2021 Kawasaki Z H2 vs ZX 10R! Supercharged vs Superbike

I recently had the opportunity to test Kawasaki's Z H2, as well as the WorldSBK derived Ninja ZX-10R and thought I'd compare the two models.
Both are amazing at what they do, but the Z H2 offers an incredible roadster, nakedbike and muscle bike, with high specs, impressive performance and the allure of a supercharger.
In comparison the Ninja ZX-10R is a serious sportsbike, designed for the track, and while that translates into a great package for the road, there's no denying it's a firebreathing machine demanding to be let off the leash.
Here are my thoughts between the two, from a road riders perspective.
To demo ride these particular bikes contact or head in to MotoHub Motorcycles in Castle Hill in Sydney. A big thanks to them for letting me quick test the bike! Their details are below:
www.motohub.com.au/
7/4 Victoria Ave,
Castle Hill, NSW 2154
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[@EVAN__WILLIAMS]

As someone who has owned both of these bikes I'd day this a pretty spot on review. If you don't really care about the track, little bit older, or want to enjoy longer rides you cannot beat the ZH2. It's pure joy to ride, perfect bike for someone getting over their supersport bike younger days. The supersport crowd will be jealous of your seating position for sure.

[@whitegoodman7465]

Or young but cheaper insurance here in Canada. You see more naked especially in Ontario bc of the crazy insurance racket here.

[@grimey5.565]

This is exactly what I'm doing at the moment. I am selling my 17 GSXR 1000 for a Z H2. As I have gotten older I realize I like to ride a lot more than taking a break at gas stations every 15 miles lol. Comfort is key in my opinion while still having brute force for acceleration.

[@aeror115]

Cool video Thanks for the great bike content mate

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Awesome review as always Kris! Thank you. My Superbike days are over and my back isn’t as in as good a condition from the time I spent racing. So, that being said, and the only bike with a factory supercharger, my money would definitely be better spent on the H2! A much more “real world” friendly machine! 👍😎🇦🇺

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm amazed no one else has tried to match them with a factory turbo or a supercharger to be honest. Seems like it's been a great success!

[@themotobikelife]

Nice review and comparison man. I own both the zh2 and zx10r. Both AWESOME bikes.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Lucky! That's a good way of not having to pick just one lol!

[@themotobikelife]

@@MotoJournoKris haha tell me about it. It's nice being able to pick a bike each day, although I need to get some street tires for my zx10 now

[@powamoto]

Team Green Approved 💚💯

[@isaklindstedt]

Hello Kris! Thank you for this video. I was choosing between these two bikes and have now bought the Kawasaki 2021 Z H2 SE performance. Since I am a beginner in the biking world the Z H2 SE performance bike will lend to much more practical fun for me than the supersport. Great help! You make such thorough videos with very pleasing presentations. Keep up the good work!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I hope the video was of help and congrats on your new Z H2!

[@toofastnobrakes]

Wait wait wait. Are you considering starting on a ZH2???……

[@KoreyByrne]

@@toofastnobrakes if he is beginning on one he will crash

[@whitegoodman7465]

Z h2 is a monster.. No one should be starting on a bike like that..

[@warrenrajtmajer7436]

Great review thx

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks!

[@lordkryogen]

Awesome video man. I ended up buying a zh2 because immatriculation and insurance are 2000$ more per year on the zx10r(sportbike greater risk for them to insure). Plus the supercharger is great, and its mostly for town, never going to race anyway. Its in my garage now cant wait to try it.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Wicked, congratulations. That's amazing with the insurance, but does make sense, the sportsbikes have always been pretty pricey to insure. I definitely think for the road the ZH2 is the bike to be on too, it's really something special.

