2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2R [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2R is a Track Day Weapon

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
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The Japanese-made 2021 Ninja H2R is Kawasaki’s version of bringing out the bigger hammer. Powered by a Supercharged, 998cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC 16-valve In-line four-cylinder engine, the flagship model for Kawasaki puts out a mind-blowing 310 hp@ 14,000 rpm and 121.5 lb-ft @ 12,500 rpm. Reaching such lofty heights keeps the H2R as a track day weapon, Kawasaki has not attempted to make it road legal.

With the ability to create such incredible power figures, it is a given that the Ninja H2R would have incredible high-speed abilities. The H2R styling is a masterclass in motorcycle aerodynamics, function over form leads the way. It is not a traditionally sexy supersport bike, it is more of an in-your-face, I-think-I-just-may-eat-you-and-I-am-starting-with-your-soul, kind of attractive. From the saddle, with the air rushing past the perfect protected bubble you are in as you rip down the back straight at over 300 kph, looks won’t matter, just the function of all those winglets keeping the bike firmly planted.

With every single piece of high tech engineering magic on this bike, you will look like Jordan Szoke turning laps. Hiding under all that carbon fiber lurks, 9 levels of traction control, launch control, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System, adjustable engine braking, Kawasaki’s advanced modeling software takes feedback from the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and can stabilize every movement through the corners. It’s Kawasaki’s finest achievement painted in Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black.

The H2R remains unchanged in the 2021 line up, including the difficulty of finding one. As Kawasaki states, “Order period is now closed.” Maybe you can be among the fortunate few to find this big hammer and beat the track into submission.

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2R starts at $55,000 USD / $61,700 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2R in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $55,500 USD / $61,700 CAD

Key Features:
- Supercharged
- Track-only; not road legal
- Advanced electronics package (Launch control, cornering control, 9-step traction control)
- Intelligent ABS

Main Specs

Engine: 998cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder
Power: 310 Hp
Torque: 121.5 lb-ft
Wet Weight: 476.3 lb
Seat Height: 32.7 in

Competitors

2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2R Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	998 cc, Liquid -cooled, 4-stroke, In-Line Four, DOHC, 16-valve
Power	310 Hp
Bore x Stroke	76.0 x 55.0mm
Compression Ratio	8.3:1
Fuel System	DFI® with 50mm throttle bodies (4) with dual injection ; Kawasaki Supercharger
Starter	Electric
Maximum Torque	121.5 lb-ft @ 12,500 rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	6-speed, return, dog-ring
Final Drive	Sealed chain
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	43mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs/4.7 in
Suspension Rear	Uni-Trak®, Öhlins TTX36 gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir, 22-way compression and rebound damping and adjustability, and hand-turn spring preload adjustability and top-outspring/5.3 in
Brakes Front	Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston Brembo Stylema® calipers, dual semi-floating 330mm discs, KIBS ABS
Brakes Rear	Opposed 2-piston calipers, single 250mm disc, KIBS ABS
Tires Front	120/60 17 Bridgestone Racing Battlax V01F Slick, Soft
Tires Rear	190/65 17 Bridgestone Racing Battlax V01R Slick, Medium
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.5 gal
Color	Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	Digital
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	81.5 in
Overall Width	33.5 in
Overall Height	45.7 in
Wheelbase	57.1 in
Ground Clearance	5.1 in
Seat Height	32.7 in
Curb Weight	476.3 lb**
WARRANTY
Warranty	N/A
Extension	N/A

2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2R Features

Using high-precision electronic control for engine management, Kawasaki models can achieve a high level of fuel efficiency. However, fuel consumption is greatly affected by throttle use, gear selection, and other elements under the rider’s control. The Economical Riding Indicator is a function that indicates when current riding conditions are consuming a low amount of fuel. The system continuously monitors fuel consumption, regardless of vehicle speed, engine speed, throttle position and other riding conditions. When fuel consumption is low for a given speed (i.e. fuel efficiency is high), an “ECO” mark appears on the instrument panel’s LCD screen. By riding so that the “ECO” mark remains on, fuel consumption can be reduced.
While effective vehicle speed and engine speed may vary by model, paying attention to conditions that cause the “ECO” mark to appear can help riders improve their fuel efficiency – a handy way to increase cruising range. Further, keeping fuel consumption low also helps minimize negative impact on the environment.

