Kaw H2

[Rob S.]

Anyone read the write-up of the new Kawasaki H2 and H2R in the December Cycle World?

It's a huge technological leap. My guess is that Honda is the only one with the resources to even come close within ten years.

 

[earlfor]

I think you can put me down for one. heh

 

[Agemax]

ten years? what planet are you on?????? you can bet your ass they already have something far superior to the H2 in the pipeline and are just biding their time. they have just launched the RCV213-S road bike which isnt far off the H2 and it is normally aspirated.
You should realize these massive Japanese companies spend millions in R&D and they are probably working now on bikes they dont intend to release to the public for at least another 5 years!

 

[Guest]

Anyone read the write-up of the new Kawasaki H2 and H2R in the December Cycle World?

It's a huge technological leap. My guess is that Honda is the only one with the resources to even come close within ten years.

Yeah it's a leap alright. Just wait until the squids start buying them and well...think you can guess the rest. Uncle Fed will start the anit HP wars all over again. The new H2 isn't doing us any favors.

 

[wymple]

Hand grenades and babies..........

 

[Guest]

Doubtful too many squids on the road will have the resources to afford one of these babies. Hell, I don't have the money for one these things. I think I read $50K and up for the H2R and 30k for the street version. The real question is what will they do to the power output for the street version. For 30k, it better be more than whats already available for 10K less (i.e just over 200hp naturally aspirated).

 

[bccap]

The unveiling on Jay Leno's Garage.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAo0LWQFxdE

 

[hillsy]

How exactly is it a "huge technological leap" ?

Superchargers have been used pretty much forever in cars. Mercedes released the first production cars with blowers back in the 1920's (the first Kompressor).

Other than that, it's a trellis frame and some swanky shaped carbon fibre.

 

[Rob S.]

Read the article. The blower was designed for this bike by Kaw Heavy Industries turbine co. It has no inter cooler. This is not the ZX-10R engine with a supercharger stuck on.

Read the article. I don't understand all of it, but I'm convinced it's very advanced.

Don't knock it before you know. Read the article and then knock it. :biggrin:

 

[Joe Guilbeau]

I wonder if I will need a front fork brace if I retrofit this to my GS1100EX frame?

 

[hillsy]

Read the article. The blower was designed for this bike by Kaw Heavy Industries turbine co. It has no inter cooler. This is not the ZX-10R engine with a supercharger stuck on.

Read the article. I don't understand all of it, but I'm convinced it's very advanced.

Don't knock it before you know. Read the article and then knock it. :biggrin:

I've read a lot of stuff about the H2. I was actiually hopeful it was going to be a direct injected blown 2 stroke, but alas when all the secrecy and hype was revealed it was a 4 cyl, 4 stroke litre motor.

By the way - you don't need an intercooler for a supercharger - they use them on turbos to cool the intake air after it has been heated by the red hot turbine.

Forced induction is not new - guys are getting 400-500hp out of turbo'd Hayabusas now so 300hp out of a 1000 cc blown motor is almost "conservative" by comparison.

 

[tatu]

Read the article. The blower was designed for this bike by Kaw Heavy Industries turbine co. It has no inter cooler. This is not the ZX-10R engine with a supercharger stuck on.

Read the article. I don't understand all of it, but I'm convinced it's very advanced.

Don't knock it before you know. Read the article and then knock it. :biggrin:

As mentioned earlier packing a denser charge into the cylinder is nothing new and in fact is the norm these days whether that is achieved by turbo or SC, not having an inter cooler just means two things, the compressed charge is not as dense as it would be if it were cooled thus meaning inefficiency and the charge that does get there is hotter thus being harder on the combustion parts, but if the engine is over engineered enough to handle the extra ignition then all's good intercooler or no intercooler.
Not much has advanced since internal combustion engines were invented just that they have been refined and refined. There is nothing new about superchargers on motorcycles.

 

[Rob S.]

How soon do you think it will be before another big bike company offers something comparable?

Remember, this is a liter-bike, with the size and weight of modern sportbikes, will be (semi) mass produced, and presumably come with some sort of warranty.

The point being that it's not an almost-600-pound Busa or ZX-14.

For whatever reason (government, market, etc.), I think it will be a long time before this is bested.