[@superc910]

No way that 10R got more hp than a ZH2 lol. Even with the ZH2 it’s scary down low and you most definitely don’t have wait till you get up to the top end. ZH2 geared lower than the 10R as well. Stock ZH2 depending who dyno and location , makes 165-180wrhp. Stock 10R a few hp less. Unrestricted, ZH2 with stock exhaust depending on dyno and location, 210rwhp, 10R with flash, full system 206wrhp. ZH2 with everything bit more tuning, pretty much 230wrhp. Brock dyno with both the current 10 and ZH2. So the first few moments , not true information in terms of power. I have a ZH2

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd have said the advantage of the Z was the torque from down low. The ZX-10R is no slouch though. But comparisons like that are just manufacturer claimed figures.

[@Roberto7537]

Fantastiche!!✌✌🏍🏍

[@badhonky6473]

Ive had a fzr 1000, zrx1200,zx10r,zx14r,hayabusa and just got the z h2 and it is a great bike easy to ride, doesnt feel heavy, comfortable nimble and fast af. My favorite bike to date

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep it's an amazing machine!

[@Michael_Mears]

Kris, your road bike to track bike preference will relate to more riders, even if some of those riders aspire to the track, until they begin to excel at the track, any bike more suitable to the road is probably a better choice. Subjective and personal suitability criteria aside, the Z H2 is my pick.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Very true, it's easy to get caught up in 'needing' a track bike, but getting started you can have fun on almost anything.

[@robbielemmens9242]

ZH2❤️

[@sgwood5732]

Has anyone had issues with the recall on the ZX10R?

[@estoylaroca]

ZH2 for sure. The power difference on the top end will only be utilized by who... like 5% of people who ride. And your comments on it are spot on... ZH2 is tuned for daily rides, and that's just how I like my rides... daily. With the ZX10r, you really have to find the place where you can ride it to it's potential. And just comparing it to the ZH2, there are really little to none (other than an actual track) where you can really find that difference in power. And as you've said... the ZH2 is just priced at a very very competitive price. It's a supercharged bike, for that price point. With the ZX10r... not really putting it down, but it's a sportbike, much like a R1, CBR1000rr... things that you could buy for a much lower price 2nd hand if you buy the older versions... which are practically the same, less the more recent electronics, and the little tweaks to the engines. But at the end of the day, it's a 1000cc sportbike, which if I've said to you, you would've thought of any of the 1000cc sportbikes (again, like the r1 and cbr1000rr) But if I say supercharged 1000cc, you're only really thinking of 2 bikes, the H2 or the ZH2, and if I say naked, you already know what I'm talking about.

[@MotoJournoKris]

My thoughts are exactly! Can't complain about the current crop of sportsbikes, but it's so hard to put them to use in a way that even comes close to approaching their potential, except at the track.

[@vladimirholonin6501]

Hey. I always wanted to have a ZX10R but around 3 days ago found one guy selling 2020 Z H2 and I like the bike also. So I started looking comparison video and I found it here. Thanks for your advice, its very useful. I will probably go with Z H2 if circumstances will be good, cos first I need to sell my ZX6R 2019 :). Thanks for the video again, good luck!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Hope I was of some help, the Z H2 really is something special.

[@ducedevlstear2471]

That Compressor is definitely a thing you need to try. And you can always move on and get zx10 once you get enough of it. What did you end up with in the end ?

[@davidnewton3485]

ZH2 my choice specially Flashed !! 220 hp atw works all day for me 👍

[@MotoJournoKris]

Wicked!

[@spidaman0112]

We don't have any zed models in America strange

[@The1977andi]

My z650 still scares me, I dread to think what these pair would do to me. I need to grow a pair.

[@MotoJournoKris]

We can still get into a lot of trouble on a 650 (so keeping a bit of fear is good for survival), but these do take it to another level!

[@Kingleo_23912]

I picked up the ZH2 a couple days ago. Best bike I’ve owned. Will it be better to get a slip on or full exhaust ???? I really don’t care to add more power because this is my first 1000cc and it’s plenty fast for me… but that big can gotta go lol

[@MotoJournoKris]

You should be able to get away just adding a slip-on, with a full exhaust you probably want a full tune which is an additional expense, plus a fuel tuner or piggyback, so apart from being a more expensive system, there's normally additional costs. I normally settle on a slip-on, but it depends if you want to go all out!