Kawasaki’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine. Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and the ideal engine output. The system also makes a significant contribution to reduced emissions.
Electronic throttle valves also enable more precise control of electronic engine management systems like S-KTRC and KTRC, and allow the implementation of electronic systems like KLCM, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, and Electronic Cruise Control.

The Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system allows riders to select the amount of engine braking they prefer. When the system is activated, the engine braking effect is reduced, providing less interference when riding on the track.

Designed to assist riders by optimizing acceleration from a stop, KLCM electronically manages engine output to minimize wheel spin when moving off. With the clutch lever pulled in and the system activated, engine speed is limited to a determined speed while the rider holds the throttle open. Once the rider releases the clutch lever to engage the clutch, engine speed is allowed to increase, but power is regulated to minimize wheel spin and help keep the front wheel on the ground. The system disengages automatically once a predetermined speed has been reached, or when the rider shifts into third gear. Depending on the model, riders can choose from multiple modes, each offering a progressively greater level of intrusion.

Using the latest evolution of Kawasaki’s advanced modeling software and feedback from a compact IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that gives an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, KCMF monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner – from entry, through the apex, to corner exit – modulating brake force and engine power to facilitate smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back again, and to assist riders in tracing their intended line through the corner. The systems that KCMF oversees vary by model, but may include:
• S-KTRC/KTRC (including traction management and wheel lift management)
• KLCM (including traction management and wheel lift management)
– Designed to optimize acceleration from a stop
• KIBS (including pitching management and corner braking management)
• Kawasaki Engine Brake Control

KTRC, Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system provides both enhanced sport riding performance and the peace of mind to negotiate slippery surfaces with confidence. Multiple rider-selectable modes (the number of modes varies by model) offer progressively greater levels of intrusion to suit the riding situation and rider preference.
Less intrusive modes maintain optimum traction during cornering. Designed with sport riding in mind, they facilitate acceleration out of corners by maximizing forward drive from the rear wheel. And because Kawasaki’s sophisticated software bases its dynamic analysis on the chassis’ orientation relative to the track surface (rather than relative to a horizontal plane), it is able to take into account corner camber, gradient, etc., and adapt accordingly.
In the more intrusive modes (and for some models, in any mode), when excessive wheel spin is detected, engine output is reduced to allow grip to be regained, effectively enabling riders to negotiate both short, slippery patches (train tracks or manhole covers) and extended stretches of bad roads (wet pavement, cobblestone, gravel) with confidence.
Models equipped with IMU incorporate chassis-orientation feedback to offer even more precise management.

Drawing on the know-how and technology possessed by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI), Kawasaki’s supercharged engine delivers high engine output while maintaining a compact design. The key to achieving this incredible performance lies in the engine’s supercharger – a motorcycle-specific unit designed completely in-house with technology from the Kawasaki Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company and Corporate Technology Division.

One of the greatest benefits of designing the supercharger in-house and tailoring its design to match the engine’s characteristics was that engineers were able to achieve high-efficiency operation over a wide range of conditions – something that would not have been possible by simply dropping in or trying to adapt an aftermarket automotive supercharger.

The importance of high efficiency in a supercharger is that, as the air is compressed, power-robbing heat gain is minimal. And while many superchargers are able to offer high-efficiency operation in a very limited range of conditions, the Kawasaki supercharger offers high efficiency over a wide range of pressure ratios and flow rates – meaning over a wide range of engine speeds and vehicle speeds. This wide range of efficient operation (similar to having a wide power band) easily translates to strong acceleration. The supercharger’s high efficiency and minimal heat gain also meant that an intercooler was unnecessary, greatly saving weight and space, and enabling the engine’s compact design.