2020 Kawasaki ZH2 Review | How Is It In The Real World? [COMFORT/HANDLING/SPEED/SOUND]

[@PetroHead]

New Merch Site: www.petropowered.co

[@ThePolarisalfa]

Z H2 since 4.500 km! Really love her for all reasons mentioned in your well-made video, but I will change the tires to S22! Below 15 Celsius the Rosso III are poor.

[@rudedog3529]

186 RWHP , restricted. 220 to 230 flashed. Have a 2015 H 2 that's been flashed and has 220 to 230 hp. Still waiting for flash to be available for the 2020 Z H 2.

[@hans0602]

Go and check out brocks tuning if you want to do something with your Zh2

[@rudedog3529]

@@hans0602 I have been in regular contact with them. Nobody, yet, has cracked the ECU on the ZH2

[@steelmilkjug]

Just bought a 2021 ZH2. Just curious, if/when ECU flashing occurs, does it void the warranty? What are any physical downsides to flashing the ECU? Can it cause any other problems besides voiding the warranty, if that?

[@PetroHead]

Yea cause ZH2 is not powerful enough.. come on bro just enjoy it lol

[@R3RLEE]

@@PetroHead well said!! Getting ir flashed id just a bigger dick thing!! 😂😂

[@PetroHead]

ZH2 or Ducati Streetfighter V4S? Comment down below..

[@anandantony2056]

Street fighter v4S

[@andrewkingsley5620]

Street fighter v4s

[@rudedog3529]

@@Krayziedad RE: Riding on 4th gear forever? " It's got the grunt for it.

[@rudedog3529]

@@anandantony2056 Got one of those, too.

[@californiapoontappa]

Whatever handles better but for straights that Zh2 is ridiculous and launches like a mfing rocket

[@jp1234554321]

I ride a ZH2 in the laurentian mountains of Quebec. I should make a few videos of what this bike can do. Nobody would be comparing a ducati to it. A few months ago i took out a seven bike ducati club. The new v4 was close but still a few bus lengths behind...... And we still have the ecu to derestrict!

[@PetroHead]

(somewhat) in agreement with you. The SF V4S even though it has 90+ ft lbs torque feels like a 600 class bike compared to ZH2 (down low in the RPM range). Where the SF V4S shines is in the top end and then its a rocket ship. Thats what Ducatis are known for. Stay tuned for comparison video to come!

[@rudedog3529]

The Duc V 4 s does feel stronger on top end, due to the Kaw being restricted at that point. Past 10,000 , the Kaw throttle is closed to 60 % . Throttle bodies are only 38 mm on the ZH 2 compared to the 2015 H 2 having 50 mm . Still waiting for an ECU unlock.

[@MartyG1957]

you should do that video. It'd be fun to see

[@jp1234554321]

@@rudedog3529 past 10k rpms, throttle is not closed 60%, its closed to 16% And throttle bodies are 40mm. Expect sales of zh2's to DOUBLE once its potential is unleashed and reviewed.

[@rudedog3529]

@@jp1234554321 I keep reading different things on the subject. I certainly would like to see the ECU done.

[@rudedog3529]

Tuned to my weight, which is about 50 Lbs heavier.. Has got to 56 deg lean angle, just barely tagging the peg feelers.

[@thereaper3717]

honestly you are wicked brave bro... thats some scary speeds ..you barely touch the max power in 3rd gear.. ride safe and truly cant wait for the zh2 vs streetfighter v4s . much love bro

[@rudedog3529]

10:15 BMW F 900 R stated weight was 465 Lbs, probably meant 475 Lbs. On my scale with a full tank: 475 Lbs . ZH 2 has BST wheels, and will get a slip on Graves , today.

[@PetroHead]

Correct.

[@worldhello1234]

@8:35 Torque means nothing without the power to boot and this one provides ample power throughout the rev range. :)

[@snowboardinpassout]

Lovely review.

[@PsGetSid_]

as you say it is all about how you use the trottle, easy and carful no problem. Only danger when going way over experiance

[@maikeli7]

Great review! 😎👍🏻

[@rudedog3529]

16:39 Start of the Cow Pasture Run, Isolated tree is the "finish line ". Saw 114 mph in this video. FWIW, the record is 135 mph on a 2020 Aprilia V 4 Tuono. Z H 2 will run, soon. old record from a few years ago was 132 mph, 2012 Tuono and 2015 H 2 ( tied )

[@rudedog3529]

ZH 2 has since done 145 Mph in the same short sprint, with the front wheel about 6 inches off the ground.

[@kawakarma]

Totally off the fence for a ZH2, just need the dollarbucks! Solid review mate, nicely done.

