Review: 42170 Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Posted by Huw,
Following the release of a couple of large-scale 18+ Technic motorcycles over the last two years, the latest 2-wheeled offering, 42170 Kawasaki Ninja H2R, returns to the more common and affordable 1:8 midi-scale.
Of particular note are the new pieces it introduces for modelling engines at a small scale.
Summary
42170 Kawasaki Ninja H2R, 643 pieces.
£69.99 / $84.99 / €79.99 | 10.9p/13.2c/12.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
A few minor inaccuracies but overall it's an eye-catching display model.
- New parts for making small engines
- Intricate and challenging build
- Gearbox is slightly flaky
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Prototype
The Ninja H2R is 'a supercharged motorcycle masterpiece', according to the manufacturer's website, designed for track use only. Its 4-cylinder 1-litre engine develops over 320bhp, and it has a top speed of somewhere in the region of 400km/h (240mph). So, not for the feint hearted!
Stickers and parts
Being a model of a real machine, it inevitably has a sheet of stickers to add decorations and details to match the prototype. There are not that many, though, and all are easy to apply. Note the 400km/h speedometer sticker to match the top speed of the real bike.
The front windshield piece is new. It's similar to that in 42130 BMW M 1000 RR but smaller to match the scale of the bike.
These two pieces, used for the fuel tank, are printed only because it would not be possible to put a sticker on the curved face of the part.
The set introduces two new parts for making pistons in small engines. Previously, a range of unsatisfactory techniques have been employed that have relied on gravity to return the pistons to the bottom of the cycle, such as the method illustrated in this picture from our review of 42153 NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
The first part is a disc with an off-centre axle hole.
The other part is the piston itself, which clips onto the rim of the disc.
Thus, as the disc rotates on the axle, the piston goes up and down.
In the model, the four discs are positioned at 90-degree offsets on the axle, thus causing the four pistons to have different vertical positions as it rotates.
Construction
The model incorporates a 2-speed plus neutral gearbox, and it's a very complex assembly, requiring concentration and dexterity to construct.
The completed model
Comparing the model's length of 30cm with that of the real machine, which is 2.07m, gives a scale of roughly 1:6.6.
The distinctive green frame looks much more prominent on the model than on the real bike but it does add a welcome splash of colour to what would otherwise be a drab model. It was clearly important to the designers to include it because six parts have been recoloured in bright green to facilitate it.
The piston heads can just be seen through gaps in the bodywork thus allowing the effect of the gearbox to be viewed, which is welcome.
The chassis incorporates front- and rear suspension which work effectively and do not sag under the weight of the model.
Gears are selected using the left-hand foot pedal, down for first, and up second. Unfortunately, the pedal is on backwards: on real bikes the pedal is pushed down and pulled up with the front of your foot, not with the back, which would be impossible anyway!
You can, of course, put the piece concerned on the axle the other way round, but then first gear will be selected when you push it up.
The teeth of a black angular wheel on the right-hand end of the gear selector axle mates with a black 2x3 panel, which is spring-loaded using a 1x2 rubber axle connector. This ensures the pedal moves 90 degrees at a time to correctly select the gears. It works well in one direction, but not so well in the other: it's often necessary to use your finger to un-jam it.
Also, on this side you may notice that the right-hand foot pedal is further back on the bike than the left-hand one, which is, of course, not correct.
The real bike has very distinctive wheels featuring five silver star-shaped spokes. Unfortunately, the stock LEGO motorcycle wheels that have been in use since 2014 have been pressed into service once more on this model.
Despite these minor niggles, it's an awesome looking machine!
Verdict
42130 BMW M 1000 RR and 42159 Yamaha MT-10 SP are impressive models but are expensive and take up a lot of shelf space. This model hits the sweet-spot of a reasonable price and decent functionality. After all, the only additional function the larger bike models have is more gears.
The bright green makes the model pop and overall it's an eye-catching display piece with all the functionality you'd expect it to have.
Unfortunately but predictably, the price of this licenced model is high, particularly compared with the space sets that have just been released. 643 pieces for $84.99 / £69.99 / €79.99 compares poorly with 42181 VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship which has more than double the number of parts but costs just £20/$25 more.
The last similarly-scaled Technic bike based on a real machine was 42107 Ducati Panigale V4 R, in 2020. The two display well together.
73 likes
30 comments on this article
I don't like the disks for the pistons. There's no way that system works in the real world, so this does not correctly teach principles to kids. Maybe that's not one of their goals anymore.
@lippidp said:
"I don't like the disks for the pistons. There's no way that system works in the real world, so this does not correctly teach principles to kids. Maybe that's not one of their goals anymore."
It's simply not possible to do it 'properly' at this scale, though, so it's certainy better than previous solutiuons.
