS,) can be adjusted via the smartphone as well as by manual switch.

The app can also be used when away from the motorcycle. When riding (with the app ON), the bike and smartphone are always connected. Once the engine is turned off, or the smartphone is out of range of the instrument's chip, the latest riding information is stored by the app and may be viewed on the smartphone. Any changes made via the app while the engine is off, or while out of range, will be implemented as soon as the ignition is turned on and the smartphone is in range with the app ON.

All-LED Lighting

The 2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 Carbon feature new LED turn signals and an LED license plate lamp, meaning all lighting equipment (headlamp, position lamps, taillight, turn signals, and license plate lamp) are now brighter and more efficient LED technology.

Styling

A new "Supercharged" emblem emphasizes the increase in performance offered by the supercharged engine of the Ninja H2. Red color accents express the uniqueness of this high performance engine, while graphics depicting high-velocity intake air being spun around convey a sense of speed. Also new for 2019 are wheel pinstripes, which help to convey a high-class image.

Highly Durable Paint

Also new is Kawasaki's Highly Durable Paint (used on all non-carbon bodywork parts). The new paint features a special top coat that allows certain types of scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its high quality finish through normal wear and tear†. The self-healing is achieved through microscopic soft and hard segments within the top coat working like a chemical spring, creating a trampoline effect that absorbs many impacts.
† Notes:
1. In some cases, it takes more than one week for recovery.
2. The paint will not recover in the case of scratches caused by a coin or key, or zip fasteners.

KAWASAKI NINJA H2R

The Kawasaki Ninja H2R hypersport motorcycle once again returns as a class leader and one of the most sought-after motorcycles on the planet. New for 2019 is the addition of the Brembo Stylema front calipers, a redesigned supercharged emblem, and Kawasaki's Highly Durable Paint.