[@Mr12hollywood]

Thats insane man👍🏻

[@rudedog3529]

16:42 is The Cow Pasture Run. The tree is the " finish line " . Personal record set last Sunday was 139 mph peak speed before shutting down. Was on a 2015 Kaw H 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqWcgoWwjKutbK8

[@JJasiek77]

Sound of zh2 is awsome. Amazing accelerate... Comfort... Bike like escpecially for me :)

[@gertjanweststrate7267]

Wow, wow, wow...🤩 what a beautiful bike. Definitely not my bike yet.. but who knows.... looking forward to the comparison with the Duc. Grtz your 🇳🇱 fan.

[@PetroHead]

Thank you! More to come.

[@sorendk1]

Considering swapping my old 2009 zx10r for one of these :) Getting older and need something more upright and comfy now, but just cant see myself on anything else than a big Kwak, so thank God they made a cheap naked H2 :D Perfect timing.

[@MEENANTRANSMISSIONS]

Where were those roads?

[@fyorbane]

Junk that exhaust system and fit a lightweight full system and save a ton of weight. If you can afford it fit super lightweight wheels as well and bang you've got yourself a great handling time warp missile. As it is it handles well for it's size and weight but it can be improved significantly. What a machine.

[@Yogi5D]

This is the most badass bike for the road money can buy! You can shave off 50lb with aftermarket exhaust, wheels and short license plate holder. First thing to do on this bike is flash the ECU and unleash the full 280hp this bike is easily capable of doing. Should be bike of the year!

[@rudedog3529]

ECU flash was available soon after the 2015 H 2 came out and I got it asap. The ECU on the 2020 Z H 2 still hasn't been hacked yet. Different that the 2015 version and apparently stronger encryption barrier.

[@stevesmith6236]

"the full 280hp this bike is easily capable of doing", ummm, nope. With the ECU not "cracked" yet, and no reflash program currently available as I write this, a wide variety of speculation about what it "will" make is entertaining if not realistic. A more logical figure is 230-240 max. Even at that sustained application, it's just a matter of time before the cast pistons break and the engine will need significant repairs. Best to keep the rear wheel output under 215 hp with no internal mods for the sake of longevity.

[@rudedog3529]

@@stevesmith6236 230 to 240 probably about right. My 2015 may be around 226 at the rear wheel from what I read in late 2015. Can definitely feel the difference on top end between my 2015 H 2 and 2020 Z H 2.

[@stevesmith6236]

@@rudedog3529 The highest I've had my ZH2 was 171 mph. "indicated".Unfortunately, traffic ahead of me was quickly approaching and had to let off the throttle. Even with the (small) aide of the factory windshield (" large meter cover") which isn't much, I don't know how much faster I'd want to go since it was pretty damn windy at those speeds! Didn't expect it to be a monster on top end anyway since it doesn't cut through the wind like a sportbike.

[@rudedog3529]

@@stevesmith6236 I think it's only geared to 170 something in 6th gear. The2015 H 2 is geared for 200 mph and has more top end HP with ECU flash. Nobody has unlocked the ECU on the Z H 2, yet.

[@stevesmith6236]

It's easy to guess what the ZH2 will make with a reflash program, but, that's only a guess at this point as none is available. I believe a lot of the low end "torque" he's experiencing is mostly the acceleration from the very low factory gearing. The bike has an impressive street roll on ability especially in 2nd or 3rd gear from 40 mph on. It's just not impressive at the drag strip yet if that's your sort of thing.

[@stylez521]

Would aprilia tuono v4 1100 fit into this category? You only mentioned panigale streetfighter, zh2, and duke 1290.

[@PetroHead]

Yes, it would. Though Tuono is something that is usually overlooked but I may do a 4-way video one of these days.

[@rudedog3529]

A very worthy addition.

[@PetroHead]

Is your Tuono a 2020?

[@rudedog3529]

@@PetroHead Yep, current record holder of The Cow Pasture Run.

[@ur2slob724]

Can’t add it mate there all broken down waiting for approval to be fixed by ape 😂😂😂

[@nepatriots77]

I'm gonna buy this and H2 one day. I just gotta purchase some properties and cars first

[@08poochie08]

i have this bike and i love it, that being said the rear shock is TRASH!!! i swaped it out for a shock off a H2SX and now its amazing

[@christophertopiebayangtopi2056]

Would the super duke be better for street or the zh2??

[@08poochie08]

@@christophertopiebayangtopi2056 not sure, never rode a super duke

[@dalefrahm9060]

How much did that shock cost and what brand is it. I find the back shock kinda jarring. But I guess at the price they had to sacrifice something

[@08poochie08]

@@dalefrahm9060 I picked it up off eBay for $315

[@gilzr473]

Thanks For sharing, how expensive is the insurance if you don’t mind me asking?

