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2021 Kawasaki Z H2 & Z H2 SE revealed with upgrades

Written by Nizam Shaikh

Kawasaki has introduced the latest Z flagship model in the international market with a Supercharged Special Edition ‘ 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE’ priced at USD 19,700 MSRP. The hyper naked motorcycle features Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension with Skyhook EERA Technology for a comfortable ride as well as Brembo Stylema Monobloc Brake Calipers and Brembo Front Brake Master Cylinder for added braking strength. 

The new Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) on the 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE is an electronically controlled semi-active system which automatically adapts to the road and riding conditions in real-time. The semi-active system provides the ideal amount of damping by combining electronic control technology and state-of-the-art mechanical components. This provides the rider with the suppleness of daily commutes along with the firm damping to facilitate more sporty riding, when required. 

The Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) is combined with Showa’s Skyhook EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) and togather they offer an even more composed ride. The damping is adjusted according to the suspension stroke speed and other factors such as deceleration are also taken into account to manage the pitch under braking. To understand the Skyhook concept, just imagine a hook supporting the motorcycle’s sprung weight, the Skyhook Concept works somewhat like that and changes the suspension’s damping force to allow the wheels to track the holes and bumps on the road maintaining the motorcycle’s vertical position and in-line with the road. 

Kawasaki engineers have carefully tuned the Showa’s Skyhook software to retain the Z H2’s character. The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE features a 43 mm Showa SFF-CA (cartridge) fork and a high-spec BFRC lite rear shock absorber integrated into the Riding Modes – Sport, Road, Rain, Rider etc. The riding mode integration allows the motorcycle to better adapt to the weather. For example, in Rain Mode, the Skyhook software reduces pitching, steering remains light and the motorcycle feels more planted inspiring confidence in the rider.

The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE is powered by a 998cc water-cooled in-line four-cylinder, four-valve DOHC, Supercharged engine with a  street specific supercharger design and tuning that delivers high-performance throughout the rev range and has a broad powerband. The supercharger is driven by a planetary gear train, which runs off the crankshaft and increases the impeller speed by 9.2 times the speed of the crankshaft. The engine also uses a Kawasaki Racing Team developed dog-ring transmission and race-inspired Assist & Slipper clutch, to limit the back-torque. 

The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE also features a lightweight trellis frame that uses high-tensile steel for extra rigidity, ergonomic riding position with an optimised fat-type handlebar and handle switches, cutting-edge electronics such as Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM) and the Kawasaki Intelligent AntiLock Braking System (KIBS). Electronic Cruise Control, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Full, Middle and Low Power Mode Selection etc. 

The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE features the brand’s Sugomi design philosophy and comes with a minimalist bodywork, a low crouching stance, asymmetrical air intake duct and under-cowl but the rest of the motorcycle follows laws of symmetry and harmony in design. The Z H2 SE is also equipped with LED headlight and taillight, a 4.3-inch all-digital TFT colour instrumentation with Bluetooth Smartphone Connectivity etc. The 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE motorcycle is offered in a single paint theme of Golden Blazed Green/ Metallic Diablo Black.