Street Performance: Kawasaki Z H2 vs 2007 ZX-10R

Being we have both bikes to learn the Kawasaki platform, I thought it would be interesting to compare the two. While they are similar in performance up top, they offer different sensations on the street. This article solely focuses on performance street riding. In Mexico.

On one hand, the Z H2 is a modern marvel of a power house with many different electronic sensors to keep you safe, the 2nd generation ZX-10r has none of these. But being it is a fully faired bike, its top end is comparable with a tuned Z H2. Which makes for quite a different riding style between the two. In this article, I will be focusing on performance street riding.

An opinion I would like to share before this article begins, is if you are also one who comes from performance cars but TL;DR, the Z H2 is your answer.

Kawasaki Z H2: The Supercharged Beast

Engine and Power Delivery

Before doing the stage 3 supercharger gears, our Z H2 was putting down around 230whp. It has an abundance of torque available throughout the rev range, requiring very little left foot input to get yourself around. The supercharger ensures immediate throttle response and a seamless power curve, making it incredibly potent for aggressive street riding. I would say that the Z H2 has a very aggressive powerband that is always accessible. The Z H2 is perfect if you're looking for something that's both capable of zipping around traffic without putting in too much work, then feeling mind numbing acceleration in the straightaways. The Z H2's power delivery is smooth but relentless, providing a rush of acceleration that can be harnessed with precision without needing to be in the right gear.

Handling and Agility

Despite its power, the Z H2 is designed to handle exceptionally well in highway environments. The bike's chassis and suspension setup offer a great balance between sportiness and comfort, allowing for agile maneuvering through tight city streets as well as high speed cornering. When you have power that comes on as aggressive as the Z H2, traction control is a nice nanny to have, when you aren't prepared for the whole thing. With the Z H2 tuned, I can say that feeling the wheel slip going well over 120mph when you lay into it is quite humbling.

Braking Performance

Equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, the Z H2 offers excellent stopping power. The brakes are progressive and powerful, giving riders the confidence to brake late and hard when attacking corners. The ABS system further enhances safety by preventing wheel lock-up, especially useful during aggressive riding scenarios. However, sometimes it can come on a bit early, it has never really hindered hard braking performance.

Ergonomics and Comfort

For aggressive street riding in heavy traffic, the Z H2's ergonomics are advantageous. I do however like the new seating position after converting to clip-on's as it helped bring my arms closer to the bike and allow for a full tuck. The more upright seating position provides better visibility and control in traffic, while still allowing the rider to shift their weight effectively during spirited riding.

Technology and Rider Aids

The Z H2 is loaded with rider aids that enhance its aggressive street riding capabilities. The multiple riding modes allow customization of power delivery and traction control settings to match the rider's skill level and road conditions. The quick-shifter did need some time to "break-in" from factory, however after that period and ensuring that the chain was on the tighter side truly enables seamless upshifts and downshifts, keeping the bike stable during rapid gear changes. These features not only improve performance but also boost rider confidence and safety while making for some bad ass sounding shifts.

2007 Kawasaki ZX-10R: The Track Warrior

Engine and Power Delivery

The 2007 ZX-10R's 998cc inline-four engine on the contrary produces around 173 horsepower. This engine excels at higher RPMs. Meaning, anything below around 8k RPM feels a bit like a dog in comparison to what's above. While this might sound like the ZX-10R isn't off to a great start, it doesn't end there. Once you get above 8000rpm, the power really ramps up. While it doesn't have that consistently aggressive powerband that the Z H2 has, it's power band really describes how I think this bike feels. If you're going over 8000rpm, it means that you've decided to commit to what you are doing. While the Z H2 is great all around and demands all your attention, being in the powerband of the ZX-10R means you are hyper focused on making your riding line ahead.

Handling and Agility

The ZX-10R is built with a focus on precision and agility. Its lightweight chassis and stiff suspension setup are optimized for high-speed cornering and quick transitions, making it highly responsive to rider inputs. While this setup is ideal for aggressive riding, it can be unforgiving on rougher streets, requiring a skilled rider to manage the bike's dynamics effectively especially with its lack of rider aids. That being said, as long as you are smooth with your inputs and light on the bars, you shouldn't need any electronic aids. Many people rode bikes hard before electronic stability and ABS became standard in performance bikes without issue.

