2020 Kawasaki Z H2 vs 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S - Cycle News

[@helgejohan3604]

I want the Zh2🤙🔥

[@michaeljkasnter]

Car pulled out infront of me on my Ducati StreetFighter V-4S last night, thank God for its stopping power/flick ability/and weight!!! The ABS work Phenomenal also!! Safest bike on the road!!

[@markjurczyk]

Hahahahhhhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahah lier

[@hnic72]

@@markjurczyk lmfaooo

[@jompesundman6565]

Tested both bikes Zh2 all day lovely beast and looks brute in person i am 6,2 long and it is very comfy bike with the Little Zh2 option fly wind screen on higway commute too 👍👍👍.

[@corbinroy4851]

Probably the most accurate review we will see. Handling vs acceleration to put it simply. I took the Z H2 for the money and it is impressive in ways I am only beginning to be able to describe compared with my '17 1290.

[@stevesmith6236]

Not even remotely an accurate review without actual hard performance numbers. Just speculation and oppinion of two reporters.

[@corbinroy4851]

They are pretty much 1st on the scene with this review. The bikes are hard to get right now and I bought a Z H2 after I thought I was going to buy the SFV4 for the last year. I completely agree with their impressions on the bikes and if you haven't seen them at all then this is the most informative video available. However, I think we all do want the performance numbers and specs including SDR!

[@stevesmith6236]

@@corbinroy4851 My ZH2 was ordered in late Feb. I was told by the sales person to expect it to arrive late March, early April. I didn't get mine until the second week of May! I realistically have watched 90-95% of all videos on KZbin about the ZH2. I've even watched a lot that were not in English just because. I continue to watch all that come up on KZbin also. I don't care about, nor have I ever owned any motorcycle unless it was from Japan. My ZH2 is the 51st bike I've owned since 1976 and is the 26th brand new one. I have talked to representatives from Brock's Performance, and even talked to Don Guhl here in Pennsylvania about his re-flash efforts with the ZH2's ECU.

[@timothymills733]

Interesting comparison. I think these two are actually very similar in that they are both "statement" bikes, though for different reasons. The Ducati will appeal to riders that want the cache and exclusivity of having a top of the line Ducait, and the Kawi to people that want the most mental engined bike, because there is nothing like telling people your bike is supercharged for bragging rights. None of the other super nakeds have either of those things.

[@cyclenews]

Very true. That supercharger makes the Kawasaki utterly mental. And considering the $17K price, it's a very good bike.

[@bigshow710]

I bought the ZH2 a few months ago. I have had some big fast bikes, but this thing accelerates like nothing i have ridden before, and also cruises easily.

[@Zh2Guy]

@bigshow just Baugh mine couple week ago , haven’t seen it yet 😅, I’m going to grab it in aprils , still too much snow here 🇨🇦

[@robertprosser6856]

If Kawasaki made this bike pretty it would clean up!

[@stevesmith6236]

Pretty bikes are for females and gay men.

[@iodineclip]

@@stevesmith6236 thats right, keep all your ugly bikes, leave us the pretty ones. Because were gay

[@stevesmith6236]

@@iodineclip Wow, bet that was tough to admit on a public forum huh?

[@fattymcgee123]

@@stevesmith6236 if he's actually gay, probably not

[@afenijmeijer9027]

Kawasaki rule. Kawasaki make bikes the way they do because they can.

[@Yogi5D]

The supercharged Kawa Z2 is mind-blowing! Looks cool too. Z2 is king of nakeds for sure.

[@uttamjeetsingh7451]

Zh2 not Z2 and Zh2 is the king of fat overweight bikes.

[@kerimcancakmak7970]

@@uttamjeetsingh7451 hahahhahhahahahahahahahahhaaahhahahah

[@hutchzy9219]

The lack of cruise control is not an issue for me, I've had it on a few cars but rarely use it. The way people tend to drive on the motorways doesn't allow use of it and it only invite's reduced concentration in my opinion. I was all for the z having owned a z1000 for the last 13 yrs of my biking years, but that Ducati has won my heart in looks, performance, comfort and especially sound. I cannot wait to get my hands on one.

[@RickyJr46]

Cycle World's Michael Gilbert said they ran their Streetfighter V4S dry after barely 100 miles, and its 27.8 mpg average gives a calculated range of 115 miles if all of its 4.2 gallons are consumed. Some really fantastic rides out west have gas stations spaced farther apart than that. On a local favorite, the last dozen miles would be on foot!

[@Land-Shark]

I'm not into nakeds, but both bikes are nice. But, I've bled green blood for 50 years now, so I'd take the Z H2 and then mod it nicely with the $7,000 price difference: light rims; full exhaust system; ECU flash; different handlebars (if I felt the need).

