Page 15 - December Edition.cdr
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“Hayabusa has earned a reputation as the "king
of speed"
the Kawasaki H2R in terms of e n g i n e i s v e r y e ffi c i e n t i n design compared to the purpose-
outright speed. generating high levels of power built H2R.
Key Features of the Suzuki without relying on additional forced 3. Handling and Rideability
Hayabusa Twin-Turbo induction like turbocharging. While power and top speed are
· Engine: Modified 1340cc In contrast, the Hayabusa twin- crucial, handling is another
inline-four engine with turbo setup can push the power important factor that separates
twin-turbo setup o u t p u t w e l l b e y o n d 4 5 0 these two motorcycles. The
· P o w e r : 4 5 0 – 6 0 0 horsepower, depending on the Kawasaki H2R is equipped with
horsepower (depending on specific turbocharger setup and a d v a n c e d s u s p e n s i o n
modification level) modifications. This significant technology (KECS), which helps
· Torque: 500–600 Nm increase in power comes from the to manage the bike's immense
(368–442 lb-ft) (depending addition of two turbochargers, power and provides a relatively
on setup) which force more air into the engine smooth ride, even at high speeds.
· Weight: Typically 250–300 and allow it to burn more fuel. The The bike's design focuses heavily
kg (550–660 lbs) with Hayabusa twin-turbo can easily on aerodynamics, with carbon
modifications exceed 500 lb-ft of torque, which fiber bodywork, an integrated rear
· Top Speed: Estimated over provides incredible straight-line wing, and winglets to improve
250 mph (depending on acceleration. However, this power stability at top speeds.
setup) is not always as smooth or usable The Hayabusa twin-turbo is a
· Transmission: Stock 6- across all RPM ranges compared more traditional sportbike, and its
speed, heavily modified to the supercharged H2R engine, handling largely depends on the
· Price: Varies, typically which has a more linear power level of modification it has
b e t w e e n $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 t o delivery. undergone. A heavily modified
$40,000 USD for heavily · Kawasaki H2R: 310 hp Hayabusa will likely have a heavier
modified versions (326 hp with ram-air) and weight, which can affect its
The Hayabusa twin-turbo setup 165 Nm torque handling, especially during high-
takes the standard 1340cc inline- · Hayabusa Twin-Turbo: speed cornering. The addition of
four engine and forces air into the 450–600 hp and 500–600 turbochargers and supporting
combustion chamber using two Nm torque modifications can make the
turbochargers. This results in 2. Top Speed Hayabusa less agile, especially at
massive horsepower and torque When it comes to top speed, both lower speeds or in tight corners.
figures, which can easily exceed bikes are in an entirely different That said, the Hayabusa is still an
500 horsepower in some cases, league from most production extremely capable bike, especially
making the twin-turbo Hayabusa a motorcycles. The Kawasaki H2R in straight-line speed, but it is not
serious contender against any has a theoretical top speed of designed with the same level of
s u p e r c h a r g e d o r n a t u r a l l y around 249 mph (400 km/h), track-focused handling as the H2R.
aspirated bike on the market. though it is electronically limited to 4. Price and Value
Performance Comparison: H2R ensure safety. The aerodynamic · Kawasaki H2R: Priced at
vs Hayabusa Twin-Turbo design of the H2R, combined with around $55,000 USD, the
When comparing the Kawasaki its supercharged engine, provides H2R is a purpose-built track
H2R and the Hayabusa twin-turbo, a stable and powerful platform for machine, designed for those
we are looking at two bikes that are high-speed runs on a closed track. who want the best of the
built for one singular purpose: The Hayabusa twin-turbo, on the b e s t i n t e r m s o f
speed. However, the approach other hand, can potentially exceed performance, technology,
each bike takes to achieve that goal the top speed of the H2R and design. Its price tag
is vastly different. depending on the turbo setup and reflects its status as a high-
1. Power and Torque the rider's ability to manage the performance, limited-
The Kawasaki H2R is powered by extreme power. With the right production bike that offers
a supercharged inline-four modifications, a Hayabusa twin- unparalleled engineering
engine that generates about 310 turbo can reach speeds well over and cutting-edge features.
horsepower (326 hp with ram-air). 250 mph (402 km/h), although Hayabusa Twin-Turbo: While the
This power is available throughout these numbers can vary widely s t o c k H a y a b u s a i s m o r e
the engine's rev range, with peak based on the specific build. affordable, with prices typically
power delivered at high RPMs, However, the Hayabusa is more ranging from $14,000 to $20,000
giving the H2R remarkable likely to face stability issues and USD, the twin-turbo version can
a c c e l e r a t i o n a n d t o p - e n d wind resistance at such extreme cost anywhere from $20,000 to
performance. The supercharged speeds due to its less aerodynamic $40,000 USD. LHR
Editorial sponsored by BDK Attorneys Editorial
