Well you don't really need fancy stuff to get 200 hp out of a 1340cc engine. Forced induction is going to have a better powerband down low but you can easily get to 220 with a 1400 or 1500 and have a streetable bike. The supercharger is cool and a really neat packaging thing though.
I agree that 200hp is weak for a sc 1k.
But I'm betting there's a lot more hp in there, it's just de-tuned(fuel/timing)to make it less aggressive so your average idiot can control it.
I didn't read the entire article yet either, so I don't know if the sc is electric or belt driven. But if it's belt driven, we all know what a smaller pulley does!
Kawasaki has always made great stuff, I've owned them, and I like it.
They announced $60k for the RACE version like pictured....rumor is the street version will be $30k when revealed in November...
jus cause it aint street legal doesn't mean ppl won't register it. plenty of turbo bike have no mirrors, no exhaust or cats. all u gotta do is thro some signals on it and ur good to go unless u live in cali with all the emission restrictions but most states don't have any restrictions for bikes
Also, don't expect to be able to buy an H2 and break the ECU open and get 300 hp. I am betting the H2R has completely upgraded crank, bearings, cams and connecting rods/pistons. It also probably has different transmission ratios and different supercharger drive gears to allow more boost. I think if you want 300 hp you are going to have to pay the piper.
Saw it in person today. Beautiful bike, minus the wings. Kawasaki rep said the street version gets the exact same motor.