[@Guizas]

You guys should mention that the price difference isn't that big if you go with the Base V4, the ZH2 does not have electronic suspension so the base V4 is comparable with the ZH2. That makes it a bit more even.

[@cyclenews]

Fair call.

[@stevesmith6236]

Let me see your actual numbers. Don't forget, there's a "base" all black ZH2 as well, outside the US market. Here in the states (Pennsylvania), with state sales tax added, the spaghetti bike is a WHOPPING $7,414.70 more!!! And doesn't even have cruise control?

[@ampm9771]

And ZH2 is nearly 50kg heavier and is less powerful, and hasn't got V4's superior electronics and traction control. BTW ZH2 cost the exact same price as V4s where I live.

[@ampm9771]

@@stevesmith6236 The spaghetti bike is light years ahead of that ancient inline4 on steroid. V4s had near prototype engine with contra rotating crank. Of course what would you know about that. V4S is light years ahead in terms of electronics and riders safety. And of course nearly 50kg lighter than that pig heavy ZH2. Do you know how much it's cost Kawasaki to shed 10kg of weight off zh2? haha V4S is not for humming on motorways while going to sleep by the sound of that inline4 vacuum cleaner. Cruise control? 😅 go to sleep mate. SFV4 is from another planet than that green supercharger overpriced donkey.

[@stevesmith6236]

@@ampm9771 ZH2 has 11 less stated horsepower, but 11 more ft lbs of torque. Max torque comes in at 8,500 rpm compared to the duc's 11,500 rpm. Sooner is better. ZH2 has 4 levels of traction control including off. Z bike doesn't have the duc's electronic suspension, but, wasn't designed as a track bike. When drag racing electronic suspension means nothing. ZH2 has electronic cruise control which the duc doesn't have. Z has a counter balanced engine which is smoother than the duc. Z has that awesome supercharger "chirp" too! Prove the duc and the ZH2 cost "exactly" the same where you live. Not likely.

[@martingaughan2419]

Get past the looks and it's the Kawasaki every time. Get a Panigale V4s if you if you want to tear full pelt into corners or track it. ZH2 is gonna be a cult bike

[@dahjo13]

I refuse to believe this man has ever heard a rattle from a rattlesnake if he thinks it sounds like wastegate flutter.

[@murmler]

I testrided both. Now I have a Z H2 in my garage 😀

[@mtrideron167]

upload some vids bro!

[@stevesmith6236]

Had mine for almost a month now and ZERO regrets.

[@cyclenews]

Well done!

[@corbinroy4851]

Went with the Z H2 as well and I'm starting to dig the look of it wo the end can.

[@expatbiker6598]

Was value 4 money a factor or what?

[@LooxJJ]

here is my 2cent: Ducati V4 is basically reworked Panagale with street fighter body. It's awesome when you take it to track, and its pretty mundane on the street (so why not just get a Panagale?). H2 is a proper hypernaked bike from ground up - designed to be street fighter. V4 needs work...a lot of work to do what Kawasaki is doing now. Kawasaki won this round hands down.

[@stinkerdoodle1737]

I was wondering if you adjusted the suspension on these bikes as that can make a huge difference in how the bike handles......food for thought.

[@kramnworb00]

Great review. I recently bought a ZH2 and am really enjoying it so far. I had previously owned a SF848 but the SFV4 or S version was not even on my shopping list due to my budget. In Australia there is nearly a $9000 difference between the ZH2 and SFV4S! There is also $4,500 difference between the base SFV4 and the ZH2 but even then it’s not really in the same budget range for most people. While the SF is a great looking bike and sounds like a great ride, reliability and service were the other factor. I had a couple of Ducati’s and the last one (a M1100 Evo) was plagued with known TSBs that the dealer was reluctant to fix. I got it fixed, sold it and never looked back. I thought the ZH2 was ugly till I saw it in person, it’s actually a bit of a looker (from certain angles).

[@MsChrisep]

Mark Brown you didnt happen to buy the first one from PS in Ringwood, by any chance?

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

The dreaded v4s delivery at your local Ducati dealership, and now let's go over scheduled maintenance, GASP, how much for that mandatory valve adjustment? How will that affect my remaining warranty? Sob, I should have kept my downpayment for my scheduled maintenance, now I have a secondary loan!

[@Rayk76]

Nice to see finally a comparison, but I'd still go for the new 1290 SDR...

[@cyclenews]

Shh... me to ;)

[@fyorbane]

Nice machine no doubt but I can't get pass the fugly styling. If I had the money I would take the Ducati.

[@cyclenews]

@Dick Thundernutz Nice! I loved the 2020 SDR.

[@stevesmith6236]

Not much of a "comparison" without lap times, 1/4 mile times, top speed mph, 0-100 mph times,and dyno readouts.

