2020 KAWAS AKI Z H2
R I D E R E V I E W
P88
ensure that you're not overwhelmed
by the power unless you absolutely
want to be.
The Z H2 is fast in a deceptive
way—often times you won't realize
how fast you're actually going until
you look down at the gauges. Part
of this is due to the supercharger,
which gives you V-Twin torque to
complement the expected inline-4
top end. Note that the 998cc Z H2
makes 101 lb-ft at 8500 rpm, while
a KTM 1290 Super Duke R needs
much more displacement to make
103 lb-ft at 8000 rpm. The Ducati
Streetfighter V4 (1103cc)? 90 lb-ft
and you'll have to rev up to 11,500
to access it. The Z H2's engine is a
stunner, and it's ruined other inline-
fours for me.
With that said, this is a big mo-
torcycle: 527 pounds curb weight,
32.7-inch seat height, 5-gallon fuel
tank—there's minimal bodywork but
this is not a minimalist bike. That
applies to the components and the
electronics, as well.
Brembo is assigned most of the
braking duties: two radially-mounted
four-piston calipers biting on a pair
of 290mm discs up front and a two-
piston caliper paired with a 260mm
disc in the rear. Another concession
to price is a Nissin master cylin-
der, but the braking performance
doesn't seem to suffer. Kawasaki
put a chicane into the NASCAR oval
at LVMS for multiple sessions, giv-
ing us the opportunity to brake from
160 mph to 30 mph repeatedly—the
Nissin/Brembo combination was
strong, predictable and fade-free
throughout. The electronic aids en-
sure that you can apply full braking
video
(Above) The Z H2
looks a bit like
an alien. With
the supercharger
chirping, it sounds
like one, too.
(Right) Backroads,
city streets or the
highway, the Z H2
is easy to ride and
easy to enjoy.