Braking Performance

The ZX-10R features some of the worst brakes that a bike has ever had. That being said, a very simple modification is to convert it to ZX-14 calipers. There are a few different calipers that are directly interchangeable with the stock ZX-10R calipers, however the ZX-14R calipers are a straight drop in with plenty of great aftermarket pad options readily available and typically very cheap to find second hand on eBay. Converting to ZX-14 calipers offers powerful brakes that offer amazing stopping performance. The radial-mounted calipers and large brake discs provide excellent feel and feedback, allowing riders to brake late and with confidence. While it lacks the advanced ABS systems found in newer bikes, the ZX-10R's braking setup is still highly effective for aggressive street riding, without any electric nannies keeping you from stoppies if you squeeze the brakes hard.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The ZX-10R's ergonomics are tailored for performance, with a very aggressive, forward-leaning riding position. This is a beautiful part of a sport bike. Apart from performance, the greatest part of riding a sport bike is its riding position. Once you've gone into a full tuck, you feel like you're sitting on top of a ballistic land missile. Before converting the handlebars on the Z H2, one of my biggest caveats of it was the inability to fully tuck against the tank. However, the aggressive stance can be tiring during extended street rides, and especially so in stop-and-go traffic. Riding a sport bike is very demanding on your leg and core muscles. If you relax them and put pressure on the bars, not only will your wrists be in pain, but you put yourself at risk of getting speed wobbles.

Technology and Rider Aids

Compared to the Z H2, the 2007 ZX-10R has basically no electronic aids. Aggressive street riding on the ZX-10R relies more on the rider's skill and experience to manage the bike's power and handling characteristics. This truly has started to become a lost art amongst younger generations especially. As bikes get more and more powerful, it is understandable, however there is a numbness that older bikes and even performance cars never had that really help you connect with them. Perhaps this is akin to our ancestors riding horses, a much more analogue feeling compared to our digital world we cannot seem to escape these days.

Breakdown: Aggressive Street Riding

Power Delivery

• Z H2: Smooth and linear with a broad torque curve, ideal for quick bursts of speed and controllable power with plenty all around

• ZX-10R: High-revving, aggressive but smooth after 8000rpm

Handling

• Z H2: Balanced suspension offers agility with a degree of comfort, making it versatile for imperfect highway road surfaces.

• ZX-10R: Track-focused suspension provides sharp handling but can be harsh on less-than-perfect surfaces.

Braking

• Z H2: Advanced braking system with ABS and high-quality components for excellent stopping power.

• ZX-10R: Once calipers are swapped, powerful brakes with great feedback, though lacking ABS.

Ergonomics

• Z H2: More comfortable for longer rides, with an upright position that reduces fatigue.

• ZX-10R: Aggressive riding position suited for high-speed performance, but less comfortable for prolonged street use.

Technology

• Z H2: Packed with modern electronics and rider aids that enhance performance and safety.

• ZX-10R: Has a digital clock.

In Conclusion

For aggressive street riding, both the Kawasaki Z H2 and the 2007 Kawasaki ZX-10R offer unique experiences. The Z H2 combines modern technology, comfort, and brutal power in a package that is well-suited for both urban environments and spirited riding. Its brutal power and balanced handling make it easy to maneuver without being in the right gear or requiring commitment to hard riding. For someone looking for a "fast bike" but dont want to commit to a super sport or arent sure if a super sport is what you want, a tuned Z H2 is. You truly do feel like you can destroy anything else out there, and you basically can, and it DEMANDS all of you attention while riding.

Like Jeremy Clarkson would say about the Scion FR-S, sometimes its not about setting the fastest lap times, but having a vehicle that puts a smile on your face. The Z H2 isnt meant for being the fastest track bike, but the shear power it delivers cannot do anything but fill you with adrenaline and happiness.

The 2007 ZX-10R, with its track-bred pedigree, provides a raw and intense riding experience. Its aggressive power delivery and sharp handling make it a thrilling choice for skilled riders who enjoy pushing their limits. There really is something about analogue performance vehicles. However, its less forgiving ergonomics and lack of modern rider aids require a higher level of expertise to master on the street.

Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your riding style and preferences. The Z H2 offers a blend of performance and practicality, while the ZX-10R delivers an uncompromised and adrenaline-fueled ride when you commit your wrist to it.