Kawasaki is a well-established UJM brand that has enjoyed success from its countless motorcycles. Entering different categories such as the cruiser niche with their Vulcan offerings, or letting adventure riders have a go with their Versys models, Kawasaki's motorcycles have been nothing short of fun and exciting. While the brand was well-known before for its diverse product range that includes the likes of the nearly-indestructible KLR 650 and the "beginner's favorite" Ninja 250 and 400, Kawasaki has also been creating monsters that can set the fastest times and break records.
Despite the company going in two different directions with its move to capitalize on an emerging retro market with their Z650RS/Z900RS and W800 while pursuing electrification, hybrid technology, and even hydrogen power with Toyota for their future offerings, Kawasaki continues to make bikes that punch above their weight. Time to put in those track days for experience, as these 10 bikes represent Kawasaki's most potent options.
10 2022 Ninja ZX-6R - 131 HP
The middleweight section of motorcycles enjoys stiff competition, with the likes of Yamaha’s R6 and R7 and Suzuki’s GSXR-750 being common picks for those looking to step up to the middleweight division. Kawasaki looked towards further capturing riders who started with Ninja 250s and 400s with their pocket supersport in the Ninja ZX-6R.
The 2022 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R carries a 636cc inline-four engine that produces 131 horses and coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the bike reaches speeds of up to 164 mph. Not bad for a 600cc bike.
Considered a “baby ZX-10R,” the ZX-6R carries its ‘90s roots of being a light and agile bike with enough power to blast the track and light enough to carry through twisty mountain roads.
9 2023 Z1000R - 142 HP
As one of Kawasaki’s premium offerings in the naked bike category, the Kawasaki Z1000 is a lean and mean machine with a very large silhouette. First introduced in 2003, the Z1000 supplanted the Z1-900 in Kawasaki’s line-up as the brand’s streetfighter motorcycle. In its 20 years in the market, the bike has undergone many upgrades and iterations, eventually culminating in the 2023 Z1000 R edition.
The 2023 Z1000R version is a more performance-oriented version of the standard Z1000, carrying a 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-four that makes 142 hp. High-end features can be found on the bike that is not present on the stock Z1000 offering, such as Öhlins suspension, TFT displays, and Brembo brakes.
Despite its large body and design, the Kawasaki Z1000R weighs 487 lbs – lighter than its naked bike competitors and nimble enough to be comfortable for city riding.
8 2006 Ninja ZX-12R - 178 HP
The early 2000s saw motorcycle manufacturers competing against each other to build the fastest and most powerful sports bike in the market. Despite the Hayabusa sitting comfortably on the throne of speed at the time, Kawasaki was determined to push the limits of innovation with their release of the Ninja ZX-12R. The Ninja line of bikes was already a successful range for Kawasaki, dominating the 90s with their street bikes.
An important part of the ZX-12R’s identity is Kawasaki’s use of an aluminum monocoque frame, which allowed the bike to use a configuration similar to MotoGP bikes: a fuel tank under the seat and airbox and battery where the tank used to be. This allowed the bike to have a much lower and better-positioned center of gravity as well as a narrower frame that made the bike more aerodynamic.
The Kawasaki ZX-12R was powered by a 1,199cc inline-four engine that pumped out 178 hp, further going up to 190 hp with a ram air intake. It stood as one of the fastest production motorcycles in the world before it was replaced by the ZX-14R.
7 2019 Ninja ZX-10R SE - 197 HP
The 2019 ZX-10R SE is a step above the stock ZX-10R offering in terms of technology and design. The special edition bike features electronic semi-active suspension that allows riders to enjoy a smooth ride thanks to the adjustment of suspension damping respective of road conditions.
Kawasaki’s Intelligent Braking System (KIBS) is also installed on the bike, allowing the bike to safely decelerate even in the harshest conditions thanks to this advanced version of an ABS. The 2019 ZX-10R SE carries the same engine as the ZX-10R of the time, sending 197 hp to the rear wheel to make takeoffs much more fun.
What sets the SE version apart is the off-the-factory presence of forged aluminum Marchesini wheels that are lighter than stock options from other variants.
6 2023 ZH2 SE - 200 HP
At the top of Kawasaki’s naked bike offerings is its flagship model, the Z H2. The bike sports an aggressive yet refined design with its lines and body. The hyper naked sports bike carries a supercharger that pushes its 998cc engine to kick up to 197 hp into the asphalt.