 

[hillsy]

Honda has been rumoured to release a road going version of the RCV GP bike for a while now, and Ducati has had the Desmosedici out for a few years. The Ducati puts out around 200hp and the Honda would be around 250hp (or so the rumours go).

If the H2 road going version is around 220hp (which is what the critics are predicting), then it's not a big ask for the other manufacturers to put out a bike with the same or better HP.

 

[hillsy]

The other thing to consider is that a bike with over 200hp is pretty much unrideable without traction control. You'll only see about 150hp delivered to the rear wheel at the best of times, let alone the full monty.

It's another pi$$ing contest of who has the biggest HP, not so much who has the more rideable bike package.

 

[hillsy]

And you can read all about the electronic do-hickery in the new 2015 R1 which only makes a lousy 200hp:

http://www.mcnews.com.au/2015-yamaha-yzf-r1-full-reveal/

YZF-R1 ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
Every racer and track rider is always searching for total control. Because with total control comes higher cornering speeds, lower lap times, increased levels of excitement and reduced rider stress.
The all-new YZF-R1 comes with the most advanced electronic control technology ever seen on a production motorcycle, an accordingly it offers its rider the chance to attain their true potential.
No longer is mechanical superiority enough to stay at the top. The digital era has arrived, and with its total 3D controllability, the new YZF-R1 makes the impossible possible. We R1.
6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
For the first time on any production motorcycle, the new R1 is equipped with a highly sophisticated 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that instantaneously delivers comprehensive machine running data to the ECU.
Developed exclusively for the new R1, this 6-axis IMU consists of three gyro sensors that measures machine pitch, roll and yaw, as well as three G- sensors that transmits data on forward/backward, left/right and up/down acceleration. By constantly analysing this data 125 times per second, the IMU is able to establish the R1?s position and behaviour ? including lean angle, slide speed and pitching rate. Data is then sent via a CAN system (Controller Area Network) to the ECU that makes real time calculations and instantly adjusts the R1?s various electronic control systems in order to achieve optimum performance with high levels of controllability.
The significance of the 6-axis IMU is not limited to its ability to give precision control via the ECU to adjust the fuel injection volume, ignition timing and throttle valve opening. What makes this technology so ground-breaking is its ability to deliver precise data on every aspect of running machine attitude, and this in turn has enabled Yamaha to equip this new superbike with the most advanced MotoGP technology, such as a banking angle sensitive rear wheel Slide Control System (SCS) and Traction Control System (TCS).
For the first time ever, racers and track riders have access to a race-ready production motorcycle that, through the use of the advanced electronic control systems described in the next section, enables every rider to attain their full potential on the track.
New banking angle sensitive Traction Control System (TCS)
One of the advanced new control technologies that has been made possible by the use of the 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is a newly developed Traction Control System (TCS) that takes account of banking angle when controlling rear wheel drive force.
TCS is able to optimize the drive force to the rear tyre by monitoring the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels, and if it detects that rear wheel traction is being lost, the ECU adjusts the throttle valve opening, fuelling and ignition timing accordingly.
The R1?s newly developed TCS takes the concept to the next level by using additional data relating to the bike?s banking angle when calculating the optimum rear wheel control settings. For example, when the R1 is cornering at a high banking angle, the IMU?s sensors will activate the TCS to a higher level of control than when the motorcycle is upright ? allowing the R1 rider to achieve optimum performance on a circuit, or whether powering out of a corner or accelerating in a straight line.
2015 Yamaha YZF-R1

