Kawasaki Launches New Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 CARBON —Ninja H2 CARBON to Go on Sale in Japan for the First Time in Six Years—

Sep. 16, 2026


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Ninja H2 CARBON

On September 16, Kawasaki Motors, part of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, announced the release of the new Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 CARBON, its flagship models equipped with an in-house-designed supercharger. In Japan, the Ninja H2 CARBON is scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2027, marking the first time in six years*1 that the model has been released in the Japanese market.

Since first introduced in 2015, the Ninja H2 has been Kawasaki’s flagship motorcycle. Equipped with a motorcycle-specific supercharger designed completely in-house by bringing together the technologies cultivated across the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, including aerospace and gas turbine technologies, its innovative performance has captivated riders around the world, establishing the Ninja H2 as a truly one-of-a-kind machine.

The 2027 Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 CARBON carry on that originality while evolving to suit today’s riding environment. Updates throughout the engine, paired with shorter gearing, sharpen the strong low- to mid-range torque feel while retaining the Ninja H2’s distinctive high-rpm acceleration sensation. The result is excellent response across a wide rpm range, along with improved emissions performance.

The original trellis frame combines light handling with excellent stability even at high speeds, while Brembo’s latest Hypure front brake calipers deliver superb braking performance.

High-quality, aviation-inspired instrumentation is also featured. Riders can select a display with graphics that change in response to boost pressure under acceleration as well as the machine’s pitch and lean angle, reinforcing the sense of unity between rider and machine. In addition to updated KTRC and KLCM, newly added Integrated Riding Modes, Electronic Cruise Control, and smartphone connectivity with new functions provide comprehensive rider support.

Kawasaki Motors’ corporate mission is “Working for the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches.” By continuously launching new models focused on customer value and expanding its lineup, Kawasaki aims to realize the “Good Times Company” corporate philosophy through sustainable growth driven by enhancing the value of the Kawasaki brand.


Related Link

New Ninja H2 CARBON Special Site (Kawasaki Motors Japan)
https://www3.kawasaki-motors.com/mc/newmodel/ninja-h2-carbon/


Key Features

Engine

  1. 998 cm3 In-Line Four Supercharged Engine Focused on Real-World Acceleration
    Numerous updates have been made to the engine internals. The impeller and intake system have been completely redesigned, the pistons, cylinder head, crankshaft, and camshafts are all new, and the gearing has been shortened. These changes deliver a stronger torque feel in the low- to mid-range while retaining the free-revving high-rpm acceleration sensation unique to the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 CARBON. The result is the exhilarating performance of a supercharged engine, available from any rpm.
  2. 4-into-1 Exhaust System
    Matching the engine’s power characteristics, optimized pipe diameters and a revised exhaust layout are complemented by a compact silencer, resulting in a lighter, more compact exhaust system that sharpens the direct connection between engine output and forward motion from the moment the throttle is opened. The black-finished silencer, contrasted by a buff-polished heat guard, creates a tight, purposeful look.
  3. Dog-Ring Transmission
    A dog-ring transmission—the kind of transmission commonly found on MotoGP and Formula 1 race machines—facilitates smooth, quick shifting. Unlike conventional motorcycle transmissions, gear changes are performed by moving lightweight dog rings while the gears themselves remain in fixed positions, reducing shift effort. The result is a direct shift feel and quick gear changes, allowing smooth shifting under acceleration.

Chassis

  1. Original Trellis Frame Combining Light Handling and High Stability
    The trellis frame developed for the closed-course Ninja H2R, which offers both the strength to harness the engine’s massive power and a high level of stability that remains unfazed by external disturbances at high speeds. The trellis frame’s open design also helps effectively dissipate heat generated by the engine, while the Swingarm Mounting Plate that bolts to the back of the engine eliminates the need for cross members, contributing to the frame’s lightweight design.
  2. Enhanced High-Spec Brembo Brake Package
    The front brakes feature massive ø330 mm Brembo semi-floating discs paired with Brembo Hypure brake calipers—a first for Kawasaki. With a distinctive asymmetrical design that fuses function and form, the calipers achieve light weight while maintaining high rigidity. Excellent thermal conductivity helps suppress brake fade even under high-load conditions, delivering consistently superb braking performance. In addition, a Brembo radial-pump master cylinder and reservoir minimize ineffective (idle) stroke, providing direct braking force from the moment the lever is squeezed.
  3. High-Grade Racing Suspension
    Fully adjustable, high-grade racing suspension offers superb road-holding performance and impact absorption, contributing to stability at high speed, clear feedback to the rider, and a supple ride feel. At the front, KYB AOS-II racing suspension uses technology developed for motocross suspension to deliver smooth initial action followed by stronger damping as the fork compresses deeper into its stroke. At the rear, an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock contributes to improved cornering performance and front-end feel, while its supple action and superb impact absorption add to both sporty handling and in-town ride comfort.
  4. Seating for One: Ergonomics That Support the Rider During Intense Acceleration
    To maximize rider control during high-speed and circuit riding while maintaining a compact overall package, the riding position is similar to that of the Ninja ZX-10R, but slightly more relaxed. At the rear of the solo seat, adjustable hip-support pads support the rider’s hips during intense acceleration, further enhancing the sense of being at one with the machine.