"She's a black ninja, ninja
You can't see her in the night
She's a black ninja, ninja
You can't feel her in the dark" :))
Good model, good review - but the last similarly scaled Technic motorcycle was actually the Batman-themed one from 2022.
@iwybs said:
"Good model, good review - but the last similarly scaled Technic motorcycle was actually the Batman-themed one from 2022."
I discounted that as it's not a proper bike, IMO :)
@Huw said:
" @lippidp said:
"I don't like the disks for the pistons. There's no way that system works in the real world, so this does not correctly teach principles to kids. Maybe that's not one of their goals anymore."
It's simply not possible to do it 'properly' at this scale, though, so it's certainy better than previous solutiuons."
Oh it is definitely possible. And what's more - it can be done juts like in a real life counterpart. All you need to do is make a crankshaft as a single element with "bar" type connectors for pistons, which would have a clip on their end.
@zux said:
" @Huw said:
" @lippidp said:
"I don't like the disks for the pistons. There's no way that system works in the real world, so this does not correctly teach principles to kids. Maybe that's not one of their goals anymore."
It's simply not possible to do it 'properly' at this scale, though, so it's certainy better than previous solutiuons."
Oh it is definitely possible. And what's more - it can be done juts like in a real life counterpart. All you need to do is make a crankshaft as a single element with "bar" type connectors for pistons, which would have a clip on their end."
Ok, yes I guess if designing new parts -- as indeed has been done for this solution -- something more realistic could have been made.
I must admit that this has gone from 'no' to 'quite possibly' in my purchase plan. I'm a big fan of the new engine parts; I'm thoroughly fed up of the sticks-and-stones ones in all the 1:16 cars (and several bigger sets) seizing. They occasionally work well, but more often than not they're rubbish. I've even re-built a few, and have resorted to modding to fix them, which I shouldn't have to do in a retail set. I also expected the gearbox to have been removed and am pleased to see that it hasn't been. All that said, this is still considerably overpriced and I'll be waiting for a discount before considering it.
On a different note, @Huw when are we going to see a review for the orrery? I (and I don't think I'm alone) am very keen to hear your thoughts on it!
For me this is the best LEGO motorcycle that has been ever created. The Ducati with its flimsy "windshield" and a lack of a proper kickstand is a joke in comprasion to Kawasaki, and the bigger 1:5 scale bikes are actually even worst in comprasion! The BMW is far more fragile, while Yamaha being the same tank as Kawasaki has actually a lot more holes, especially when seeing from the side.. - A lot more openings, but You can't see the engine or the gearbox - naked bike, right? This new Kawasaki seems to be near perfect, with a great display vs function visability ratio. Definietly a buy for me.
@Huw said:
"You can put the piece concerned on the axle the other way round, but then first gear will be selected when you push it up."
Which would be perfect for a bike built for track... Look it up, on race bikes first is up, the rest is down.
I don't like the engine: it's nothing to do with how an engine works, it's just some mechanism to make something go up and down. It's the problem I have with most Technic sets these days. Technic started as "engineering like in real life". These days it's all about looks, and any mechanisms first have to look good, realism comes after.
I'll get the set - I'm a Technic motorbike completionist - but I'm still waiting for a better bike than 8051 in this scale.
No mudguard (again...), and has the chain ouside of the swingarm (AGAIN?) which is totally wrong. You would lose a leg in no time.... At least it has the break and clutch handle.
The 8051 is still the best one in this scale, even after all these years.
Also, the front tire is backwards on the photos (the ducati has the tire correctly faced). Motorcycle front tires have threads leading water from the edges to the center to avoid slipping in cornering.
Would love to see a mention to the Ducati's build. Is this one worth it if you have the other, buidling technique wise?
Really liked the 42130 and 42159 but, in the end, they were just a bit too big for practical display. But this and the Ducati are pretty much perfect. Really looking forward to getting it once it receives the usual Technic discount.
I like the look of this typically sharp and edgy Kwaka and look forward to seeing how they overcame the challenges at this scale. And I expect it will be a nice build with some interesting techniques. The suspension looks well done and I hope it doesn't twist out like some of the older single-swingarm bikes do. I like the new tank parts and hope they are produced in other colours.
I am dissapointed with the 'pistons' though and see it a wasted opportunity to refine a rather hit-and-miss affair with cranks, pistons and blocks. It is possible to do almost any config using the tiny yellow 'crank' parts 4119474 with matching stroke block 4234251 but it is a challenge to arrange an inline-4 (and a true V-Twin 90 degree one) at this scale. But given they are crammming in a gear box too (at this scale I'm not convinced it is necessary) there isn't much room. Personally I'd take some realism and exposure of fundamental parts without a gearbox.
