Kawasaki has dropped another teaser of its upcoming, supercharged roadster that will join its “Z” series line-up. The latest video gives a glimpse at the headlight setup, instrument console and the air-intake to feed the supercharger.
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The teaser video starts with the Kawasaki River Mark emblem, which is only seen on the company’s supercharged series products, before giving a glimpse at the twin-pod, LED headlight. The video also reveals the instrument console that features a fully digital display. A Cruise Control logo is visible on the left side of the screen. We also expect to see Bluetooth functions on the upcoming motorcycle.
The air intake, similar to the Ninja H2, will be asymmetrically mounted. The teaser video also confirmed that the naked roadster will share its steel trellis frame with the Ninja H2, although there could be a slight revision to the sub-frame on the Z series product. The chassis will feature the same green paint that is also seen on the Ninja H2. Moreover, the supercharged roadster will feature the mirror finish paint job with the “self-healing feature”.
Expect the Ninja H2-derived 998 cc, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC engine with Supercharger on the upcoming Z family product. The motor is tuned to produce 231 PS (243 PS with RAM Air) at 11,500 rpm and a peak torque of 141.7 Nm at 11,000 rpm. It will most likely be re-tuned for a relatively lower power output figures on the roadster.
The six-speed gearbox will benefit from a hydraulic assist and slipper clutch along with a Kawasaki Quick Shifter. The H2 features a Dog ring style transmission that was developed with feedback from the Kawasaki Racing Team. We expect the Z series product to benefit from the same hardware.
The braking and suspension setup will most likely be similar to the Ninja H2. Thus, the upcoming supercharged roadster will feature 43 mm inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs at the front. The rear will feature a Uni-Trak, Öhlins TTX36 gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression damping, rebound damping, preload adjustability and top-out spring. An Öhlins sourced electronic steering damper may also be part of the package.
Roadster-style ergonomics will bring upright riding position to the upcoming model. Similar to the H2, the supercharged Z motorcycle may come with a rider-only seat.
Braking hardware will comprise dual discs at the front and a single rotor at the back, both grabbed by Brembo sourced callipers. The comprehensive electronics package, which will work with a Bosch IMU, will include KTRC (traction, wheelie and sliding control), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, KIBS (pitching and corner braking control) and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control.
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Regular readers would know that Kawasaki has multiple motorcycle launches scheduled from 7 October to 4 November 2019. The new Z series product, as mentioned in the teaser video, will arrive on 23 October.
