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
Latest News
Amaan Ahmed | Mar 16, 2026Production Honda 0 Alpha Electric SUV To Mirror Concept's Design; First Test Mules Hit Indian RoadsRadical-looking concept that debuted at the Japan Mobility Show in 2025 appears to be going into production almost entirely unchanged, courtesy first images of the road-ready 0 Alpha test vehicle.2 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Mar 16, 2026Production Volkswagen ID Cross Electric SUV To Have 436 Km Range, 37 & 52 kWh Battery Pack OptionsVolkswagen has confirmed that its electric compact SUV, ID Cross will make its global debut later this year stating at 28,000 Euros1 min read
car&bike Team | Mar 16, 2026Hero Electric To Be Liquidated After Revival Efforts FailThe story of India’s first electric two-wheeler company is ending after creditors failed to reach the 66 per cent majority needed for a resolution plan.1 min read
car&bike Team | Mar 16, 2026New Renault Duster Launch Tomorrow: What to Expect?The original compact SUV, Renault Duster is making a big comeback in a new form on March 17. We tell you what to expect from it1 min read
car&bike Team | Mar 16, 20262026 BMW M 1000 R Launched In India At Rs 33.50 LakhThe BMW M 1000 R is the more track-focused version of the S 1000 R, featuring M-specific performance upgrades, aerodynamic winglets and enhanced electronics.1 min read
car&bike Team | Mar 16, 2026Ducati Desmo450 MX Launched In India At Rs. 17.24 LakhThe Desmo450 MX will be available only at four Ducati dealerships – Ducati New Delhi, Ducati VFM Bengaluru, Ducati Chennai and Ducati Pune.1 min read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Mar 10, 20262026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Review: It’s Properly Good!The CLA moniker has returned but in an electric avatar. As impressive as it is, can this baby EQS become a success story?9 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Mar 9, 2026Citroen C3X Review: 3 Reasons To Buy & 3 Reasons To AvoidThe C3X, with its refined turbo-petrol engine and improved features, deserves your attention. Here’s what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s worth your money.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 28, 2026Tata Punch EV Facelift Review: More Range, More Sense, Less MoneyThe Tata Punch EV facelift gets a bigger 40 kWh battery, faster 60 kW DC charging, improved thermal management, and better real-world range, and all of that at a lower introductory price. But does it become a more complete package now?6 mins read
Preetam Bora | Feb 24, 2026Hero Destini 110 Review: Simplicity, RefinedThe Hero Destini 110 is a no-nonsense commuter that is simple, comfortable and above all, fuel efficient. In 2026, when buyers are spoilt for choice, is it good enough to consider?6 mins read
Preetam Bora | Feb 23, 2026TVS Apache RTX Road Test Review: Redefining the Entry-Level ADVAfter spending some time with the TVS Apache RTX in traffic, the daily commute, as well as on open highways, one thing becomes clear: the RTX is trying to redefine the entry-level ADV segment. But is it without fault?1 min read