[@kief4diamonds]

anything from austin racing has just sounded the nastiest ive heard on kawiz

[@after75]

Any need of the zH2 SE in your opinion Kris, or is the base model “enough”?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd definitely say the standard version is enough. The electronic suspension on the SE is nice, but I'll take traditional springers any day when they were as good as this.

[@balski21]

As someone who almost bought the se version over the standard let me tell you just get the standard. If you're worried about the suspension not being perfect for you go to a suspension tuner best money you'll ever spend.

[@grantsewell782]

It's great.

[@grantsewell782]

Had my zh2 for 2 day now love it but b careful its got balls

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice stuff! It's definitely ready to catch you out if you don't respect all that power...

[@isaklindstedt]

No worry. Owning the z h2 se performance has been a great beginners choice. Riding it for 1 year now. I am still a beginner when it comes to motorcycles and would not have any problems recommending it to someone else. It is an awesome bike and so easy to ride. I am now thinking about buying a Ducati Streetfighter v4s instead. I am testriding it in a couple of weeks. Then I will get an mc with less weight, still with many horse powers. The dealership will change the exhaust so the bike becomes 6 kg less and gets an additional 12 horse power (174 kg, 220 hp). With this bike I will have fun both on the way to work and on the track. Taking som lessons this year on a nearby racing track. Totally a beginner in the track world but it will be fun to try. Maybe Kris can make a review on the Streetfighter? My biggest problem leaving the Z H2 is that I can't find a better looking bike in my opinion.

[@Nightrider.81]

I have the ZH2 and i love my Rocket 👍🏻😁

[@drtubez]

Zh2 is by no means a ho hum everyday bike. But I get your point it is easier to drive around as the seating position is upright. I liked that about it. It’s comfortable to me and can rip your arms off at the same time. Just passed the break in period so took it out for a real spin. I’m happy with it all the way around except maybe for the muffler. But I plan on changing that out.

[@ur2slob724]

Zx10 muffler cheap upgrade that sounds good

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, it's definitely not just an everyday commuter - it's so much more than that, but I think it could do those duties really well, where the supersport machines aren't nearly as comfortable, or as usable. The stock breadbox is definitely not inspiring, but as Gsxr b said the ZX-10R exhaust swap is easy!

[@ur2slob724]

@@MotoJournoKris 100% I just sold my bmw s1000rr and test rode everything Monster 1200/ktm 1290 / tuono factory / speed 1050rs / mt10 SP and zh2 I now own a zh2 it is an awesome bike! It’s no track weapon but I didn’t buy it for that so I’m happy.. people complaining it’s too heavy or it’s too soft are idiots. It’s a road bike meant for the road with enough power to embarrass a 1000cc supersport. If you want something stiffer / lighter than handles better go buy a $5000 gsxr as a track bike

[@whitegoodman7465]

@@ur2slob724 how would you compare the acceleration of Z H2 vs the s1000rr and the bikes as a whole? Looking at both of them in the future.

[@ur2slob724]

@@whitegoodman7465 zh2 feels faster but the bmw is prob faster in real life especially 150-300+kph Bikes as a whole? 2 very different bikes ones a supersport ones a naked

[@Jaykay-xo5xt]

Which one is faster or have more speed zh2 or zx10r ?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd reckon the ZX-10R in stock form, as the wind protection is a big advantage, there's not much between them on quarter mile time though. I imagine if you uncorked the Z H2 it'd have a lot more in it though.

[@796nano]

Esta claro que la ZH2 es más cómoda para el día a día, es otro segmento diferente. Y si quieres una moto más cómoda aún y más útil, te compras una scooter. Ahora, la cara de satisfacción que se te debe quedar al bajarte de la ZX10R mientras babeas mirándola, no tiene precio.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, the bike which makes you smile (or drool) every time you see it in the garage is always going to be the winner.

