When it comes to high-performance motorcycles, there are few names that carry as much weight as Kawasaki's Ninja lineup. These motorcycles are known for their blistering speed, incredible looks, and race-ready engineering. That's the reason why these machines have become legends among adrenaline junkies and professional racers alike. Over the years, the Ninja series has evolved from fast street bikes to full-blown track weapons. But out of all the models ever made, there's one bike that stands tall
figuratively, devouring not just its competitors, but also the other bikes from the Ninja lineup. And that's the Kawasaki Ninja H2R -- a motorcycle unlike any other.
The Kawasaki H2R is absurdly powerful, as it packs an unbelievable 326 horsepower coming from its 998cc supercharged engine. As a result, the H2R takes performance to a level most riders will never need -- but still dream about. Also, the bike is not street-legal. In fact, it's so powerful and so loud that some U.S. states have banned it altogether. But for those who crave the extreme, the H2R is the ultimate bike from the Ninja series.
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The Numbers And Tech Behind The H2R
The Ninja H2R is undeniably Kawasaki's most powerful bike with the highest horsepower -- but beyond that, it's one of the most powerful production motorcycles ever built. It can hit 186 mph in under 16 seconds and has an official top speed of 250 mph. That kind of acceleration puts it in the realm of hypercars and firmly places it in a class of its own. Talking about the power, its peak torque kicks in at 12,500 rpm, making sure it delivers relentless pull all the way through the rev range.
What makes all this possible is its supercharged engine, paired with advanced technology like a Bosch IMU, launch control, engine brake control, and traction control. On the other hand, the Brembo Stylema calipers and an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock help the bike handle the massive power while keeping it glued to the track. Carbon fiber winglets are another treat for the riders, as they provide real downforce at high speeds. Simply put, this bike wasn't made for the casual rider. It's a speed beast designed for experts who want to push limits.
The Street-Legal Alternative: Ninja H2
Now, if you're looking for something from the Ninja series that's legal, the Ninja H2 is your go-to. It's basically the street-legal version of the H2R, packing a still-insane 228 horsepower and a similar 998cc supercharged engine. This one also comes loaded with premium tech and components, including the same kind of electronic rider aids and a beautifully aggressive design. While it doesn't hit 250 mph, it still moves like lightning and gives you that same Ninja DNA in a package you can take to the highway proudly.
The Ninja H2 comes in a few versions, including the H2 Carbon ABS, which adds carbon fiber accents and a silver mirror-finish paint job. At around $32,700, it's significantly more affordable than the $59,100 H2R, but it's still a major investment. Riders love it for its insane performance, enhanced technology, and futuristic styling. So while the Kawasaki H2R is a track beast, the H2 is its slightly tamed, but still wild at heart, street version.
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Read the original article on SlashGear.
