Table of contents
- Model presentation: Kawasaki The next dimension
- H2R: From the front a lot like Darth Vader
- A major facelift for the Versys family
- Technical specifications
Kawasaki
motorcycles
Intermot innovations: Kawasaki
Model presentation: Kawasaki
The next dimension
It was clear that something like this, if it ever came, would have to come from Kawasaki. But whether something like the new Ninja H2R would ever be built was more than questionable. Now it comes – and has only one goal: The Ninja H2R wants to redefine acceleration.
Stefan Kaschel
09/10/2014
The campaign was done, no question about it. Seldom has a premiere been more discussed and speculated in advance than the new Ninja H2. That was not only due to Kawasaki’s well-dosed information snacks, but above all to this one electrifying word. “Supercharger” – we know that from American muscle cars and in this case it means nothing more than mechanical charging using a radial compressor. A supercharged 1000 series four-cylinder in a superbike environment – that really goes beyond all previously known dimensions.
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And is – to put it mildly – politically incorrect to a high degree, because such performance escapades seem out of place in times of downsizing and car sharing. But that has never bothered the Greens. In addition, it should not be left unmentioned that the targeted 300 PS refer to the competitor model H2R, while the series variant H2 (will be presented in Milan at the beginning of November) has values just above 200 PS.
H2R: From the front a lot like Darth Vader
A good 200 hp for everyone, and 300 horses for the racetrack: That should ensure breathtaking performance in a compact and light motorcycle like the H2R (Kawasaki does not yet specify any weight), especially since the power delivery differs fundamentally from well-known supersport categories will. Once the compressor compresses – and in contrast to the turbo without the well-known response problems – this 1000cc will push ahead mercilessly from the bottom of the speed range. But maybe that’s the good news too. Since speed-dependent power peaks are likely to be completely alien to this engine, the targeted acceleration records can probably be achieved a little more easily than one would assume with this concept.
Nevertheless: You don’t necessarily want to be a test driver when the expected surge of torque between 100 and – let’s say – 350 km / h hits the rear wheel. It is silent as to whether and how the H2R regulates its excess power here and there Kawasaki so far. Instead, it is better to point out that this performance monster could not be created without the active support of the in-house experts: the gas turbine department of the Japanese conglomerate took care of the compressor, while the aerospace section took care of the styling and downforce-optimized blades. So it’s no wonder that the H2R looks a lot like Darth Vader from the front. After all: Without this wing mechanism, according to Kawa, the necessary high-speed stability cannot be achieved. Even if the metallic-green tubular space frame has just the right amount of unshakable rigidity and the necessary flex to be safe in these high-speed regions.
In this case, efficient traction control is just as essential as reliable ABS and complex chassis components. That is all on board, assures Kawasaki, but it doesn’t make things cheaper. The production version of the Ninja H2R will therefore certainly not be a special offer. Future H2R owners can comfort themselves with at least one thing: the price per hp should be comparatively low.
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A major facelift for the Versys family
Traditionally, this is also a strength of the Versys family, while their appearance has been seen as a weakness so far. That could be over now, because both the little 650 and the big sister with 1000 cm³ received a comprehensive facelift. And because you were already at it, the technicians lend a hand at every nook and cranny. For now, only the most important things in a nutshell:
In the Versys 650 first and foremost there is the engine update. The technicians got 69 instead of the previous 64 hp through a new mapping from the parallel twin, which is also said to have become even more economical. The 41 mm upside-down fork has also been revised, rebound and compression damping are now housed separately in the fork legs, the shock absorber now has hydraulic spring preload, and the brakes have been optimized. There is also a tank that is now 21 liters larger, an increased payload and an improved luggage system.
Of course, the new Versys 1000 also gets that, otherwise its technical renovation was clearer. A new main stand, a higher, adjustable windshield – that should be enough for 2015.
Technical specifications
Kawasaki H2R: Supercharged four-cylinder in-line engine with 998 cubic centimeters, 220.6 kW (300 hp), tubular space frame, racing slicks in 120 and 190 sizes – Kawasaki is currently not disclosing more information.
Kawasaki Versys 1000: Four-cylinder in-line engine, 1043 cm³, 88.2 kW (120 PS) at 9000 / min, 102 Nm at 7500 / min, aluminum bridge frame, double disc brake at the front, disc brake at the rear, Ø 310/250 mm, seat height 840 mm, tank capacity 21 liters , Weight with a full tank 250 kg, price 12 190 euros.
Kawasaki Versys 650: Two-cylinder in-line engine, 649 cm³, 50.7 kW (69 PS) at 8500 rpm, 64 Nm at 7000 rpm, bridges-
Frame made of tubular steel, upside-down fork, double disc brake at the front, disc brake at the rear, Ø 300/250 mm, seat height 840 mm, tank capacity 21 liters, weight 214 kg, price 7695 euros.
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