Kawasaki launches its top-end Ninja H2 in Chennai

Kawasaki announced its grand plans for the Indian market by launching the Ninja H2R earlier this April. After witnessing the growth in India's appetite for high-end motorcycles, especially after the success of its naked ER-6, and the Z250, Kawasaki Motors has plans to grow its product portfolio in India by introducing 2-3 new models in the current financial year.

As part of its expansion plans, Kawasaki introduced its Ninja H2 yesterday in Chennai. Powering the Ninja H2 is the same supercharged 4-cylinder, 998cc engine as in the H2R, producing 197bhp of peak power, and a maximum torque figure of 137 Nm, which allows the H2 to reach 100kmph from standstill in a mere 2.5 seconds. This makes the H2 the fastest road-going motorcycle in India.

The Ninja H2 features Kawasaki's advanced electronic riding aids like the multi-level Traction Control system, intelligent Anti-Lock braking system(KIBS), a new Launch-control Mode(KLCM)

The H2 borrows heavily from the track-focused Ninja H2-R in terms of design and aerodynamics, but also features specially designed rearview mirrors and turn indicators, that allow it to be road-legal, without robbing it of its performance. Also an option on the Ninja H2 is the RAM-Air intake system, that allows the H2 to produce an additional 10 bhp at high speeds.

Priced at Rs 29.2 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai),the new bike will be imported as CBU (completely built unit) from Japan and will be sold via the exclusive Kawasaki dealerships across six cities in India including Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata and Mumbai, unlike its CKD(completely knocked down) bikes that Kawasaki retails through Bajaj Auto dealers.

Kawasaki's present line-up in India includes the , Z1000, Z800, ER-6n,Z250, the Versys1000, Ninja ZX14R, ZX-10R, Ninja 1000, Ninja 650, Ninja 300, and now, also the Ninja H2.

As per SIAM industry figures, Kawasaki Motors India sold 1,247 units in FY2014-15, up 25.33 percent as compared to FY2013-14 sales of 995 units. During the current fiscal year, between April-July the company has sold around 450 units and looks to touch nearly 2,000 units.

Kawasaki also hinted at introducing a smaller sub-500 cc motorbike, that would enable it to attain greater foothold in the smaller-capacity sports-bike market, but refrained from divulging any details regarding the planned offering.