EICMA: Kawasaki Ninja H2 gets major overhaul for 2027

Kawasaki has brought its updated Ninja H2 Carbon to EICMA 2026 in Milan, following the September announcement of major revisions to its supercharged Ninja H2 and H2 Carbon models for 2027.

The biggest changes centre on the 998cc liquid-cooled, supercharged inline-four engine, which has been extensively reworked to improve low- and mid-range performance while meeting stricter emissions requirements.

The supercharger impeller and intake system have been redesigned, alongside new pistons, a new cylinder head and cylinder, crankshaft, camshafts and throttle bodies.

The exhaust system has also been revised, with optimised pipe diameters, a new pre-chamber arrangement and a more compact silencer.

Revised transmission ratios and shorter final gearing are designed to improve acceleration, although the changes have resulted in a reduction in peak engine output.

The 2027 Ninja H2 produces a claimed 147.1kW (197hp) at 11,000rpm, increasing to 154kW (207hp) with ram-air assistance, compared with the previous model's 170kW (228hp) and 178.5kW (239hp) respectively.

Peak torque is also down slightly, from 141.7Nm to 135Nm, although it now arrives at 8500rpm rather than 11,000rpm.

The existing steel trellis frame has been retained, along with KYB AOS-II front suspension and an Ohlins TTX36 rear shock.

Braking hardware has been upgraded, with the Ninja H2 becoming Kawasaki's first production motorcycle to adopt Brembo’s Hypure radial-mount front calipers, replacing the previous Stylema units.

The instrument panel has also been redesigned, offering two selectable display layouts.

One incorporates graphics inspired by the motorcycle’s air ducts, while the other provides enhanced supercharger boost information and aircraft-inspired displays of lean and pitch angles.

Electronic updates include revised Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) and Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), integrated riding modes, electronic cruise control and smartphone connectivity through Kawasaki’s Rideology app.

Other rider aids include Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), a quickshifter, engine brake control and an Ohlins electronic steering damper.

The Ninja H2 Carbon shares the mechanical and electronic updates of the standard model but adds a lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced upper fairing. Both versions will be offered in Mirror Coated Spark Black.

Kawasaki has also confirmed that the track-only Ninja H2R will continue for 2027, available on an order-only basis.

The 2027 Ninja H2 Carbon is already listed on Kawasaki Australia’s website, although a recommended retail price and local arrival date have yet to be published.