[@gilzr473]

Definitely the Zh2

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's really something else isn't it!

[@gilzr473]

Both are beautiful bikes but the supercharged engine and the sitting position is what’s made me choose the Zh2 and the electric suspension.

[@Nik-nh3xr]

ZH 2 😍👍😍👍😍

[@dute007]

What is this zed all about? 😁✌️

[@MotoJournoKris]

Haha

[@bruceleong9534]

Horses for courses really. And with 200+ at peak, there’s way many more than I could use. If I could afford it, I’d take the ZX10R and scare myself silly at Eastern Creek 🤓

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea definitely, it's all about picking the right bike for you.

[@mikeharrison72]

ZX10 R for me Kris but I just can’t see past sports bikes and the way they look, sorry, Capt Vanity here.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Hey I bought a Daytona 675 R and thought it was the sexiest thing on two wheels at the time (and I'd still say it's a front runner), nothing wrong with that!

[@reeferaddickt66]

I'm putting too many miles on my Z900rs, I need a third bike, which of these would use choose if you already had a Z900rs (unrestricted ecu and no cat). The average cruising speed on the freeway is now about 80-90mph. The z900rs is pretty revy cruising at 90mph, I'm going to put a new sprocket in it.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd probably still lean towards the Z H2 as I like the overall comfort, but if you're interested in something a bit more crazy and track days the ZX-10R would be hard to pass up. As long as the ergos on the ZX-10R aren't a problem it's a speed demon, but probably more at home on the twisty roads and track than the highways.

[@reeferaddickt66]

Thank you very much for the thought out response. I'm leaning towards the ZH2 since I can find one used with low mileage.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@reeferaddickt66 Nice! Let us know how you go, I'd be interested to hear what you think coming from a Z900RS and having both.

[@reeferaddickt66]

@@MotoJournoKris I ended up going with the ZX-10R. The dealers here are having supply issues, so stock is extremely low. Mentioning that Kawasaki sent out a letter cancelling orders until 2022. I thought about how you mentioned track days and thought I might hit a few now. I love the Z900RS, it's so smooth, and once you firm the suspension it's a lot better. It's a comfortable bike

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@reeferaddickt66 Sadly I think the supply issues will be ongoing for a while yet, but congrats on the ZX-10R! Track days are also great, especially for really having a go without worrying about cars coming the other way, or speed limits.

[@fiveminutes7780]

KAWASAKI "lead don't Follow!" 👏👑😈

[@MotoJournoKris]

Damn right! They've done a great job with that lately, with the Z900 RS, H2, Z H2 and of course taking the Ninja to a 400 in the smaller capacity machines a bit further back now.

[@narzaust]

ZX10r is the cheapest superbike in my country India. Can you believe Kawasaki is now making the beast in India itself. I think ZH2 is not yet launched in India. But finding very difficult to choose. Both the bikes are almost same in power and features. ZH2 is much more expansive than ZX10r. Hmm mm mm mm...........I think ZH2 is my choice.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The ZH2 is a great all-rounder to be honest.

[@halenray]

zh2!

[@monjilmochahary]

Why you cover the speedometer bro 🙄.

[@user-nu4jp4sn2c]

zh2 with a btmoto flash

[@captainpuneetrajsingh4978]

ZH2

[@poepeter8394]

To expensive for me so zx10r

[@MotoJournoKris]

Do you think the ZX-10R is better value for its price? It's a crazy machine but I kinda feel like I'd need to do lots of track days (or race) to take advantage of that properly.

[@richardwoodhouse8397]

Both😅

[@mrbeeman7]

Always zx10r😂 I’m 43

[@josephalnicaragua6050]

Bla bla bla bla bla

[@Bob_Jones123]

Why is keeping your license so important? Ride dirty!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Because I'm not an idiot.