2021 Kawasaki Z H2 Review - Supercharged (& Crazy Good!)

With the Kawasaki Z H2, the manufacturer introduces a roadster or nakedbike built around their popular supercharged platform, available for $25,500 on the road here in Australia, making for both a very special machine, but also one that is competitively priced when you look at what's on offer.
There's no electronic suspension, however Showa springers at each end do an unquestionably good job for me at about 75 kg, with an upright and commanding seating position ensuring great feedback and plenty of fun, without needing ridiculous speed. The speed is there of course, but the enjoyment starts from the second you crack that throttle, you don't need to be doing 9/10ths with a knee down to feel any rush of speed.
Brakes a Brembo M4s on the front and are well suited to the package, powerful, progressive, not too aggressive on the bite and backed up by KIBS, while a Nissin rear is mainly for a bit of balance and control, lacking much bite or power once you're moving at reasonable speed.
Levers are adjustable, a clear TFT dash offers the important info simply and easily, but has quite a few extras for the tech heads, and while I didn't get a chance to properly test it out, the Rideology app lets you more easily go over all the settings via your phone, whether you're having a coffee at a cafe, or maybe in the garage at home with a beef tinkering of a night.
Styling may not be for everyone, but it ticks all the boxes for me, without being a bike that wows purely on sight. It's definitely about the ride, while the looks are typically Kawasaki Z. Refined, well balanced, an exceptional build and finish quality.
This is one seriously cool motorcycle.
To demo ride this particular bike head to MotoHub Motorcycles in Castle Hill in Sydney, you're really missing out if you don't give it a try. 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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[@kikoy08]

Kawasaki engine are one of the best and underrated engines available in the market for a competitive price.. smooth and durable!!!!

[@florme6494]

It really is funny that bikes are made so powerful. I recently purchased the new z900 and I couldn’t imagine needing more power than that. In fact I’ve never used it to its full potential. The engineering of a supercharger on a motorcycle would be a great experience. Plus that sound is amazing.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I think that's part of what blew me away with this bike so much, despite having what's really a crazy amount of power, it felt like you're really benefiting from the supercharger right from down low. It is ridiculous though if you really give it some throttle.

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Hi kris awesome footage and great content really fantastic machine and you made it exciting like I want one. Jimbo from uk👍🏻👌🏍

[@slakk5093]

The supercharger impeller spins at 130,000 rpm due to a planetary gear drive. The blades of the impeller actually break the sound barrier at around 10k RPM 😯

[@darkfire8615]

So they go mock 13???

[@felipe-nt-d]

That bike looks sharp! Great review, thanks!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Hopefully the footage did it justice!

[@ditchdoctor1604]

Great review, this is the bike I'm planning on getting in a few months from now, all I hear is nothing but good reviews of this bike, specifically how easy it is to ride as an every day bike.

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's what really blew me away and why I'd love to own one. Sure it's a crazy machine if you have a go, but it seems like an amazing everyday bike that'll do everything too.

[@tomkirchhoff4672]

I had an R1 thought it was fast this thing is sick either this or the rocket gt

[@r1bayside276]

Good review mate. Now I want one 😂

[@arnellchicago8762]

Really Nice Bike.. i love it..👍❤️

[@gustavobenitez1432]

Basically, I don’t know how to ride a motorcycle. However, I want to learn how to ride one, and get a nice motorcycle too.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The Z H2 is definitely something to aspire to, but I probably wouldn't recommend it as your first bike. Starting smaller is a great way to get into riding and build up your skills. I'd highly recommend seeing if there's any courses for new riders nearby and looking into the process of getting a motorcycle license. It's very rewarding and fun, if a little daunting at first.

[@nathankiley8206]

Idk if you've started your 2 wheeled journey yet but the z400 or z650 would be good starters

[@062241kdp]

Wow, great video.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks!

[@angelangel-vv2yz]

Awesome bro, now I'm confused between zx10r and zh2!!

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's a hard choice!

[@Kingleo_23912]

Just picked one up today 😍😍😍

[@MotoJournoKris]

Congrats!!!

[@Kingleo_23912]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks

[@15lastone]

A Beast of Bike👌 😎, absolutely beautiful 😍. Safe riding

[@Michael_Mears]

The "Black Dash" rider mode is a must on this bike(!). I'm yet to find myself on a a bike that can't take metric shit-tonne of gear hanging off it because that's how I travel. Still, if I found myself travelling light, solo and quick, all on the bitumen, this'd be sweet.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Thanks Kris! An awesome machine and review! Now I want one, just need to convince my CFO (AKA Wife...). 👍😎🇦🇺

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm going to buy some lottery tickets, if I win (enough) this will be the first purchase!

