As if the Isle of Man TT->ke3446 event isn’t already brimming with events, Kawasaki->ke299 has just announced that is all-conquering superbike, the Ninja H2R, will be a part of the Monster Energy parade lap.

Quattro Plant Kawasaki rider James Hillier will pilot the Ninja H2R around the Snaefell Mountain, making it the first event that Kawasaki will unleash its prized superbike in a bonafide race track.

The Ninja H2R will be Kawasaki’s showcase model at the parade but it won’t be the only one. Joining Hillier in the ceremonial lap will be World Superbike riders Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes. Unfortunately, neither Rea nor Sykes will be piloting the Ninja H2R. Instead, they’ll each be riding the less awesome but still pretty cool Ninja ZX-10R.

The Isle of Man TT is a great track debut for the Ninja H2R, that is if it wants to strut its wares in one of the most demanding road courses in the world. Don’t expect it to go full blast, though, since parade laps normally don’t necessitate participating cars and motorcycles to go all-out.

That said, I’m still excited to see the Ninja H2R in action. It might not be in an element of its choosing, but with all the things we’ve heard about the superbike, now’s the time for it to finally show everyone what it’s made of.

Continue reading to read more about the Kawasaki Ninja H2R’s parade lap at the Isle of Man TT.

Why it matters

If Kawasaki wanted to give the Ninja H2R the proper setting to showcase its full potential in front of a mass gathering of motorcycle fans, the Isle of Man TT is as good a place to do it.

We’ve already seen it dust up the Bugatti Veyron and the McLaren 12C so we know what the Ninja H2R is fully capable of when it wants to just embarrass the competition. But seeing it in a racing element, albeit a controlled one such as a parade lap, will give you an idea on just how fast and powerful this bike is.

I would’ve preferred to see it go all-out on the Snaefell Mountain, but that’s neither here nor there. What’s important is that the Ninja H2R will be at the Isle of Man TT, ready to make one of its first public appearances to show the world why all the hype surrounding its arrival was justified.

If that’s not enough reason to get excited for the Isle of Man TT, I don’t know what will.