If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, you're in for a treat because the 2021 Kawasaki lineup has something for everyone. From the high-performance Ninja H2 supercharged machines to the versatile Versys touring bikes, Kawasaki has you covered. The brand is known for its superior engineering and advanced technology, and the 2021 models are no exception. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, there's a 2021 Kawasaki bike that will suit your style and skill level.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 2021 Kawasaki lineup, including the highly anticipated Ninja H2 and the modern-retro café racers in the Z series, as well as the adventure bikes in the Versys lineup and the cruisers in the Vulcan and Concours lines. Here’s a quick breakdown of mean green’s 2021 lineup.
The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2 features a supercharged engine (!!!), it offers some of the most intense on-road performance available from a street bike, and four unique and exciting models: H2 R, H2 Carbon, Z H2, and H2 SX SE+.
Supercharged madness on two wheels. 998cc four-cylinder supercharged engine, adjustable racing suspension, and it’s not even road-legal. Awesome. MSRP – $55,500
The carbon fiber-ed version of the normal H2. The upper cowl is carbon fiber and is paired with loads of tech and goodies. Oh, and it’s supercharged. MSRP – $33,000
Z stands for naked, and this is about as nutty as naked bikes get. Supercharged, trellis frame, a plethora of electronics, and no fairings. Sweet! MSRP – $17,500
The long-distance sport touring version of the H2. Has a more relaxed, upright riding position, better wind protection, and touring capabilities. Used for covering lots of ground FAST. MSRP -$25,500
The rest of the fabled Ninja line includes the ZX-14R ABS, Ninja ZX-6R, 1000SX, Ninja 650, and Ninja 400.
It may not be supercharged, but the ZX-14R basically doesn’t even need it. Packing a 1,441cc inline four-cylinder engine, this big bike is for crushing quarter miles and hauling a** everywhere else. MSRP – $15,199
One of the most famous machines in Kawasaki’s stable and a renowned 600cc bike that won the world over. Quick shifter, potent 636cc motor, and sweet handling. MSRP – $10,199
Think of the 1000SX as the liter-bike tourer of the group. Loads of power from a 1,043cc engine, the ability to carry
a passenger with ease, plenty of tech, and the same sharp, aggressive looks we expect from Kawasaki. MSRP – $12,599
Available in both ABS and non-ABS variants, the Ninja 650 is a more upright and comfortable machine that still packs plenty of sporting DNA and power from a 649cc engine. MSRP – $7,599 to $8,199
One of my personal favorite small motorcycles, the Ninja 400 rides well, looks good and can double
as a beginner bike. It’s a machine you can ride the wheels off of if you’re more experienced. I dig this bike. MSRP – 4,999
Next, it’s onto the Z’s. For 2021, Kawasaki is offering two modern-retro bikes in the Z900RS Café and Z900RS, the full-fat modern Z900. Smaller Z-bikes for this year include the Z650 ABS, Z400 ABS, and Z125 Pro.
The RS Café has gone full-bore modern-retro, and it’s awesome. Inspired by the original Z1 900, the Café looks old school but uses a liquid-cooled 948cc mill and plenty of techs to be as modern as you’d like. MSRP – $11,899
And the regular Z900RS is just as good. The Café and the RS are the same machines, with the only major difference being the looks. Either way, you go, you get a killer modern-retro machine that rides well and looks great. MSRP – $11,299
It may share much of the same machinery with the RS and RS Café, but the regular Z900 ABS looks nothing like those other two. If you want your upright super naked Kawasaki to look like a badass bag of broken glass, this is your machine. MSRP – $,8999
The Z650 is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine and features solid ergonomics, responsive handling, and classic Kawasaki styling. And it has a great price tag, too. MSRP – $7,249
Like the Ninja 400, the Z400 might be small and not boast a lot of power, but there’s a lot for your money here. It's lightweight, solid handling, and approachable nature make this a great first motorcycle. MSRP – $4,999
And then there’s the littlest Z, the Z125 PRO. It’s small, powered by a 125cc engine with a four-speed manual transmission, and won’t go all that fast, but it sure is cool. MSRP – $3,299
Kawasaki’s popular Versys touring machine features three models for this year – the Versys 1000 SE LT, 650 LT, and Versys-X 300 ABS
The flagship of the Versys line, the 1000 LT and 1000 SE LT+ is loaded with rider-focused tech, is designed to chew up miles in comfort, and has a 1,043cc engine as its beating heart. Road trips, here we come. MSRP – $18,199
This is the more approachable and affordable version of the Kawi’s Versys machine. It might be a step down from 1000, but it’s a budget motorcycle, especially when you opt for the more premium LT version. MSRP – $9,299
Commuting? The Versys-X 300 can handle it. Same with light trail riding, road trips, and adventure riding. This is Kawasaki’s do-it-all machine. MSRP – $5,899
And finally, Kawasaki’s street and touring range comprises eight motorcycles across the Vulcan and Concours lines.
The Concours 14 is another big ol’ bike with a massive engine (it’s based on the ZX-14) and is designed for the ultimate in sports touring. It’s comfortable, fast, and ready to roll. MSRP – $15,799
Looking almost more like a Harley-Davidson than a Kawasaki, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager has hard bags galore, forward controls, a honkin’ front fairing, and is powered by a 1,700cc mill. MSRP – $17,699
The Vaquero is what happens when the Vulcan 1700 attends too many grunge rock shows. Nearly all-black everything, the same massive engine as the Voyager, and more style than you can shake a drumstick at. MSRP – $16,999
Riveted leather, v-twin engine, passenger backrest, chrome exhaust, relaxed riding position, big windscreen – all the elements of a great cruiser motorcycle are here on the Vulcan 900 Classic. MSRP – $9,199
It looks like the Vulcan 900 Custom has been going to the same rock shows as the Vaquero. The Custom gets a righteous paint job, drag bars, black exhaust pipes, and a super skinny front wheel. Nice. MSRP – $8,699
The regular Classic features much of the same stance and attitude as the Classic LT, as well as its powertrain, only with more simplicity and stripped-down looks. It’s fantastic. MSRP – $8,199
With a Ninja-derived chassis and suspension and a 649cc parallel-twin engine, the Vulcan S Café puts major emphasis on an engaging rider experience, sporty handling, and standout looks. And, it offers a wide range of customization to the controls for the perfect fit. MSRP – $7,199
The regular Vulcan S ABS is the same machine as the Vulcan Café, just with slightly different looks. It gets the same adjustable riding positions and a powerful twin engine. It’s still a great-looking motorcycle, and slightly cheaper, too. MSRP – $8,199