2020 Kawasaki Z H2 First Ride Review: Supercharged Naked Bike Power

First Ride Impressions of the Kawasaki Z H2

• 🏍️ The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 is a supercharged naked motorcycle offering immense power, but with some notable quirks.
• 💨 The supercharged inline-4 engine provides a unique and powerful riding experience, with a noticeable boost indicator on the dash.
• ⚠️ Kawasaki has implemented safety features that limit throttle response in lower gears (rain and road modes) to prevent unintended acceleration.

Riding Dynamics and Comfort

• 😩 The seat is surprisingly hard, leading to discomfort after about an hour of riding, suggesting a need for a comfort seat upgrade.
• 🤏 Despite its weight, the bike offers a comfortable riding position with slightly bent legs and a slight forward lean, though the seat hardness is a drawback.
• 🛣️ The bike performs well on the highway, feeling stable with unlimited power available, though a larger windscreen would improve touring comfort.

Engine and Performance

• 🚀 The 998cc supercharged engine delivers nearly 200 horsepower and 100 foot-pounds of torque, making it incredibly fast.
• 🚦 In sport mode, the bike unleashes its full potential, while rain and road modes offer more manageable power delivery, especially in lower gears.
• 💨 The throttle response is rated a 5/10 due to the power-limiting features in lower gears, which the reviewer found frustrating.

Technology and Controls

• 🤯 The dash interface and controls are considered a significant weak point, described as unintuitive and overly complicated compared to competitors like KTM, Triumph, and Ducati.
• ⚙️ While the bike offers features like cruise control and adjustable levers, the menu system is difficult to navigate, detracting from the overall rider experience.
• ⚠️ The quick shifter's upshifts are noted for a noticeable power drop, making them less smooth than desired, though the downshifting function is excellent.

Brakes, Suspension, and Overall Score

• 🛑 Brakes are smooth and effective but lack the strong initial bite desired for such a powerful motorcycle, earning a 7/10.
• ⚖️ The suspension is well-balanced, offering a good mix of comfort and sporty performance, rated at 7/10.
• 🏆 The Kawasaki Z H2 receives a total Chase Score of 54/100, with low scores for tech and ease of use impacting the overall rating despite its unique power and fun factor.

Recommendations

• 🎯 This motorcycle is recommended for experienced riders seeking a unique, powerful naked bike and who are willing to overlook the complex controls.
• 🛠️ The bike's unique supercharged nature and strong performance make it a fun, albeit flawed, option for riders looking for something different.