I'll likely buy this one at a discount as it rather fits into what I ultimately do with them - customise them with system parts (who recalls the Honda Repsol?) and rebuild different bikes with it.
@GusG said:
"No mudguard (again...), and has the chain ouside of the swingarm (AGAIN?) which is totally wrong.
"
Not just me then. My pet gripe, chains outside swingarms, lol :)
@Duq said:
"I don't like the engine: it's nothing to do with how an engine works, it's just some mechanism to make something go up and down. It's the problem I have with most Technic sets these days. Technic started as "engineering like in real life". These days it's all about looks, and any mechanisms first have to look good, realism comes after."
That's exactly why I absolutely hate what LEGO has done to Technic. It used to be one of my favorite LEGO themes, but the sets that carry the label these days I wouldn't touch with a barge pole.
I ride a Ninja (though it is the much more modest 2006 650R) so I had to pick this up :) Just waiting for it to ship, along with 40703 Micro NINJAGO City.
It's the bike from Top Gun Maverick!
LEGO should look for a way to dual mould technic pins so that the ends blend into the model. Or come up with little caps to cover them up.
This set is close to looking pretty cool, but the spots of red, yellow, and blue ruin it. I can barely see the shape of the bike as my eyes keep being attracted to the pointless points of color.
@ricecake said:
"I ride a Ninja (though it is the much more modest 2006 650R) so I had to pick this up :) Just waiting for it to ship, along with 40703 Micro NINJAGO City."
Appropriate pairing. Especially since my first thought upon seeing the article was, "A green Ninja? Luh-loyd?"
Despite a few flaws I think I still like the Ducati a bit more, especially considering I got it for just €40. I will probably still get this whenever I see it at a good discount, to make that Duc feel a bit less lonely.
As for those engine parts, not really sure these were needed for that, after all the cheap 42132 worked perfectly fine just using gravity. But I can see some good use for these pieces for very different purposes. And Sariel already showed how it can be put to good use for a proper radial engine.
@legOtaku_official said:
"It's the bike from Top Gun Maverick!"
TOP GUN MAVERICK!
@Huw, not that it matters but you forgot to put "review" in the title.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @ricecake said:
"I ride a Ninja (though it is the much more modest 2006 650R) so I had to pick this up :) Just waiting for it to ship, along with 40703 Micro NINJAGO City."
Appropriate pairing. Especially since my first thought upon seeing the article was, "A green Ninja? Luh-loyd?""
LOL, I totally missed the Ninja/NINJAGO connection!
Finally, an ugly real life bike has been chosen that does the ugly Technic conversion justice!
That price comparison at the end is a bit sobering. It's a pity in some ways that Technic has become so heavily licensed, but I guess there must be a market for this sort of thing. It's definitely not me; to me, one motorbike is much the same as another. I'd rather see new ideas than a licensed bike every year or so.
I'm not too bothered by the pistons not being an accurate representation of an internal combustion engine, with any luck the kids who are supposedly learning from building this set won't ever need to drive a vehicle with one.
I miss non-licensed technic bikes.
@MisterBrickster said:
"I'd rather see new ideas than a licensed bike every year or so."
How would you feel about an Ideas licensed licensed bike?
@TheOtherMike said:
" @MisterBrickster said:
"I'd rather see new ideas than a licensed bike every year or so."
How would you feel about an Ideas licensed licensed bike?"
I'd be too confused to make sound decisions so I'd default to buying it out of FOMO.
@lippidp said:
"I don't like the disks for the pistons. There's no way that system works in the real world, so this does not correctly teach principles to kids. Maybe that's not one of their goals anymore."
I respectfully disagree. Just extrapolate this idea of "doesn't work in the real world"
I don't like how lego is can be built and taken apart with just your hands. It doesn't even use fuel to run, so how can kids know to be good stewards of gas and money? no way that system works in the real world, so this does not correctly teach principles to kids.
I don't think some kid is going to be devastated when they learn that their $85 plastic toy isn't a 1:1 replica of a $50,000+ bike. It's meant to model the basic functions of the bike, not to be a college level curriculum.
@MisterBrickster said:
"That price comparison at the end is a bit sobering. It's a pity in some ways that Technic has become so heavily licensed, but I guess there must be a market for this sort of thing. It's definitely not me; to me, one motorbike is much the same as another. I'd rather see new ideas than a licensed bike every year or so."
I kinda wonder how much those license fees generally are. After all, I can't stop thinking who is actually benefiting more from sets like this: Lego or Kawasaki? Imagine getting paid to have your products be advertised to a much wider audience.
I do know in the realm of model cars it's not uncommon to go the other way around: car manufacturers paying the model car companies to get their cars on the shelves in miniaturized form.