HEART-POUNDING EXHILARATION. Surrounding the Ninja H2R ABS motorcycle’s high-output engine is a multitude of premium, high-performance components, selected specifically for unmatchable performance at track speeds.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2R ABS: 322HP AND BUILT BEYOND BELIEF.
Introducing the 2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2R ABS…
The development of the Ninja H2R ABS motorcycle goes beyond the boundaries of any other Kawasaki motorcycle. Born through the unprecedented collaboration between multiple divisions within the Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) organization, the limited-production supercharged model represents the unbridled pinnacle of Kawasaki engineering, with astonishing acceleration and mind-bending top speed suitable only for the track.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2R ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- 998cc 4-CYLINDER SUPERCHARGED ENGINE
- Lightweight trellis frame
- Fully adjustable high-performance racing suspension
- STATE-OF-THE-ART ELECTRONICS
- Closed-course only hypersport
- Carbon fiber aerodynamic devices
- Bosch IMU with Kawasaki’s dynamic modeling software
- Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM)
- Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
- Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS)
- Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC)
- Lightweight cast aluminum wheels
- Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers
- Öhlins TTX36 rear shock with remote preload adjuster
- Highly durable self-healing paint
Engine Management Technology
Economical Riding Indicator
Electronic Throttle Valves
Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode)
KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function)
KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control)
KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter)
Supercharged Engine
Chassis Management Technology
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
ERGO-FIT MOTORCYCLE
IMU-Enhanced Chassis Orientation Awareness
KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System)
Silver-Mirror Paint
2026 KAWASAKI HYPERSPORT MOTORCYCLE LINEUP
Kawasaki welcomes the return of its supercharged 2026 hypersport motorcycles, including the Ninja H2® ABS, Ninja H2® Carbon ABS, and Ninja H2®R ABS. These limited-production 2026 model-year motorcycles are set for customer orders for a limited time only.
These limited-production supercharged Ninja® models represent the unbridled pinnacle of Kawasaki engineering, with astonishing acceleration and mind-bending power. Boasting a powerful 998cc inline 4-cylinder engine, state-of-the-art electronics, and the latest Brembo brakes, the Ninja H2 ABS and Ninja H2 Carbon ABS amount to pure performance on the road, while the Ninja H2R ABS reaches top speeds suitable only for the track.
NINJA H2®R ABS
The development of the Ninja H2®R ABS goes beyond the boundaries of any other Kawasaki motorcycle. ‘Built Beyond Belief’, the world’s only limited production supercharged hypersport model represents the unbridled pinnacle of Kawasaki engineering, with astonishing acceleration and mind-bending top speed suitable only for closed course circuits. The Ninja H2R features a 998cc inline four-cylinder engine with an incredible 321.5 HP¹, proprietary supercharger, lightweight trellis frame, compact superbike dimensions, carbon fiber aerodynamic devices, fully adjustable high-performance racing suspension and a rigid single-sided swingarm. This closed-course-only motorcycle also features Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Brembo Stylema® monobloc calipers, Öhlins rear shock, highly durable self-healing paint and sits at the head of the class in advanced electronics and technological development.
The order period for the 2026 Ninja H2R ABS, Ninja H2 ABS, and Ninja H2 Carbon ABS will take place from September 2, 2025 through October 31, 2025.
¹This vehicle’s HP was measured according to ISO standard 4106. This ISO standard measures HP differently than the SAE standards by which the horsepower of many cars is measured, and as a result the referenced HP measurement may be higher than if it were measured by an SAE standard.
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2R ABS Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
PURE DOMINANCE
The unprecedented power output of the supercharged Ninja H2R ABS closed-course motorcycle is made possible only through a system of finely tuned and carefully crafted high-quality components.
