RideFast Magazine March 2020

14. A stellar full-color
TFT display delivers all the
information you need, and
more. Once at the grips of the
Z H2, you’ll be eyeing down the
attractive TFT display that’s
shared across several Kawasaki
models. It works and looks the
business, relaying everything
you’d ever need to know at a
glance, in or out of direct light.
There are also two display modes
available. My favorite feature
is the dash’s retention of my
maximum attained lean angle.
“The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 is a worthy
addition to the Z family, and all gearheads
owe it to themselves to experience it.”
320mm floating rotors. Now,
before you scoff at the lack
of M50s or Stylemas, know
that these have immense
stopping power and great feel
at the Nissin master cylinder.
I enjoyed these binders over
some motorcycles that are
equipped with pricier Brembo
kit. The one critique I do have is
the inclusion of rubber hoses
as opposed to steel-braided
brake lines, especially on a
high-performance motorcycle
that stresses braking systems.
I didn’t feel any worrying brake
fade, but it was also extremely
cold, and it might be a different
story in the summer. Adjustable
levers are also in the mix. In the
rear, a dual-piston caliper grabs
onto a 250mm rotor and has an
equally good feel.
12. Pirelli Diablo Rosso
III tyres are OEM fitment.
Featuring a single compound
front tyre and dual compound,
the Diablo Rosso III tyres are
an excellent option for those
who will ride primarily on the
street—wanting to do a bit of
sporty riding, while also getting
considerable mileage out of
them. 120/70 front and 190/55
sizes are common, so if owners
want to go with something else,
they’ll have plenty of options.
Off the showroom floor, the
Pirellis are a great fit for the
2020 Kawasaki Z H2.
13. All-day ergonomics is
a crucial component of the
Z family. The Z H2’s upright
ergonomics make riding around
town, hitting the canyons,
or even the track, a relaxed
affair. The riser handlebar is
noticeably taller than the H2 SX
platform, creating a sporty, yet
neutral riding position. Its 32.7-
inch seat height is accessible
for my 32-inch inseam, and
I’m able to get my boots on
the ground. That’s most likely
because Kawasaki made the
subframe relatively narrow
where the seat meets the tank.
The five-gallon fuel tank makes
for an excellent anchor when
leaned over or braking and
gives you considerable range.
Once at pace, you’ll be pleased
to learn that wind protection
is much better than you might
assume, and you can still tuck in
for better aerodynamics. When
riding casually, the Sugomistyled
machine does a decent
job of protecting the rider from
windblast.
15. Track rides, collect data,
and take calls with Bluetooth
connectivity through the
Kawasaki Rideology app. Should
you choose, you’ll be able to pair
your mobile device with your Z
H2 and track virtually every single
aspect of your ride. Info such as
speed, rpm, gear position, throttle
position, front brake pressure,
acceleration/deceleration,
current mileage, and coolant
temperature are all recorded
once you’ve saved your ride.
That’s how I discovered that I hit
168 mph on the Las Vegas Motor
Speedway oval track. The app
also retains basic information
about your motorcycle, such as
mileage and fuel levels, allowing
you to check that information
even when the key is out, and its
nowhere near you.
16. The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2
is a worthy addition to the Z
family, and all gearheads owe it
to themselves to experience it.
Kawasaki’s line of supercharged
models is like nothing else on
the market. Nothing makes
that nearly 200 horsepower in
such an approachable, smooth,
and friendly manner. The trick
to the Z H2 is that the rider
chooses how friendly it will be.
You can plod around town at a
turtle’s pace, or experience the
face-melting acceleration on
tap—it’s up to you, and it does
both excellently. A comfortable
chassis and commendable
electronics package harnesses
the enormous power, while
enjoyable ergonomics help
highlight how versatile the Z H2
is. The 2020 Kawasaki Z H2 might
be built for speed, but it’s far from
being a one-trick-pony.
The new Z H2 is set to arrive in
SA end of March with a price tag
of around R350k. Call Fire it Up
Kawasaki now for more info.
64 RIDEFAST MAGAZINE MARCH 2020