2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2R

Kawasaki builds a Starfighter.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2RKawasaki

Like numbers much? If so, meet the H2R. Based on the road-going H2, this track variant’s supercharged 998cc inline-four reportedly produces a scandalous 326 hp at 14,000 rpm and can rocket down the road, er, runway at well over 200 mph. Interestingly, the fairing—normally fully encapsulating the engine on superbikes—terminates above and ahead of the crankcases, exposing the anaconda-sized exhaust headers and the supercharger (located above the gearbox). Viewed from up front, the huge ram-air maw and a gaggle of MotoGP-ish downforce winglets make the H2R look more like the Star Wars ARC-170 than a motorcycle.

Naturally, the H2R has no headlights or mirrors. It wears 17-inch racing slicks instead of DOT-legal treaded tires. Special instrument features include a bank-angle display and recording function, boost pressure and temperature readouts, and a lap timer. Even the paint is trick, including a layer of silver to create a dark 3-D look in the shade and a metallic sheen in sunshine. Predictably, all of this comes at a price. If you can find one, the H2R’s MSRP is nearly double that of the standard H2.

Likes: The chance to answer the question, "What am I made of?"

Dislikes: Extreme exclusivity makes it hard to find out

Verdict: Unquestionably, Kawasaki's wildest ride yet

2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2R Specs and Pricing

MSRP $55,000
DISPLACEMENT 998cc
SEAT HEIGHT 32.7 in.
WET WEIGHT 476 lb.