[@PetroHead]

Welcome.. sorry no idea it’s different for everyone.

[@stevesmith6236]

No all stock unit to test? This one has carbon fiber wheels and has been regeared.

[@MattieXMoto]

Great review. I am seriously thinking of turning my ninja400 to a track bike and add this big brother as an all rounder...

[@dalefrahm9060]

Believe or not I was going to buy a Ninja 400 to play around on and ended up with the ZH2. I'm glad I bought it instead. It really is a great bike. I still might get a 400 who knows, but right now I'm finding this is my favorite and the rest of the bikes are sitting in the garage

[@williamrobinson4265]

yep same I realized for the price of a new 400 I might as well just get a used z H2@@dalefrahm9060

[@williamrobinson4265]

I can just ride this to the track and back and not change a thing lol@@dalefrahm9060

[@virginijusjauckojis1265]

Many thanks.

[@rudedog3529]

All my bikes are set to my weight. 185 Lbs raw, 200 + with full dead cow.

[@prolooters640]

Can anyone tell mileage please

[@MotoMedicine904]

Damn, that's what I would upgrade to from my z1000 if I kept it in the Kawi Family. You got a good friend with all these bikes to test out 🤣.

[@PetroHead]

Someone has to help put required miles so bikes don't get rusty lol... that's me! 😁

[@rudedog3529]

@@PetroHead ....and to keep the spiders at bay.

[@gm16v149]

I’ve been looking at one of these for ages. I like the power and electronics, and up/down quickshifter. Only problem is, I don’t think it’s a very good looking bike, especially with that muffler. Not sure if there’s any decent aftermarket ones out yet. Great video, I guess you were out on a weekday with those empty roads. I’ve always liked Kawasaki, I’ve got a 2018 Z900RS Root beer/Jaffa. It’s got plenty for power for real world use, but who doesn’t like insane power. I’ve ridden a race-spec S1000RR on trackdays, so I know what insane power is like haha

[@PetroHead]

Looks only a mother can love but power everyone craves 😂

[@gm16v149]

@@PetroHead How true. I looked at one on the Kawasaki stand when they first came out at the Philip Island WSBK races, I thought man, how ugly is that muffler, and that kind of fairing at the front, but I love the engine, power, electronics, quickshifter etc. I see guys on here talking about ECU flashes for more power, isn’t close to 200 HP with all that torque enough? Still, I guess you can never have too much power as long as you can get it to the ground.

[@PetroHead]

@@gm16v149 Thats the danger in owning something like this, where do you go from there? You get used to 200HP and then you need a bigger hit every time.. the guys that want more power have maxed out their tolerances beyond repair. This is why I have an R6.. I ride these liter bikes for videos only.

[@hans0602]

You can Get a beutifull muffler now from Scorpion serket taper that fits perfect on The zh2😍. And get the weight down from 210kg to about 203 kg and more Power😎

[@dalefrahm9060]

Brocks Penta Carbon is nice

[@wheels.nature]

Driving this supernaked bike is like experiencing Astral Body Projection

[@PetroHead]

100% agree.. its absurdly quick!

[@helgejohan3604]

182 rwhp with a slip on🤙🔥🔥more grunt then Ducati Streetfighter🤘

[@dmbassett]

Whoa the audio is way over amplified. Almost blew my speakers! FYI for future vids..

[@aeror115]

I like the ZH2 it looks better in person pictures don’t do justice. But the bike is just a bit too heavy in my opinion... Kawasaki should set the priority on "saving weight" for the upcoming bike generations! Enjoy the bike life

[@PetroHead]

May be heavy but like I said, it doesn’t come off that way when you’re riding it.

[@Yogi5D]

Get aftermarket exhaust and short license plate holder and you save over 50lb. Thats light enough. This is not a race bike.

[@stevesmith6236]

@@PetroHead Weight is all relative. My former bikes, ( 2016 Suzuki Bandit, 2002 Ninja ZX12R, and a 2017 Ninja ZX14R) all weighed much more than the ZH2.Even the Bandit weighed 560lbs, the ZX-14R was something like 585 lbs, so at 529 lbs for the ZH2 it feels pretty light to me.

[@MotoMarkVlog]

how can I get this INSANE naked bike! : have a small business but it is not enough to buy this bike.

[@InteractiveIdea]

Rear tires are 190/55

[@HawkLad]

Why isn’t it Symmetrical

[@Joric78]

In terms of claimed peak numbers at least, the KTM Super Duke makes more torque.

