The wait is over. Kawasaki unveiled its latest highly anticipated supercharged motorcycle, the 2020 Z H2, at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Z H2 features a supercharged 998cc Inline Four claimed to put out 197 horsepower and 101 lb-ft. of torque. While the engine is based on the one in Kawasaki’s other H2 models, power delivery of the Z H2 version focuses on usable low and midrange torque. Instead of intimidating outright power, Kawasaki has attempted to give its latest supercharged motorcycle “easy-to-manage power delivery.” To pull this off Kawasaki engineers revised the supercharger inlet and ram air intake. On the other side of the equation, spent gases funnel into a new, longer collection box that allows gases to mix before running through a single catalyst. Kawasaki states the end result of these changes is “performance that can be enjoyed throughout the twist of the throttle.”

Big mesh vents will funnel air to the Z H2's supercharger. The rear sees new Showa Uni Trak Rear Suspension. The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 has four riding modes while the TFT display includes Bluetooth so riders can connect to Kawasaki's Rideology app. 

The 2020 Z H2 sports a hallmark Kawasaki Z Sugomi design. The supercharged engine is housed in a new trellis frame with “both the strength to harness the incredible power and the balanced flex to achieve stability and pliability for high-speed riding.” It also is equipped with new Showa Uni Trak Rear Suspension, a double-sided unit similar to the one used on the Ninja ZX-10RR. The Showa Uni Trak Rear is mounted directly to the back of the engine courtesy of a new swingarm pivot plate. Anchoring the front is a Showa SFF-BP (Big Piston) fork. Braking duties on the front will be handled by a set of radially mounted Brembo M4.32 Monobloc calipers mated to 290mm discs while the rear features a single twin-piston caliper matched to a 226mm disc. Powerful binders are a must considering the Z H2 has curb weight listed at 526.9 lbs.

The 2020 Z H2 is outfitted with an alphabet soup of electronics – KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), KCMF (Kawasaki Corner Management Function), KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode), and an upgraded IMU (Intertial Measurement Unit). The IMU monitors acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axis and measures both roll and pitch rate internally while the ECU calculates yaw rate. The Z H2 comes with four riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain and Rider) and cruise control is standard fare. Yes, a supercharged motorcycle with cruise control. It also has a new TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity so riders can connect to Kawasaki’s multi-dimensional Rideology THE APP.

A stripped down Z H2 showcases Kawasaki's new trellis frame. 

Rounding out the package is a Kawasaki Quick Shifter and a hydraulic assist and slipper clutch. The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 will be offered in two color schemes, Metallic Spark Black with Metallic Graphite Gray and Mirror Coated Spark Black. No MSRP has been listed yet.

Kawasaki’s Z brand of motorcycles has an almost 50-year history. This is the fifth member of Kawasaki’s H2 family since its supercharged line was resurrected in 2015, the Z H2 joining the Ninja H2R, Ninja H2, Ninja H2 SX SE+ and Ninja H2 Carbon.

All we want to know is when can we ride one? Pretty please, Kawasaki! 

2020 Kawasaki Z H2 Specs

Engine

Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke Inline-Four

Displacement: 998cc

Bore/Stroke: 76.0 x 55.0mm

Compression Ratio: 11.2:1

Valve System: DOHC, 16 valves

Fuel System: Fuel Injection

Intake System: Kawasaki Supercharger

Ignition: Digital

Starting: Electric

Lubrication: Forced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler

Transmission: 6-speed, return, dog-ring

Final Drive: Chain

Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Frame

Type: Trellis, high-tensile steel

Wheel Travel: Front - 120mm  Rear - 134mm

Tire: Front - 120/70ZR17 M/C 58W  Rear – 190/55ZR17 M/C 75W

Caster (rake): 24.9 degrees

Trail: 104mm

Steering Angle (left/right): 29 degrees

Suspension: Front – Showa SPF BP Fork  Rear – Swingarm (New Showa Uni Trak Rear Suspension)

Brakes: Front - Dual Brembo M4.32 Monobloc Calipers/290mm discs Rear – Twin-piston caliper/Single 226mm disc

Dimensions

Overall Length: 2,085mm (82.08 in.)

Overall Width: 810mm (31.89 in.)

Overall Height: 1,130mm  (44.49 in.)

Wheelbase: 1,455mm (57.28 in.)

Ground Clearance: 140mm  (5.51 in.)

Seat Height: 830mm (32.67 in.)

Curb Weight: 239 kg  (526.9 lbs.)

Fuel Capacity: 19 liters  (5.02 gal.)

Performance:

Maximum Power - 147.1 kW (200PS)/ 11,000 min-1  (197 hp @ 11,000 rpm)

Maximum Torque – 137.0 N-m / 8,500 min-1 (101.04 lb-ft. @ 8,500 rpm)