Slide Control System (SCS)
Just two years after introducing the technology on our MotoGP bikes, Yamaha is making history by offering our customers the opportunity to experience the most sophisticated electronic control technology available on a production motorcycle.
Using data from the revolutionary new 6-axis IMU, Yamaha?s patented Slide Control System (SCS) is designed to limit sidewards movement of the rear tyre by adjusting the engine?s output to an optimal level via the ECU when a slide is detected. This advanced new system works in association with the new banking angle sensitive TCS, and this high level of electronic control enables riders raise their game.
Front LIFt control system (LIF)
The third weapon in the R1?s control armory is its LIFt control system (LIF) that has been developed to control front wheel lift when accelerating hard. Once again, this use of this electronic control system has been made possible by the installation of the 6-axis IMU, and, the new LIF helps achieve a higher level of machine control for reduced lap times.
Launch Control System (LCS)
For fast, smooth and efficient starts, the Launch Control System (LCS) restricts engine rpm to below 10,000rpm even at full throttle. This control system also uses information from the TCS and LIF systems in order to maintain an optimum level of engine output when accelerating away from the start line, allowing the rider to concentrate fully on the crucial first few seconds of any race.
Quick Shift System (QSS)
Racers and track day riders will benefit greatly from the 6-axis IMU, TCS, SCS, LIF and LCS ? and another significant piece of electronic control technology that is designed to reaffirm the R1?s race ready specification is its Quick Shift System (QSS). A sensor on the shift lever rod detects when the rider is upshifting, and the QSS sends data to the ECU that cuts drive torque to the engaged gear for swifter gear shifting.
Power mode selection (PWR)
The newly developed Power mode selection (PWR) gives the professional racer and track day rider the option to choose from a selection of four different adjustable running modes. This new PWR system is a further development of the proven Yamaha D-MODE system, and the four different control maps regulate the R1?s throttle valve opening in relation to the throttle position.
Yamaha Ride Control system (YRC)
The new R1 comes with a Yamaha Ride Control system (YRC). The YRC offers 4 grouped presets for quick and simple ?one-click? selection of all electronic controls through easy handlebar switches. In the YRC each of the control modes can be freely adjusted into new combinations based on user preferences and riding environment.

 

[Hayabuser]

Seems that Team Green is kind of picky on what kind of owner can step up to the R version:

[FONT=alternate_gothic_fs_no_2Rg]2015 NINJA H2™R VEHICLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT[/FONT]

Vehicle
The Ninja H2R is a closed course riding use only model and is not manufactured for use on public roads, streets or highways. All usage of this vehicle should be limited to riding on a closed course.
Parts
Parts designed specifically for the H2R are for closed course riding use only and cannot be purchased without proof of H2R ownership (product registration, VIN confirmation, etc.).
Exhaust Sound
The exhaust sound level of the H2R at the time of factory shipment is 120 dB/A using Auto Cycle Union (ACU) guidelines. It is the owner’s responsibility to confirm that noise regulations of closed courses permit vehicles reaching this level of exhaust sound. Changes to the exhaust system may alter performance and sound level.
Usage, Maintenance and Warranty
As a closed course riding use only model, specific procedures must be followed when riding and maintaining the H2R:
Vehicle Tires:
Do not replace the tires on the H2R with any other brand and model than those offered as standard equipment:
Front: Bridgestone, Racing Battlax V01F Soft
Rear: Bridgestone, Racing Battlax V01R Medium
Kawasaki does not approve Bridgestone, Racing Battlax V02F &V02R tires for H2R usage.
Tire Warmers:
To prevent loss of tire grip, always use tire warmers to heat tires prior to riding the H2R. Cold tires do not provide sufficient grip and may cause loss of vehicle control and/or a crash which could result in injury or death.
Vehicle Storage:
When storing the H2R, always use front and rear motorcycle stands that keep both tires off the ground. This will prevent tire deformation and adverse impacts on performance.
Vehicle Maintenance:
In addition to regular periodic maintenance, service inspections are required every 15 hours of engine operation above 8,000r/min (rpm). These service intervals are monitored through the vehicle’s ECU with service messages displayed on the multifunction meter. (See Owner’s Manual for additional information)
Vehicle Warranty:
The H2R is sold “As is” with no warranties, express or implied. The purchaser accepts all responsibilities concerning cost of service, maintenance and repairs.

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/2015-Ninja-H2R

 

[hillsy]

Originally Posted by Hayabuser
Seems that Team Green is kind of picky on what kind of owner can step up to the R version:

That's because the H2R is the full race version without any street gear. It's the same with the Yamaha R1M (which is the race model) - you have to apply on-line....then they'll contact you:

Limited availability
Teams and individuals are asked to apply online via their national distributor for an offer of a machine, via the dedicated YZF-R1M application system that opens on December 1st 2014. Once the distributor has received online applications they will establish contact between selected Yamaha dealers and potential customers to make an appointment to discuss the availability of the limited supply of machinery. It is anticipated that demand will exceed supply, and Yamaha distributors will use their discretion in managing the allocation of YZF-R1M units

http://www.mcnews.com.au/2015-yamaha...ecial-edition/