The track-not (read road-illegal) H2R is Kawasaki's flagship model that first saw light of day at the Milan motorcycle show (EICMA) last year. This supercharged monstrosity and its slightly less mental road-legal twin, the H2, have now seen a host of updates this year that make them, well, even more insane. Both bikes now get a more advanced electronics package which includes a Bosch 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), updated KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control), KLMC (Kawasaki Launch Control), and KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Braking System).
The bikes now also get an updated instrument panel which features a bank angle display that can also record the maximum bank angle achieved (great for bragging to your friends) as well as an enhanced boost indicator. The new quickshifter now gets clutchless downshifts, and a new OhlinsTTX damper to handle suspension duties at the back. An optional Kawasaki Ergo-Fit handlebar also allows for riders to customise ergonomics for their needs while a new exhaust system has now made the bikes meet Euro-IV emissions norms.
For MY17, Kawasaki has also introduced a new variant of the H2, called the H2 Carbon, which will be limited to just 120 units globally. This Carbon edition features a carbonfibre upper cowl like the one from the H2R along with its more powerful sibling's green painted frame. Apart from that, it also gets a new version of Kawasaki's silver-mirror paint. Additionally, each H2 Carbon will feature each unit's serial number embossed on the supercharger plate.
On the engine front, nothing is really changed in the H2 family. The H2R still remains the apex predator in the sportbike world, with 998cc supercharged inline-four engine making a ridiculous 320hp of peak power and 156Nm of torque. The H2 (and the H2 Carbon) feature the same engine with a detuned supercharger, but still makes a whopping 200hp and 133.5Nm.
While the H2 was launched in India last year, this 2017 model now carries a price tag of Rs 33.30 lakh, with the Carbon coming in at Rs 39.80 lakh, even though Kawasaki hasn't announced just how many of this limited edition bike have been reserved for India. But more importantly, now even the big daddy of the range, the H2R is available in our country and an outrageous price of Rs 69.80 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
