Let’s make this clear: The Tokyo Motor Show is not all about cars. Motorcycle manufacturers are out in full force, too.
On opening day of the event’s 2019 staging, it’s quite obvious that most brands are giving more attention to clean-tech, zero-emissions cars and bikes. That’s well and good, but in reality, many of these are still in the prototype stage and will take a bit more time to hit the production line.
Kawasaki, however, is bold enough to grab the attention away from e-bikes. Instead, the Japanese company has initiated the world premiere of its motorbikes that are ready for mass production—and taking the center stage for Team Green is the all-new Kawasaki Z H2.
A naked bike with a menacing demeanor, the Z H2 is powered by a 998cc supercharged, four-cylinder engine that cranks out 197hp and 137Nm, making it the fastest in its class as of this writing. Its highly visible green trellis frame, meanwhile, is made of high-tensile steel, which is credited for the bike’s light handling and impressive cornering abilities
Being a potent track weapon, the Z H2 is equipped with a powerful Brembo M4.32 monoblock calipers biting on 290mm discs in front and a 226mm disc at the rear. The brake system is controlled by the Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Brake System (KIBS). Speaking of high-tech electronic aids, the Z H2 boasts several riding modes: Sport (197hp), Road, Rain, and Rider (98hp).
Other features include launch control, traction control, a quick shifter, cruise control, smartphone connectivity, and a TFT dashboard. The full-color dash shows speed, gear, shift light, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, range to empty, current/average fuel consumption, outside temperature, coolant temperature, clock, Economical Riding Indicator, IMU indicator, KIBS indicator, boost pressure, and boost temperature.
Impressed? All eyes now on Kawasaki Philippines, which will be the one to answer the all-important question: When will we see this top-flight, street-focused super naked in the metal?
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