[@helgejohan3604]

Superduke 1290🤙

[@roelfkromhout]

122 nm of torque @ 11.5k rpm (V4) vs 137 @ 8.5k (H2) is probably the difference you're feeling.

[@stevesmith6236]

Sooner the torque comes in the better.

[@siraff4461]

@@stevesmith6236 People often miss that and the fact you can't just sit on peak power all the time. Even if you change gear perfectly the space in the ratios means you will be off peak power most of the time - which is where the more torque gets you back to peak power faster. The Kawasaki's engine is just better in every way apart from frontal area and weight. The Ducati claims are miles off too (as usual) so take the weight and power with a pinch of salt. When they're actually on the scales and dyno's weight is much closer and the Z usually puts out similar power with a huge torque advantage everywhere. Then there are mods to consider. Filter, map and exhaust are on most bikes you see and thats where the Kawasaki holds a massive advantage. The Ducati will make an extra 5ish hp but the Z will be over 230hp easily and much higher depending how hard you want to push it. It also drops around 10kg from the exhaust alone. At that point the Ducati is from a class below because its like trying to race a 1000 with a 750.

[@stevesmith6236]

@@siraff4461 Well said!

[@robertprosser6856]

KAWASAKI REALLY DO EXCEL AT MAKING THEIR BIKES AS UGLY AS POSSIBLE🤢

[@stevesmith6236]

And I suppose the big orange alien bug looking KTM is good looking?? Duc fan boy are ya?

[@robertprosser6856]

@@stevesmith6236 I do like the look of the gen1 1290 superduke r but not much of the after models from ktm but recent Kawasakis are brilliant bikes but very ugly

[@bikegiant1376]

Couldn’t agree more. Butt ugly.

[@brianglendenning1632]

Both bikes have their aesthetic challenges, and make my S1000R look less aesthetically challenging in relative terms. StreetFighter is better than all three, but the instrument pod and those awful silver bits around the radiator are not to my liking, but can be fixed. Tuono is not a looker either. All can be improved by clever AM mods.

[@M4rkmcc21]

@@brianglendenning1632 tuono is claimed as one of the best looking nakeds out there. U seen the rsv4 it's based on? That's one of the sexiest shapes ever made on 2 wheels.

[@grey5135]

The H2 is like a Dodge Demon and the Street Fighter is like a Ferrari 488

[@Bob_Jones123]

One thing you didn't mention is tuning potential. The Z H2 can be tuned to be much more powerful than stock because of the supercharger. The Ducati not so much.

[@TheTiddy1234]

How do you make a review of two incredibly exciting things so utterly boring?

[@Flip01]

Thanks Rennie good insight into both bikes. Would have been good to line the two bikes up for a drag race plus some pulls in higher gears to see the difference in speed on the road. But let's be honest both are more then fast enough, go for the one that is comfortable and handles because it's all about those nice corners. I ride an under powdered Triumph SPD3R.🤣👍🇦🇺🍺

[@stevesmith6236]

Bring on the roll and drag racing!

[@smoke05s]

I bet you can adjust the suspension to fix the problems they encountered. The issue is that dynamic suspension will just work on bumpy roads and smooth, you just keep on ridin.. The manually adjusted bike can be dialed in but it takes time.

[@ClutchFirst]

Nice comparison guys. I'd have to go with the Ducati as well.

[@brianglendenning1632]

Nice review. I would go for the non-S Street Fighter, but the Z H2 with suspension and brake mods and some appearance mods would be great.

[@stevesmith6236]

ZH2 stops quite impressively, no need for upgrades.

[@brianglendenning1632]

Steve Smith Minds seem to differ on the braking performance of the Z H2. When I start actively looking (test riding) for a replacement for my S1000R the ZH2 will be on the short list, and braking performance will be one thing I will test. May be more than adequate for my skill level - perhaps I will not be able to tell the difference. For road riding I think you are no doubt completely correct, but I do track days and that might be relevant. Time will tell.

[@R3RLEE]

@@stevesmith6236 The brakes are spot on!!

[@enricohagn]

​@@brianglendenning1632 You might test ride the H2 SE version. My brother is extremely happy with it.

[@roelfkromhout]

Kawasaki really needs a new designer. The tech is awesome, but their bikes have looked horrendous for over a decade now.

[@ampm9771]

Tech is awesome? like what? I'm waiting...