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Mate, I’ll be doing the exact same thing! 🤞

[@maldridge7630]

why do men hide behind their wives, I dont!

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@maldridge7630 No idea, do tell as I’m curious as what relevance this has? You didn’t get the tongue in cheek bit, joke? Sounds like we have a real man’s, man! Plus who actually hides behind a CFO? 🤔

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@marcusgeorge1825 Happy wife, happy life as they say!

[@uvwevwevweonyetenyeubemuge4036]

im planning to buy this zh2 and zx6r 🥰

[@MotoJournoKris]

Great combo!

[@fyorbane]

Can you test the new SE model? Would be interested to see/hear how it differs to the stock model.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I wish I could, but at the moment we're only getting the standard Z H2 here in Australia. I'll have to wait and see if we get the SE next year - fingers crossed.

[@petewiesner1869]

Love this bike. Mine is all black and can't wait to break in the engine so I can unleash all the power. Is it worth the price? You bet it is.....👍👍👍

[@MotoJournoKris]

I hadn't seen one in black, so had to look it up, they look awesome!

[@mpcsm88]

Thanks for the review Chris. Love the bike only issue is its price. You can buy 3 Ninja 400 and have just as much fun.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I still can't fault the 400, but I'd take one of these any day!

[@orhankoula1781]

@@MotoJournoKris is this the ZH2 SE??

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@orhankoula1781 Just the standard version. Doesn't look like we are getting the SE version in Australia at the moment.

[@orhankoula1781]

@@MotoJournoKris because it haven't the skyhook suspension, the front suspension aren't gold

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@orhankoula1781 Yep, I kinda dig the forks in black though!

[@user-tx5dy1fz4g]

Hi Kris, thanks for the review great video. Just wondering have you tried Yamaha mt10sp? Which more comfort between zh2,the new mt10sp and the Yamaha fjr1300 in your opinion for the tall guy like you?

[@MotoJournoKris]

The FJR is the definite winner on comfort hands down. The MT-10 and the ZH2 last time I tested them were more similar, with the SP having an advantage I'd say with the electronic suspension unless you get the ZH2 really well set up, even on the comfort side of things. I think the ZH2 was the best standard set up suspension (for my weight) I've tested though.

[@user-tx5dy1fz4g]

@@MotoJournoKris cheers kris 👍🏽 too bad the sh2 SE not coming to Australia 🥲

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@user-tx5dy1fz4g From what I've heard the electronic suspension doesn't seem quite as popular in Australia, compared to Europe particularly so they've just brought in the standard versions for us. That could always change.

[@user-tx5dy1fz4g]

@@MotoJournoKris I hope so 🙏

[@Revviews]

Great video. It certainly isn't the the most competitive neither does it have the best brakes or suspension but man does it make you feel good and put a massive smile on your face. I'll be doing the full review on the Z H2 2021 in the coming weeks, then have some mods to add such as the Scorpion can and Sprint filter (doing videos for those too). Will be an excellent comparison to the nakeds I have already done videos for.

[@MotoJournoKris]

There's definitely something special about the Z H2. It's not that impressive on paper in the age of all the crazy hypernakeds but it's something else on the road.

[@ronhughes7450]

when they put the 8.5:1 compression 998cc engine from the Ninja H2 in the ZH2. I’ll be ready to trade up.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I only tested the original H2 when it first came out, but felt like the Z H2 had much better road manners/usability, if at the expense of some of that craziness. Just depends which you prefer!

[@chess747]

Just brought mine last Thursday, it’s awesome. Only thing for me is, it kills my arse, after a few hours. But man, so much power.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm jealous!! Congrats on the new bike! Hopefully we'll see some comfort seats, it looks like just adding some deeper foam would probably boost comfort for long rides.

[@chess747]

@@MotoJournoKris Nearly all bikes are the same hard seats. This has to change.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@chess747 Yep, a comfortable seat should really be the standard. Looking cool is one thing, but you could be able to ride most bikes all day on the stock seat. Plus no one can see the seat when you're riding anyway!

[@justbop45]

I have the same experience. It kills my butt after about an hour. Love it though.