Not content with just 197 hp, Kawasaki pushed the limit with their 2021 release of the Z H2 SE (Special Edition) that bumped up the power to 200 hp. The bike featured significant upgrades from the stock trim of the Z H2, notably the presence of an electronic semi-active suspension, alongside Brembo Stylema front brake calipers and a quick-shifter that makes shifting seamless even without the use of the clutch.
While the Z H2 in itself is a capable bike, the Z H2 SE takes its performance to new heights, as well as intoxicating riders with its supercharger whine.
5 2023 Ninja ZX-10R - 203 HP
First showing up in the liter bike category back in 2004, the ZX-10R has enjoyed success in the superbike world as the spiritual successor of the ZX-9R. The latest generation of the ZX-10R boasts a 998cc liquid-cooled engine that spits out 203 hp, a large amount for a relatively affordable superbike.
Kawasaki built the Ninja ZX-10R to be competitive on and off the track, integrating high-end features such as impeccable aerodynamics and a top-notch electronic suite that allows riders to choose between sport, road, rain, and customizable rider modes.
The most important electronic feature in the ZX-10R is the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – an intelligent device that provides real-time data to the onboard computer to allow riders to see their bike’s dynamics and performance, allowing for more precise adjustments in riding. Another sweet feature on the bike is the auto-clipper, which automatically rev matches any downshifts that make for a smoother ride.
4 2019 Ninja ZX-14R - 208 HP
Known menacingly as the “Hayabusa killer” and the “Quarter-mile King” thanks to its insane acceleration and speed, the Ninja ZX-14R stands as a superbike cult classic because of its performance and an unmistakable silhouette. The bike carries a monstrous 1,441cc DOHC inline-four engine capable of preying on Hayabusas with its 208 hp.
While its speed is electronically limited to 186 mph thanks to the gentlemen’s agreement, the Ninja ZX-14R is nimble around the corners and fast in the straights despite its lumbering size. Drag strips can be treated to a 0 to 60 time of just under 2.5 seconds, wrecking any stock competition it might go up against.
Despite the large size of its engine and its larger body, the bike provides a quiet and comfortable ride that lends itself to becoming a great sports touring motorcycle. Kawasaki discontinued the Ninja ZX-14R’s production in 2020 but made a single-year comeback in 2022-2023.
3 2023 Ninja ZX-10RR - 214 HP
A certified WSBK icon, the Kawasaki ZX-10RR is always found near the top of everyone’s superbike list. With a long and successful history of making speed demons since the ‘80s, Kawasaki has been dominating the production motorcycle speed records list. As one of the brand’s most premium offerings, the ZX-10RR embodies the spirit of track success with its revolutionary aerodynamics and premium Pankl engine parts.
The engine is nearly identical to the ZX-10R, save for the tuning and the aforementioned Pankl parts that help the beating heart produce 214 hp at 14,000 rpm. A race-bred crotch rocket, the homologation model for WSBK allows its owners to experience unparalleled agility and power with its advanced electronics and integrated aero on the cowl, being a unique bike compared to other superbikes in the market that feature winglets on the nose.
2 2023 Ninja H2 - 228 HP
Tracing its roots back from the iconic Kawasaki H2 Mach IV, the latest H2 from the brand first hit the market in 2014 and made shockwaves upon its arrival. The attention was well-warranted, as the Ninja H2 was one of the few motorcycles in the market to sport a supercharger.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 is the street-legal version of the H2R and enjoys ample screen time in Top Gun: Maverick, where it was ridden by none other than Tom Cruise, the Maverick himself. Its 998cc inline-four produces 228 hp with the supercharger’s 20 psi of boost.
The bike can easily reach speeds north of 200 mph, and while the H2 is already light for its size thanks to its trellis frame and single-sided swingarm, a carbon version further lowers the weight by a significant amount.
1 2023 Ninja H2R - 310 HP
The king of superbikes and the fastest production motorcycle even when bone-stock is none other than the Kawasaki Ninja H2R. The bike is the ultimate track-only beast that makes every other bike eat its dust, sitting comfortably with 310 hp that allows it to reach speeds of up to 240 mph.
Being marketed for more experienced and capable riders, the 998cc liquid-cooled inline-four is supported by a supercharger that provides more than 30 psi of boost due to its larger size compared to the one placed in the H2. If that wasn’t enough, fitting a ram air intake can push the engine to produce 326 horses that give the bike a near-unlimited power that will tear any competitor apart.