[@MotoM1234]

Suzuki designers think this bike is ugly

[@MrSnoopysatis]

Pfff when the release thé z1000 a lot of people said is ugly...the streetfighter look really similar of the z1000 its just red !! 😒😒

[@negenelf123]

A monster needs to be ugly :)

[@Single_Rider.23]

It is problem is most Japanese manufacturers. Beautiful bike but what is the headlight design! Strange

[@Nik-nh3xr]

ZH2 😍👍😍👍

[@M4rkmcc21]

I have a 2020SDR and I recently rest rode both the ZH2 and SFv4. I'm selling my SDR and will decide on either of these 2 bikes. Not that the SDR is crap. Epic bike. Just a bit bored of vtwins now and want a longer power band. So far I'm 60/40 towards the ZH2. Cant get a SF till march next year and also its £4.5k more expensive. I really so like cruise control too.

[@cyclenews]

Won't go wrong with the Z H2. Probably gonna be a better bike long term than the SF.

[@M4rkmcc21]

@@cyclenews that was my thinking.after market parts will probs be cheaper too

[@joeldb8828]

Have you considered a Tuono? If you want a longer power band, comfort & the best chassis money can buy... just saying!

[@M4rkmcc21]

@@joeldb8828 I owned a 2018 tuino factory mate. Loved it. Took it to the pyrenees and picos. Put 6k on it. Epic bike. Just won't buy one again till theyv done a big refresh on it next year. Ended up buying the zh2. Owning a supercharged bike is a pretty unique experience. Loving it so far.

[@fyorbane]

I just knew that ZH2 motor will make everything else feel slow. Incredible. No surprises that the Streetfighter is the better handling machine [it should be, being based on a race bike]. The Kawasaki is not based on a lightweight race machine, rather it was designed as a proper street bike [like the 1290 SDR]. I like them both but admit the front end looks too bulky on the ZH2 [looks good from other angles though]. For me they are both fantasy bikes but the Kawasaki is great value compared to the expensive Ducati.

[@cyclenews]

Yes, it's excellent value. You could fix the suspension on the Kawasaki for far less than the Ducati's purchase price, but you've still got the extra weight and the less comfortable (for me, at least) riding position.

[@stevesmith6236]

The ZH2 is the bike Bruce Banner rides when he's feeling naughty and wants the feel of brute "HULK" like strength without the need to transform. It's the HULK of naked bikes. Not meant to be a track bike, or a handsome one, it's a mean supercharged street bike with a definite street presence. A bike that can't be ignored.

[@stevesmith6236]

@@cyclenews ZH2 for shorter riders is quite comfortable. A simple handlebar swap is easy enough if wanted, and a very cheap "fix".

[@ampm9771]

What that inline4 with bolt on supercharger? how much power would that engine make without steroid? V4 is an engine from 21st century, not something dragged from 1970s on supercharger. What are you gonna do with the nearly 50kg extra weight of ZH2? SFV4 is a state of the art technology compared to that ancient 250kg green donkey. What would average Kawasaki fan know about bike tech. SFV4 handles better? It doesn't even have a chassis and is. running on single sided swing arm, now go figure!

[@stevesmith6236]

@@ampm9771 Boy you just love that whole "on steroids"rant huh? I suppose you think a turbo charged bike is also on "steroids" as well, don't you? "not something dragged from the 70s".WTF are you blabbing about? You don't get out much do ya boy?

[@telliot647]

Great review. Thanks for having Sean comment. Rennie you are great but your skill level is likely way above the average rider. Sean might be too, but likely not by as much so his opinion is valuable to me!

[@cyclenews]

Thanks, Tom. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaeljkasnter]

The sound of the V-4 with the full Akropavic Race Exhaust is 100x better sounding then a bag of rattle snakes!!

[@ur2slob724]

Sure but not as fast.. rather go fast than sound good

[@Snotroggel453]

Ducati engines sound lame, almost if something in the engine is loose.. aprilia v4’s and yamaha crossplanes sound awesome tho.

[@markjohnson8352]

Thank you guys. Nice overview. ✊🏻

[@cyclenews]

Thanks, Mark

[@stevesmith6236]

@@cyclenews Sorry, but without actual hard numbers on performance, this "review" is sorely deficient in so many ways. Hardley a "comparassion" at all.

[@Pillokun]

The thing about the leg space, well ducati since the org Panigale had plenty if room for legs. The seat is high and narrow(good for shorties) and the rear sets are actually a bit lower than on traditional Japanese bikes. Yet many have complained how uncomfortable they are on the road, which is not true. Even in some tests vs other superbikes some test riders actually were surprised how comfortable the ducs i.e. panigale was vs the rest. But that was a street test done when the bikes were not the latest one any more and they could be more frank...

[@chrischurcher8804]

Maybe test the ZH2 SE vs the V4S. Much better comparison. I loved my Panigale V4S, but just bought a ZH2 SE

[@joeldb8828]

Just keep in mind... we're comparing a naturally aspirated bike to a blown one. If we really wanted to even the playing field I'd suggest putting a blower on the SF.... it's not that novel to create horsepower from a blown engine - just turn the screws & push more air. But to create that power with natural induction is a true engineering masterpiece.