[@bigshow710]

Kawasaki do a comfort seat for them. 👍

[@wakajawaka44]

You seem smitten with this bike Kris! Does that “chirp” sound from the turbo charger become annoying after a period of time? Also at 235kg how difficult is it to move around the garage or a car park?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I only had it for the day, so not sure about the chirp. I wouldn't imagine so, unless you like very very quiet bikes. The Z H2 has some real heft to it, it's not really that hard to roll around, but I'd try and do the majority of moving under power where possible.

[@Whos-That-Guy]

So do you think the 11k+ price jump verses the z900 is worth it? I loved my ride on the z900 and I thought it was a bargain. This Z H2 look awesome but I keep thinking of all those $$$$ I'd save buying the z900..

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's a really good question. I think the Z is great value for where it sits. But the Z900 is just outright great value, plus I thought it was more sports-naked, with quite a compact overall feel and setup that reminded me of a smaller, lighter bike, except when it comes to power. The Z in comparison is very much more in the theme of the muscle bike, it's more relaxed in the ergos, larger, a bit meatier in the torque and while the power is most definitely there, it's got quite a different character. I don't really think you can go wrong with the Z900.

[@bruceleong9534]

Holy shit Batman, 200 ps! I can see why you didn’t pin the throttle. Great review Kris.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Right up top it get's even more insane, but hard to find too many places to safely explore that!

[@bruceleong9534]

@@MotoJournoKris back in the 70s the Kawasaki H2 two stroke was nicknamed the Widow Maker. It had 74hp! And the handling, brakes and tyres to match.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@bruceleong9534 I remember reading about that bike, it was quite the eye opener! As a younger rider I think it's easy to forget how lucky we are with most of the bikes these days, especially when you read the old tests and see what people had to say about bikes that you couldn't stop, tyres hopelessly outmatched by bike performance, or scary handling!

[@bruceleong9534]

@@MotoJournoKris I remember riding on Dunlop K81s that felt like they were made of asbestos. Although, compared to many of its contemporaries, the chassis on my Norton Commando was pretty good and the motor put out a matching 60hp. So much fun riding on twisty country roads with mates. I’ll never forget those times.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@bruceleong9534 Bit jealous I missed out on those days of riding and all the bikes back then too!

[@kimclarke4464]

Some of the H2 models, mine a 2022 being one of them. Push oil up though the crank case vent tube into the intake runner upstream of the supercharger. Given my aggressive riding style after 400 miles I have oil dripping out of the intake runner onto the floor. Kawasaki will not acknowledge the problem so they have no fix for the problem. My ZH2 is at the Kawasaki dealer were they are clueless as to the source of the problem. Tearing into my engine blindly. My advise, the bike is a rocket and despite being over 500 lbs. you can still run it though the corners fast enough you will wear your tires from edge to edge. Hold off on purchasing an H2 until Kawasaki has a fix for the problem.

[@user-tx5dy1fz4g]

Hi Kris, between Mt10sp and Zh2, which engines are more refine and has usable power?

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's a very hard one. I think I'd give the Z H2 the refinement, but the MT-10 sounds absolutely glorious. Both are very usable however.

[@bowzerdude5646]

You should try the touring H2 next! 😃

[@MotoJournoKris]

Hoping to get a refresher on that to see how the two compare!

[@fyorbane]

@@MotoJournoKris The H2 SX is a lot heavier with a similar motor so it won't feel quite as quick or lively as this. Still a monstrously powerful bike though. The SX looks nicer and would make for a better tourer.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@fyorbane Yep the SX is way more suited to that kind of long distance riding in comfort or with a pillion.

[@fyorbane]

Does the ZX10R silencer effect the fueling in any way, compared to the standard muffler?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I couldn't fault the fueling, so I'd say no, but I also didn't get a chance to ride one with the stock exhaust. But that's just bolted on with a custom extension for the hanger. It's probably a little less restrictive than the stock muffler if anything.

[@ur2slob724]

Not at all I’ve just done it on mine

[@MattieXMoto]

Sweet. I want to demo. What year zx10r exhaust? I am in U.S so i cant go to motohub

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'll check to find out, pretty sure the last gen, so prior to 2021 model.

[@ur2slob724]

2016+

[@Ajay-hi7pr]

Does kawasaki z h2 good for 5 fret 6 inches of height with 29 inch inseam.please reply

[@MotoJournoKris]

You'll probably only be getting one foot flat, or maybe a partial foot if you don't shift around on the seat, but it still should be manageable if you've got experience riding. They aren't the shortest of seat heights.

