Engineered by Kawasaki for the sport motorcycle segment, the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja H2R utilizes a 998 cc (60.9 cu in) liquid-cooled in-line four, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 310 HP (226.3 kW) at 14,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 165 Nm (121.7 lb-ft) at 12,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 310.6 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (12,500 rpm) and peak power (14,000 rpm), the engine character is placing it firmly in high-revving supersport territory where top-end breathing dominates.
On the scales, the Ninja H2R measures 216.1 kg (476 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 1.43 HP/kg (0.7 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 830 mm (32.7 in) seat height — resulting in a taller command-style riding posture suited to medium-to-tall inseams, combined with a 1,450 mm (57.1 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.
Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 7 indexed model years from 2015 to 2023, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
310.6 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
1.43 HP/kg (0.7 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
12,500–14,000 rpm
Standover Height
830 mm (32.7 in)
Engine
Displacement998.0 ccm (60.90 cubic inches)
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke
Engine DetailsKawasaki supercharger intake system
Power310.0 HP (226.3 kW)) @ 14000 RPM
Torque165.0 Nm (16.8 kgf-m or 121.7 ft.lbs) @ 12500 RPM
Compression8.3:1
Bore x Stroke76.0 x 55.0 mm (3.0 x 2.2 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemInjection
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
IgnitionDigital
LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler
CoolingLiquid
Transmission
Gearbox6-speed
Final DriveChain (final drive)
ClutchWet multi-disc, manual
DrivelineSealed chain
Chassis
Frame TypeTrellis, high-tensile steel with Swingarm Mounting Plate
Rake27.0°
Trail108 mm (4.3 inches)
Front Suspension43 mm inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Front Travel120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear SuspensionUni-Trak, Öhlins TTX36 gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression damping, rebound damping, preload adjustability and top-out spring
Rear Travel135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase1450 mm (57.1 inches)
Ground Clearance130 mm (5.1 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre120/70-R17
Rear Tyre190/65-R17
Front BrakesDouble disc. Brembo. Floating discs. Opposed 4-piston caliper
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