In-house Designed
Chosen for its high-rpm performance, the centrifugal-type supercharger is incredibly efficient at compressing air (at up to 2.4x atmospheric pressure) while minimizing heat. As a result of the supercharger’s efficiency, no large, heavy intercooler is required to cool the compressed air. The supercharger was designed to match the engine, allowing high-efficiency operation over a wider range of conditions that could not be provided by a typical supercharger.
Forged Aluminum Impeller
The complex shape of the impeller is 3D machined from forged aluminum for high precision and durability. The impeller spins at 9.2x speed of the crankshaft, reaching speeds of nearly 130,000 rpm, pumping a capacity of over 200 L of air per second into the engine.
Precision-Crafted
Designed using technology from our Aerospace Company, the planetary gear transfers power from the crankshaft to drive the impeller to incredibly high rpm.
Dominate the Track
The balanced supercharged engine delivers both exhilarating acceleration and superb fuel efficiency. The key to achieving this balance was increasing the engine’s thermal efficiency by utilizing a high compression ratio. Designed for high-performance racing engines, the premium dog-ring transmission allows for smooth, precise, quick shifting. Rather than shifting gears into place, the gears in this configuration stay in place, with the lightweight dog rings moving to engage the gears. A high-quality hydraulic Assist & Slipper Clutch minimizes wheel chatter caused by rapid downshifting and self-adjusts to ensure consistent performance and smooth actuation.
Smooth & Precise
The Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, with remote preload adjuster, is fully adjustable and offers precise damping for enhanced traction, comfort, and feedback to you. The KYB AOS-II (Air-Oil-Separate) low-friction cartridge fork offers superb action; initial stroke is smooth and compliant followed by progressive damping through the end of the stroke. The front fork is fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, as well as preload.
Smooth & Precise
The Öhlins TTX36 rear shock, with remote preload adjuster, is fully adjustable and offers precise damping for enhanced traction, comfort, and feedback to you. The KYB AOS-II (Air-Oil-Separate) low-friction cartridge fork offers superb action; initial stroke is smooth and compliant followed by progressive damping through the end of the stroke. The front fork is fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, as well as preload.
Serious Stopping Power
The Ninja H2R ABS motorcycle comes equipped with dual radial-mount opposed 4-piston Brembo Stylema front calipers and semi-floating 330mm discs for aggressive braking. The Brembo clutch and front brake levers were designed to prevent wind force from engaging the levers while at higher speeds. This impressive hardware is governed by the supersport-grade Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS).
WorldSBK-Inspired
The lightweight cast aluminum wheels were designed specifically for the Ninja H2R ABS motorcycle and were created using analysis from Kawasaki’s WorldSBK team. The Ninja H2R ABS comes equipped with a massive 200mm rear tire that transmits power to the ground.
HEART-POUNDING EXHILARATION
Surrounding the Ninja H2R ABS motorcycle’s high-output engine is a multitude of premium, high-performance components, selected specifically for unmatchable performance at track speeds.
KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL
Whereas many competitive traction control systems react to wheel-slip, this IMU-enhanced feedback version of Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) predicts conditions and acts before slippage exceeds the range for optimal traction. The 9 modes allow you to choose the degree in which KTRC intervenes during riding. KTRC can also be switched off completely.
Kawasaki Launch Control Mode
The 3-mode KLCM provides unmatchable acceleration from a stop by electronically controlling engine output to minimize rear wheel-slip and front-end lift. Kawasaki Launch Control Mode allows you to launch from a stop with the throttle held wide open.
Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Brake System
IMU enabled Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) is a supersport-grade, high-precision, multi-sensing ABS brake assistance system that uses high-precision control to modulate brake pressure during sport riding.
Capable & Efficient
The Kawasaki Engine Brake Control system allows you to set engine braking according to preference. When the system is activated, the engine braking effect is reduced, providing less interference when riding on the circuit.
Kawasaki Quick Shifter
Complementing the engine’s strong power and the dog-ring transmission, a contactless-type quick shifter enables quick upshifts for seamless acceleration. The KQS also enables clutchless downshifts for quick and smooth deceleration.