[@yamz342]

Would you be able to test a z1000?

[@MotoJournoKris]

If I can get my hands on one!

[@PsGetSid_]

wold you preffer this bike over the Z900RS? and yes i know that it is a diffrent bike, but i ask due to the prise comper to what you get for the money on z900rs

[@MotoJournoKris]

I definitely think the Z H2 is worth the extra over the Z900RS if you've got the moolah and everything else is equal. But I also think the Z900RS is pretty exceptional. From a practicality standpoint the Z900RS also makes a bit more sense.

[@PsGetSid_]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks for kindness and answer ::) have a great day. then i will save a bit moor money and buy the ZH2

[@mihalis3392]

which year is the zx10 slip on ?

[@MotoJournoKris]

That was the previous gen, I think a 2020.

[@mihalis3392]

@@MotoJournoKris Thank you

[@TheHayabusa09]

An amazing bike let down by frankly, terrible welds along the frame..an apprentice welder could do better!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Not really something I noticed looking at the bike in person but there's one or two spots which are a bit chunky in the footage, otherwise it's pretty uniform - at least from the perspective of someone who doesn't weld. I imagine strength is a lot more important than trying to minimise the size of the welds though, when you're talking a 200 hp supercharged muscle bike.

[@user-pk3pn4dr3v]

Your not all hunched over on those bikes which is nicer on your back

[@nealethake6934]

The rear shock on these bikes is junk. Be prepared to drop at least a $1k to upgrade to something with better adjustability. The stock exhaust can is also ridiculously big and bulky. It can actually affect the balance and tracking of the bike. Bike benefits from an aftermarket slip on. Agree the rear brake is also useless however there are aftermarket options out there to allow an upgrade to a 2 pot Brembo unit.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Honestly, for the day I spent on the bike, the shock performed the best of any bike I've taken along that test route, but I may have just been lucky that it suited me really well. The stock exhaust is enormous though, definitely a priority to replace!

[@nealethake6934]

@@MotoJournoKris You’ll really start to notice how the rear shock is lacking if you push it in/out of corners. However, that aside it is an awesome bike. It’s just such a fun bike all around.

[@surfieboywon]

What is the fuel range for this bike?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd say about 300 km a tank (19L) with the type of riding I was doing, so spirited but not crazy.

[@ur2slob724]

150-200kms for me (riding like a twat)

[@MrLew1965]

Where is 200HP figure coming from ? The H2 Bike is a detuned H2R that is pumping out 228HP not 200HP !! Lol

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's the figure quoted by Kawasaki on their website. The Z H2 and H2 SX SE are 200 hp, the H2 is different and is 231/243 PS.

[@bigblue7091]

It's a Ripper but they should have stayed with the Ass of the Original ".

[@Matt-wg1xi]

The stopping power needs to be addressed. It’s absolutely horrid, the brakes are not progressive, more like wooden. You won’t receive any initial feel for the brakes until you squeeze them right in. Also that seat! Better off sitting on a besser block.

[@ur2slob724]

It’s not the best sure but it’s not bad either, try the brakes on the mt10 there way worse

[@Matt-wg1xi]

@@ur2slob724 I beg to differ, my MT10 brakes were fine. The Zh2 are rubbish

[@ur2slob724]

@@Matt-wg1xi zh2 brembos are so much better that the crap Yamaha brakes 😂 even the r1 brakes are rubbish.. but hey I’m not the only 1 saying that

[@Matt-wg1xi]

@@ur2slob724 lol because the caliper says Brembo it instantly makes it better 😂 you still need to recognise the slave cylinder, brake lines and internals of a braking system to justify whether or not it can do the job well. Mate the only way you’re gonna know if the brakes are shit or not is by riding one. These brakes on the Zh2 have nothing to show against it’s sportier brothers like the h2 and h2sx

[@majinbuu19831]

1st of all this is not 25000$ it’s 17000$

[@MotoJournoKris]

Not in Australia, where it was tested.

[@kevinmill7965]

Goes to show what you know.. you say it's got quality suspension front and rear, the rear shock on this expensive bike to excuse the pun shocking, not even fully adjustable, sort of shock you find on a cheap budget 600cc,

[@Panzerlang]

Too many cheap-ass components for my taste. Damn, can't even fit after-market rearsets.

[@TheSiliconeslick]

You must be a Ducati type of guy

[@MotoJournoKris]

There's aftermarket rearsets already available?

[@ur2slob724]

Yes you can