[@rosslenoir4373]

I hope that after it's all hashed out, the headlight mounted to the forks becomes part of the definition of "hyper/super naked".

[@kevinmill7965]

You should of done some on-board footage... do roll on's and some drags... that's what everyone waiting/wanting to see........

[@falcn12]

You guys need to get a ZH2 that had been tuned by Brock's out for a spin. If you think the ZH2 is fast now... I wish Kawi had focused on weight a little more, but that bike is a classic already. I hope they supercharge some of the smaller engines too in the future.

[@stevesmith6236]

Don Guhl is working on a reflash program for the ZH2 right now. I personally talked to him just two days ago about this and he said it's the most complicated ecu he's ever worked on. He said it could be as late as next year for the completed program. :( Guess owners like myself will have to "just" get by with 184.5 rear wheel horsepower and 94 ft lbs of torque until then, bummer.

[@falcn12]

@@stevesmith6236 try to live with it, I know it's tough 🤣 That will be exciting to see what he gets done.

[@greenlightning6971]

Improve the quality of the sound. Ducati all the way

[@cyclenews]

Yes, we know. We're working on it.

[@fatbusaracing1347]

So with the price difference between the two, would changing out the wheels on the Kawasaki be worth it to help it tip-in and turn better and maybe give the Ducati a run for its money through the twisties.. and a lighter end can to help shave off a few kg's ..

[@cyclenews]

For sure. You could probably mod up the Kawasaki to a winning degree for less than what the Ducati costs as stock.

[@siraff4461]

Exhaust, filter, map and that Kwak is good for well over 230hp and the same torque curve but higher up. Makes no odds what the Duc does in the corners then unless you're on a go kart track. Oh and that exhaust swap drops around 10kg on its own.

[@uttamjeetsingh7451]

@@siraff4461 The Ducati will always be the better track bike, you can't shave 40 kgs no matter what you do.

[@ur2slob724]

@@uttamjeetsingh7451 but the argument is why buy a sf for a track bike? There’s a thing called the v4 panigale for that. For the street the zh2 is the way to go with kawi reliability to boot

[@uttamjeetsingh7451]

@@ur2slob724 The streetfighter is that good man, you could track very well.

[@Daniel-gb9ex]

If the ZH2 engine is anything like the H2SX (and I'd bet it is) it's severely restricted from the factory. Google H2SX flash and people are getting 210+ hp at the rear wheel.

[@jarosawnowak666]

Two diffrent bikes for two diffrent group of customers... Both fantastic in own way...

[@fyorbane]

My thoughts exactly. Both are tremendous machines. If I were rich I would have both.

[@Joric78]

Is the Z H2 really in the same category as the Streetfighter V4 S, Super Duke 1290 R or Tuono V4? If so they've done a fantastic job with the weight. On paper it seems more like a naked hyperbike or sports tourer. Along the lines of the Suzuki B-King and BMW K1300R.

[@cyclenews]

That's a fair call, but in terms of super-nakeds, this is Kawasaki's best. So yes, it's compatible with the SDR, SF, Tuono, etc.

[@stevesmith6236]

Sports tourer?? No stock luggage, no stock windshield, short-ish wheelbase and supercharged, doesn't seem like a "sports tourer" to me.

[@Joric78]

@@stevesmith6236 Yes. You should read that as, "naked hyperbike or naked sports tourer" because the platform is largely from the H2 SX, a sports tourer and the H2, a hyperbike. In the same way that the B-King platform was the Hayabusa (a "hyperbike") and the K1300R platform was shared with the K1300S (a sports tourer). Compared with the Streetfighter, a naked Panigale or the Tuono, a naked RSV4. Both race replicas. The KTM is somewhere in between. They have the GT sports touring version, but their emphasis on performance and it's place as the pinnacle of their performance road bikes after the discontinuation of the RC8 has still left the Superduke closer to the naked race replicas.

[@stevesmith6236]

@@Joric78 The similarities between the sport touring H2 SX bikes and the ZH2 is mostly the engine and the company that built them. ZH2 has a different frame,different torque curve, more rear wheel horsepower, 50 pounds less weight, no luggage capacity, $8K less than a SE version (USD), different swingarm, no fairing, all TFT display, etc.Your turn........

[@Joric78]

@@stevesmith6236 Yes, it's a naked bike built to a lower price point. It's little different to how the ZX-14R hyperbike and GTR 1400 sports tourer were on the same platform. They had different chassis and equipment levels, but using the same engine design retuned for their different roles and the chassis was built with the same monocoque technology and also had a lot of similarities. Or for that matter the Z 1000 and the Ninja 1000 SX, also a sports touring platform. If they'd made the Z 1000 based on a naked ZX-10R instead it would have been a very different animal, and closer to the European super nakeds. I don't think I'm making a particularly controversial point here.