Design

  1. Shaped for Performance
    The bodywork is the result of an uncompromising pursuit of aerodynamic performance, designed to fully capitalize on the performance of the supercharged engine by delivering both stability and a high level of control at high speed. Downforce-generating devices—the upper cowl’s chin spoiler and mirror stays with airfoil cross-sections—help ensure the front wheel maintains strong contact with the ground, contributing to high-speed stability. Gurney flaps on the trailing edges of the mirror stays further enhance their effectiveness.
  2. Kawasaki River Mark
    The River Mark is a special emblem reserved exclusively for select products of historic significance and exceptional engineering. In 2015, as a flagship model featuring an in-house-designed supercharged engine and intense acceleration performance, the Ninja H2—together with the Ninja H2R—became the first modern Kawasaki model to be adorned with the River Mark.
  3. Carbon-Fiber Upper Cowl (Ninja H2 CARBON)
    The Ninja H2 CARBON features a carbon-fiber upper cowl. Made from high-rigidity, lightweight CFRP (Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic), it further heightens the pride of owning Kawasaki’s flagship.
  4. Silver-Mirror Paint / Highly Durable Paint*2
    Kawasaki’s original silver-mirror paint has been updated, with more brilliant reflective particles creating a dazzling sparkle. In addition, all exterior bodywork parts of the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 CARBON, other than the carbon-fiber components, feature Kawasaki’s proprietary Highly Durable Paint, which allows fine surface scratches to repair themselves, preserving a premium texture and presence befitting a flagship model over the long term.
  5. Hydrographic-Print Wheel Graphics
    Hydrographic printing is used on the wheels—a first for wheels on a Kawasaki motorcycle. Bold wheel graphics are applied to the right side of the Ninja H2-exclusive forged aluminum wheels with their iconic five-spoke star pattern. Placing the graphics on the right side, where the single-sided swingarm further highlights the wheel’s striking design, emphasizes the machine’s powerful acceleration character.

Equipment and Accessories

  1. Advanced Rider Support Technology
    To help riders fully exploit the engine and chassis performance of the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 CARBON, a full suite of advanced electronic rider support technologies is featured, including KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function), KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control), KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode), KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System), KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and an Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper.
  2. KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control)
    Now offering a choice of five modes, the updated KTRC supports a wider range of riding conditions, with updates placing particular emphasis on traction control performance during sport riding, including circuit riding. Mode 5, the setting with the highest level of intervention, also supports circuit riding in rainy or wet conditions, greatly reducing the risk of slip.
  3. KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode)*3
    KLCM has been updated to allow riders to more smoothly access the intense acceleration of the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 CARBON during launches. In addition to electronically managing wheelspin and front wheel lift, the system also controls engine speed as acceleration builds immediately after take-off, helping achieve smooth and stable acceleration.
  4. Integrated Riding Modes
    Newly added Integrated Riding Modes link KTRC with Power Mode selection. Riders can choose from three settings—Sport, Road, and Rain—or a manual Rider setting, allowing traction control and power delivery to be changed quickly and easily to suit changing riding conditions.
  5. Electronic Cruise Control
    Newly added Electronic Cruise Control allows a desired speed to be set from the handle switch and maintained automatically without operating the throttle, contributing to a high level of riding comfort when traveling long distances.
  6. Handle Switches
    New handle switches reflect the updates to the electronic control systems, enabling operation of Electronic Cruise Control and other functions without removing hands from the grips.
  7. Aviation-Inspired Instrumentation
    The high-quality instrument cluster combines an analog tachometer with a high-resolution full-color TFT display. Two display types are selectable: Type 1 features a highly legible layout inspired by the silhouette of the supercharger air ducts, while Type 2 features aviation-HUD-inspired lean and pitch angle displays and a graphical boost gauge, allowing riders to intuitively grasp machine attitude and supercharger status.
  8. Smartphone Connectivity
    Using the “RIDEOLOGY THE APP MOTORCYCLE” smartphone application, riders can connect to their motorcycle wirelessly, accessing a number of interactive functions that contribute to an enhanced motorcycling experience. Newly supported Voice Command*4 and Navigation functions help reduce the rider’s operational workload.
  9. New Genuine Accessories
    New Kawasaki Genuine Accessory handlebars with a higher position are available. They offer a more upright riding position, enhancing long-distance comfort and overall riding ease.

*1    In the Japanese market, this is the first release since the 2021 Ninja H2 CARBON.
*2    It may take a week or more for the coating to return to its original condition. The paint will not recover from scratches caused by coins, keys, or zip fasteners.
*3    Do not use KLCM on public roads or during everyday riding.
*4    Use of the Voice Command function requires a valid license. Licenses are provided only in supported countries and for supported models.

■ Ninja H2 / Ninja H2 CARBON Main Specifications


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