[@fyorbane]

Correct. But the supercharger makes the difference. It forces more power and torque instantly, almost at any revs which normal engines cannot match. In most acceleration and roll on back to back tests against the latest SuperDuke the Kawi wins.

[@ur2slob724]

I can tell you the zh2 will leave the duke behind no dramas

[@randypullman1155]

Hit the mute at 11:30.

[@kimclarke4464]

Thinking of buying a Kawasaki H2, Whoooo! Before you put your hard earned money down on what is a rocket you should know the secret Kawasaki is hiding! I have a 2022 ZH2, and I have found this problem in 2021 ZH2’s as well. Excessive amounts of oil blow by from the crank case vent valve. Now of course Kawasaki denies there is a problem, and in denying there is no problem they have no diagnosis or repair except to tell you to run the bike with the oil level so low you can hardly see it in the oil level inspection window. That’s what those liars told me. Sorry, I’ll follow the owners manual. As I write this, my bike is at the dealer with Kawasaki telling them what diagnosis procedure to do next. As an experienced tech, Kawasaki hasn’t a damn idea what to do. Without a cosmic breakthrough, I’m going to have the dealer button this P.O.S. up and get rid of the bike. I’ve had 3 Kawasakis and this is the last. Telling me to run the oil low was a way to get me though warranty and deal with oil related engine problem after the bike was off warranty. Sorry Kawasaki, I’m not that stupid!

[@pjsjustclownin1594]

Not a mountain...signed Oregon. Ha!

[@InteractiveIdea]

I ride this bike on the twisty canyon roads. Its no big deal.... upgrading suspensions actually. I got about 30 videos about it on tiktok. Under username: RoadRevz

[@TU-vz5mi]

I follow you on TikTok great vids in the process of getting one myself do you have any issues or complaints. Cheers looking at 2021 zh2 are in stock now.

[@InteractiveIdea]

@@TU-vz5mi the only complaint is the rear suspensions being too soft... I m upgrading to Ohlins this winter.

[@DDIAZ-we4dz]

its not too underpowered for a beginner bike is it? i dont wanna outgrow it in a year

[@PetroHead]

lol people are nuts

[@tvdinner325]

The Duke is 1301cc, NOT a litre bike.

[@geb9927]

The trick to hearing that engine is to wear ear plugs.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Wonder why Kawasaki has opted to force-induce a larger displacement engine like this 1L. I understand the halo bike phenomenon. They achieved that. But for street uses, the ZH2 is only priced where it is due to economies of scale. Outside that, the ZH2 doesn't make any more power than a larger displacement engine could achieve without all the added complexity that force induction requires. Brings to mind one example of the B-King (not taking into consideration the looks of that thing). Take for example the ZX-14R engine at 1441cc, the thing makes more torque than the ZH2 without the extra complexity. With a full de-restriction and ECU flash, the ZX-14R makes 122 ft-lb at the wheel (90 ft-lb @ 4,000 rpm). Scale that down for a weight comparison and the ZH2 accomplishes relatively nothing with the added complexity. I sort of wish Kawasaki would supercharge (or turbo) a 500-600cc twin-cylinder or triple engine with high pressure, bulletproof toughness, and the beauty of being rather lightweight otherwise. Then the people would say, why do all that when you can simply buy the bigger engine? Exactly. So why did Kawasaki do this 1L with a supercharger instead of making a naked streetbike from a ZX-14R?

[@ur2slob724]

I own a zx14 and a zh2. It’s called torque mate the zh2 will leave the zx14 behind until 100mph no dramas

[@exothermal.sprocket]

ZX-14R makes 90 ft-lb @ 4,000 rpm. That's what torque is. Sure it's a heavier bike.

[@alfiethefeline3311]

Why bulshtinng people with the $4000 wheels on the bike ? what kind of review is this? with that wheels even vespa will feel amazing.

[@islandwind600]

jeff bezos before he was put into the captain america machine

[@kevinmill7965]

All the holy Mackrell and u ain't riding it... batman

[@1xplorer]

Besides the engine, the bike looks like unfinished design from UX/UI team

[@donaldtate87]

Lies it only has 168 hp

[@helgejohan3604]

Noo, its have 182hp on the backwhhel with a slip on( scorpion)🔥🔥🤘

[@MattieXMoto]

Good luck trying not to buy a kawasaki

[@kalaga2k]

wash the bike...!

[@thierryfleck546]

Bla bla bla for 5 min...🙄

[@darrenbutler160]

Rode it like a girl . Buy a scooter dude

[@PetroHead]

Max Wrist is calling you. That channel might be better suited to your style. Later 👍