[@sathishrao7926]

Kawi could have been the unanimous choice due to its price advantage if it had looked better.. I still think it’s going to win the sales war, again due to its price advantage..

[@nikitis13]

Almost all naked bike designers seem to be basing their inspiration from "movies" of aliens. It's all starting to wear a little thin I think. Most times less is more when it comes to design and aesthetics. Let's return to curves over folds. These things are too busy on the eye.

[@Francis0275]

I agree. Nowadays almost all modern naked bikes are ugly and overpower in a world over-controlled. I'll stick with my CB1300SF and my Thruxton R (as my modern naked bike to me).

[@renatas761225]

Next week Im going to pick up my new Kawasaki ZH2.

[@chrislambert4739]

I have a Z and to think that the plastic over the front wheel contributes to the top heaviness is ludicrous. The addition of the supercharger above the CG is what does it. Kawi will not say what the supercharger weighs but, it has to affect the CG.

[@kuhndj67]

Torque is what makes you FEEL like your ripping... and the H2 has many torques. H2 and Super Duke R are kings of torque... the SF is all about the top end. Couple other issues with the SF on the street... you don't even get into the power until you're over 9k rpm... and even in first that's actually moving pretty fast (50mph or so), so if you're in slow corners the kawi and KTM are going to jump harder out of the corners. Finally... Ducati actually LIMITS torque in first through fourth... so it starts with less torques and then Ducati 'help' by reducing it even more. I'm a Ducati guy so I'd get the SF... but I believe the Super Duke R is the best street supernaked and the H2 is great if you're looking for more of a Sport Touring vibe. At the track the Duc or Tuono are the best choices.

[@LowLifeDailyDose]

What i dont like about kawasaki is its looks. It looks bulky like, you know really big. it's like half touring bike and half naked bike. whereas the Ducati SV4 looks really sexy and really a streetfighter-ish.

[@rgthomson100]

I think you may find the brake calipers are Brembo on the H2 but are badged Kawasaki

[@ur2slob724]

What are you on about mate it’s the M4 brembo

[@RikkyTang]

That top heavy feeling of the ZH2 probably isn't helped by the fact that there is a (probably aluminium) plenum chamber above the engine. But for me that midrange pretty much makes up for all the compromises..... I've ridden it twice and I want one bad!

[@BizAutomation4U]

Surprised there was no mention (or comparison to) the king of nakeds, which I contend is the Aprilia Tuono (but concede the SDR is right there according to everyone's that's ridden both). The 208 HP of the Duc is not fooling anyone that does real riding, and isn't just looking to impress his buddies that know nothing of motorcycles, the rest of us know that a hockey stick HP curve is no really usable power, which is why the Kawi is so much faster despite what it says on the spec sheet for it's top end. This is also why the Kawi ZX10 R is slow compared to a GSXR with it's great mid range.

[@pomplardpanam8591]

Hi bros damn where is the superduke 3.0 Nthe MV AGUSTA Brutale

[@dinoirdeoliveira2747]

2 great bikes! Ducati looks better, more clean... the Z H2 is all about tuff beat looking with heavy power and speed. Idk which one should I get now... I’m 6ft talk and weights 240lb, I feel like the Ducati will feel too small for me

[@corbinroy4851]

Rennie, how do you compare the 2020 SDR in contrast with these bike?

[@cyclenews]

I love the SDR. Would have to put them head to head for a true answer, but I'd be leaning towards the SDR.

[@kaleymartin9674]

The only thing I wish Kawi would have done differently on my ZH2 is the headlight, otherwise the bike would have been perfect.

[@chitoloveone7565]

How bad was the wind on the Ducati streetfighter?

[@ottototo8]

To me, all modern bikes look like the insect alien from the first Men in Black film. Softer lines aren't that less aerodynamic. The original ZX14 was a much better looking bike for example.

[@traeucity6087]

The problem with motojournalists is that many of them are ex-racers. Egos aside, the vast majority of us are incapable of detecting the minor differences in performance; nor will most of us spend significant time on a closed track. It's absurd to me, to compare a $25k bike to a bike that is $8k less. Of course the much more expensive bike is going to have better components; or at least it should. The fact that they are comparing the Kawasaki to the Ducati, is reason enough to declare the Z H2 the winner. I won't even mention Kawasaki's edge in reliability; or the costly and frequent service intervals for the Ducati. I'm waiting to see if the Performance Edition of the Z H2 will be in the 2021 Kawasaki lineup. If it is, it's a done deal.

