If you’re still drooling over Kawasaki’s track-only monster, the Ninja H2R, worry not, the Japanese company has unveiled something that ought to satisfy your search for speed. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2, while not as mental as its bigger brother, is still a badass machine that looks set to tear apart the competition. The world’s only supercharged production hypersport streetbike, it features numerous innovations and industry-firsts.

Chosen for its high-rpm performance, the centrifugal-type supercharger is incredibly efficient at compressing air while minimizing the amount of heat created. As a result of its efficiency, no large, heavy intercooler was required to cool the compressed air. The complex shape of the impeller is 3D machined from forged aluminium 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 litres of air per second into the engine. The new 998cc engine, meanwhile, is thoroughly engineered to accommodate the extreme air pressure created by the supercharger. Cast, rather than forged, through a unique process, the pistons of the Ninja H2 are lightweight, yet strong, and able to withstand extremely high temperatures. The precision-honed combustion chamber is complemented by a flat piston crown – inspired by technology from KHI’s Gas Turbine & Machinery Company – thathelps prevent engine knock.

Sending 210 horsepower – which arrives at 11,000rpm – and 140Nm of torque to the rear wheels is a MotoGP-style, 6-speed dog-ring transmission featuring a contactless quick shifter and a hydraulic clutch with numerous Brembo components. Braking is taken care of by two massive 330mm Brembo semi-floating discs in the front, gripped by dual radial-mount Brembo monobloc calipers, and a 250mm rear disc. The fully-adjustable KYB racing suspension is claimed to offer incredible performance as well, thanks in part to the innovative Uni-Trak linkage.

The comprehensive electronics and instrumentation are joined by advanced Traction and Launch Control systems, adjustable Öhlins steering damper, LED headlight and taillight, and a highly aerodynamic body sitting on the open-design trellis frame.

And finally the paint. The limited edition Ninja H2 is available only in this stunning mirror-coated black paint, custom developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The multi-layer composite paint includes a layer of pure silver formed by a chemical reaction, creating the mirrored effect. Each layer of paint is carefully attended to by highly-skilled craftsmen. In the shade, the dark base coat shows through the silver for a deep, 3D appearance, while sunlight helps the silver create a brilliant metallic effect.