Introduction

The following introduction is as provided by Meng models:
The “Ninja” name is synonymous with Kawasaki performance, and has been shared by many legendary models over the years. Representing Kawasaki’s leading edge, Ninja models have always been the performance leaders of their time, and have shown their prowess time and time again on the race track. Designed to be the ultimate motorcycle. The street-going Ninja H2trademark is based closely on the closed-course Ninja H2 R. Powered by a 200 PS supercharged engine, if offers intense acceleration, superb high-speed riding potential, super sport-level handling performance, and a sensory experience surpassing anything that riders can find today. The Ninja H2 power unit is loaded with technology developed specifically for this supercharged engine. In order to accommodate the higher air pressure from the supercharger as well as ensure a high reliability with the over 300 PS output of the closed-course Ninja H2R, the whole engine was designed to be able to handle stresses 1.5x to 2x greater than on a naturally aspirated litre class engine. In fact, aside from the camshafts, head gaskets and clutch, the engine unit is exactly the same as the unit on the Ninja H2R.

Review

This offering from Meng model, is packaged in a cardboard tray with card lid, with a lot of thought gone into the packaging of the content, in order to make sure that they reach you as intended. This model of a Kawasaki Ninja is a step away from what I normally would expect from Meng. In that the model is screwed together for the most part, rather than glued, and due to the metallic finish of most aspects of the actual motorcycle the parts have been provided pre-coloured. My only concern with pre-coloured parts, is when removed from the sprue, it will leave spots that will need to be remedied unless hidden. Some of the metallic finishes however, would I suspect be next to impossible for the modeller to replicate.

The engine of the model is very well detailed with vinyl tubing being used to replicate most of the lines seen on the engine, although without personal knowledge of this bike it may require some additional wires added. The frame of the bike is a metallic green in colour, and I must admit my choice would have been red. But it is a striking contrast to the rest of the motorcycle. The rear suspension of the motorcycle uses a pre-coloured metal spring which means the rear suspension remains functional. Some photo etch is used within the model to replicate items such as brake discs. A note on the vinyl tubing, which is also used to replicate brake lines is to cut according to mentioned size or a line guide in the instruction manual. The tyres of the model are vinyl rubber but as no painting is required this should not represent an issue.

A nice inclusion by Meng model is that they have included a screwdriver within the box, and so there is no hunting round for a screwdriver with the correct head when sitting down to while away some time. One of my biggest concerns is the chromed nature of the exhaust, which due to being a mirror finish, it will be hard to hide any exposed areas of plastic which I suspect are black. The front fork assembly again offers functional suspension which also pays great attention to the braking details and any markings that can be found at that location. The body of the model is on some parts extra well protected via pre-shaped foam to protect them within the box, and I can only described the colour of these parts as metallic gun metal, I am glad they have been as well protected as they have. Special mention should be given to whoever designed the decals and the like for this model, as it would seem that they covered the smallest of details very well.

The lights of the model have been covered using pre-coloured clear lenses, and due to the large scale some may be tempted to include LED lights in the model. The seat of the bike is a very nice vinyl rubber finish that should look very realistic once added. The front cowling with its small screen is one of the parts that has been given special protection in the box, and when you look at the shapes that make up this one piece you are left wondering what the mould must look like. Once the model is completed, you come to a section on painting and unless I am mistaken all it actually requires is some application of decals, although there may be some replicated bulkheads which I would tackle with a paint pen rather than a hairy stick.

Conclusion

The result of the build of this model from Meng, should be a stunning looking model. But, I do again mention that hiding the areas where parts have been removed from the sprue if seen will stand out, and I am unsure how to address this issue. In all other respects this is an incredibly well engineered model which has the potential to look stunning, and on a final plus note not a lot of glue required.

PS People who have purchased this model should note that there are corrections, to steps 22, 27 and 29, and you should make note to follow them.