Kenan Sofuoglu Hits Top Speed of 400 Kmph on the Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Jul 01, 2016, 02:46 PM
Key Highlights
- The Kawasaki H2R's 400 kmph top speed was achieved in 26 seconds
- Kenan Sofuoglu is the 4 time world champion of World Supersport series
- Kawasaki previously recorded a top speed of 380 kmph on the H2R
For all good that can happen to motorcycles, the supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2R was unveiled in 2014 boasting of 300 horses under its belly, while its closest rivals are still in the vicinity of 200. While that jaw-dropping power was enough to have smitten this writer, it would take cojones the size of wrecking balls to actually attempt to hit the top whack on the green monster. So, did someone dare to do the devil's deed? Well, the answer is yes and it has been Turkish rider Kenan Sofuoglu, who can now claim to hit the top speed of 400 kmph on the Ninja H2R.
Commenting on the achievement, Kenan Sofuoglu said, "When I asked for the motorcycle, Kawasaki said its maximum speed was 380 km/h and that their dream was to reach 400km/h. The first time I rode it, I felt its huge power and speed, and I made small changes to the motorcycle - keeping its original settings - and did not modify it. I reached 390 km/h in my last trials and today I beat this and reached 400 km/h."
Sponsored by Kawasaki, Kenan Sofuoglu is a pro motorcycle racer in the World Supersport (WorldSSP) series and clearly is the right man for the job, credited for being the most successful WorldSSP rider of all time having won four championship titles. To give you perspective, the top speed in world championship races is 300 kmph.
Not for the faint hearted, the top speed run required extensive preparation right from getting the most accurate weather conditions to finding the right road to achieving the top speed run. Sofuoglu prepared for the feat for over four months with multiple practice runs, while the yet to be opened 8799-feet long Osman Gazi Bridge in his home country served as the playground. The speedometer indicated 400 kmph top speed was achieved in 26 seconds.
Multiple practice sessions determined that an early morning run would be highly advisable for the top speed record that led to the attempt being rescheduled at 5am. The Kawasaki Ninja H2R was also adjusted to meet Sofuoglu's needs; albeit, while keeping the bike settings stock. A special leather suit was also made for the record attempt. In a bid to avoid tyre blowout, the top speed had to be reached in less than 30 seconds.
Commenting on the achievement, Kenan Sofuoglu said, "When I asked for the motorcycle, Kawasaki said its maximum speed was 380 km/h and that their dream was to reach 400km/h. The first time I rode it, I felt its huge power and speed, and I made small changes to the motorcycle - keeping its original settings - and did not modify it. I reached 390 km/h in my last trials and today I beat this and reached 400 km/h."
Not for the faint hearted, the top speed run required extensive preparation right from getting the most accurate weather conditions to finding the right road to achieving the top speed run. Sofuoglu prepared for the feat for over four months with multiple practice runs, while the yet to be opened 8799-feet long Osman Gazi Bridge in his home country served as the playground. The speedometer indicated 400 kmph top speed was achieved in 26 seconds.
Multiple practice sessions determined that an early morning run would be highly advisable for the top speed record that led to the attempt being rescheduled at 5am. The Kawasaki Ninja H2R was also adjusted to meet Sofuoglu's needs; albeit, while keeping the bike settings stock. A special leather suit was also made for the record attempt. In a bid to avoid tyre blowout, the top speed had to be reached in less than 30 seconds.
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Trending News
1 min readTriumph Tracker 400: In Pictures
Latest News
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025KTM 160 Duke With TFT Dash launched At Rs 1.79 LakhThe 5-inch colour TFT dash is borrowed from the 390 Duke and is shared across the brand’s sub-400cc lineup.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025Lamborghini Urus Seized By Cops Following Viral Clip Of Speeding On Bandra-Worli Sea LinkThe car was seized after a video of it allegedly overspeeding on the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, where the speed limit is capped at 80 kmph, went viral.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 20252025 Ducati XDiavel V4 India Launch Details RevealedThe new Ducati XDiavel V4 will be launched towards the end of December 2025 and will sit alongside the standard Ducati Diavel V4.3 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Maruti WagonR Swivel Front Seat Kit Launched: Check Price, AvailabilityBangalore-based startup TrueAssist Technology Private Limited has developed a mechanism that allows the front passenger seat to swivel outwards, in a bid to improve accessibility for the aged and persons with disabilities.2 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Nissan Gravite MPV (Renault Triber Derivative) To Be Launched Early In 2026Nearly seven years on from the launch of the MPV it shares its underpinnings with arrives Nissan's entry-level 7-seat model; to debut in January.2 mins read
Jafar Rizvi | Dec 18, 2025Tata Sierra Pure, Pure+ Variants Explained In PicturesThe Pure trim of the Sierra is priced from Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the powertrain option. Here is a breakdown of what it gets.3 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 18, 2025Mercedes-Benz G450d: The Subtle Power of EvolutionThe Mercedes-Benz G 450d evolves subtly with more power, improved efficiency, and modern tech, while staying true to the timeless G-Class design. And character.4 mins read
Janak Sorap | Dec 11, 2025Harley-Davidson X440 T First Ride Review: Smarter and SharperHarley-Davidson has taken the X440 and given it a more focused and engaging twist. The result is the X440 T—essentially the same platform but updated in areas that give the motorcycle more appeal and riders more thrill.5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Dec 10, 20252025 Mini Cooper Convertible Review: More Colour On Indian RoadsThe updated Mini Cooper Convertible is set to be launched in the Indian market in the next few days. We drive it around Jaisalmer for a quick review.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 8, 2025Tata Sierra Review: India’s New Favourite?Marking its return after a few decades, the reborn Sierra has made everyone sit up and take notice. But is it worth the hype?10 mins read
Girish Karkera | Dec 4, 20252026 Honda Prelude First Drive: Domesticated Civic Type RA sporty-looking coupe built to give customers a taste of performance but not at the expense of everyday practicality.5 mins read