[@skandix]

Really bad review, should keep bikes for 2 weeks and then review. Why do the report?

[@ducati3694]

Ducati is faster than zh2

[@KeithHowells]

Multistrada v4 should come with Cruise :). We’ll see.. Transformer ish headlights on both. Would like to see the ZH2 with Red Frame and White body paint

[@kuhndj67]

I suspect next year the SF will have cruise and a proper fuel gauge too... those were really dumb things to not include.

[@Zimmermann310]

And what can you do with this bikes in USA? Outside of race tracks are this bikes as quick as a 27 horsepower Royal Enfield with all the speed limits and bad roads.

[@corbinroy4851]

And lets keep in mind that the S model here has about $4000 worth of upgrade Ohlins suspension on it. Regarding weight, once the silencer is dropped on the Z H2 then you will be down into the 400s because that big ugly can is about 30 lbs. Theres only one tiny cat about the size of a softball under there once you do remove it.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid. The Ducati is a very nice bike but the Kawasaki is undeniable in 3 ways: It's hideous, much cheaper & the supercharger is so cool. You could spend thousands lightening it & boosting bhp & it would still be loads cheaper than the Duke.

[@6ixgenesis]

I'm happy how heavy the zh2 feels, this shit does wheelies in 3rd gear no problem, I wonder if it didn't have all the top heavy weight what would happen 🥲🤣

[@delmersauceda1255]

I like ZH2 Kawasaki

[@grey5135]

That street fighter is soooo damn sexy.... my dream bike 🤤

[@mociczyczki]

na poczatku mowicie słusznie ze ducati bedzie szybsze prawdopodobnie a potem pod koniec peirdolciie o silniku kawy ze jest o tyle mocniejszy :x precyzujcie co mówicie bo wprowadzacie ludziw błąd . = kawa ma silniejszy srodkowy i dolny zakres obrotowy dzięki kompresorowi ale gora w sensie stosunek mocy do masy ducati ma lepsza czyli na codzien kawa lepsza w wyścigu ducati będzie trochę lepsze od predkosci od której będzie już moglowykrozystac pelna moc bez wywalania kierowcy na plecy :x mała dygresja :x

[@CBRboy1717]

I feel like you're knocking the ZH2 everywhere because it's not a supernaked. It's not based on a superbike, it's not going to handle like a superbike. It's almost closer to a power cruiser than naked race bike.

[@francisa8620]

Ducati non cruise control No fuel gage Higher maintenance and price. Got the zh2 se

[@RickyJr46]

Ducati: Introducing the Big Radiator Club.

[@PrivateUsername]

Torque. The word you are looking for is torque, guys.

[@UncleWally3]

It’s as if reviews like this are trying to normalize the exotic. But, are there really that many people who have the skills, can afford the total cost of ownership, and have the time, to actually ride these bikes as they’re designed to be ridden?

[@michaelscott1060]

Good call it is Z (zed) not Z (zee), simplez

[@sdx398]

The zh2 all day front brakes are Brembo not badge as kawasaki

[@claudebaron9525]

And if you slap a slip-on and Re-flash the ECU on the Kawasaki , your not going to think it’s faster, your gonna think it’s a time machine, because the H2sx on the dyno did 170 HP and with the same recipes It did 240 HP, that’s a difference of 70 HP witch is more than huge, it’s absolutely ridiculous. 😱😱😱😱😱👍👍👍👍👍👍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kierenmoore3236]

Zed’s dead, baby ... Zed’s dead ...

[@fattymcgee123]

is that a borderlands reference?

[@davep6286]

Don’t really like to bring this up😢but how to either of the new bikes, stack up to the Pikes Peak bike you won on. I think the Tuono is (with the retune you rode) awesome, OLD but there some good tune played on a old fiddle 😂👍🏻

[@cyclenews]

Good question. My bike was pretty worked over, with stuff like ECU upgrades, different suspension, wheels, brakes, the lot. They're kinda difficult to compare as mine was full race spec. Mine only really got going once you had it spinning above 8000 rpm, which won't make it a good streetbike. It was tuned to be revved out, and sounded way better than either of these two, if I'm honest. But it had less power (160 hp at the wheel) than either of these, and revved 3000 rpm less than the Ducati does in stock trim. However, I do love that Tuono. So much.

[@davep6286]

Cycle News: lamb chop, and womble (uk KZbinrs) did a ride to Weymouth. A Tuono and a H2 and there roll ons we’re interesting till the super charger spun up. Followed your posts on the Tuono build and final day, So I do think Aprilia could do something 9/10 years is a long time, so a refresh could see it, sell more and be interesting 👍

[@haolee1975]

sounds like you'll be riding the V4 SF at PP soon. Win it for Carlin.