Precision Steering
The Öhlins electronic steering damper adjusts damping based on a number of inputs. At lower speeds, damping is lessened. As speed increases, steering damping increases for optimal performance.
KAWASAKI TRACTION CONTROL
Whereas many competitive traction control systems react to wheel-slip, this IMU-enhanced feedback version of Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) predicts conditions and acts before slippage exceeds the range for optimal traction. The 9 modes allow you to choose the degree in which KTRC intervenes during riding. KTRC can also be switched off completely.
Self-repairing Top Coat
A special top coat allows certain types of scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its high-quality finish through normal wear and tear.
Breathtaking Aerodynamic Design
The Ninja H2R ABS motorcycle’s aerodynamic design helps reduce drag, create downforce, and ensure optimal airflow to the supercharger. Carbon-fiber vortex down control wings, designed by KHI’s Aerospace Division feature angled winglets to help smooth airflow around the wingtips, so that the wings can effectively create downforce. Highly rigid carbon-fiber upper cowl and aerodynamically shaped rear cowl helps efficiently direct airflow to reduce resistance while a chin spoiler further contributes to downforce generation and higher stability.
STATE-OF-THE-ART
Key enhancements bring Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) WorldSBK championship-proven electronics management technology to the Ninja H2R ABS motorcycle. The compact IMU enables inertia along 6 Degrees of Freedom to be monitored (acceleration along longitudinal, transverse, and vertical axes, plus roll rate and pitch are measured). The yaw rate is calculated by the ECU using Kawasaki’s proprietary dynamic modeling software. The result is precise chassis orientation awareness that assists the rider’s ability to adapt to a wide range of closed-course riding conditions.
Self-repairing Top Coat
A special top coat allows certain types of scratches to repair themselves, enabling the paint to maintain its high-quality finish through normal wear and tear*.
FORM & FUNCTION PERFECTED
The Ninja H2R ABS hypersport design projects intense force, becoming a product of functional beauty. Each and every angle, from the carbon-fiber wings to the front fender, is designed to contribute unprecedented performance and style.
2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ 59,100 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ TBA CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ TBA (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
POWER
| POWER | |
| Engine | 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 76.0 x 55.0mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 |
| Maximum Horsepower | 322 hp¹ @ 14,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 121.5 lb-ft @ 12,500 rpm |
| Fuel System | DFI with 50mm throttle bodies (4) with dual injection; Kawasaki Supercharger |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed, return shift, dog-ring |
| Final Drive | Sealed chain |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Economical Riding Indicator, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), IMU-Enhanced Chassis Orientation Awareness, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (upshift & downshift), Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper |
PERFORMANCE
| PERFORMANCE | |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | 43mm inverted Kayaba AOS-II fork with adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs/4.7 in |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Uni-Trak, Öhlins TTX36 gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, 30-way compression and rebound damping adjustability, 16-way spring preload adjustability, and top-outspring/5.3 in |
| Front Tire | 120/60-17 V01F slick |
| Rear Tire | 190/65-17 V01R slick |
| Front Brakes | Dual 330mm semi-floating discs with dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) |
| Rear Brakes | Single 250mm disc with opposed 2-piston caliper, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS) |
DETAILS
| DETAILS | |
| Frame Type | Trellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate |
| Rake/Trail | 25.1°/4.3 in |
| Overall Length | 81.5 in |
| Overall Width | 33.5 in |
| Overall Height | 45.7 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.1 in |
| Seat Height | 32.7 in |
| Estimated Dry Weight | 432.2 lb** |
| Curb Weight | 476.3 lb* |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.5 gal |
| Wheelbase | 57.1 in |
| Special Features | Supercharged engine, Carbon fiber aerodynamic downforce generating devices, Highly Durable Paint |
| Color Choices | Mirror Coated Matte Spark Black |
2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2R ABS – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
TBA
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on September 5, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
