Big news from Kawasaki for 2018 at EICMA, with the Ninja H2 SX and H2 SX SE headlining a line-up of eagerly anticipated models, including the Ninja 400 and Z900RS and RS Cafe, with a Special Edition Ninja ZX-10R also on display.
Kawasaki unveil the new H2 SX and SE editions
Here’s a quick run down on each, but stay tuned for full features on each of the models and their full tech break downs and specifications.
2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX
Offering a balanced supercharged engine delivering a maximum power of 200hp, while the engine looks the same, it is essentially new. The impeller and intake system were completely redesigned; the pistons, cylinder head, cylinder, crankshaft and camshafts are new; throttle bodies are new; exhaust system is new; and gear ratios revised.
2018 Kawasaki H2 SX
The versatile engine character enables relaxed long-distance riding, easy manageability at slow speeds and the exhilarating acceleration that only a supercharged engine can deliver.
The Ninja H2 SX’s superb fuel efficiency represents a significant increase over the supercharged engine of the Ninja H2, and is on par with that of the Z1000SX and Versys 1000. Combined with its 19 litre fuel tank, this gives the Ninja H2 SX a substantial cruising range.
2018 Kawasaki H2 SX
The Ninja H2 SX features an innovative redesigned trellis frame able to accommodate a
passenger and luggage, with a 195 kg payload. The increased rigidity and longer wheelbase
deliver the stability for riding at highway speed with panniers, while a 30o steering angle
facilitates low-speed manoeuvres.
The H2 SX is available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray.
2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE additional features:
2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE
- LED Cornering Lights: Each of the three lights, built into each side of the fairing, has a fixed direction and is activated based on lean angle (10, 20, 30 degrees). As the bike leans over, the lamps come on inorder, creating a wider path of light in the direction the bike is heading.
- TFT Display: Kawasaki’s first use of a high-grade full colour TFT LCD screen features on the SE model, with two selectable display modes (Touring or Sport) to allow riders to prioritise the information they want to see.
- KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode) electronically controls engine output to prevent wheel spin and minimise wheel lift when launching on the SE model.
- KQS: The SE also features a dual-direction quick shifter allows both clutchless upshifts and downshifts. Designed foreffective sport riding, street-optimised settings enable operation at rpm above 2,500 min-1.
- The Kawasaki H2 SX SE also includes steel braided brake lines, machined wheel spokes with clear coat and a rear hub coupling with machined finish.
- The SE is available in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black.
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Featuring a powerful, rider-friendly parallel twin displacing 399cc, the new engine delivers significantly increased performance compared to its predecessor: 33,4 kW for the Ninja 400 (+7 kW vs the 2017 Ninja 300). This is can largely be credited to the new downdraft intake, which is accompanied by a larger airbox offering increased intake efficiency. The smooth response and abundant low-end torque facilitate throttle control. Also included is a new assist & slipper clutch.
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Designed from scratch with numerous weight reduction efforts to keep engine weight to a minimum – despite a larger displacement. A clean design trimmed of any unnecessary items and a revamped layout enables a slim engine and a cooling system with minimised external piping.
2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400
A more compact clutch (φ139 mm >> φ125 mm) with less rigid operating plates offers a 20% lighter lever pull and with a wider engagement range, facilitating control.
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe
Kawasaki makes its long-awaited entry into the retro category with the all-new Z900RS. Conceived as an homage to the legendary Z1, it is powered by a liquid-cooled 900cc-class In-Line Four – an engine choice that makes the Z900RS unique in this category.
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
For riders searching for a bike with character and a rich history, the Z900RS – also available in a cafe racer variant – offers both in abundance, while providing an opportunity to slow down, look around and enjoy the simple things that life can bring.
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS
Like the Z1, the Z900RS features a 900cc-class In-Line Four, an engine configuration that inherently offers a great balance of power and manageability focused on the low-mid range. Designed to elicit rider response, sound tuning is focused on the engine’s initial roar to life, plus idling and low-speed riding where the rider is able to enjoy the exhaust’s deep rumble.
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
A lightweight trellis frame complements a light overall weight, while frame rigidity and chassis geometry tuning were selected to deliver light, natural handling. In keeping with its retro model character, the Z900RS’ stance is less forward-leaning than the Z900.
2018 Kawasaki Z900RS
Large-diameter 41mm inverted fork contributes to excellent ride comfort and sporty riding potential. The high-grade fork features compression and rebound damping adjustability, enabling precise settings to suit rider preference and riding style. Unlike the Z1’s twin rear shocks, the Z900RS features Kawasaki’s Horizontal Back-Link rear
2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R SE
Complementing the original Ninja ZX-10R and track-focused Ninja ZX-10RR, Kawasaki proudly introduces a new high-grade edition to its litre-class supersport line-up for 2018. The Ninja ZX-10R SE features Kawasaki’s new, highly advanced electronic suspension.
2018 Kawasaki ZX-10R SE
Both on the street and on the track, the suspension’s superb damping character offers a level of ride comfort that almost makes you forget you are riding a machine with race-ready suspension, while outstanding damping responsiveness delivers a planted feel that translates to rider confidence and further advances the ease of riding offered by the Ninja ZX-10R SE.
2018 Kawasaki ZX-10R SE
Rest assured, the Ninja ZX-10R SE’s high circuit potential – as demonstrated by Kawasaki’s success in the Superbike World Championship – is undiminished: not only are experienced riders able to explore their limits, the new suspension enables a wider range of riders to get a taste of what it is like to ride Kawasaki’s World Superbike Champion machine.
There was also some cool custom Kawasaki creations on display…
Custom Kawasaki’s at EICMA
Custom Kawasaki’s at EICMA
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