Kawasaki’s new H2 is the polar opposite of the original H2 in every way except one: while both bikes can lay claim to being the maddest, fastest widowmakers of their respective eras, the new machine’s premium price is a far-cry from the affordable mayhem offered by the original.
Both of course offered terrifying powerplants: while the original H2 was a 750cc two-stroke triple certainly made good power, it was the delivery of the power that made the bike so potentially lethal, a 75hp light-switch hooked up to a wobbly frame and wooden brakes. The new bike has vastly improved handling and stopping power, but all that modern technology can be easily overwhelmed by the huge power on tap, making it an equally terrifying proposition.
And while the new bike looks pretty sporty, it’s no lightweight, with dimensions closer to the ZX14 than to the ZX10, so it’s not really ideal for corner-carving, even if it’s miles better than the original. The new H2 thinks it’s a V8 musclecar, and makes its power the old-fashioned way: with a supercharger. So while we’ve seen recent bikes within shouting distance of the H2’s 200+ tested rear-wheel horsepower figures, the new Kawasaki will absolutely destroy those bikes’ midrange power figures and crush them in a top gear roll-on.
It’s a much more complete package than the original, with brakes, handling, and power, but that more complete package comes at a price. While the original H2 was a relative bargain, the new one has an MSRP of $25,000, obviously putting it into MV Agusta and Ducati territory, although the Kawi offers miles more exclusivity than any Italian bike in that price range.
These are most definitely not pretty bikes: the design is far too brutal and too busy for that. But they have undeniable presence, and while many sportbikes have a predatory, insectile quality to their styling, the H2 looks positively sinister. I particularly like the headlight, a staring, projector-beam piece that looks like a shark’s eye. And that cool “dark chrome” paint is very striking in person. Heroes don’t ride bikes like this. No, the cyclopean H2 is most definitely a villain’s bike.
If you’re not familiar with the H2, head on over to the original eBay listing where the seller includes what appears to be the text of the entire Kawasaki H2 brochure: 2015 Kawasaki H2 for Sale
This bike was purchased new and ridden 300 miles, we are now offering it for sale. It comes with the balance of the factory warranty. Its a beautiful machine.
below is the technical information on the bike, it is a technical dream bike.The launching point for the development of the Ninja H2 motorcycle was a strong desire to offer riders something they had never experienced before. Convinced that an extraordinary riding experience would not be found by merely building on the performance of existing models, the design team committed to developing the “ultimate motorcycle” from a clean slate.
These have been sold out for months, but they’re starting to show up in classifieds and on eBay by folks looking to flip these exotic machines for a quick profit. But considering the bike is listed with a Buy It Now price of $24,900 the seller seems to be realistic in their expectations. Maybe the original owner decided they were more interested in something less dangerous.
Like wingsuit flying or free climbing.
-tad
and somewhere, massimo tamburini is turning over in his grave
Yeah, definitely not the prettiest bike. Distinctive though, and the details are pretty cool: headlight, tach, frame…
Jesus… Fast or not that thing is ugly as hell. No thanks.
My h2r sits right next to my desmo16rr and all I can say… is that it makes the desmo just look like an old bike….