[@cyclenews]

No race this year. Bikes were canned after Carlin's crash.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Lighter bike better in twisties. Heavier/gutsier bike better on straights & highway. Y’know, the usual.

[@vaughanboyce3702]

The Zed is a modern day muscle bike it's not meant to compete against razor sharp streetfighters like the duk. The duk is a nice bike but it doesn't stand out in the crowd and is a bit mehe whereas the Zed will be an iconic bike in Yr to come..

[@holypai]

i find it interesting that the ugliness of the ZH2 is the reason i like this bike. you know ... its a strange feeling when you see something so ugly like some reptiles or even your ugly friends. you just cant take your eyes off them. you just keep saying... ggoooddd its so ugly and disgusting, wtf is thaatt...... but you keep staring at it and even look at the details even more to find more ugliness inside. power and handling wise? i dont even care anymore. 197 and 208 hp for the street is too much for me. the kawasaki design team nailed it this time. it got me... it amazes me everytime i looked at it does anyone feel the same like i do?

[@willraven7]

Right On! Reminds me of some top secret Oscorp Military Gear😎

[@MiGAngeI]

Both bikes are ugly. The old street fighter was more Charismatic in an anime sort of way.

[@justinjordan4733]

To each it's own, they both look great, especially when you see it in person

[@lukaszg74]

I would not swap my mt10 for any of this two , 24 grand for ducati is ridiculous

[@cyclenews]

MT-100 is probably the most underrated nakedbike on the road. Awesome bike.

[@lukaszg74]

@@cyclenews you are correct plus do you really need 200 bhp naked bike I can barely hold on to my mt10

[@maldridge7630]

What stands out about the ducati?? Well, on its debut, the prized rider died while riding this on Pike Peak...This bike is a bad, bad omen...its very beginning was cursed! So play it safe and go with the ever reliable Z-H2...

[@toha2939]

Streetfighter is faster, ZH2 is crazier

[@jompesundman6565]

Zh2 every day.

[@ritfloyd]

Pretty disappointing review to be honest, all I could tell was one guy thought the Kawasaki was top heavy compared to the Ducati and on the other hand the supercharged engine was a beast. No real world details like tank range, engine vibes or lack of, wind protection... Yes I know they're naked bikes, seat comfort, instrument cluster comparison etc etc. I love how these guys "review" bikes on the strength of a test ride. I bet neither will spend their own money on either of these fantastic bikes. I think test riding the bike oneself and reading long term owner reviews will provide a far more accurate picture than a 5 minute chit chat.

[@samiam5326]

Below average sound quality, but above average commentary. Think I'll keep my Tuono.

[@clauschristoffero]

Tuono still has something going for it :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqnUaZepgpuagbs&t=300

[@kuhndj67]

The SF is great competition for the Tuono... but I'd not trade in the Aprilia to get one.

[@MotoM1234]

Tuono factory kills everything. Power of a liter bike, comfort of a touring bike, flickable, and amazing character. Sold my brutale, fz1, goldwing, street triple, 1198, and Harley. Don’t miss any of them.

[@richarddomingo5931]

Wow reviewing motorcycles while sitting on a grandpa chair.

[@R3RLEE]

No fuel gauge on the duke!!! Wtf

[@helgejohan3604]

Dont like the styling on the new ducati sf🤮 lokk at Mv augusta dragster. Rc look like a million 🤑🤙

[@markjurczyk]

Ducati's 209HP = 170

[@Mr100asd]

I push the limits, SO I MUST have the handling, to CONTROLLED the power. BREMBOS, 90 lbs less , Olins,,, NO contest .. YES, 7 k is a lot of money. Go with the non S, will ease the the $ a little.. I'm willing too bet, the guys purchasing either bikes are NOT going too lollygag into the turns. TRY to ride safe everyone .

[@stevesmith6236]

I don't "push the limits" in the turns on the streets in my area. Too many unknown things can really spoil your day. Like deer going across the streets, gravel on the road, people on bicycles, stopped 4 wheeled vehicles, etc. I'm comfortable riding NO MORE than 7/10ths in the curves, but 100% on open roads where I can let that supercharged monster stretch it's legs up to scary speeds shall we say.

[@stevesmith6236]

Duc's front headlight area looks like the HULK squished it almost flat! Four plastic wing things? Hokey! Seven grand more and slower?? PASS. ZH2 = best bang for the buck.

[@cyclenews]

I say "slower" but it's relative. Both are ridiculously fast bikes

[@stevesmith6236]

@@cyclenews I'll give you a grade of C- on that poor recovery. Ever heard the term "back pedalling" ?

[@showpuebla]

We already know you ordered one man... Stop trying to justify your purchase... Enjoy your powerful, ugly and fat cow.